Graylands Phase 4 no H17 Athi-River, Mavoko -90100 Machakos
+254 790 02 02 42
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Graylands Phase 4 no H17 Athi-River, Mavoko -90100 Machakos
+254 790 02 02 42
A goat is a multi-use animal which is commonly reared for meat (chevon). In different parts of the world, goats are raised for meat, milk, wool and leather. Goat is also called “the poor man’s cow”. The goats can be reared in different ecological zones; hence, people are adopting goat farming as an enterprise.
Sheep and goat belong to different species, but their management is almost similar. And, ethnic people like goat meat; day-by-day, goat farming has become a popular business. For goat farming, the meager needs of fodder and fewer requirements of feeds compared to rearing other livestock, goat farming requires low investment. Shed making can also be possible at a low cost, and easy to sell goats in the case of needs arises to farmer. So, the goat farming enterprise is in growing trend.
As the goat farming business can be operated through a low investment, it has given opportunity of employment and income generation to small farmers and women. Therefore, goat farming has become a boon to poverty alleviation. The amount of feed and fodder necessary for one cow can be easily reared for 5-6 goats; and farmers having less land can easily raise 2-4 goats.
Always try to select a suitable farm land/area for your business that has all the required facilities for a successful goat farming business. The necessary facilities for goat farming business include the following.,
• Feed adequately and quality feeds along with clean water
• Know major diseases and vaccinated against those diseases
• Control of internal and external parasites
• Keep ailing goat/s separately and do not mix with healthy goat/s
• Thoroughly screen at the time of bringing new livestock/goat
• Construct good shed to protect from unsuitable climate
Management (fodder, feed, shed, disease and parasite control) of goats. Farm management needs to manage shed construction as per the suitable to climate, nutritious feeding, treatment of diseases and vaccinations, control and timely treatment of goats from internal and external parasites.
Some breeds are suited for milk production, such as Nigerian Dwarf, La Mancha, and Alpine goats. Others are usually raised for meat, such as the Spanish or Tennessee breeds. Finally, some farms raise Angora or Cashmere goats to sell their hair for fabric. Find out which breeds are raised in your area, how large each breed grows to, and the physical and personality traits of each breed. Some breeds tend to be more docile, produce bucks with a stronger smell, or be prone to certain health problems.
Before deciding, you may want to read up on how to milk goats, slaughter goats, or shear goats. If you are not up to slaughtering a goat yourself, find commercial slaughtering operations nearby that will purchase your goats before raising goats for meat.
There are different types of goats breeds available around the world for rearing in the goat farm like Pygmy Goats, Dwarf Goats of Nigeria, Cashmere Goats, Black Bengal Goat, Mountain Goats, Boer Goats etc. Some of the available goat breeds are famous for tasty and nutritious meat and some breeds are famous for milk production. Some Indian goats are also highly meat and milk productive. Pygmy goats originated in Africa. They are good as pets and mainly used in programs and goat shows. A lot of people rear them as pets instead of meat and milk production. Nigerian Dwarf Goats and Pygmy Goats are of the same origin. Dwarf goats are of different colors like black, chocolate, gold, color, etc. Wide variety of colors is a major factor that makes them so popular.
Dairy goats are raised mainly for commercial milk production or for family milk consumption. They can also be displayed at trade shows. According to the association of dairy goats Nubians, Lamanchas, Alper, Oberhasli, Saanen and Togenburgs are the world-famous dairy goat breed. Cashmere goats are popular for wool production. Mountain goats are blunt, square looking covered with soft white, woolly, dense undercoat. Boer goats originated in South Africa and suitable for highly meat production. Some studies say that Boer goats are very expensive and demand exceeds supply which attracts investors. However, choosing the right breeds for commercial goat farming will ensure high profit. Choose proper breed according to your desired production and geographical location. You can also visit some of your nearest goat farms or livestock training centers to learn more about the suitable goat breeds in your area.
Housing is an important factor for profitable goat farming business. Small scale farmers generally keep their goats with their other livestock animals. But for commercial production, a good quality goat housing system is highly recommended for better production. A good house not only gives shelter and protects goats from predators but also protects them from various types of goat diseases. Always keep the house neat, clean and dry. Make proper ventilation and drainage system inside the house. Also ensure the availability of sufficient fresh air and light inside the house. Housing and goat farm design are of various types according to the production type and breed.
