The feral goat has demonstrated its suitability to W.A.'s mulga shrublands. The potential to manage goats on poor quality mulga pastures was investigated to assess animal productivity as indicated by reproductive performance, and impact by changes in desirable plant populations and an estimate of the change in desirable plant biomass. Comparisons were made with sheep grazing these pastures. Goats have no greater impact on this vegetation type than did sheep. The reproductive performance of the goats, at 136% per kidding, was comparable to reported performance elsewhere, and far superior to sheep on this pasture type. The goats did demonstrate the potential for pasture degeneration at high stocking levels.
Full-text publications from the Australian Rangelands Society (ARS) Biennial Conference Proceedings (1997-), Rangeland Journal (ARS/CSIRO; 1976-), plus videos and other resources about the rangelands of Australia.