While they are often described as farm or working animals, a small goat ownership can be very rewarding for the owner and are relatively easy as long as a few basic rules are followed. A small group of goats can be an excellent source of milk and meat for an owner, and by raising goats yourself, you can be confident that they have been raised in a healthy manner. Goats can also keep your land practically weed free.
Goats are social herd animals and you should plan to allow at least two goats to live together. The best breeds to keep vary depending on whether your primary reason for keeping them is milk, meat, or fiber, or whether you want them primarily as pets.
Facts about goats
Male goats are known to buck and females do so. Baby goats are called babies. Goats generally live 10 to 12 years, although there have been cases of goats reaching 15 years. There are over 300 distinct breeds of goats and they are most closely related to sheep, which you can breed with, 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 female can produce 3,000 to 5,000 pounds of milk each year (on a daily basis of 2 to 3 quarts). In most areas, the milk will need to be pasteurized if you want to sell it commercially, although you can drink unprocessed milk from your goats. You should be aware that there is some research that indicates there are health risks when consuming unpasteurized goat’s milk. As with milk, goat meat is in high demand and is claimed to have health benefits compared to other red meat and chicken. If you intend to sell meat, you will need to comply with the rules that a small commercial processor must follow. The rules are less stringent if the meat is intended for your own consumption. Some goat owners find it more practical to outsource the slaughter to a licensed butcher. Goats have also been valued for their three fibers, mohair, cashmere, and kashgora.
Goat housing
A dry draft free building is suggested which will protect it from the elements and provide adequate protection from rodents and other predators. Rodents can cause disease as well as eat dirty food and water supplies. As for the dimensions, there should be enough space to allow the goats to stand upright on their hind legs with their necks outstretched. Each goat should have about 4 square feet if confined separately. of the floor space. If goats are housed in a group in the same area of minimum 2 square metres. Every goat must be provided, although more than this minimum is recommended if conflict is to be avoided. Goats with horns and grown or hornless goats should be written separately.
Goat food
Although they have a reputation for eating almost anything, they will not thrive unless they are provided with the right balances in their diet. While they eat grasses and other vegetation including pastures, they will need access to good hay. Legume hay contains 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 goats that are chronic and curable. Some of these diseases can be transmitted to humans and other animals while some diseases are specific to goats. Two diseases that can lead to the sudden death of goats are coccidiosis and pneumonia. What most concern breeders and producers are worms and parasites. Goats infected with parasites and worms that are left untreated are likely to suffer a rapid decline in health and production and often lead to death.