Well goat feed management is also essential for commercial goat farming business. Goats are not carnivorous animals. They don’t eat other animals. Usually goats prefer to eat grasses, plants, shrubs, weeds and herbs. Besides those feeds, goats also need energy, portion, vitamins, fiber and water for proper growth and for making better profits from this business. It will be better if you have sufficient knowledge about what to feed goats.
After ensuring appropriate management of the doe, it becomes ready for reproduction. The mating should be ensured that parturition does not fall in the month July/August and November/December, as it would be difficult to take care of new born kids.
Production and income generation
After 5 months of mating, kids are produced, and income generation will be ready from selling after rearing 8-10 months.
We are raising goats mainly for meat. But, in appropriate climate and management, goat farming can be done for the milk and wool.
Two of the main meat goat breeds in Australia are the Rangeland goats and Boer goats. Boer goats make an excellent meat breed as they are hardy and adaptable, have high fertility rates with multiple births being more common than singles and they gain weight quickly.
Goat meat consists of 20.3% of the total meat produced in the country and the demand is ever increasing trend. In goat meat (chevon); We can find
• 76.8% water
• 2.6% fat
• 19.6% protein and
• 1% minerals
• As, comparatively low quantity of fat and high protein, goat meat is considered beneficial to health.
Goat milk can provide an alternative for people who suffer with cow milk allergies and gastro-intestinal disorders. Commercial goat milk is mostly used in cheese, yoghurts as well as soaps. There are six main breeds of goats used in Australia for dairy farming. Three are of Swiss origin – Saanen, Toggenburg and British Alpine; two have been recently bred in Australia – Australian Melaan and Australian Brown and one is from the Middle East – the Anglo Nubian.
Saanen was originated in Switzerland; it is famous for milk production has no horn naturally) towards front side white and small hairs. parturition, this goat 180 days resulting in average liters of milk production. Normally, it gives birth in a year and gives a kid per birth. Doe weighs 68 Kg and buck weighs Kg in average. 150-180 days resulting in average 600-700 liters originated in Switzerland, and it is famous for milk production throughout the world ear are
Goats have larger belly comparatively to other cattle, and can eat smaller grasses which other cattle cannot. Goats can also eat bitter grass. Goats can eat dry matter equivalent to 4% of their own body weight. Goats can produce more meat and milk by taking substandard grass than other cattle. Goats do not like to eat wet and filthy things.
Methods of preparation of balanced feed by using local raw materials to obtain cheap feed is an important element for getting profit from any livestock, and as much as 50% cost is incurred in Goat Farming. Healthy livestock can be produced by ensuring proper quantity and balanced feeding. To obtain maximum benefit, focus to be given in fodder plants than into feeds.
As for living human needs house; goats do also need shed/barn. Some people have raised goats together with barns of cattle; but for commercial goat farming, it is good to have goat sheds constructed separately for better care. By using local materials, goat farming sheds should be constructed resilient to adequate. As per the ages of goats, separate spaces should be allocated within the shed. Kids should be kept into clean, 13 dry and warm spaces to protect from potential pneumonia. It is appropriate to lay dry and soft grass on the floor. A space from 0.2 to .5 square meters is necessary from parturition to 3 months older per kid. Problems due to internal parasites for the kid arise in wet and damp places, therefore the shed should be maintained dry and warm.
importance of shed is necessary to protect goats from the Sun, water and cold; protect from tigers and jackals etc. at night and protect from theft. Sheds built above the ground are good for appropriate management of goat dung which will help to control infections and non-infectious diseases. As well as that, it will be easy for management of goat feeding to farmers.
Plan for construction of good shed It is beneficial to construct goat shed by using low cost and locally available materials. While constructing sheds, separate spaces should be maintained for kids, dry doe, pregnant doe, kidding doe, weather and breeding bucks. There is fear of uncontrolled pregnancy and abortions, if bucks and adult goats are mixed together in one space.
The shed’s floor is maintained to keep secure footing; but dung and urine should pass from the holes, and it should be easy to clean the shed. If holes are bigger than a finger size, goat’s legs get entangled, get wounded, no secured footings can get fractured legs also.
