In an area of approximately five hectares, in the municipality of Candelaria (Chejendé), the state of Trujillo is consolidating a productive model in the Genetic Center for Goat and Sheep Reproduction, the only unit of this type of livestock in the state.
Attached to the Agro Trujillo Social Property Company and the Agroecological Development Directorate of the Governorate, this center with more than 12 years of experience works on the genetic improvement of the Saanen and Alpine breeds, positioning small ruminants as a high-profitability and low-impact alternative to traditional cattle.
Lidia Márquez, president of Agro Trujillo, reported that the production center currently has a herd of 56 animals, made up of 21 adult females, 16 kids, 12 young males and 7 breeding males, with a predominance of the Saanen and Alpine breeds.
The official highlighted that the center is heading towards a blood refresher phase to optimize genetic performance and increase the supply available to Trujillo producers.
“By the end of 2026 and the beginning of 2027, we hope to sign agreements that will allow us to establish pilot production units in the different municipalities of the state of Trujillo in order to strengthen the potential that exists in this sector of small animals, such as goats and sheep,” he indicated.
He assured that it is not just about delivering animals, "but about offering comprehensive technical support to optimize the farms and guarantee the production of meat, milk and their derivatives," he said.
To be part of the agreement program, which is established for periods of two to three years renewable for the delivery of four to eight animals, Agro Trujillo requires prior verification of the production unit.
Among the essential requirements, Márquez mentioned the permanent presence of staff to ensure the producers' continued residence on the property, as well as to safeguard and protect the herd. The applicant must have adequate pastures and must plant forage grasses to support nutrition during prolonged droughts.
Currently, this center has established agreements with three producers from the municipalities of Candelaria, Valera, and Monte Carmelo. "The idea is to improve, produce, and provide animals through these agreements," he emphasized.
Animal husbandry and health management. Douglas Barreto, a veterinarian at the center, highlighted the digestive and management advantages of the goat species.
He explained that the unit implements a rigorous health plan that includes vaccination, deworming, vitamin supplementation, and daily clinical review.
He added that the technical management scheme includes balanced nutrition with the supply of concentrated feed in the mornings, supervised grazing and rations of chopped Cuba 22 grass.
The reproductive cycle generally consists of two natural mating seasons per year, subject to weather conditions and through prior synchronization of the females. Gestation lasts five months and results in single, twin, and, in some cases, triplet births.
“As for their care, we make sure that the kids consume the colostrum, because otherwise the immunoglobulin will be lost and we will have weak animals,” he pointed out.
She noted that the mother is given oxytocin "to finish cleaning the uterus and help with milk let-down, because it activates the hormone in the nervous system that makes the milk come down a little."
He noted that breastfeeding lasts three months and is alternated with pasture. "Here, the animals are checked and cared for daily," Barreto asserted.
Family production. According to the center's authorities, goat farming is efficiently adapted to family backyards and small farms.
“Sometimes people think you need a large herd to produce milk, but that’s not the case. A family can keep between four and six animals in small spaces, feeding them cut grass and obtaining about 14 liters of milk per day. This ensures the household’s self-sufficiency and generates a marketable surplus,” Márquez pointed out.
Dairy products derived from this sector, such as yogurt, cottage cheese or dulce de leche, represent a key source of income and nutrition.
Márquez also highlighted the value of goat's milk, scientifically recognized for its high digestibility and for being a natural alternative to infant formula.
With this comprehensive strategy, the Candelaria Genetic Center seeks to position Trujillo as a benchmark in goat and sheep production, promoting food sovereignty and economic development from the rural sector.
Facts & figures
- This unique goat and sheep farming unit in the state has a 12-year history.
- This Genetic Center for Caprine and Ovine Reproduction occupies a territorial extension of 5 hectares.
- 56 animals make up the current herd that this genetic center for goat and sheep breeding has.
