Abstract

Two experiments were conducted in southern Zimbabwe to evaluate the protection afforded to goat skins against beetle infestation by treating the skins with synthetic insecticides. The compounds used were mostly those internationally approved as additives to cereal grains. All treatments provided excellent protection during six months storage. The chemicals would provide safe, effective alternatives to the toxic products currently used to treat skins in many countries. The experiments highlighted the need for confirmation of both the technical and cost effectiveness of treatments on a commercial scale.