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Your Complete guide to Goat Farming

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In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every aspect of goat farming, from choosing the right goat breeds, housing, managing their health, nutrition, and reproduction. We’ll delve into the best practices for maximizing productivity for your goat farm.

From small backyard herds to large commercial operations, we understand that each goat farm has its unique challenges and goals. That’s why we’ll cover a range of topics, catering to all levels of experience and farm sizes. Our aim is to equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to create a thriving goat farm and nurture a happy, healthy herd.

Goat Breeds

  • Toggenburg

The Toggenburg is one of the heaviest goat breeds, whose bucks have the ability to reach 100kg while does can reach 70kg. The Toggenburg goats originated from Toggenburg in Switzerland. They are brown or greyish-brown in color.

Despite their ability to put on a lot of weight, they are considered to be a dairy goat breed. Under good management, Toggenburg goats can produce up to three litres of milk per day. They perform well in high or medium altitude areas.

  • Saanen

Just like Toggenburg, Saanen is also a dairy goat breed that traces its origin to Switzerland. It is white in color although some may have a white coat with a creamish or pinkish complexion. Mature bucks can reach 100kg while mature does can reach 70 kg under good management. It is the highest milk producing goat breed with an ability to produce 5 litres of milk in a day. They perform well in cold areas with high and medium altitudes.

  • Alpine

Alpine is a dairy goat breed that originated from the French Alps. They can be brown, black, or grey. It is hardy and highly adaptable to different climates. Under good management, Alpine goats can produce up to 4 litres of milk per day. Mature bucks can reach a weight of 80 kg while mature does can reach 60 kg under good management.

  • Galla

The Galla or Somali goat breed is reared for meat. They are mainly white in color. The Galla are a hardy goat breed that are commonly found in the arid and semi-arid areas of East Africa. They are believed to have originated from Northern Kenya. Mature bucks weigh 70kg while mature does weigh 55kg under good management. They can stay productive for up to 10 years. They do not perform well in cold climates.

  • Boer

Boer is a goat meat breed that originated from South Africa. The Boer has a red-brown, brown or black head with a white body color. They have large horns with drooping ears. They have a very good feed conversion ratio. Mature bucks can reach up to 154kg while mature does can reach 104kg with good management.

Feeding and Nutrition for Goats

For good growth, goats should be fed on a well balanced diet that consists of carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, and vitamins. Clean water must also be provided. Carbohydrates are found in pictures and grains such as maize, hay, Napier, grasses, and most shrubs. These also provide necessary fiber which is vital in goat nutrition.

Protein sources for goats include barley, peas, soya beans, alfalfa, cotton seed cake, and oats. These also contain carbohydrates. Minerals and vitamins can be found in the aforementioned feeds. However they can be supplemented in the feeds or through provision of a salt lick. Salt licks come formulated with vitamins and a wide range of minerals.

Water should also be available to the herd. Water helps in digestion, regulation of the body temperature, and waste removal from the body.

Housing for Goats

A good housing unit is essential to successful goat farming. A good house encourages good growth, prevents stress in animals, and prevents build up of parasites and diseases. These are the important factors to consider when setting up a goat house.

  • Space

While goats spend most of the day out in the field, they require a spacious house where there is free movement. Good spacing is essential for good growth and prevention of some animal diseases. The spacing should allow proper feeding, watering, and dunging.

Each goat requires an average space of between 10 to 15 feet. Kids require a smaller space. Bucks are housed separately from does. Rooms that house bucks need to have stronger partitions than all the other rooms. More space consideration should also be made for purposes of storing feeds.

  • Ventilation

Goats emit a strong odor through their urine, droppings, and natural body smell. In a poorly ventilated house, these odors may not be easily eliminated. Bad ventilation leads to poor aeration of the house. This creates a perfect environment for breeding of dangerous pathogens. A well aerated room is therefore a necessity when designing and constructing a goat house. Free air circulation blows away ammonia that is a component of urine. It also blows away other smells that emanate from the house. A well aerated room helps to regulate the temperature in the room and reduce incidents of stress in the herd.

In order to ensure good ventilation, the goat house is constructed with openings between wood to allow air to circulate. A goat house may only be made using timber and iron sheets. In case bricks are used, they should only reach a height of 6 feet. The remaining space should be loosely covered using timber. This acts as good ventilation when fitted at intervals of 1 foot.

