GOAT FARMING AND IT'S USEFULNESS

Goat farming has been in existing since the creation of Earth and it is a vry profitable business because of the by-products gotten from rearing goats, e.g Meat, Milk, Fibre and several other products.

In the world today it has been made obvious the cost involved in rearing goats, which is extremely low and it has contributed to the growth of several countries economy and also nutritional growth of many countries.

Goats are animals of great importance in terms of money production, why? because of their multi functionality. This include production of meat, milk, manure, fiber, buttons, bone meal, and NOTE their milk is used for the production of fresh goat milk, full cream goat powder, skimmed goat milk powder and goat powder.

Goat meat is a great source of meat all over the world which contains high proteins that help for growth in humans and repairing of worn out tissues, Goat skin which plays a vital role in leathery industry for the production of leather wears such as Belts, Sandals, Shoes e.g Safty boots and several foot wears and their wool serves several purpose like production of cardigans used mostly over seas for cold weather condition.

MERITS OF GOAT FARM

Though goat serves as small cow for the poor and helps provide milk and meat it also does not require much income in it's establishment and also it provides some cash for low income earners.

• Goat rearing require low capital.
• Due their small body, they don't really require large area for their rearing.
• Risk are minimal in their production unlike every other livestock farming.
• Their market value are usually at equilibrium between the Buck and the Doe.
• They are free from cholesterol as a result of their constant consumption of mostly grasses and fibers.
• Goats are usually used for mixed farming because the farmer grows efficiently during mixed farming.
• They rarely acquire diseases.
• Goats manure are used for fertilizers in farm lands.

STARTING A GOAT FARM

Before starting a goat farm you must have a good business plan. You must look for a suitable land for the goat farm that is close to fresh water source, available food sources i.e land filled with good grasses, fertile farm land to encourage mixed farming, available labor force, closeness to transportation and veterinary service.

CHOOSING SUITABLE BREED

1. Pygmy goats oriented in Africa
2. Nigeria dwarf goat.
3. Cashmere goats.
4. Black bengal goats.
5. Mountain goats.
6. Boer goat.

MAKE SUITABLE HOUSING FOR THE GOAT.

For commercial production, a good housing system is necessary for increased production, unlike small scale farmers that allow their goat in the same environment with other animals i.e Mixed farming. Note your goat should always be kept in a neat environment with good ventilation and proper cleaning of their house.

FEEDING

They don’t eat other animals. Usually goats prefer to eat grasses, plants, shrubs, weeds and herbs. Besides those feeds, goat also need energy, portion, vitamins, fiber and water for proper growth and for making better profits from this business.

CARE AND MANAGEMENT

• Never feed your goat contaminated food.
• Keep their house as clean as possible.
• Clean their house on a regular basis.
• For commercial farmers try to separate the KIDS, DOES AND BUCKS.
• Take good care of the pregnant DOES.
• Keep the kids with their mother for several weeks.

VACCINATION

Goats are usually affected by:

• Goat pox
• PPR (PESTE DES PETITS RUMINANTS)
• Foot and mouth disease
• Anthrax
• Brucellosis

caution kids should be given ppr vaccine 5 months after birth. vaccines such as ppr vaccine foot and mouth vaccine anthrax vaccine.

TIPS ON HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR FARM Always try to keep your goat healthy and strong. Always choose the right and high productive goat breeds for your business. Try to learn more about goat farming business from the nearest livestock training center or expert producers in your area. Ensure a big area so that your goats can roam freely, because they like to live in groups. Make sure the availability of all equipment which are essential for goat farms. To produce better milk, meat and to keep the goat free from diseases, make sure a well bred conduct. Provide them sufficient clean water, food and fresh grasses according to their daily demand. Be more careful about goat feeding. Never feed them contaminated food or polluted water. Take some extra care to the pregnant doe, breeding buck and kids. Feed the buck some extra nutritious food during the period of mating. To improve your goat’s health contact with a veterinarian regularly (if possible). Give salt and mineral with a lot of water during the summer season. Keep your goats away from cold and rain to avoid mass death.

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