Why Is Goat Farming A Popular Agro-Business: A Brief Guide

Did you know that Asia and Africa are the largest producers of goats across the world?  To be precise, Asia and Africa produced respectively 511.3 & 294.5 million goats in the world.

According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization, India, and Bangladesh are the top goat producers in Asia. For instance, India produced 4 million and Bangladesh raised around 2.16 million metric tonnes of goats in the year 2008. 

However, Sudan is also not lagging behind in this competitive market. It produced around 1.47 million metric tonnes of goats in 2008.

Apart from Asian countries, a few states of the United States also produce a large number of goats annually. Specifically, Texas produces 38% of the total goat production in the US. Also, a report says, the slaughtering of 30000 goats takes place in the United Kingdom each year. 

Here, let’s discuss what goat farming is, the requirements, how to start farming, advantages, challenges, and of course, the market scope. 

What Is Goat Farming?

This is the process of raising or breeding of goats. Usually, farmers raise domesticated goats and it is a crucial aspect of animal husbandry. They take part in farming goats for deriving milk, fiber, meat, and skin.

This farming procedure is comparatively more profitable as goats provide the market with nutritious lean meat. Also, farmers can raise goats along with cows, and sheep. Moreover, goats are easy to manage & can graze on low-quality pasture. 

So, let’s discuss the history of this farming technique, how to start this farming process, and the requirements in detail. 

The History of Goat Farming & Its Popularity

The long history associated with goat farming traces back to 10000 to 11000 years ago. People first domesticated goats in the Near East in the Fertile Crescent region. Specifically, wild bezoar ibex goats are considered the ultimate ancestor of most domesticated goats and they were prevalent in Anatolia. 

The Neolithic farmers started farming goats for deriving milk, manure, hair, sinew, bones, and meat. They used to use the manure & other products for clothing, creating tools, etc. Additionally, they also used to use goat hide for making wine and water bottles. 

The primitive people migrated with domesticated goats and introduced them to Europe approximately 5000 years ago. However, the practice of goat farming in North Africa, Ethiopia & Sahara, and South-Saharan Africa started respectively 6000-7000, 5000, and 2000 years ago.

Gradually, people throughout the world adopted this farming practice. As a result, it became a widely popular agro-business across the globe.  

4 Types of Goat Farming

Depending on the different production purposes, we can categorize the farming practice into four categories. 

Dairy Farming

This farming process is practiced for producing milk. Farmers raise special dairy breeds of goats who can produce a lot of milk. Some of the best breeds include Beetal, Saanen, Black Bengal, and Jamunapari. 

Fibre Farming

Through this process, farmers raise goats for deriving mohair or wool. Some of the best breeds that can produce high-quality fiber include Cashmere and Angora. 

Meat Farming

Farmers practice this farming process to raise goats for the consumption of meat. Breeds like Boer, Barbari, and Sirohi grow quickly. As a result, they can provide the market with good quality meat. 

Mixed Farming

Mixed farming refers to the breeding of goats for deriving milk, fiber, and meat. This is comparatively a profitable farming technique as farmers can sell different items to the market. Also, the risk associated with market changes gets reduced for them.

How to Start Goat Farming?

It is comparatively easier to start goat farming. Goats can survive in dry as well as hilly weather conditions. They can also adjust to new environments. That is why, it is a great farming business for small farmers. Now, let’s get ahead with the steps involved in farming goats.

Market Research

Before investing in this farming process, you should know about the market demands in your locality. Analyzing the market demands for goat milk, meat, and other products can help you identify your buyers. Also, you can connect to butcheries and dairy processors for increased profit. 

Choose The Location

Choosing the right location is ideal for the growth of the livestock. Goats should have access to pasture and clean water. They should not feel congested and producers should protect them from outside dangers.

Select The Right Breed

Depending on the location and weather conditions, farmers should invest in raising good-quality goat breeds. In India, farmers should invest in breeds like Angora, Pashmina, Beetal, Sirohi, Jamunapuri, and Barbari, etc for goat farming. 

Form A Business Plan

Forming an all-inclusive business plan will help you to roughly estimate the investment plans. Moreover, you will have an idea of the number of goats to invest in, feed & medical costs, and your profit margin.

Invest In Housing

Arranging the proper shelter for goats is crucial. Producers should raise the shelter in dry & raised grounds to avoid issues like water logging. In heavy rainfall areas, producers should aim for elevated shelters, and in hilly areas, wood houses are perfect for livestock.  

The shelter should have a good ventilation system with 10 feet of height. The farmers should provide them with cool drinking water in summer. Moreover, they should dispose of the manure and urine for hygiene purposes. 