  • Drainage

Drainage is an essential feature of a goat house. A house with a poor drainage system may predispose goats to diseases and parasites. Poor drainage may lead to high amounts of humidity which may lead to bad air quality in the house. It is important that urine, spillages, and waste drinking water be able to flow easily out of the goat house.

The flooring of goat houses can be raised and be made of wood. The flat planks of wood should be 10cm wide with a centimeter interval to the next wood. This interval allows spillages to seep through, fall on a slanting concrete floor, which directs the spillage to the drainage.

  • Waste Management

Even though goats spend most of the day outside the goat house, waste in form of droppings, urine, and feed remains must be disposed of correctly. This waste is collected every morning when the animals are released to the fields to graze. Cleaning and timely removal of waste from the house creates a safe and stress free environment for goats through elimination of smells and pathogens.

Unlike cattle, goats do not release large amounts of waste. It should also be factored that when they graze in open fields, it is almost impossible to collect their droppings as they are small and integrate with the pastures. What will only be collected will be the droppings in the goat house in addition to the feed remains in the feeding troughs. Urine can be channeled into a soak pit.

Goat droppings and feed remains can be used to make manure. Goat manure is rich in nitrogen, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. To make goat manure, composting must be done for two to three months to allow the dung and waste pastures time to fully decompose. This waste is heaped together in a shade and may be turned after every two to three weeks. It should not be left on an open surface to prevent leaching of nutrients when it rains.

When goat farming is done on a large scale, the amount of waste released can be large. This makes it possible to explore biogas production on the farm. Biogas production involves fermentation of organic waste to release methane. Methane is a flammable gas that is used as a clean source of fuel. In farms where different types of livestock are kept, the waste can be combined to release high volumes of biogas.

Equipment for Goat farming

  • Feeding Troughs

Feeding troughs are used to hold supplementary feeds that are given to goats in the house. They can also be installed in the open fields. They are made in a way that facilitates feeding and reduces feed wastage. The goats must not be given an opportunity to stand in the feeds as this leads to wastages due to rejected feeds. Barriers can be used to ensure that only the heads of the goats can access the feeding troughs. Feeding troughs are cleaned daily.

  • Watering troughs

Watering troughs are used to hold drinking water for goats. They must be designed in a way that facilitates access to water for goats of all sizes and ages. Watering troughs are installed in the goathouse as well as grazing fields. Goats must be able to access water at all times.

  • Fencing

As we have stated, goats spend part of their day grazing in fields before being brought back to the house for supplementary feeding and rest. A grazing field should be fenced well to prevent goats from escaping to neighboring farms or roads. A wire mesh fence is ideal as it prevents even kids from escaping the grazing fields.

Reproduction in Goats

  • Selecting Breeding Stock

In order to create a herd consisting of well performing goats, breeding stock with the best characteristics should be selected. The resulting offspring will inherit these desirable characteristics and produce highly in terms of meat or milk.

When selecting a doe for breeding, farmers must look out for a good body structure. The vulva of the doe must be fully developed. It is also key that the upper jaw’s dental pad should be well aligned with the lower teeth. This helps the doe to feed efficiently. Does with contrary characteristics should not be used to breed as they may transfer this trait to the offspring. The doe should be able to conceive after being mated twice. The udder must be well shaped with two teats.

Bucks should be selected for breeding at two years old. At this age, a buck will have reached the peak of its reproductive power, with the ability to serve more does than earlier in life. A good buck should be masculine and vocal within a herd. The testicles must be oval and lack any abnormalities. A buck should express dominance and display mating behavior throughout the breeding season in the presence of a doe in heat.

  • Mating

Prior to mating, farmers should ensure that the goats are in a good health condition. All the breeding stock should be examined for any underlying health concerns that could put the entire operation at risk. Farmers should also mark the breeding season of the goats. It may last 36 days, with the doe showing heat signs two times within this period. Heat signs in goats include the doe becoming more vocal, wagging of the tail, frequent urination, and reduction of milk volumes if the goats are lactating.

One mature buck can effectively mate 30 does. A great number of does should not be availed to the doe as it may lead to exhaustion. Young bucks should not be used to mate with older does. The ages must correspond and so should the weight. For record-keeping purposes, mated does are identified and marked. This helps farmers to know the exact time the doe will give birth. The gestation period of goats is 150 days.

