About Goat Farm

About Goat Farm

Run the goat farm based on the breed of goats and the purpose of the farm. Similar to cows, goats have different qualities that make them more suited toward meat, dairy or fiber production and even land management. Dairy goats require special milking equipment and easy-to-clean facilities where other goats have special needs once or twice a year (slaughtering or sheering). Choose the type of goat farm operation that best suits the farmer's lifestyle and dedication to caring for the animals.

Geography

Consider the geography and location of the farm when deciding what type of goat farm to run. European-bred dairy goats like the Swiss Alpine or the Saanen do well in cooler climates such as Wisconsin and northern California, while southern meat goat breeds prefer more arid, drier climates like those found in Texas, Arizona and New Mexico. Goat farms are in areas with large ethnic populations that eat goat meat, like Muslims, Asians and Africans.

Size

Make sure the farm is large enough to support the goatherd without overcrowding, allows for proper segregation of sexes and has adequate processing facilities. A small goatherd (approximately two dozen) needs about 10 acres of land to prosper. If raising goats for fiber, a bigger herd is necessary to make the farm financially viable. Plan to harvest about 40 pounds of meat for every mature meat goat slaughtered and to extract 3 to 4 quarts of milk per day for each milking doe.

Identification

Pick the types of goats to raise based on the purpose of the goat farm. For goat milk and dairy production, choose the Nubian, French or Swiss Alpine, Saanen and Toggenburg species, specially bred for high milk production in cold climates. The Spanish Meat and Tennessee Meat goats are excellent choices for meat animals, as well as the Boer and the Kiko. Choose an Angora or an Australian Cashmere goat for an endless supply of mohair and cashmere in the spring sheering season.

Considerations

Raising goats is not like raising cows. The milk is smoother due to its natural homogenization, the meat has a different texture and caring for goats is easier on the beginning farmer. Milk goats can't give milk regularly until 18 months of age and need milking twice a day at routine intervals. Test all goats for brucellosis and tuberculosis, since these diseases pass through milk to humans. Keep unneutered male goats (bucks) separate from the females and limit the number of bucks in the herd. Feed goats fresh water, provide lots of pasture with weeds and branches, as well as grass, give legumes as a protein source and supplement milkers with more protein and grain.