The Essentials ofThe Essentials of Managing a Goat FarmManaging a Goat Farm

Holly-Nicole CragheadHolly-Nicole Craghead

Introduction…. To GoatsIntroduction…. To Goats

Goat FactsGoat Facts

Picky eaters, they nibblePicky eaters, they nibble They They don’tdon’t eat beer bottles eat beer bottles

Clean animalsClean animals The billys stinkThe billys stink

Many domesticated goat breedsMany domesticated goat breeds At least 60 At least 60

Herd animalsHerd animals Versatile Versatile

Live in diverse climatesLive in diverse climates desert, mountain, tropical, plainsdesert, mountain, tropical, plains

Average life is 10 – 12 years, but they can live up to Average life is 10 – 12 years, but they can live up to 3030

Mischievous… Mischievous…

Curious… Curious…

Inquisitive…Inquisitive…

History…History…

Greek MythologyGreek Mythology Pan: Greek goat god of shepherds and flocksPan: Greek goat god of shepherds and flocks

LustfulLustful ProtectorProtector Pan pipePan pipe

BibleBible Jesus said, “as a good shepherd would divide Jesus said, “as a good shepherd would divide

his sheep from his goats”his sheep from his goats” Goats got the shaftGoats got the shaft Goats are then seen as outcastsGoats are then seen as outcasts

Housing…Housing…

Ideal Goat Housing Should Be: Ideal Goat Housing Should Be: DryDryDraft-FreeDraft-FreeWell VentilatedWell Ventilated

Health…Health…

HeartyHearty Diseases include:Diseases include:

PneumoniaPneumonia ParasitesParasites Lungworms Lungworms Liver flukeLiver fluke LiceLice

Vaccine schedule Vaccine schedule Impt!Impt!

Feed…Feed…

ALWAYS have plenty of ALWAYS have plenty of fresh water fresh water

Feed goats:Feed goats: Weeds, grasses, hay, Weeds, grasses, hay,

barley, bran, corn, alfalfa, barley, bran, corn, alfalfa, clover, sugar beetsclover, sugar beets

Treats: cabbage, carrots, Treats: cabbage, carrots, turnips, beetsturnips, beets

Do NOT feed Do NOT feed Milo – causes urinary Milo – causes urinary

calculi calculi Only alfalfa – causes bloatOnly alfalfa – causes bloat

Changes in feed should be Changes in feed should be done graduallydone gradually

Breeding…Breeding…

Puberty @ ½ year Puberty @ ½ year oldold

Estrus is a 21 day Estrus is a 21 day cycle, lasting 1–2 cycle, lasting 1–2 daysdays

Gestation 145 days Gestation 145 days Seasonal breedersSeasonal breeders

Influenced by the Influenced by the length of daylightlength of daylight

Breed August through Breed August through FebruaryFebruary

““Kidding”Kidding”

Baby goats are called “kids”Baby goats are called “kids” Goats rarely need help Goats rarely need help

kiddingkidding Birthing KitBirthing Kit

What to expectWhat to expect What to do and whenWhat to do and when Supplies needed for birthSupplies needed for birth Management of the nanny Management of the nanny

and kid post birthand kid post birth Each kid weighs between 1 Each kid weighs between 1

and 5 Kg.and 5 Kg. OffspringOffspring

single, twins (most single, twins (most common), triplets, quadscommon), triplets, quads

Products…Products…

Milk –yogurt, cheese, soapMilk –yogurt, cheese, soap Meat–chevon (cabrito)Meat–chevon (cabrito) Fiber–wool, mohairFiber–wool, mohair

Thank YouThank You

““That’s The End.”That’s The End.”