Goat farming!
Goat farming is a very profitable business with minimum investment. Goat farming can be done in small to large industrial scale. Here is the complete information on starting a goat farming project.
Goat farming in India is a well-established, antiquated form of farming especially in places where dry land farming system is practiced. It is generally practiced by farmers who have a very small area of land for farming. Sometimes landless laborers also undertake goat farming since the risk, initial investments etc. are much lower than other forms of farming. Goats are hence rightly called as “poor man’s cow” since it has promises of good return that can serve as investment source.
Advantages of Goat Farming
Goat farming in India
Some of the goat farming advantages is as below:
Almost all sections of the society consume goat meat and there is no religious taboo over it. In addition, goat meat is lean meat and has lower cholesterol content.
The initial investment required for a goat farm is much low than dairy farming. It is not necessary to start a farm with a herd of 6-10 goats. A farm can be started with just one goat and gradually increased to a herd or develop into large commercial units.
Goats can tolerate bitter taste to a greater extent than other animals. Hence, they consume almost every type of plants that are not eaten by other animals.
Since they are careful eaters they can live in almost all types of climatic conditions.
Goat milk contains small fat globules that are easily digestible. Hence goat milk is medically recommended for senior citizens and infants.
Goat droppings are rich in phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium. Hence it is an excellent organic manure. Goat manure has a high demand for organic farming. Generally, goats start milking by the age of 16-17 months.
They are productive breeders and give birth to three kids within two years and producing twins is a usual feature.
Considering all the above advantages, it can be said that goats ensure good economic returns in a short period of time.
Starting a Goat Farm
While beginning a goat farm, the following points must be paid special attention:
Selecting the Goats
Goats must be healthy and lively. However before procuring it is better to check with the local government about regulations. While procuring it is advisable to get two goats. Goats are social animals and need company. They would try to escape if kept in solitary confinement. Hence at least two goats must be kept in enclosures.
Male: Female Ratio
Goats are of three types:
Females or does
Uncastrated males or bucks
Castrated males or wethers.
For milk production, it is not necessary that the does must be impregnated by bucks. Ideally one buck to every 30 does is a healthy ratio for goat farms.
Age of Goats
Younger goats around eight weeks old are cheaper and friendlier to procure than older goats. However, these younger goats need care for about a year or two. Following this period they can be bred, sold as meat or used for milk production.
Choosing the Right Breed
Goats belonging to breeds like Malabari, Black Bengal, Jamunapuri, Osmanabadi, etc. give very rich milk and good meat. Hence they are reared for both milk and meat purposes. Breeds like Cashmere or Angora are raised for their hair since it is very popular for its use as a fabric.