Normally, as goats do not eat fallen fodder from floor and feed from the ground, stalls for grass feeding should be constructed, and there shall be well management of enough drinking water. For adequate light and free flow of air, ventilation should be maintained. Paddock should also be managed for goat feeding space and free movement beyond the goat shed. Inside paddock, there shall be management of feeder/container for goat’s feeding and drinking water. It is appropriate to plant fodder plants around the paddock. Sick goats and goats bought from other places may be infected with disease. So, such goats should be kept away in separate sheds at a safe distance.
• To be covered the shed with Jute sacks to protect goats from cold in the winter, but at day time (except during rainy and cloudy day); it is hygienic to let the sun-light enter inside the shed by rolling up the sacks.
• It has to be removed the dung deposited under the shed at least twice in a week. If dung deposit is not removed time to time, with the gas emission and filth, it will adversely affect health, growth and reproduction capability of goats, and it rises death rate of small kids also.
• Has to be cleaned regularly feed container for goats.
• It has to be applied fencing wires for the safety of livestock.
• Has to be disinfected the shed by limes to control external parasites for goats.
For the livestock raising and production purpose, management of feeding should be carried out appropriately. The best feed for livestock is green grass. Grasses from grounds obtained from pastures, edges of farmlands, forage and fodder plants are the major sources of feeding for livestock in Nepal. Therefore, availability of different types of grasses from grounds should be ensured throughout the year, and forage and fodders have to be planted. Similarly, while grazing goats, it is better to take cyclic order than to graze in one place, so that new leaves can grow up. At the time of availability of adequate grasses, it’s better to make hay and silage for storage and feeding in winter.
Clean and fresh water: 5 liters is necessary for a goat per day!
Forage and fodder: There are different goats based on their weight. The required forage and fodder for goats based on their weight is as follows: goats based on their weight. The required forage and fodder for goats based on its weight is as follows: Table No. 3.1.1 Required forage and fodder for goat based on weight Table.
Concentrate Feed (Balance diet): Compulsorily concentrated feeds are given to especially sick goats, recovering doe, pregnant and growing young kids in shed.
Salt and minerals block:
Method of making salt and minerals block/cake is as following necessary materials:
Water- as per need Preparation method: Mince red clay into dust, screen it before use. Mince egg shell to dust Mixed dust of red clay, dust of egg shell, salt and white floor in a pot. Add adequate water to shape it as cake/block, otherwise thinner mixture, it is difficult to prepare a cake/block. The volume of mixture is enough for making 2-3 cakes/blocks. Shape of Cake/blocks should be made rectangular or circle; and in the middle, there should be made small hole for hanging. After 4-5 days, the prepared mineral cakes/blocks are ready for use. Mineral cake/block should be placed where goats can easily lick it, and it should be placed for goat to lick it at once in a day. Feeding For easy feeding to goats, forage and fodder are always given in stall-fed, and if stall-fed remains empty, it shows inadequacy of forage and fodder to goat.
• Doe – >18 kg (approximately 7 month to 7 years)
• Buck – >25 kg (approximately 8 month to 5 years)
Doelling usually are in estrous cycle before 7 months, but as it has no physical growth, it is not good for mating. In 3 months, doeling does get in heat but considering its maturity, mating with buck is prevented. Harms of immature mating
During mating, buck usually runs after doe without eating. Therefore, farmers need to pay heed to buck’s weight. If weight gets lesser, then buck is given more feed. If buck gets heavy, reproduction becomes difficult; in such case weight needs to be loosened. If the breeding capacity of buck is decreased or in-active, the eggs with flour should be mixed and feed to buck so that it helps to resume its health condition.
Time to time, goat’s hoof must be trimmed otherwise it may start rotting on. Due to long hoofs, it may face difficulty in walking and at the time of mating also. If goat is reared in the shed only, trimming of hoof may be necessary, but in open grazing, it may not be required.
Health management is an important and integral part in goat farming. Through goat management, it is necessary to improve the productivity of goats, such as: general health management, parasite control, vaccine management, environment management and proper record keeping. Health management in farm level includes proper care of the health of pregnant doe, newborn kids, youth and adults. Similarly, health management helps to reduce the mortality rate of newborn kids, and it provides knowledge, skill and practice of control of infectious diseases. ‘Prevention is better than cure’, the statement best fits for livestock too. In healthy livestock, better immunity and recovery is quicker. But, if livestock fall sick, farmers must buy medicines, and it increases costs also. Treatment of disease must be faster; otherwise, it will be very difficult to treat.
