Goat farming has been a part of agricultural practices for centuries. Raising goats can be a rewarding experience that offers various benefits, such as providing nutritious milk, tasty meat, and luxurious fibre. However, like any livestock endeavour, goat farming comes with challenges. To ensure success, understanding the different breeds and their purposes is essential.

Benefits & Challenges Raising Goats

Goats are hardy, intelligent animals that can adapt to various environments. They are low maintenance, requiring less space and feed than larger livestock. However, like all animals, they can be prone to health issues and require proper care and attention to prevent diseases and injuries.

Different Breeds & Purposes

There are various goat breeds, each with its unique qualities. Dairy breeds like Alpine, Nubian, and Saanen are known for their milk production. Meat breeds like Boer and Kiko are bred for high-quality meat, while fibre breeds like Angora and Cashmere are prized for their luxurious fibres.

Housing & Fencing

Types of Shelters

A well-designed shelter is crucial to protect goats from the elements and predators. Common types of shelters include barns, sheds, or three-sided structures with a roof. Ensure the shelter has proper ventilation and is easy to clean.

Goat Housing Book

Space Requirements

Each goat requires approximately 20 square feet of indoor space and 250 square feet of outdoor space for grazing. Adequate space helps prevent overcrowding, which can lead to stress, poor health, and low productivity.

Fencing Options & Considerations

Choose a sturdy fencing option to keep goats safe and contained. Options include woven wire, electric, and wooden fences. Ensure the fence is tall enough to prevent goats from jumping over and secure enough to deter predators, as goats are great escapologists.

Nutrition & Feeding

Essential Nutrients Goats

Goats require a balanced diet with essential nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Fresh water should always be available and kept clean.

Goat Nutrition Book

Feed Types

A combination of forage, hay, and concentrates ensures a balanced diet. Offer pasture or hay as the primary food source, supplemented with grains or commercial goat feeds for additional nutrients.

Feeding Schedules & Management

Feed goats twice a day, providing the necessary nutrients without overfeeding. Adjust the feeding schedule based on factors like age, breed, and purpose (meat, dairy, or fibre). Ensure each goat gets it share of the food.

Health & Wellness

Health Issues Goats

Some common goat health issues include parasites, respiratory infections, and hoof problems. Monitor your goats closely for signs of illness, and take preventative measures promptly.

Preventative Care

Routine care, such as deworming, vaccinations, and hoof trimming, is essential to maintain good health. Provide a clean, dry environment to minimize disease risks.

Veterinarian

Contact a veterinarian if you notice unusual behaviour, lethargy, weight loss, or other signs of illness. Prompt intervention can prevent complications and improve recovery.

Breeding & Kidding

Goat Reproduction Cycle

Goats have a reproductive cycle of approximately 21 days, with a gestation period of around 150 days. Breeding season typically occurs in the autumn; however, some breeds can breed year-round.

Preparing Kidding Goats

Ensure the doe is in good health before breeding. Provide a clean, warm, and comfortable environment for the doe to give birth.

Kidding Goats Book

Newborn Goat Care & Management

Monitor newborns closely, ensuring they receive colostrum within the first few hours of birth. Keep the environment clean and dry to prevent infections.

Raising healthy and happy goats requires knowledge, dedication, and long-term commitment.

Table of Contents

Healthy & Happy Goats - Poem

Goat – Bess

There once was a farmer named Jim,

Who longed for a goat that was in trim,

He searched high and low,

For a goat that would make his herd grow.

He travelled the lanes, near and far,

In search of a goat without a scar,

At last, in a village remote,

He found the most beautiful goat.

Bess’s coat was as soft as the breeze,

Her eyes shone like bright, sparkling seas,

She was his new pride and toy,

Jim smiled and knew he'd enjoy.

He brought her back home to his farm,

Her presence, became a charm,

The other goats gathered around,

Their welcoming bleats did resound.

