Goats are one of the earliest domesticated animals. Evidence of this was seen in archeological digs in Asia. Our ancestors appear to have domesticated them between 6000 to 7000 B.C. They may have seemed extremely beneficial to early humans. Their meat is tasty and they produce sufficient milk. The animals are also smaller than cows and are easier to feed since they can eat almost anything, including weeds.

Goat Raising for Profit

Most farmers raise goats for all of its byproducts. Goats, like most mammals, need to reproduce in order for them to produce milk. Farmers typically sell the kids for meat. However, to maximize profits from raising goats, it is essential to focus on one main purpose. There are several goat products aside from meat and milk including fiber and leather. Once you’ve decided on one product you want to focus on, make that the priority and consider the rest as additional benefits.

Dairy Goat Farming

Dairy goats are those that produce excess milk. Several breeds were created for this purpose, particularly Swiss animals bred in the Alps, such as the French Alpine, Oberhasli, Saanen and Toggenburg. The Alpine breed typically start out as fleshy kids, but tend to become leaner as they get older.

One problem with dairy goat farming, is that you need to constantly ensure the goats are breeding. This can deplete the health of the does. It also requires a steady supply of nutritional supplements to make sure the does survive the birthing to be able to produce milk.

After the goats have kidded, farmers need to milk them regularly. Since the milk is the main source of profit, they need to make sure it does not all go to their kids. Aside from the trouble of milking, the equipment needs to be sterilized between goats. Handlers also need to wash thoroughly. Diseases can spread through dirty instruments, and pregnant goats are particularly susceptible due to their weakened immune systems. Dairy goats often have hanging udders, making it harder for them to graze.

Goat Meat Farming

Goat meat farming is growing due to the high demand for goat meat. Traditionally eaten by people of Islamic, Latin American and Asian descent, they are growing in popularity due to their health benefits and good taste.

One of the breeds becoming popular in goat meat farming is the South African Boer. The animals are known for quality meat, fast growth and high reproduction rates. Full grown Boer bucks can weigh up to 200 lbs.

Raising meat goats is typically easier. After a doe has produced several kids, they can then be sold for meat, instead of relying on them to keep birthing and giving milk. They are easier to sell because of the rising demand. Sources estimate the demand for goat meat is double than the current production, giving rise to a new sub-industry.

Farmers will not need to keep milking the animals, and simply need to make sure they keep reproducing and remain healthy. Some meat goats, such as the boer goats, can produce excess milk, which can then be sold. Aside from the meat, the goat skins can also be sold to produce leather.

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