• Time to time hoof should be trimmed, as when it gets longer, it gets rotten and difficult to move around for those goats which are reared in stall-fed, rather than goats in grazing
• Hold goat tightly and make immovable, 34
• Check the color of hoof, whether it is rotten or not,
• Cleanse dirt from the hooves,
• Trim small upper tip of hoof,
• Trim the tip of hooves maintaining the level (like people’s nail)
• Trim slightly more interior part of hooves than the outer tips.
Management of grass production and harvesting Introduction of grass Any species of plants, consumed by animals as feeds are called grasses. Goats can eat leaves of plants, stems, roots, green or dry flowers.
These fodders are regarded important among grasses. In leguminous grasses 20-25% protein contents can be found, but in other grasses it has up to 5-10%. If leguminous grasses are overfed, bloat in goats may occur. Therefore, lesser amount of Leguminous grass Source: JICA Project Team leguminous fodder can be fed to goats. (1-2% fodders of goat’s total weight) Annual: Beans and Soybean grasses Perennial: Ipil and Larsson 47
• Non-leguminous Fodder (Grass and crop): Generally, livestock takes much more energy from these grasses and it is fed in large quantities. These grasses equivalent of 10% of total weight of livestock can be fed.
Goat farming is a rewarding venture that has gained popularity among farmers and homesteaders alike. However, navigating the intricacies of goat farming can be challenging. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 mistakes commonly made in goat farming and provide practical solutions to help you overcome these challenges.
1. Neglecting Proper Shelter:
The importance of providing suitable shelter for your goats cannot be overstated. Goats, while hardy animals, can be susceptible to stress and illness if exposed to harsh weather conditions. A well-constructed shelter acts as a refuge against rain, wind, and extreme temperatures.
Adequate ventilation is crucial to prevent respiratory issues, and maintaining a clean and dry environment within the shelter helps mitigate the risk of diseases. Regular inspections of the shelter should be conducted to identify and address any damage promptly. This preventative approach not only ensures the physical well-being of your goats but also contributes to their overall comfort, allowing them to thrive and reach their full potential.
2. Poor Nutrition:
Proper nutrition is the cornerstone of a healthy and productive goat herd. Inadequate nutrition can manifest in various ways, from stunted growth to reduced milk production. To rectify this, consult with a livestock nutritionist who can help formulate a well-balanced diet tailored to the specific needs of your goats.
The diet should include high-quality forage, grains, and supplements rich in essential nutrients. Regular assessments of your goats’ body condition will guide adjustments to their diet, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients for optimal health.
Investing in nutrition not only enhances the physical well-being of your herd but also has long-term benefits, such as improved reproductive performance and resilience against diseases.
3. Overlooking Health Monitoring:
Regular health monitoring is fundamental to preemptively addressing potential issues within your goat herd. Establishing a comprehensive health checkup schedule, including vaccinations, is crucial for disease prevention.
Consulting with a veterinarian provides valuable insights into preventive measures specific to your region and herd. Educate yourself on common goat diseases, observe your goats daily for signs of illness, and institute a quarantine protocol for new animals.
Timely detection and intervention can significantly reduce the spread of diseases, minimizing the impact on the overall health and productivity of your herd. Taking a proactive stance on health monitoring ensures that your goats thrive in a disease-free environment, contributing to the sustainability of your goat farming venture.
4. Ignoring Proper Fencing:
Inadequate fencing can turn into a significant headache for goat farmers. Goats are known for their curiosity and agility, making them prone to escape attempts. To address this, invest in sturdy fencing that is tall and secure, considering the breed and size of your goats.
Regular inspections of the fencing are crucial to identify any weak points or damage. Prompt repairs are necessary to prevent escapes and to safeguard your goats from potential dangers.
Additionally, implementing rotational grazing practices not only helps prevent overgrazing but also reduces the wear and tear on specific areas of the fencing, prolonging its effectiveness.
5.Neglecting Hoof Care:
Hoof neglect is a common oversight that can lead to severe health issues in goats. Regular hoof trimming is essential to prevent lameness and other related problems. This task involves removing overgrown hooves and maintaining an appropriate hoof shape.
