Goat farming is a long-established enterprise. Also, rearing goats is a profitable business since the very beginning. As per the current trends and economic standpoint, it is still a profitable business with less risk. So, the scope of Goat Farming is excellent.
Goats are multi-functional animals with various advantages. One can get a variety of products like milk, meat, manure, fiber, etc. Goats convert sub-quality grazing matter into quality meat. Along, with that goat rearing is possible on small pasture lands with limited resources.
Advantages of Goat Farming
Before understanding the process of setting up a goat farming business, let’s look into details of its advantages.
1. Profitable business
Goat farming is a sure way to scale a profitable venture. Goats’ multi-functionality provides many essential and profitable products like meat, milk, fiber, and many more. The demand for these products is high, so it guarantees profits.
2. Less Capital Investment
Compared to other livestock or cattle, goats need less space and limited facilities that are affordable. On top of that, they need the least management and care.
Thus, the requirement of capital for goat farming is less than most other businesses. one can start goat farming with a small number of goats and later grow the business. One can indeed start gaining profits from low investment goat farming in one to two years. Also, goats need a compact shelter with no expensive equipment.
3. High Business Growth Rate
Goat reaches maturity fast and produces kids once per year. Due to this factor, even if one starts a business with a small number of goats, the business will grow profitable within a year. So it is a win-win situation.
4. Easy Maintenance
Managing goats is a simple and easy task. The cost of maintenance is less, and it is cheap to bear the costs. If one compares the management of goat farms with other animal farms, it is relatively affordable. Also, one should note that due to their submissive nature, goats are easy to handle.
5. Less Labour Cost
One of the most crucial factors of goat farming is that it doesn’t require any special skills to run it. Unemployed youths, women, ex-servicemen, businessmen, etc. can run the farms with minimum education. So, the cost of labor is less and easy on the pocket. Also, one doesn’t need to search for laborers, as they are readily available.
6. Government Aid
Every country’s government has different policies and Aid committees to help farmers and businesses set up and run goat farms. They provide valuable resources for the rearing of the goats, which are mostly free to use.
7. Easy to get Investment
Various local and international banks provide loans with few terms and conditions for goat farming. Government banks have various loan options with little to no interest rate on them.
8. Less Risk
The goat’s management and disease risk are very little compared to other animal farming. The risks are so less that one can say it as a risk-free business if done with proper research and planning.
9. Marketing
Goat-related products have an adequate local demand and established market in every region and country. So, marketing is easy. The link between farmer and consumer is direct, so marketing is cheaper too.
10. Care & Health Management
Goats are healthy animals with the ability to adapt themselves quickly to any agro-climatic conditions. The disease outbreaks in goats are less, and the cost of treatment of these diseases is cheaper than other farm animals. So health management is cost-effective.
11. Age Factor
Irrespective of their small size, goats reach the age of slaughter sooner than any other animal. Thus, they are a profitable option to yield fast income for the establishment of a secure business.
As we discussed, Goat farming is a traditional occupation and is profitable. People usually trade goat milk, products, and goat meat for getting profits. Now, as you have gone through the benefits and advantages of Goat Farming, you must be curious about the actual set up of this business. This business is not only profitable but also sustainable.
Tips on How to start Goat Farming Business
If you are serious about goat farming and want to start your own successful goat farming business, then read this article from the start. The article has everything that one needs to start the goat farming business that gives profit. This the only business plan you’ll ever need to establish well-managed goat farms.
1. Right Location
Goats are social animals and love to spend their time in groups. Thus, location and shelter arrangements must be a top priority for setting up a goat farm. Goats don’t live in individual pens, so they need space. A large field is best because it allows goats to roam freely. Various studies have proved that freely roaming goats have higher immunity and lesser risk of infection.
Goats survive in every type of climate, but most of the common goats flourish in warm temperatures. Another important aspect of location is that it should be near the pastures or grazing land. As goats at lots of grass daily and their food consumption is relatively high.
Pollution is harmful to goats like all the other farm animals. So, it is best if the goat farm’s location is away from the urban areas for better care of goats. Also, as the grass consumption of goat is high, urban areas don’t have easy access to adequate food.
