Written for both livestock specialists and for development workers who have not been formally trained in animal production, this book explains the theory of goat-keeping using practical, step-by-step guidelines. It also takes into account the social, economic and organizational context in which the technology has to function.

This book covers Goat production in the Tropics.

Ecological character of the semiarid tropics of Northeast Brazil; A sociological description of goatherders; Present and improved production systems for meat goats in Northeast Brazil; Genetic resources and improvement programs; Improving the productivity of grazing lands in the semiarid tropics; Nutrient needs and improved feeding systems; Some factors affecting the reproduction of goats in the semiarid tropics; Herd health management of goats in the semiarid tropics; Some suggestions for improved productivity through management; Facilities for goat keeping; Product quality and marketing; Special requirements for dairy goat production in the semiarid tropics; Measuring the economic feasibility of new small ruminant technologies in Brazil; Effective communica-tion with the small prodecer; Recomendations for further research.