Goat farming is the raising and breeding of domestic goats (Capra aegagrus hircus). It is a branch of animal husbandry. Goats are raised principally for their meat, milk, fibre and skin.
Goat farming can be very suited to production with other livestock such as sheep and cattle on low-quality grazing land. Goats efficiently convert sub-quality grazing matter that is less desirable for other livestock into quality lean meat. Furthermore, goats can be farmed with a relatively small area of pasture and limited resources.
Terminologies Used
Buck -(Billy) Adult male goat.
Doe -(Nanny) Adult female goat
Kid -A young or baby goat
Wether - A castrated male goat.
Kidding -Act of giving birth (parturition) goat.
Chevon- Meat of goat
Why Goat Farming?
Goat farming is a very profitable business which does not require a lot of time and does not require special skills. Experts say with two female goats and a male goat, one can have as many as ten goats by the end of the start-up year.They are generally kept for their meat, milk or leather, especially the Red Sokoto breed which commands a high premium at international markets.
In truth, goat farming is one of the least explored kind of animal related farming in Nigeria, with poultry and fish farm being the most explored. But when we look at the time, expertise, experience, capital involved etc, we shall find that goat farming is less demanding of these factors.
When it comes to feed, goats are capable of turning low quality pasture, not suited for other forms of livestock into quality lean meat.
All they basically require is land to graze and shelter against harsh conditions, although they are quite sturdy and hardly ever affected by the environment.
When this venture is to be explored,it is important to pick the right species relating to your geographical location. Why? This is because the various goat species are biologically suited for certain environments. This doesn't mean that the red sokoto goat wouldn't do well in the southern part of the country,however, for efficient performance and proper growth, it is essential that the norm be practiced.
Below are some common species found, especially in Africa
Breeds of Goat: .
(i) Sokoto Red
(ii) Bomu Red
(iii) WestAfrican long legged goat
(iv) West African dwarf goat
(V) Bantu
(Vi) Anglo-Nubiari
(Vi) Alphme
(viii) Saanen
(ix) Kano Brown
(x) Bauchi typa
(xi) TOgenburg
(xii) Nubian
(Xlii) Boer etc
General Characteristics of Goat
(i) Goats are tough and hardy animals that can survive unfavourable environmental condition.
(ii) They are small bodied animals.
(iii) They can produce kids twice in a year
(iv) Male goats are often bearded.
(v) Goats are very inquisitive animals.
(vi) Both male and female goats have horns.
(Vii) They are mostly reared on the extensive system of management.
(Viii) They have a gestation period of between . . 145-154 days or four to five months.
(ix) They can browse on many forage plants, Hence, the. cost of producing goats is cheap.
