10 best tips on raising goats for milk and meat-A guide for beginners

For newbie’s, they must be puzzled by the idea, how to start? Either buy a small folk together or buy one at a time. What breeds are the best and how to take care of them. Shall I be raising goat for milk or simply thinking how to raise a goat. Relax; here is answer to all your worries:

1: Know the basics:

A female goat is called Does, while the babies (females) are known as Doelings. For male goats, the term is known as Bucks, while the male babies are called Bucklings. The males that have been emasculated are known as Wether.

2: Understand the Milk cycle:

Goat internal system works like humans. If you want to get good amount of milk, make sure you goats have babies. This process boosts the milk production and when the goat gives birth, usually during spring, you can enjoy milk and sell the babies to earn more. You can use the same Doe again for giving birth to new offspring’s, but let her get fine for 2 to 3 months and do not take milk. She will get fine internally and later you can enjoy the frequency of milk and meat.

3: Know what you are buying:

You need to know about the famous breeds of meat and milky goats – this would help you in making a perfect decision:

Dairy breeds:

The popular types include:

• Nubain
• Saanen
• Alphine Oberhasli
• La Mancha

Meat breeds:

They include:

• Spanish
• Boer
• Kiko

Raising Boer goats is certainly more profitable because it’s hardy breed and also masses enjoy its meat, as it is tasty and healthy.

Fancy breeds include Cashmere and Angora; while fun pet breeds include Fainting and Pygmy.

4: Buy baby goat – Doeling

This is a cheaper way to increase your flock with less capital – however, babies are a little aggressive and afraid to manage in the new environment. Make sure you feed them with your own hands so that they are settled in the friendly environment.

5: Feed them what they like:

The best goat food includes:

• Hay – this is lighter, keeps the goat healthier, and processes the digestive system effectively. This can be obtained from any local farmers in your areas. However, this  may be a little expensive.
• Pellets – it includes Bermuda and alfalfa. They are less expensive and washed with water before processing. However, this is not a main meal, but can be mixed with hay so that you can cope up with the costs.

Pay special attention to expecting goats:

The pregnancy duration of a goat is around 5 months, so make sure you pay special attention to the does. Special tips maybe:

• Do not milk them during the period
• De-worm them after 2 months
• Give them more feed, and add kitchen scraps too.
• Make sure you see a doctor if you feel things are not right

6: Make sure goats have all the necessities:

There roaming area must have enough fresh grass and fresh water. Otherwise, they will get frustrated and feel annoyed. Raising dairy goats or raising goats for meat, there is no difference in the care of the animals. They want same feed, special attention and care; however, you have to understand the nature of the breeds to get the best results.

7: Fencing is essential:

Goats are artists in escaping and they will eventually do it if you fail to manage a good fencing system. Make sure you have strong boundaries so that you can counter the behavior.

8: Give goats space they want:

Goats are social animals and tend to adjust easily – give them enough space so that they can enjoy and play here and there, within the boundaries, however.

9: Keep the breeds separately:

Make sure you keep the milky goat and the meat goats separately – you may mingle them while playing and roaming, but the separation would help you in paying the right type of attention.

10: Health is essential:

Pay special attention to the health of the goat while buying. The seller might not tell you about the right shape the goat is in; you have to be prudent enough to make the right choice so that you can eventually reap the benefits in the long run.