  • Caring for Kids

Kids are the young ones of goats. A doe is housed in the same room as her kid or kids. Wood chippings or sawdust is put on the floor to provide warmth to the kids. Kids should have access to the teats of the doe. In the event that the kid is unable to feed, the doe is milked and the kid is bottle-fed.

Solid feeds are introduced to the kids at 7 to 14 days of age. This is in preparation for full weaning from the doe’s milk. It also helps in developing the rumen of the kids. The kids may also be disbudded early enough within the first seven days of life. At one month old, the kids are vaccinated with tetanus and clostridium vaccinations.

Farm Setup for Goats

  • Free Range Farming

Free range goat farming refers to grazing goats in open fields with planted or naturally growing fodder. It is the most common method of rearing goats in Africa. Free range goat farming is a cheap method of rearing goats as no feeds are purchased for the goats. Goats also get to exercise as they are allowed to roam freely in the grazing fields.

Even though free range goat farming is cheap, it comes with its risks. Goats under this method are more likely to contract diseases from foreign herds in the event that they graze in communal fields. There is also a security risk posed by predators and thieves. Additionally, goats fed exclusively on free range pastures experience a very slow growth rate. The farmer has very little control over what the goat feeds on.

  • Semi-Zero grazing

This system combines aspects of free range goat farming and the zero-grazing system commonly used for rearing dairy cattle. The goats are released from the goat house for a specific number of hours per day. They are then returned to the goat house and fed with nutritious feeds. These feeds mostly consist of nutrients that lack in the grazing fields.

Semi-zero grazing is the best method to rear goats. It helps farmers to reduce the cost incurred on feeds. The system allows the farmer to control the growth rate of the goats as well as breeding. The meat quality under this system is also good as the goats get to exercise, which helps to prevent too much build-up of fats.

Farm Activities on a Goat Farm

  • Cleaning

Through their droppings and urine, goats release waste that has a very strong odor. This necessitates daily thorough cleaning. Cleaning also ensures that there is no build-up of disease-causing bacteria and viruses. It offers goats an environment that is free of stress.

Cleaning is done every morning after releasing the goats to the grazing fields. It involves sweeping and collecting all the dung. The house is then cleaned using water mixed with soap and disinfectant. The house should have a floor with a gentle slope towards the drainage in order to drain away all spillages.

  • Control of Parasites

Goats play host to parasites that are dangerous to their health. There are two types of parasites; external parasites and internal parasites. External parasites are those that are found on the outer body of an animal while internal parasites are found inside the body of the animal. External parasites that commonly attack goats are keds, nose bot fly, fly maggots, and lice. Internal parasites that attack goats are liver flukes, stomach worms, coccidia, and lungworms.

Goats should be observed routinely for the presence of external and internal parasites. While it may be easy to observe external parasites, internal parasites need keener observation. Goats under parasite attacks may show fever, coughing, rough hair coat, depression, and weight loss. Other signs of parasites are diarrhea, anaemia, and swelling under the jaw.

Parasites can be controlled through putting in place a strict deworming schedule. Ivermectin is the best drug to use for deworming goats as it acts against all internal parasites that attack goats. For external parasites, the goats should be sprayed with acaricides on a weekly basis. The goat house should also be sprayed with acaricides to kill parasites and their eggs found on floors.

  • Hoof Trimming

Hoof trimming is a necessary management practice in goats as it helps to prevent injury to other goats and the farm operator. Hoof trimming helps goats to move easily on the farm and to prevent lameness.

This practice should be carried by a qualified veterinary doctor in order to ensure that the goats do not sustain injuries in the process. A hoof knife is used to carry out the practice. After hoof trimming, the hooves of the goats should be inserted in copper sulfate solution. This solution has antimicrobial properties which prevents infections such as foot rot.

  • Castration

One major problem in goat farming is controlling inbreeding in the herd. All the goats tend to be grazed and housed together irrespective of sex. This may lead to inbreeding and uncontrolled breeding. This problem is solved by castrating kids if the farmer intends to raise them for meat.

While there are several methods of castrating goats, the best method to use is the rubber elastrator. Using a band castration tool, the goats’ testicles are fitted with a rubber elastrator band. The blood supply to the testicles is cut off. With time, the testicles will fall off the goat. Goats being reared for meat should be castrated in order to rid their meat of buck odor.