Some other important points for selecting a farm are:
A) The farm must have ample water. So, location near a pond, stream, or other types of water resource. One can also consider setting up a tube well on the farm.
B) Rural areas are best for goat farms. This way, one can quickly get labor and pasture lands nearby.
C) The location with a good transport connection is essential. In this way, it will be easy to market the produce and transport the resources to and from the farm.
D) A location near a veterinary center is practical. Also, it is great if the location is pollution and noise-free.
2. Check Local Regulations
Local regulations vary on goat farming from area to area. So, one needs to follow the guidelines of the local authorities. It is essential to contact the local supervisor, zone board, or regional government office about the limits and breed information. Before asking about the rules, mention to the officials clearly that you are seeking commercial use regulations.
3. Get Training
Getting official Training in rearing goats is necessary for running a successful goat farming business. So, one should check a nearby training center that provides Training in goat farming. Through researching and reading articles, one can get theoretical knowledge of goat farming. But through Training, one get practical knowledge of the work. One would learn basic and essential goat management techniques, breeds, health check-ups, and caring for kids and pregnant goats. It is advisable to read many books along with the Training.
4. Purchasing necessary Equipment
One needs some essential equipment for rearing goats like feeding baskets, water pots, medicines, etc. Before purchasing goats and bringing them to the farm, all the equipment installation is a must. The essential equipment types are shelter, fences, silage pit, separate barns for male and female goats, bets, etc. This is a one-time investment. So go for it.
5. Buy at least two Goats
Goats are troublesome if they are alone or separated. Thus, one needs to keep at least two goats together in one enclosure. One should also keep in mind that uncastrated male goats are not kept with the female goats. So, proper planning and knowledge about goat breeds and sex are essential. However, one should not expect to gain profits from them soon.
6. Chose the right product
Different breeds of goats are better at giving different produce. So, first, one needs to determine the demand for the goat product in the market. After determining the demand, one should open a commercial goat farm. If the capital and farm location is suitable for serving the international market, any type of goat related product is best. On a local level, a dairy or meat farm is profitable for an established business. Sell other products complimentary to the meat or milk products.
7. Land requirement
Intensive goat rearing in small areas with supplement feeds is possible. If the area is not a problem, then 2-10 goats per acre is the standard. Bush and supply of the grass are also factors that determine the number of goats per acre. Goats select their feeding requirements according to the weeds, grass, shrubs, and leaves. Goats also help in re-establishing grass species in certain areas and are useful for low-cost environment management.
8. Selection of Goats
Selection of the breed of goat dependent upon the type of commercial farm one is establishing. There are many breeds of goats all over the world. Some goats provide a high quality of meats, while some are good at yielding a high milk quantity. Other goats produce good fiber and skins. Some famous goat breeds are Beetal, Sannen. Boer, Black Bengal, Jamanapuri, Osmanabadi.
Goats are of 3 types:
1. Females (Does)
2. Uncastrated Males (Bucks)
3. Castrated Males (Wether)
It is not required that bucks impregnate the goats; one buck over 30 is a good ratio for commercial goat farms. Goat breeds are the next important aspect of goats. It mainly decides the quality and quantity of the produce.
9. Selecting suitable breed
People rear goats for many reasons. So the selection of goat breed depends on the reason for the commercial goat farming. So once the reason or motive behind the goat rearing is exact, the breed selection becomes more comfortable.
For the efficient process of the selection, go to a nearby government livestock association. There, one can get information about the excellent goat breeds.
The information is according to:
1. Goat rearing for milk,
2. Goat rearing for meat,
3. Goat rearing for hair,
4. Goat rearing for selling as pets.
There are goats with high milk production quality or breeds that mature faster. The type of breed depends upon the farm requirements. Also, the management and care of goats depend upon the selection of breed. Thus, one should consult an expert before selecting the breeds of goats for the farm.
10. Age of goat
The younger goats are kids. People also call the younger goats bucklings and doelings according to the sex. Younger goats are cheaper if purchased around eight weeks and tends to grow friendlier with the human. They need extra care and management in a healthy environment for at least one to two years. Then only they are mature enough for breeding, giving milk, or meat.
