Production, marketing and guidelines for extension of meat goat in Nongki District, Buriram Province

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the socio-economic characteristics of meat goat farmers, describe production and marketing practices, and propose strategies to enhance production and marketing efficiency in Nong Ki District, Buriram Province. Data were collected through structured interviews with 53 farmers and two traders, as well as a focus group with 25 farmer representatives. The findings showed that most farmers were male (62.26%), with an average age of 52.32 years. Most had attained a primary school education and agriculture was their main occupation. They had an average of 3.36 years of goat farming experience and an annual household income of 147,098.11 THB, of which 33,826.42 THB came from goat production. Pen-based rearing (81.13%) was predominant, with feed consisting of both roughage and concentrates. Knowledge was mainly acquired from neighbors and social media, and all farmers practiced proper vaccination and disease prevention. Meat goat marketing including kids for breeding or fattening, small and large fattened goats, and culled goats were typically sold to middlemen based on weight-negotiated prices. Development strategies recommended were improving production and quality control, expanding market channels, enhancing farmers’ knowledge and skills, and promoting group formation and institutional strengthening.