Application of Biotechnology and Husbandry Practices for the Conservation, Characterization and Enhancement of Production Potential of Available Goat Genetic Resource in Bangladesh

Abstract

A goat is a small ruminant found across the globe. However, each and every type of goat has some unique characteristics and is popular for specific reasons in a specific area. The Black Bengal goat is the only recognized goat breed in Bangladesh and is famous for its high fertility, prolificacy, superior skin and meat quality, early sexual maturity, disease resistance and short kidding interval. In this chapter, we focused on available goat genetic resources in Bangladesh, breed characteristics, morphometric characterization, husbandry practices, feed and nutrition used for goat production, productive and reproductive performances under subsistence farming system, disease and health management, biotechnological approach for conservation like estrus synchronization, semen quality analysis, cryopreservation of semen, Artificial insemination, in vitro embryo production of embryos and multiple ovulation and embryo transfer. Moreover, the contribution of goat production in poverty alleviation and women empowerment in Bangladesh was also highlighted. Thereafter, constraints on goat production and future recommendations for sustainable goat production in Bangladesh were given.