Abstract

Background:
The livestock management practices, especially those related to animal rearing systems and their feeding, are a fundamental element for the sustainability of this crucial activity for the persons living in challenged areas with harsh environmental conditions and poor natural resources.

Aim:
This study aims to interpret the farmers’ perceptions regarding the influence of goat management practices and dietary carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) supplementation on key production performance indicators, including feed intake and weight gain.

Methods:
Research was performed using a standardized questionnaire with 202 goat keepers (a total livestock population of 9.627 goats) in the Béchar district (Southwestern Algeria), between March 2025 and June 2025.

Results:
Feeding practices that combined pasture grazing with concentrated supplements significantly increased feed intake (χ2 = 42.24; P < 0.05) and weight gain (χ2 = 82.39 ; P < 0.05) of goats compared to rationed diet and unrestricted grazing practices. Similarly, according to farmers’ opinions, the semi-intensive management system (farming system where the animal flocks are let loose for a grazing period of some time and supplementary feed and fodder is provided to the animals with the inclusion of housing, health care, and breeding management) was identified as the most effective goat raising method, which significantly improves feed intake (χ2 = 25.74; P ˂ 0.05) and weight gain (χ2 = 77.35; P ˂ 0.05) compared to intensive and pastoral systems. The native breeds such as Arbia, Mekatia, and M'Zabia demonstrated remarkable efficiency (P ˂ 0.05) in feed intake and weight gain compared to exotic goat breeds. The respondents incorporated carob into the goats' diet primarily due to its nutritional benefits (59.4%), local availability (17.8%), health benefits (12.4%), and cost effectiveness (10.4%). Moreover, the participants believed that the incorporation of carob in the goat ration with a daily quantity of "less than 50g", as a pulp, and during the spring season significantly (P ˂ 0.05) improves the feed intake and the weight gain.

Conclusion:
This study provides a comprehensive understanding regarding the opinions of farmers towards the influence of the feeding and rearing practices on goat feed intake and weight gain, as well as the optimal strategies for carob supplementation. This may be used in feeding strategies to enhance carob consumption and increase its inclusion in goat diets across similar agro-ecological settings.

Key words: Breeds; Carob; Feeding practices; Goat; Weight gain.