Integrated Goat Production Systems in India: Strategies for Genetic Improvement and Sustainable Livelihoods
R. Selvam *
Goat Research Centre, Chinnakovilankulam, Sankarankovil, Tenkasi-627 953, India and Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai–600 051, India.
M. Murugan
Centre for Animal Production Studies, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Madhavaram Milk Colony, Chennai 600 051, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Goat production systems in India are important for rural livelihood security, nutritional support and economic resilience, particularly among smallholder farmers, landless labourers and women. This review synthesises literature published between 2000 and 2025 from Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, CAB Abstracts and recognised institutional sources to assess integrated goat production systems in India. The review covers goat genetic resources, breeding strategies, reproductive biotechnologies, nutrition, housing management, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, marketing systems and socio-economic contributions. India has diverse indigenous goat breeds with adaptive traits, including heat tolerance, disease resistance and suitability for low-input production environments. Nevertheless, productivity remains constrained by unorganised breeding, inadequate nutrition, seasonal fodder shortages, limited veterinary access, weak recording systems and inefficient market linkages. Selective breeding, community-based breeding programmes and conservation of indigenous genetic resources are important for improving productivity while retaining adaptive traits. Reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination, oestrus synchronisation, embryo transfer and cryopreservation can support genetic improvement, although field-level adoption remains limited by cost, infrastructure and technical requirements. Scientific feeding, climate-resilient housing and improved health management can enhance animal performance and welfare under diverse agro-climatic conditions. Goat farming also contributes to rural income, employment, manure production and household risk management, but poorly managed grazing and waste disposal may create environmental concerns. The review indicates that sustainable progress requires coordinated strategies involving genetic improvement, farmer-friendly technologies, fodder development, veterinary support, value addition, organised marketing and supportive policies. Integrated approaches can strengthen productivity, environmental responsibility and livelihood outcomes in Indian goat production systems sustainably.
Keywords: Goat production systems, indigenous goat breeds, genetic improvement, reproductive biotechnologies, community-based breeding, nutrition management, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, value-chain development, rural livelihoods