Many junior kids between 6 months to 1 year of age come with breeding for giving milk sooner. An older goat might be the cheapest option of all. But, one needs to be cautious because often sellers sell the lowest producing goat of their herds. This could affect profitability.
11. Veterinarian
It is important to get easy access to a veterinarian around the farm. Animal farms, in general, have chances for the spread of disease or infection. Thus, a veterinarian is crucial for avoiding losses due to health issues or improper health management. They help in diagnosing the symptoms of diseases and to suggest dietary recommendations and supplements.
One also needs to stock medicines and vaccines in the farms as a precaution. This will help in managing any unforeseeable disease outbreak and maximizing production. Along with it, knowledge about local government facilities is essential too; Because many government facilities provide low-cost treatment and medication for farm animals.
The last piece of advice to follow is to get a proper understanding of a good veterinarian’s work and expertise. One should follow the guidelines to hire an expert who is trustable. An experienced veterinarian is an excellent long term investment for the farm and maximizing profits.
One should also learn the primary health care management for goats and first aid. If one wants to gain profits from their goats, it is necessary to be good at care and health management. Whereas following the veterinarian’s guidelines is the best way to care for the goats.
12. Fencing
Fencing is a critical aspect that most goat farmers experience. It helps in managing the goats and keeping them safe. Many harmful animals like dogs are also kept away from the goats with the help of fencing. One can make a fence out of regular wire or electric wire, according to the budget. Also, the choice of fencing largely depends upon the space of the farm and location.
13. Proper food
So, the thing is, goats are great eaters as they eat everything and anything. Thus, one needs to be cautious that there are no poisonous plants or vines on the goat farm. Food management guidelines suggest the exact type of food one needs to give the goats in varying developmental stages. This recommendation changes according to age, season, location, and exceptional cases.
Food is an essential part of commercial goat farming. Feeding good quality of food with adequate nutrition is necessary for yielding high quality of produce from goats. This will ensure the profitability of the business. A balanced diet with green food and supplements is a must for this.
Clean and fresh grass for feeding is essential because they are picky eaters. They don’t eat dried or soiled grass. Thus, one should feed only fresh greens to goats, or else they’ll starve. As goats are herbivores, they only eat grass, shrubs, leaves, plants, and vines. They need energy, potassium, vitamins, fibers, proteins, and water for proper development.
Always try to give a diet that is balancing in all nutrition for the goats. All the essential minerals, vitamins, and supplements in a fixed ratio are necessary for a healthy diet. Nowadays, goat farmers are feeding their goats 12- 18% protein-containing feeds. Besides food, fresh and clean water is also essential for goats. One needs to make sure that there is an adequate amount of water on the farm for every goat.
Now Let’s look into different types of food for goats!
1. Oats, crash corns, and the dark seed of sunflower is the best blend for weight gain. Because it contains so much protein, fiber, carbo hydride, oils, and other significant things. This assists with getting a solid body. It additionally serves to process appropriately rapidly.
2. Barley and field pea are ideal food, yet two of those things, at any rate, need soaking for two days.
3. At any point, other animal grasses are the best nourishment for goats.
4. Minerals are an essential component for Goats, particularly for female goats.
5. Each farmer must have a minimal measure of information about the breed and development of goats for feeding purpose
5. By raising goats, one can utilize kitchen scraps for their feed. Goats will happily eat them. Some of the scraps are banana peel, orange peel, tomato, different vegetables, and various organic produce.
14. Housing
Goats are free-roaming animals and rarely stays inside a house. But proper housing is essential to keep them safe and secure from the environment and predators. Housing provides shelter in extreme weather for goats. So, in commercial farming, a shelter with all the amenities is a necessity.
Goats have high adaptability; thus they can adjust quickly to their new shelter life at farms. They can happily stay inside barns and with other farm animals or livestock. But, goats can’t tolerate harsh cold weather and heavy rain. So, one must take extra care while building shelters about it. It is best to build a draft-free building to keep the shelter warm and cozy. Also, one needs to have proper ventilation and sunlight in the shelter. An efficient drainage system inside the shelter is a must for easy cleaning of the shelter.
