Abstract

Frequencies of mortality in Red Sokoto goats were estimated using 1,798 records generated from goats raised under semi-intensive system of management at the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Shika-Zaria, Nigeria. The data were analyzed using chi square procedure of SAS. Greater proportion (55%) of the total mortalities occurred in breeding season 1 (January-June). Post-natal mortality (83.75%) was more frequent than both of peri-natal (Stillbirth, 8.96%) and pre-natal (Abortion, 7.29%) mortalities. In addition, post-natal mortality was high (83.83%) during the pre-weaning period. Although there was no significant difference in mortality based on the sex of kids, higher litter size caused (P<0.05) more mortality in the herd. It is recommended that selection practices in the herd should be limited to twin births.