While they are often characterized as farm or working animals, small goat ownership can be very rewarding for the owner and is relatively easy as long as a few basic rules are followed. A small goat farm can be an excellent source of milk and meat for the owner, and if you raise goats yourself, you can be sure that they were raised healthily. Goats can also keep their land virtually free of weeds.
Goats are social herd animals and you should plan to allow at least two goats to live together. The best breeds to own will vary depending on whether your primary reason for keeping them is milk, meat, or fiber, or if you want them primarily as pets.
goat facts
Goats are known as males and females. Baby goats are called kids. Goats generally live 10 to 12 years, although there have been cases of goats living up to 15 years. There are over 300 different breeds of goats and they are most closely related to sheep, with which they can interbreed, although this is not recommended. The main products associated with goats are milk, cheese, meat, mohair and cashmere.
goat products
Goat milk is becoming more popular and a large dairy doe can produce 3,000 to 5,000 pounds of milk each year (2 to 3 quarts daily). In most areas, the milk will need to be pasteurized if you want to sell it commercially, although you can drink untreated milk from your own goats. You should be aware that some research suggests health risks from consuming unpasteurized goat’s milk. As with milk, there is a growing demand for goat meat and it is claimed to have health benefits compared to other red meats and chicken. If you intend to sell the meat, you will need to comply with the rules that a small commercial processor must follow. The rules are less strict if the meat is intended for your own consumption. Some goat owners find it more practical to outsource slaughter to a licensed slaughterhouse. Goats have also been prized for three types of fiber, mohair, cashmere and cashgora.
goat dwelling
A draft-free building is suggested that will protect them from the elements and offer sufficient protection from rodents and other predators. Rodents can introduce disease in addition to eating and foul food and water supplies. Regarding dimensions, there should be enough space to allow the goats to stand upright on their hind legs with their necks extended. If penned separately, each goat should be about 4 square feet. Mister. of floor space. If goats are housed in a group in the same area, a minimum of 2 square feet. Mister. per goat should be provided, although more than this minimum is recommended if conflict is to be avoided. Horned and budless or hornless goats must be penned separately.
goat food
Although they have a reputation for eating just about anything, they will not thrive unless they are provided with the proper balance in their diet. While they will eat weeds and other vegetation, including grasses, they will need access to good quality hay. Vegetable hays contain more minerals, vitamins and nutrients, although as with other hays, quality can vary depending on harvest, preparation and storage.
goat health
There are a number of diseases that can affect a goat both chronically and curable. Some of these diseases can be transmitted to humans and other animals, while other diseases are specific to goats. Two diseases that can cause sudden death in a goat are coccidiosis and pneumonia. What breeders and producers are most concerned about are worms and parasites. A goat that is plagued with parasites and worms and left untreated will likely suffer a rapid decline in health, production, and often death.