The house should have all types of facilities built inside it. It indirectly influences the productivity and profitability of the farm. The average space for each goat, as per general guidelines, is 1.5 to 2.0 square meters. Thus, build the shelter following the number of goats. Make sure that there are separate rooms for female and male goats inside the shelter.
Making an extra room for milking the goats is a practical option that one can consider. The shelter should also have large reinforced doors and at least two exits. This will help to vacant the shelter quickly in case of an emergency.
Primary Shed-related information:
1. For commercial farming, 25 feet *30 feet (length and width) is enough shade size for 125-200 goats.
2. One will need to separate the goats and keep them in different rooms as per their age.
3. For a profitable farm with enough shed area, at least seven compartments help a healthy growth process.
4. Although, having only four compartments is alright too.
Compartment types:
The separation of each compartment is as per the maturity and gender of the goats. Thus, a shelter must have seven different compartments for
1. Matured male goats (bucks)
2. Mature female goats (does)
3. Teenager
4. Weak or ill goats
5. Breeding
6. Kids
7. Food serving/ Milking
But, if one is starting at a smaller scale for around 10-15 goats, it is better to have a multifunction for compartments. It is fair to down-size the compartment for food serving, breeding, and space for ill goats. Besides, teenage goats can use the compartment for ill-goats. Similarly, kids can use the breeding compartment. Another thing to note is that a goat will need a peaceful area when the birth is approaching.
Shedding Materials:
Straw, hay, wood chips, or sawdust are essential for covering the goat shelter. Goat Shelter will help out is depositing clean and comfortable housing for goats.
15. Goat Behaviour
In broad terms, goats are of two types;
1. Domestic goats (Capra hircus)- live as indoor farm animals for the economic purpose; and,
2. Mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) live around mountains, and places like the American Northwest region are suitable.
Like any other animal, goats have a specific behavioral pattern too. So here are some points for getting to understand goats in a better way:
1. Goats, especially bucks, are aggressive.
2. Goat’s horn structure and size are relative to its level of aggression.
3. They are social animals and are friendly to humans.
4. They are grown as domestic pets and live indoors on farms or barns.
5. Through eyesight and sound, mother goat can quickly identify their kid. Development of this ability happens within 4 hours of childbirth.
6. Scent is the significant way through which goats bond, especially adult goats with young kids.
16. Proper planning
Every business is unique and its own need. Goat farming is the same, so make a specialized plan for it. The plan needs execution only after details and proper research of the business goals and need.
17. Good transportation
A good transport network from the farm to the nearby market and health facility is critical. As for selling, one needs to travel to these places frequently. If the transportation route is not good, it will create inconvenience and cost more to sell the farm’s produce.
18. Plan out costs
Costs for rearing goats for commercial purpose differs from time to time and from place to place. The same goes for profits one can earn from rearing goats. It is better to research and get a good idea about the cost of setting up the goat farming business before establishing one. Try to talk to goat framers about it or research through books or local guides about goat farming to estimate cost and profit.
Modify your plan or number of goats or type of breed if the estimates are above your budget. It is useful to keep in mind that a goat farming business may not profit for two years, especially if the goats are young. As one also needs to invest in setting up fences and proper housing for the goats.
Some good questions to ask before setting up a goat farming business are:
1. How must does it cost to raise goats of different ages or different breeds? Based on this, how many goats are affordable for running the business?
2. What is the quantity of milk one doe of a specific breed can produce? In how much can one sell this milk in the market?
3. How much does a goat for slaughtered meat sells? Is there a particular time or festival that the meat sells for more than the average days?
4. How much extra costs do one have for unexpected maintenance or urgent times? What are the financial hardships if one goat dies? Is it manageable?
19. Care and Management
One must take good care of the goats, and it is significant to track all their activities. It is necessary to separate the weak goats from healthy ones and provide them with adequate treatment. For keeping the goats healthy and productive, vaccinate them on time and take them for routine check-ups.
One should do their best in taking care of the goats. Never let the goats consume contaminated food or polluted water. Goats are very picky for feeding. They don’t eat spoiled grass or dried plants. So, always provide them with fresh food supplies at the proper time, without any delay. Goats should not remain hungry for long periods.
