Tanahun, Magh 14 – The Goat Research Center located in Bandipur, Tanahun, has been actively conducting research on goats and related breeds. The center focuses on technology development, along with the distribution of breeding bucks, does, and grass varieties from both improved and local breeds, as well as the conservation of local goat breeds.
To support goat research, the center has set up resource centers in various locations. According to the center, external research centers have been established in Barbhajyaang (Bhanu Municipality), Baradi (Aambukheireni Rural Municipality), Ghirring, Bakrang (Gorkha), Pekhuthana (Syangja), and Neelkanth (Dhading).
In the fiscal year 2080/81, the center exceeded its target for the production of goats. The goal was to produce 34 male goats, but 70 were produced instead. Dr. Raju Pramukh Kandel, the center's director, reported that various breeds of goats, including Khari, Sinhala, Barbari, Jamunapari cross, pure Boer, Boer cross, pure Saanen, and Saanen cross, were produced.
The production targets and outcomes for different breeds in the same year were as follows: 6 Barbari goats were targeted, and 6 were produced; 4 Sinhala goats were targeted, and 12 were produced; 80 pure Boer goats were targeted, and 59 were produced; 173 Boer cross goats were targeted, and 159 were produced; 15 pure Saanen goats were targeted, and 25 were produced; and 33 Saanen cross goats were targeted, and 66 were produced.
The demand for Boer breed bucks is high at the research center. The popularity of Boer bucks in Nepal is attributed to their high demand, as they are particularly valued for meat production. Dr. Kandel mentioned, "The demand for Boer bucks is higher than for local breeds, but Jamunapari and Khari goats are also in substantial demand."
In the past year, the center distributed 142 goats. Dr. Kandel mentioned that goats produced at the center are distributed across most districts in Nepal. A total of 45 pure Boer goats were distributed, and these goats were sent to various districts, including Magdi, Solukhumbu, Palpa, Gorkha, Kailali, Kaski, Kathmandu, Dang, Ramechhap, Chitwan, Tanahun, Dolakha, Udayapur, Lamjung, Syangja, Rukum West, and Dhading.
Meanwhile, a goat farming training program began on Sunday and will continue until Magh 20. The program involves the participation of 20 commercial farmers from all seven provinces. Dr. Kandel stated that the residential training would provide farmers with practical knowledge on various aspects of goat farming, including disease vaccination, feed management, breeding methods, and barn management.
