Raising goats for meat

Raising goats on a backyard farm mother earth news. Their unusual characteristics and small numbers make them more valuable and profitable to breed and raise than to sell for slaughter. Storeys guide and raising goats for dummies give very good information on a lot of topics. Raising meat goats can be a profitable small farm venture. Boer goats were specifically bred to be easytoraise meat animals. The key traits to be considered in selecting a breed for meat goat production include. This wont apply if you are raising goats for meat, but obviously, if you are raising goats for milk, you need the right supplies for milking the goats. Show goats are raised completely different from meat goats. Ive tried both goat meat is delicious, and getting goats to eat your weeds is a profitable trend. For a homesteader, raising meat goats can be quite profitable due to the high demand for goat meat.

Dont try to make show goats into breeding stock or commercial goats. Goats can provide milk on a much smaller scale than a family cow and are smaller and easier to handle. Their penchant for eating weeds, leaves, and brush, and their rapid growth, large size, and double muscles make them ideal meat animals. Over the past six years, i have learned so much about raising meat goats. I purchased the book thru heifer international for only 15.

The best meat goats will be raised primarily on forage. Milking goats are bred for maximum production of highquality milk. Theyre easy to handle, they produce a large amount of milk, and theyre also a source of lowfat meat. There are five major breeds of meat goats in the united states. They are mostly easy to keep, friendly and comical additions to the family farm. Are you looking for a money making idea that works well on small acreage and one that your kids will enjoy too. Goat farming is the raising and breeding of domestic goats capra aegagrus hircus.

None of the financial projections of what you can earn raising meat goats takes these unexpected events into account while painting a rosy story of how easy it is to. Housing and shelter options for meat goat producers. Meat goats have a reputation for high fertility, averaging 98 percent of does bred under good management and nutrition. For example, most meat goat species are bred to mature quickly and put on weight, with little emphasis on producing milk. Dec 03, 2010 the backyard homestead guide to raising farm animals. Key factors to determining whether your goat dairy farm will be profitable. Kiko goat processing day the truth about goat meat. Onion creek tennessee meat goats texmaster meat goats. How to raise meat goats the essential beginners guide to raising meat goats this is unlike any book on meat goats you see on the shelf because its a researched book from people who personally own different meat goats. When it comes to raising goats for beginners the first step is choosing what type of goat you want. Justin mcdaniel osu pontotoc county ag educator presents a discussion on the options available when providing housing andor shelter for meat goat producers. Supply and demand in the united states are at an alltime high, with the supply only a fraction of the demand. The defining factor for raising meat goats is how well you can control the worm load. Boers are the top choice of many raising goats for meat.

Goat is one of the most popular animals for milk and meat production. Most of the rest of this book is identical to all the generic books on raising goats in general and probably even the same as books on sheep. Often, these goats will have brown heads with white bodies. Best goats for meat raising meat goats the essential. May 05, 2016 besides always double checking that the pasture gate is latched, here are a few other things about raising goats i learned the hard way. But in africa, they are raised for meat production. If you are raising meat goats, you should stick with breeds that are known to have good meat, like the followings. How to raise goats 3 essential facts to raising goats successfully. But they are herd animal like other goats for company, and you have to keep at least two pygmies together. Many ethnic groups who live in the united statesfrom hispanic to eastern european to southeastern asianrely on the lean, tasty meat as a protein staple. Goat meat is the meat of choice in many countries it makes up 63% of red meat consumed around the world and while it has not been favored by americans in the past, it is becoming increasingly popular. One doe will produce 90 quarts of fresh milk every month for 10 months of the year.

Cost of raising goats what you need to know before. When you are considering raising a herd of goats on your land, whether you are thinking about just one or two goats in the backyard, or a small herd of forty or sixty goats out on the field. Raising goats is absolutely profitable, which is one of the main reasons why the raising of goats for both meat and dairy in the us has been on the rise over the. Mar 14, 2019 this is part one of a series about meat goat farming. It is considered a red meat, with a finegrained flesh and ranges in color from light pink to bright red. Theres no better time to get into raising meat goats for profit than now. Thats the main reason of huge popularity of goat farming business throughout the world. Goats can be an excellent source of meat if you are looking to provide for you and yours. People are raising goats for profit from a long time ago. The complete guide to milk, meat, and more niemann, deborah on. There are a few things that are necessary for keeping goats healthy and happy.