For health reasons, their house needs to be clean, dry, and dust-free. So clean their houses at regular intervals with proper methods. Like other farm animals, goats need extra care during and after their pregnancy. One must let the kid live with the mother goat for several weeks after the birth with special care.
For gaining profits from the goat business, it is valuable to keep the goats healthy and robust. Goats are social animals and strive in groups, so build big barns. Allow them to roam freely on farms or nearby grazing lands for having fun or running around. With proper care and management, goats rarely get sick. Care will enhance the chances of gaining profits from the produces of healthy goats. If goats are happy, they are healthy, and it is not a challenging task to achieve.
Taking care of goats is a work of patience and determination. So one needs to do it, without any delays continuously. One must provide care and proper management for the goats. With this, one doesn’t need to worry about profits. As the produce will itself speak of its high quality and standard.
20. Vaccination
Many diseases are harmful to goats. Some of the major ones are PPR, goat pox, foot and mouth diseases, and bacterial diseases like anthrax, brucellosis, etc. Thus, timely vaccination is necessary for the goats as a preventive measure. It’s excellent to vaccinate goats in their gestation period of the fifth month for PPR, goat pox, brucellosis. It is also important to vaccinate the kids off goats when they reach five months of age.
21. Make a Pasture
Making a pasture is essential for the commercial goat farming business. A personal pasture decreases the cost of supplementary food for the goats. It also allows for the free-roaming of the goats, and it is healthy for them. Thus, it is a significant factor for the business. But before making one, it is better to talk to a person in business and have knowledge in making such pastures as they can guide better in this aspect.
22. Marketing
Marketing is the easiest yet most important part of the goat farming business. So, if you have been with us until now, you must know all about the production. Now it is time to understand the details of marketing the products. One needs to take the marketing step by step. First, market the products locally, then at the country level, and lastly, on the international level. One cannot by-pass any of these steps.
Tips for Raising Goats for Maximum Profit
Read and research from authentic sources about goat rearing.
1. Maintain the tremendous and reliable soundness of your goats.
2. Choose the privilege and high beneficial goat breeds for your business.
3. Learn more about goat cultivating business from the nearby goat farmers and experts.
4. Goats like to live in gatherings. So, provide a large area so they can wander freely.
5. There should be the accessibility of all types of gear, which are necessary for goat ranches.
6. Make sure a very much reproduced lead, deliver better milk and meat, and keep the goat liberated from sicknesses.
7. Give them adequate clean water, food, and new grasses.
8. Never feed goats with spoiled food or contaminated water.
9. Take extra consideration to the pregnant doe, rearing Buck, and children.
10. Feed the buck extra nutritious food during the time of mating.
11. To improve your goat’s wellbeing, contact or visit a veterinarian routinely (if it’s conceivable).
12. During the summer season, provide them minerals and a significant quantity of water.
13. Keep them away from cold and rain to avoid deaths.
Although there is some danger in each business, taking correct measures and proper management can guarantee better production and high profit. Goat farming is beneficial, risk-free, and simple business due to its multi-utility and quickly developing rate. They are, likewise, an essential part of the economic development of a nation.
Goat Farming Cost and Profit – Assumptions
1. This cost and profit calculator is for meat goat cultivating as it were
2. In this, we expect that you own the land and insurance isn’t covered
3. All necessary water facilities including bore some other tanks are inclusive
4. Goat cultivating cost and benefit may differ from breed to raise and local areas
5. Goat cultivating profit and cost calculator is for any goat, and we take an average market purchase and sell cost.
6. We assume it is semi concentrated where goats remain in the shed for quite a while and roam outside.
Goat Farming Total Expenditure and Profit
Most of the expenditure is for purchasing the goat as they are the primary raw material in the business. One can negotiate the price if the purchase is of the bulk amount. It is better not to buy goats in the first go, look out at various places, and then decide. It is cost-effective to buy goats locally, closer to the farms, to save transportation costs.
Complete cost and profit from goat rearing business are dependent on the area, breeds, taking care of cost, and a couple of different variables. With good planning and management, one can make the goat cultivating business productive. Whereas small-scale goat farm requires less capital, and profit can add to your standard pay.
