Exploring the Economic Viability of Integrating Jamnapari Goat into Underutilized Pastures under Coconut Cultivations in Coconut Research Institute, Sri Lanka

The aim of this study was to evaluate the economic feasibility of integrating Jamnapari goats into underutilized pasture lands under coconut cultivations managed by the Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka. Naturally grown and improved pasture samples were collected from coconut estates in the intermediate zone of Sri Lanka. Samples were taken randomly using a quadrant and analyzed for dry matter yield (kg/ha), crude protein (CP), and crude fiber (CF) contents. An economic feasibility analysis was carried out based on average dry matter yields and respective carrying capacities of pastures and related production and economics data. The mean dry matter yield of natural and improved pastures ranged from 2141±193 kg/ha to 3314±212 kg/ha and 4231±407 kg/ha to 9152±531 kg/ha, respectively. Accordingly, CP and CF of natural and improved pastures ranged from 6.3±0.2 % to 18.5±0.2 % and 30.0±0.4 % to 33±0.3 %, respectively. Grass and legume percentages of natural and improved pastures varied from 1.9 % to 66.3 % and 7.0 % to 83.9 %. Estimated Jamnapari goat carrying capacities for natural and improved pastures were 8-11 heads/ha and 24-27 heads/ha, respectively including does, kids, and a buck. At a 15 % discount rate for 10 years, the net present value (NPV) for the coconut monoculture system was approximately 0.45 million rupees, and for integrated systems with natural and improved pastures, it was 1.4 and 4.7 million rupees, respectively. This study concluded that, when goats were integrated with improved and natural pastures rather than maintaining a monoculture, the economic feasibility and profitability will be higher.