Pre-weaning mortality in non-native goats causes serious economic losses to farmers due to the reduction in milk and meat production. Jamnapari and its crosses are the main nonnative goat breeds reared in Ampara District and are used primarily for meat and occasionally for milk production. A retrospective study was conducted in Ampara District to find out the factors affecting pre-weaning mortality in non-native goat breeds. Information about goat farming in randomly selected 20 farms in 5 Veterinary ranges in Ampara District was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Collected data was filled in MS excel and analyzed. Eight fecal samples were collected from suspected goats having diarrhoea. Our results revealed that the average pre-weaning mortality rate in non-native goats in Ampara district was 30%. Mean weaning age in Ampara district was 4.32 months. Two types of weaning methods were observed among the farmers in Ampara district Feeding roughages, and wean until next kidding. Major factors identified for affecting pre-weaning mortality in non-native goats were disease (Parasitism, Tetanus, Pneumonia and Cerebrospinal nematodiasis) (15.61%), Prolong weaning age (7.8%), Heat stress (2.41%), Poor management (1.46%), Predatory attack (0.98%) and Cold weather (0.98%). It was found that the diseases are the major factors causing the pre- weaning mortality in kids. Majority (40.63%) of diseases which cause the pre-weaning mortality was parasitism such as Haemonchus spp, Oesophagostomum spp and Trichuris spp, while the other diseases are least important. 

Pre-weaning

Mortality

Non-native

Goat

Ampara district