PLAI KLONG GOAT: GUIDELINES FOR PROMOTING GOAT FARMING CAREERS OF SMALL FARMERS A CASE STUDY: BAN PLAI KLONG COMMUNITY MOO.6 CHAINKHAO SUB-DISTRICT, CHIANYAI DISTRICT, NAKHON SI THAMMARAT PROVINCE THAILAND

Abstract

This research article aims to study goat farming methods, challenges in goat farming, and strategies to promote goat farming among small-scale farmers in Ban Plai Khlong Community, Village No. 6, Chian Khao Subdistrict, Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The research is qualitative in nature. The key informants include 1) two goat farmers and 2) six individuals supporting and promoting goat farming. The research instruments used are 1) interview forms, 2) audio and visual recording tools, and 3) both participatory and non-participatory observations. Data were collected from research studies, electronic media, and fieldwork, and analyzed using content analysis. The research findings indicate that goat farming consists of five key steps: 1) Daily Practices The goat pen must be cleaned every morning, and the goats’ health conditions should be observed. 2) Breeding Management Male goats should be kept separately to prevent unintended mating when the owner is not present. 3) Newborn Goat Care Newborn goats should nurse from their mother for approximately three days. 4) Feeding Goats should be fed locally available plants, supplemented with formulated feed and nutritional supplements. 5) Goat Sales Goats are typically ready for sale between 4 to 6 months of age. The challenges in goat farming are classified into five categories: 1) Market-related Issues 2) Disease Outbreaks 3) Environmental Pollution 4) Limited Access to Breeding Stock 5) Financial Losses. The strategies for promoting goat farming are categorized into six areas: 1) Market Promotion 2) Education on Disease Prevention 3) Feed and Veterinary Management 4) Environmental Conservation 5) Breeding Development Strategies 6) Financial Support Promotion