The shelter was cozy and warm,

To keep all in good form,

Fencing secured that stood tall,

To protect them, one and all.

Jim cared for their diets with thought,

Nutritional feed, he lovingly brought,

With fresh hay, and water so clear,

The goats, he kept free from fear.

He tended their hooves with great care,

Vaccinations beyond compare,

A watchful eye, both day and night,

Ensuring each goat stayed alright.

Now Bess was to join in the fray,

A new generation, to stay,

As kids came along, she did bloom,

Her offspring, like her, Jim did groom.

The farm was alive with delight,

Healthy goats frolicking with sprite,

And farmer Jim, proud as could be,

His herd thriving, happy to see.

Here's to Jim’s goats, big and small,

Their lives filled with love, standing tall,

With care and devotion abound,

A happy and healthy life, Bess found.

May Goat – Song Lyrics

Goat Head Canvas Artwork

In a pasture green and wide,

Where the sun shines bright outside,

There's a happy goat named May,

Dancing through the fields all day.

May the goat, she's full of cheer,

Brings smiles, from ear to ear,

Her laughter bright, her spirit light,

A ray of sunshine in all’s sight.

With her friends, May loves to play,

Chasing butterflies all day,

They leap and bound, their joy unbound,

Their bleats in delight resounds.

May the goat, full of elation and cheer,

Brings smiles to all, from ear to ear,

Her laughter bright, her spirit light,

A ray of sunshine in all’s sight.

A life of plenty, joy, and grace,

A paradise where they embrace,

The grass so lush, their meals deluxe,

Their every need, fulfilled with trust.

As the sun sets in the sky,

A golden glow, a sweet goodbye,

May and her friends gather near,

Their hearts content, no need for fear.

Oh, May the goat, she's full of cheer,

Bringing smiles from ear to ear,

Her laughter’s bright, her spirit light,

A ray of sunshine in all’s sight.

In dreams, they rest, their hearts at peace,

A love for life that won't decrease,

And every day, as the sun does rise,

May's laughter fills the morning skies.

May the goat, she's so full of cheer,

Always bringing smiles to those who hear,

Her laughter’s bright, with spirit light,

A ray of sunshine, in all’s sight.

Book

Success Guide For Raising Health Goats

External Links

Goat Farming

Artwork Citations

Goat Wellbeing

Short Guide to Raising Healthy and Happy Goats

Content

Introduction Goat Farming

Raising Healthy & Happy Goats

Introduction Goat Farming

Benefits & Challenges Raising Goats

Different Breeds & Purposes

Housing & Fencing

Types of Shelters

Space Requirements

Fencing Options & Considerations

Nutrition & Feeding

Essential Nutrients Goats

Feed Types

Feeding Schedules & Management

Goat Reproduction Cycle

Preparing Kidding Goats

Newborn Goat Care & Management

Healthy & Happy Goats - Poem

May Goat – Song Lyrics

Photographs & Art Works

Copyright

My Lap Shop Publishers

Keywords: Angora goats, Boer goats, breeding, Cashmere goats, dairy goats, fencing, fibre goats, goat farming, goat health, goat housing, goat nutrition, Kiko goats, kidding, livestock, meat goats, newborn care, Nubian goats, preventative care, reproduction cycle, Saanen goats, shelter, space requirements, veterinarian, wellness,

Hashtags: #AngoraGoats, #BoerGoats, #Breeding, #CashmereGoats, #DairyGoats, #Fencing, #FiberGoats, #GoatFarming, #GoatHealth, #GoatHousing, #GoatNutrition, #KikoGoats, #Kidding, #Livestock, #MeatGoats, #NewbornCare, #NubianGoats, #PreventativeCare, #ReproductionCycle, #SaanenGoats, #Shelter, #SpaceRequirements, #Veterinarian, #Wellness,

Created:18 July 2023

Published: 16 November 2023

Page URL: https://www.goatlapshop.com/goatwellbeing.htm