The Essentials of Managing a Goat Farm Holly-Nicole Craghead

Introduction…. To Goats

Goat Facts Picky eaters, they nibble Picky eaters, they nibble They don’t eat beer bottles They don’t eat beer bottles Clean animals Clean animals The billys stink The billys stink Many domesticated goat breeds Many domesticated goat breeds At least 60 At least 60 Herd animals Herd animals Versatile Versatile Live in diverse climates Live in diverse climates desert, mountain, tropical, plains desert, mountain, tropical, plains Average life is 10 – 12 years, but they can live up to 30 Average life is 10 – 12 years, but they can live up to 30

Mischievous…

Curious…

Inquisitive…

History… Greek Mythology Greek Mythology Pan: Greek goat god of shepherds and flocks Pan: Greek goat god of shepherds and flocks Lustful Lustful Protector Protector Pan pipe Pan pipe Bible Bible Jesus said, “as a good shepherd would divide his sheep from his goats” Jesus said, “as a good shepherd would divide his sheep from his goats” Goats got the shaft Goats got the shaft Goats are then seen as outcasts Goats are then seen as outcasts

Housing… Ideal Goat Housing Should Be: DryDraft-Free Well Ventilated

Health… Hearty Hearty Diseases include: Diseases include: Pneumonia Pneumonia Parasites Parasites Lungworms Lungworms Liver fluke Liver fluke Lice Lice Vaccine schedule Impt! Vaccine schedule Impt!

Feed… ALWAYS have plenty of fresh water ALWAYS have plenty of fresh water Feed goats: Feed goats: Weeds, grasses, hay, barley, bran, corn, alfalfa, clover, sugar beets Treats: cabbage, carrots, turnips, beets Do NOT feed Do NOT feed Milo – causes urinary calculi Only alfalfa – causes bloat Changes in feed should be done gradually Changes in feed should be done gradually

Breeding… ½ year old ½ year old Estrus is a 21 day cycle, lasting 1–2 days Estrus is a 21 day cycle, lasting 1–2 days Gestation 145 days Gestation 145 days Seasonal breeders Seasonal breeders Influenced by the length of daylight Influenced by the length of daylight Breed August through February Breed August through February

“Kidding” Baby goats are called “kids” Baby goats are called “kids” Goats rarely need help kidding Goats rarely need help kidding Birthing Kit Birthing Kit What to expect What to expect What to do and when What to do and when Supplies needed for birth Supplies needed for birth Management of the nanny and kid post birth Management of the nanny and kid post birth Each kid weighs between 1 and 5 Kg. Each kid weighs between 1 and 5 Kg. Offspring Offspring single, twins (most common), triplets, quads single, twins (most common), triplets, quads

Products… Milk –yogurt, cheese, soap Milk –yogurt, cheese, soap Meat–chevon (cabrito) Meat–chevon (cabrito) Fiber–wool, mohair Fiber–wool, mohair

Thank You “That’s The End.”