Starting a goat farm is an exciting adventure with plenty of potential for both profit and personal fulfillment. In fact, a goat farm is a good way to earn extra income and has huge potential for becoming a full-time business.
However, it’s not as easy as it sounds. There’s a bit of a learning curve when it comes to goats. So be patient and forgiving with yourself as you get started.
If you’re thinking of starting your own goat farm, you will be faced with some tough decisions.
Starting with which goat breed to raise.
Decide Which Goat Breed You’ll Raise
There are a few things to consider when deciding which goat breed to raise.
What Will Your Goat’s Purpose Be
This might sound like an existential question, but in truth, it’s quite practical. For example, if you want goats for milk, then you’ll need a dairy breed like the Saanen.
But if you want goats for meat, then you’ll need a meat breed like the Boer.
And if you just want goats as pets, then any breed will do!
Of course, there are a few breeds that are also fantastic fiber animals, like the Angora goat and the cashmere[1] [2] .
What you’d like to do with your goats will weigh heavily on your breed decision.
Your Terrain
While your terrain doesn’t play as large of a role in the breed you decide to take on, it’s something to think about. If you have a lot of hills, for example, then you might want a breed that’s good at climbing, like the Alpine.
On the other hand, if you have a lot of brush, then you’ll probably want a breed that’s good at maneuvering through it, like the Nubian.
Personal Preferences
Finally, you’ll want to consider your own personal preferences. Do you want a friendly goat or one that is more independent?
Do you want a goat with long hair or short hair?
Do you want a goat that’s easy to care for or one that is a bit more high maintenance?
Consider all of these things when choosing your breed and you’re sure to find the perfect one for you.
Learn About The Health of Goats
If you’re thinking about starting a goat farm, it’s important to understand goat health.
Goats are susceptible to several diseases and health problems, so it’s important to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of these conditions.
For example, goats can get sick from eating spoiled food, drinking dirty water, or exposure to cold weather. They can also get sick from parasites, viruses, and bacteria. To keep your goats healthy, you should provide them with clean food and water, shelter from the elements, and regular check-ups from a veterinarian.
Additionally, you’ll need to know how to properly care for your goats and what to do if they do become sick. By understanding goat health, you can help keep your goats happy and healthy.
Understand Goat Behavior Before You Start a Goat Farm
If you’re thinking about starting a goat farm, it’s important to become familiar with goat behavior.
You’ll find that goats are extremely curious, playful, sensitive, and bossy little critters. They’re also social animals and prefer to live in groups.
And there’s a difference in behavior during breeding vs. a regular day of the month (yes, they come into heat each month (in most cases)).
Learning what aggression, playfulness, sickness, and breeding behaviors look like will go a long way when caring for your herd.
Determine Your Goat’s Housing Needs
When it comes to housing, goats need a sturdy shelter that’s well-ventilated and has plenty of room for them to move around.
When it comes to fencing, goats are escape artists, so you’ll need to make sure your fence is tall and secure.
Lastly, goats are browsers, not grazers, so they need a diet that includes a variety of browse (leaves, twigs, and other plant material).
Understand Goat Parasites and Have a Plan Before You Start a Goat Farm
If you’re thinking about starting a goat farm, it’s important to understand the parasites that can affect goats. Goats are susceptible to a variety of parasites, including gastrointestinal worms, lungworms, and lice.
These parasites can cause serious health problems for goats, including weight loss, poor appetite, anemia, and death. Goats that are infected with parasites may even die if not treated early on.
While there are several products available to control parasites in goats, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian before using any of them.
Unfortunately, some products may not be effective against all types of parasites, and some may be unsafe for goats. So it’s important to have a plan before you bring any goats onto your property.
If you do your research, network a bit, and spend some time learning about goat health and behavior, you’ll be well on your way to a healthy herd.
We hope you enjoyed our article about everything you need before you start a goat farm. Starting your herd with this knowledge is a great way to start off on the right foot, we wish you the best of luck!
If you have any other questions about starting a goat farm or need help with anything else related to running a farm, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us anytime!