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| Boer Goat |
Goat
Farming is
not a new concept of farming. Rearing
goat started in a very ancient time. At that time goat farming was only for
consumption purpose. The main motive of goat
rearing was to collect meat and milk. At present goat farming has turned
into a very profitable business. Goats are now farmed for selling purpose. Besides,
goat meat and milk, goat skin and fiber are also very
demandable product. Goat milk is
highly nutritious and various delicious milk products like condensed goat milk,
goat butter, goat milk cream etc. are produced from goat milk. Goat meat is one
of the great sources of testy and healthy meat which has a very good market
demand and price. Besides, goat skin has a high demand in leather industries,
and goat fiber is used to produce
various valuable warm cloths.
Goat Breeds
Goat breeds
are classified from different aspects. Some goats are good for meat, some are
for milk, some goat breeds are famous for productivity etc. On the basis of
these differences the total goat breeds in the world are classified into 7
categories - Goat breeds by country of origin, Dairy goat breeds, Feral goats, Fiber-producing goat breeds, Goat skin-producing goat
breeds, Meat goat breeds, and Rare goat breeds. In these categories, there
are around 73 breeds of goat in the world. The mostly used goat breeds for
rearing in the goat farm are Dairy goats,
Pygmy goats, Black Bengal goat, Dwarf
goats of Nigeria, Cashmere goats,
Mountain goats, Boer goats etc.
Goat Farming Process
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| Black Bengal Goat |
Goat
farming is a highly profitable business at present time. Methods of goat farming are classified into two types – Traditional goat farming method, and Modern goat farming method. In
traditional way of goat farming farmers used to graze their cattle by taking
them into a pasture, and brought back home at evening. But at present grazing
land is not available. So, farmers keep
their livestock in the farm, and provide food in the shed. Success in goat
farming depends on some specific issues.
Goat Breed Selection
Goat Breed Selection is
first crucial factor for profitable goat farming. A farmer needs to determine
the goat breed that can easily adjust with the local environment, relatively
profitable than other breeds, and suitable for the farmer.
Goat Housing
Goat
housing is
another important factor for successful goat farming. A dry and healthy place
is highly recommended for a modern goat farm. It prevents various types of goat
diseases, and keeps the goats healthy.
Goat Feeding
Goat
feeding is
another crucial factor in modern way goat farming. Generally green grass and
plants are favorite food for goats. Feeding nutritious foods to goats keeps
them healthy, increase milk, and increase productivity.
Benefits of Goat Farming
 |
| Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goat |
Goat
farming has a lot of benefits. Rural poor people can create their self
employment and make a handsome amount of income from goat farming. It also can
contribute a great portion in national income. Benefits of goat farming are below –
- Very low capital is required for starting goat farming.
- Goat is not a harmful animal. A little care is enough for them.
- A large number of goats can be kept in a small house. So, farmers can rear goats in a small land.
- Market price of goat meat is very high, which indicates high profitability in goat farming.
- Goat milk is used to produce a lot of nutritious products, like - condensed goat milk, goat butter, goat milk cream etc.
- Goat skin and fiber has huge market demand with a handsome price.
- Goats become matured and start reproduction within 1 year age. They generally give birth two times in a year, and more than one kids every time.
- Finally, Goat suffers from fewer diseases than other livestock.