Provide a designated, clean, and dry area for hoof care procedures to minimize the risk of infections. Educate yourself on proper trimming techniques, and if needed, seek assistance from a professional. Regular attention to hoof care not only ensures the comfort of your goats but also prevents long-term health complications that can arise from neglected hooves.
6. Overcrowding:
Overcrowding within goat pens can result in a myriad of issues, including stress, increased competition for resources, and a higher risk of disease transmission. To remedy this, provide ample space for your goats to move around freely. This may involve expanding your pens or implementing rotational grazing strategies.
Regularly monitor your goats for signs of stress or aggression, and be prepared to separate them if conflicts arise. Creating an environment that allows for natural behavior and social interactions promotes the well-being of your goats, contributing to a harmonious and healthier herd.
7. Lack of Parasite Management:
Internal and external parasites pose a constant threat to goat herds. Developing a robust parasite management plan is crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of your goats. This plan should include regular deworming, proper pasture management, and maintaining clean living conditions.
Conducting fecal tests at regular intervals helps monitor parasite levels and informs the timing of deworming treatments. Implementing rotational grazing and allowing pastures to rest can also reduce the risk of parasite infestations.
A proactive approach to parasite management ensures that your goats thrive, minimizing the economic impact of lost productivity and veterinary expenses.
8. Failure to Plan for Breeding:
Breeding without a clear plan can lead to overpopulation, straining available resources and potentially diminishing the overall quality of your herd. A well-thought-out breeding plan considers factors such as genetics, market demand, and available resources.
Keep detailed records of breeding dates and lineage to track the performance of your breeding program. This strategic approach not only ensures a more sustainable and manageable herd size but also enhances the overall genetic quality, contributing to the long-term success and profitability of your goat farming venture.
9. Disregarding Record Keeping:
Maintaining accurate and detailed records is a fundamental aspect of effective goat management. Keep records of vaccinations, breeding dates, health history, and any notable behaviors or incidents. This information serves as a valuable reference for making informed decisions about breeding, health interventions, and overall herd management.
Our farm management software excels at doing this. Whether using digital tools or traditional pen-and-paper methods, regular updates to your records provide a comprehensive overview of your goat herd’s history, enabling better planning and management.
10. Ignoring Education and Networking:
Continuous learning and networking with experienced goat farmers are vital for staying informed and addressing challenges effectively. Attend workshops, conferences, and local agricultural events to expand your knowledge base.
Join online forums or local agricultural groups to connect with other goat keepers, share experiences, and gain valuable insights into best practices and innovative solutions.
Networking can also serve as a source of support during challenging times and opportunities for collaboration, fostering a sense of community within the goat farming industry. Embracing a proactive approach to education and networking positions you to adapt to industry changes and emerging trends, ensuring the sustained success of your goat farming enterprise.
Avoiding these common mistakes in goat farming is essential for the success and sustainability of your operation. By providing proper shelter, nutrition, healthcare, and management, you can ensure the well-being of your goats and create a thriving and profitable goat farm. Remember, continuous learning and a proactive approach are key to overcoming challenges and achieving success in goat farming.
Investment project for 500 goats
| Subject of the Project | Goat Farm | ||
| Information about the Product/Service | Goat Milk and Goat Breeding For Meat and Stud Purposes | ||
| Investment Location (Province- District) | Adana | ||
| Technical Capacity of the Facility | 500 Goats | ||
| Fixed Investment Cost | 857,700 $ | ||
| Investment Period | 1 Year | ||
| Economic Capacity Utilization Rate of the Sector | 80% | ||
| Employment Capacity | 6 | ||
| Payback Period of Investment | 8 Years | ||
| NACE Code of the Product/Service (Rev.3) | 01.45.01 “Raising of Sheep and Goats” | ||
| Harmonized Code (HS) of the Product/Service | 010420 “Live Goats” | ||
| Target Country of Investment | Domestic Use | ||
| Impact of the Investment on Sustainable Development Goals | Direct Effect | Indirect Effect | |
| Goals 1: Develop industrial products. Goals 2: Efficiency | Goal 3: Healthty products Goal 4: New employment | ||
| Other Related Issues | All expenses are given in US Dollars ($). | ||
