Qualitative Analysis of Feed Management Practice on Goat Herds by Self Organizing Maps in Murcia Region of Spain

Abstract

Fernández, C., Soria, E., Magdalena, R., Martín, J.D. and Mata, C. 2007. Qualitative analysis of feed management practice on goat herds by self organizing maps in Murcia region of Spain. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 41–47.

Self organizing maps (SOM) were used to analyze data from ninety four herds. Data were obtained from surveys and management practices were evaluated. The 18% of farms were dairy goat farms with milking machines, with a herd size of 100 to 200 goats and most of these bought compound feed. 12% has the same characteristics but farmers prepared their own diet. 16% were similar to previous prototypes, but farmers in addition to dairy goat production kept sheep as well. 23% of dairy goat farms practised hand milking. 14% of dairy goat farms had larger herd size (200–400) and fed goats with total mixed rations. Remaining 17% were sheep farms dedicated to lamb production for meat purposes. Such information can be used for better utilization of available resources in a particular area.

Keywords:

• Goat herd
• food management
• SOM