Planning a profitable goat farm

It is easier to manage one or two goats than managing a farm. You need to thoroughly research the market and the operational factors. Information should be gathered from a broad range of sources: existing farm owners, other local farmers, publications, the internet, agriculture universities, primary industries, consultants and financial advisors.

After market study, you need to have a clear understanding of your personal and business goals. Livestock farming requires day to day attention. You have to change your lifestyle accordingly. Is it a full-time or part-time commitment?

Type of farm you want to develop:
There are many options; such as one who has surplus agriculture land, both feed and water is available in plenty, may choose to do it as mixed enterprise. In this type, one gets advantage of fodder availability and the manure from goat farming can be used for agriculture. Goats can be grazed on crop stubbles and help in weed control. Goats are relatively cheap with respect to the cost of maintaining other animals.

One can also rear goats along with other livestock such as cattle and buffaloes. Goats and cattle have different grazing habits and therefore competition for feed and pressure on plants is reduced if they are maintained on extensive system. Mixed farming also control the internal parasites. Diversification of income

Raising goats for meat
Meat has a great demand. Meat prices are also high and there is a less fluctuation in it. Selection of faster growing goats and meat marketing are the most important factors.

Raising goats for milkGoat milk has medicinal properties and is preferred for young ones. Studies have shown that the fat of goat milk (CLA) is helpful in treating various metabolic disorders in humans. Selection of milch breed is important. Also there is need to develop a market for goat milk to fetch a good price.

Market

Access to market is important in goat farming. You get idea of market period and location after your survey. With this information you can plan; when should your products be ready? Also if steady market is situated away from your farm, you need to consider the transportation cost and losses.


Farm location and climate
It’s become easier to build a farm in a location where other farmers are running there goat units. You can also get the idea from goat owners about the preferences of land by goats and suitability.

Semi-arid, dry climate is more suitable for goats. In fact goats can be raised in any climate, but housing arrangements should be made in a such a way that goat health gat least affected.

If you are choosing extensive feeding system then there should be shelter arrangement to protect from wind, cold and heat.

When assessing the suitability of farm location, you need to , know the quantity, quality, location and reliability of the water sources. Water is required for both goats and forage. Water availability will determine the number of goats you can maintain on the respective location.

Fencing
The potential threat from predator animals should be considered while building a farm. Fencing is thus becomes essential.