Goat Diseases

  • Bacterial Pneumonia

Bacterial pneumonia is a respiratory disease that commonly attacks goats and sheep. Goats with bacterial pneumonia have high fevers of up to 41°C. They experience difficulties in breathing and a crackling sound can be heard from the lungs. The affected goats also cough and a discharge is released from the nose. They also experience loss of appetite and general body weakness.

Bacterial pneumonia is treated using prescribed antibiotics. To prevent the spread of the disease on the farm, infected animals should be isolated from the rest of the herd. Overpopulation and poor ventilation are factors that may predispose goats to bacterial pneumonia. The housing should be well ventilated and stocked with the appropriate number of goats.

  • Coccidiosis

Coccidiosis is a goat disease that is caused by parasitic protozoa. These pathogens may be ingested through pastures in the grazing fields or through dirty drinking water. Goats with coccidiosis experience diarrhea with mucus or stained with blood, in addition to constipation. They also experience a loss of appetite and dehydration which results from diarrhea. The affected animal also loses weight.

Coccidiosis is treated by drugs referred to as coccidiostats and intravenous fluids to hydrate the affected goat. Coccidiosis can be prevented by maintaining good hygiene in the house. The surfaces should not be wet and should be accessible to sunlight. Drinking water should also be clean.

  • Foot Rot

Foot rot affects the hooves of goats. It is a disease that is characterized by pus and a bad odor emanating from the affected area. Infected animals experience difficulty in walking and may lift the affected leg in the air or opt to graze while on their knees. This disease also has a negative impact on the goat as it leads to loss of appetite, reduced milk production, and infertility.

Foot rot is treated through hoof trimming and dipping the affected area in a foot bath that contains copper sulfate solution. Antibiotics may also be prescribed by the veterinarian. Foot rot can be prevented by hygiene in the goat house. The house should be kept dry at all times. Hoof trimming should also be done periodically on the farm. Animals with severe foot rot should be isolated from the herd and culled.

  • Listeriosis

Also called the circling disease, listeriosis is a high mortality bacterial disease that affects goats and sheep. Animals get infected upon consumption of expired feeds or spoiled pastures which may be contaminated by Listeria-causing bacteria. An infected animal moves around in circles and may have seizures. Other signs of listeriosis include drooping of ears, drooling with saliva, and paralysis on one side of the face.

Listeriosis can be treated through use of prescribed antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and drugs that treat the nervous system called electrolytes. This disease is prevented by ensuring that animals are not fed with spoiled fodder or expired feeds.

  • Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis

This is a viral goat disease that has a very high mortality rate. For this reason, it has been described as the “HIV of goats” due to its immuno-suppressing characteristics. Infection occurs through the use of medical instruments like dehorners and needles on several animals without disinfecting the instruments. It may also be transmitted to kids when they suckle milk from an infected doe.

Infected animals cannot be cured but the virus can be managed throughout the life of the animal. It can be prevented through testing of goats before purchasing them. It is recommended that all positive animals be culled from the farm to prevent the disease from spreading.

Conclusion

In conclusion, embarking on the journey of goat farming can be an immensely rewarding and fulfilling endeavor. As we have explored throughout this comprehensive guide, there are various aspects to consider and numerous best practices to follow in order to establish a successful goat farming operation.

While the knowledge shared in this guide is invaluable, there is no substitute for hands-on experience and witnessing thriving goat farms in action. Aspiring goat farmers should strongly consider visiting successful goat farms to observe and learn firsthand the practical skills and techniques employed by seasoned farmers.

Agritembea, our innovative platform dedicated to fostering agricultural knowledge exchange, offers an exceptional opportunity for aspiring goat farmers to connect with established goat farmers. By joining this vibrant community, one gains access to a network of experienced goat farmers willing to open the gates to their farms and share their wisdom, insights, and best practices.

Remember, learning from the experiences of others is an excellent way to avoid common pitfalls and set yourself on the path to success in goat farming. Through Agritembea, you can find and visit model goat farms, where you’ll witness the implementation of advanced strategies, the well-being of the goats, and the overall efficiency of operations.

So, why wait? Take the leap, explore the bountiful world of goat farming, and utilize the valuable resources offered by Agritembea to pave the way for a thriving and prosperous goat farming venture. Your dedication, coupled with the shared knowledge of seasoned farmers, will undoubtedly lead you to the pinnacle of success in this gratifying agricultural pursuit. Happy goat farming!