Invest in Goats

Farmers or producers should invest in goats that are genetically healthy and less prone to diseases. Good breeds can earn them a high profit margin. To be specific, you will need sound INR 1000/- to 2500/- to purchase one goat. If you are planning to purchase 10 to 15 animals for small-scale goat farming, you will require around INR 50000/- to 100000/-.

Manage Proper Feed

Goats usually feed on shrubs and bushes. However, they also feed on fodder crops. That is why, farmers should provide them with pasture along with green legumes, and seasonal crops. Additionally, kids feed on salt and water to get vital minerals. 

Healthcare

Providing the livestock with the right preventive medical care is extremely important. Veterinary doctors should vaccinate them to avoid fever and common diseases like worm & parasite infections, etc. Also, the farmers should take proper care of them during breeding and delivery. 

Additional Requirements for Goat Farming

Fencing

The shelter for the goats should have proper fencing or enclosure surrounding it for protection against predators. Producers install electric fences these days to prevent them from scattering away. Also, electric fencing is quite affordable and easy to install. 

Water

It is essential to provide the livestock with clean water resources. Goats consume around 1.28 liters of water per day for healthy growth and milk production. 

Breeding

Farmers take special care during the breeding and kidding. Also, they should wean their fiber following a proper schedule. 

Maintenance

Maintaining the herd and shelter demands knowledgeable experts. They should clean the housing area to avoid common diseases. 

Record Keeping

If you are planning to invest in farming goats, you need to track certain aspects and note them down. You should track their breeding, feeding, and productivity rate. Moreover, tracking the herd’s movement and their behavior will help you make informed decisions. 

6 Advantages of Goat Farming

High Productivity

Goats supply the market with a lot of by-products like milk, meat, skin, bone, fiber, etc. Farmers can either invest in dairy breeds or meat-producing breeds, or they can go for mixed farming.

Low Investment

Goats usually do not need separate shelter and they happily share their owner’s house.  Also, they graze on smaller pastures. In addition, less involvement of trained human labor is required for this farming technique. 

High Profit

The by-products of goats have higher market values. The milk is nutrient rich and goat hide is used for manufacturing leather items. Moreover, their bones and fibers are in high demand by the industrial and manufacturing industries. 

Survives Weather Conditions

Goats can survive in dry, cold, and even humid weather conditions. Also, they can adapt to new climatic conditions like plains, sandy areas, hilly regions, and high-altitude zones.

Easy to Maintain

Goats are less susceptible to infectious diseases, allergy issues, and other diseases. Additionally, they graze in herds and are easy to maintain. 

Manure Production

Goat manure is an excellent organic soil fertilizer because it is 2.5 times more rich in Nitrogen & Phosphoric acid.  

5 Challenges to Consider in Goat Farming

Overcrowding

Overcrowding the pens of goats can increase the stress levels of the livestock. Additionally, they fight for resources and eventually get sick.

Health Challenges

Goats can suffer from a number of diseases like parasite infection, CCPP, and PPR.  As a result, farmers face challenges in dealing with this since it requires preventive medical care.

High Kid Mortality

Kids can die before maturity for a number of reasons. Eventually, it affects the overall farming productivity rate.

Crossbreeding Issues

Farmers might face challenges in finding breeds with high genetic potential. Also, they might not find exotic breeds for successful breeding rates & crossbreeding. 

Market Challenges

Farmers should be aware of market scopes and the economic aspects before investing in farming goats. A lack of research can result in earning less profit. 

How Do Technological Advancements Affect The Growth of Goat Farming?

Technological advancements have successfully transformed the farming industry. Technologies like Artificial Insemination and precision feeding systems help in successful breeding and better livestock management. 

Moreover, advanced health monitoring and automated feeder & watering systems can help you track the goats’ natural behavior and health parameters. Some other advanced technologies include silage production systems, hydroponic fodder systems, etc. 

Additionally, some technologies promote sustainable farming practices. Also, GPS trackers, invisible fences or GPS collars, and other tech gadgets & IoT devices can help you track their real-time behavior and movement. 

Goat Farming & The Increased Market Demands

Farming goats supply the market with several by-products like manure, milk, hide, bone, manure, etc. Farmers can directly contact the slaughterhouse workers, local markets, and live-auction markets to sell the livestock. Although, live auctions can earn the farmers great profit. 

Should You Invest in Goat Farming?

This farming technique has higher profitability. To be precise, the low initial cost investment, higher birth rate, and great market demand make this farming process a highly popular agro-business practice. 

Moreover, they are easy to manage and can feed on fodder crops, grasses, and bushes of pasture. The feed cost is minimal and requires less human labor. Also, the farming practice creates a lot of employment opportunities in the locality. 

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