Hints for the Inexperienced Goat Farmer:

[mikey]

As demand for goat meat continues to expand around the world,many farmers,ranchers,and even people with no experience with livestock are getting into the goat business.The idea of raising goats is attractive because it can be done on a small scale or in a very large enterprise.But best of all,you can make money raisung goats if you do it wisely.Keep in mind that raising goats as with any livestock,is not completely risk free.Disease needs to be prevented and treatment needs to be accurately and swiftly administered,Like most endeavors,you will benefit from learning about the meat goat business before you make an investment.Typically a goat business will be profitable or not based on how many dollars (pesos) are spent on feeding the herd.The key factors in choosing how to feed your goats is to make sure they get enough protein,salt and trace minerals at the lowest possible cost.You will have to make many decisions about how to raise your goats,the answers you choose will comprise your management system.You will have to decide what type of goats to raise,where you buy your foundation stock,what will you feed them,and what preventive measures you will take for their health and well being.Signs of a healthy goat include:
attitude-alert and curious
appetite-shows interest in food,chews cud after feeding
breathing-regular and unlabored
coat/skin-clean,glossy and no lumps
droppings-pellets are firm
eyes-bright,clear and not running
gait-steady with no limping
nose-cool and dry
weight-average weight and gain
Develop a business plan,if you plan to make money in your goat business you will need to have a basic plan,including estimated costs and projected
income.As in any business,failure to pay attention to financial details can be troublesome,if not fatal.Work with a proven breeder,there is no substitude for quality,experience and integrity.The guidance of an experienced breeder can easily make the difference in whether the start up of your goat business is a success or failure.Go slow,the easiest and most common mistake to make when entering the goat farming business is to ramp up too quickly.Start small,you can always add more stock as you learn and gain more confidence.
By:Barry Arnett:International Kiko Goat Association Inc.
mikey