You need to begin by understanding some of the factors that make meat goats so valuable. Direct market live goats to ethnic or religious buyers. Whether youre raising goats for food or as the smart, lovable pets they can be, you need to know a few things about caring for your herd. Goat meat is the most popular meat in the world and it is absolutely delicious. Goat house critical considerations when building a functional goat house. Many people buy a few goats while they are still under the impression that goats are hardy animals that will eat almost anything. Goat meat is widely consumed in central and south america, making it a food staple in the increasing hispanic food market. Raising goats can be quite rewarding and pretty entertaining. Goats are phenomenal for brush and weed control and are often used primarily to clear overgrown areas in preparation for making land useful for other purposes.

Raising meat goats the essential beginners guide to raising. There is no formula of x many goats per acre that works with raising goats. Raising goats for meat and milk animals grit magazine. However, grants for goat farming are available from many sources. Because of this vacuum, much of the goat meat sold in the united states is imported from new zealand or australia. I am sure there are other books that work well also. Jun 04, 2008 are you looking for a money making idea that works well on small acreage and one that your kids will enjoy too.

Boer goats are famous for the quality of their meat. Well teach you all you need to know with our 16 tips for raising goats. Are you looking for goats to milk or meat goats to sell. Getting started with meat goat farming backyard goats. While goat fibers are also a source of revenue, the profits realized from angora, mohair, and cashmere have decreased in recent years, and many farms that once raised goats for their fibers have converted into raising goats for meat. Everything you wanted to know about raising meat goats but didnt. I show you all catching the goat and the lamb and taking them in to the processors. Starting a goat farm what you need to know before you rear goats.

Some people dont bother with a stand, but it does tend to make the job a whole lot easier. Jan 02, 2019 the number of goats being raised in east texas is rising. The complete guide to raising meat goats for profit. That said, you cant keep just one doeyoull need to keep two goats, a doe, and a wether, or two does, at a minimum, so they dont get lonely. My name is curt rush and my wife and i have been raising meat goats boer goats for 14 years, starting with commercial does and a commercial buck. Raising goats for beginners i used to tell novices to buy one goat absolutely no more than two. Many products on the market are not designed for goats or havent been tested on goats to determine withdrawal periods and should only be. Thats the clear path to raising meat goats for profit.

You can milk a meat goat, too, but the milk yield will be substantially less. In either case, they need to be relieved of the two tiny parts that make male goats. If you want to raise meat goats, dont take nutrition or management advice from show goat people. The originators of tennessee meat goats, onion creek ranch in texas has developed a large, heavily muscled meat goat. Raising pygmy goats as pets is a good idea, they make excellent pets. Whether your intentions are to raise goats for dairy, meat, fiber, or to raise goats as pets, this post will help you get started. The cost of raising a pygmy goat greatly depends on a budget. Each breed was developed with the same goal in mind. Beginners guide to raising goats for milk production. Raising goats for milk production is generally considered the most laborintensive reason for keeping them. Like most folks who raise dairy goats, i didnt keep sexually mature billy.

Established goat entrepreneurs are struggling to provide americas goat meat. A producer can get into different meat goat programs. 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 lowquality grazing land. Currently, in the united states, there is a higher demand for goat meat, also called. Sixtythree to 65 percent of the red meat consumed globally is goat meat. There are several different meat goat types, with boer as the most widely raised. However, read more about how to raise pygmy goats, including their feeding, housing, fencing, disbudding etc.

After raising goats, breeding, and caring for goats for fifteen years, i have compiled a list of 9 truths about raising goats. Although fainting goats are classified as meat goats, they are seldom actually sold for meat. Ive tried both goat meat is delicious, and getting goats to eat your. Choose the best breeds for smallspace farming, produce your own grassfed meat, gather fresh. Among the traditional agribusiness ideas, goat farming is comparatively more profitable than other types agribusiness. And as more and more people look for ways to live sustainably and grow their own food, goats are a wonderful option for raising meat and milk, and you can harvest their fleece, as well. Everything you wanted to know about raising meat goats but. If youre looking for a complete beginners guide to raising boer goats for profit, youve landed in the right place. Trends for the consumption of this lean red meat are rapidly on the rise, and theres no end in sight. Feb 03, 2017 raising goats for beginners picking your goats. The problem occurs whenever reality hits, and new goat owners quickly realize that those hardy goats are mostly mythological creatures.

Currently, in the united states, there is a higher demand for goat meat, also called chevon, than there is a supply. In either case, they need to be relieved of the two tiny parts that make male goats stinky and ornery. Jun 21, 2016 interested in raising goats for meat, milk or profit. They can also be crossbred with dairy goats to produce better quality kids.

Given proper care, the does should be capable of maintaining a birth rate of 1. If you are thinking about raising goats on your homestead, there are a few things you should know. The main difference is in the coat characteristics. Domesticated goats are not so different from their mountaindwelling ancestors they have an inborn need to get on top of the highest thing around. The plant materials available to eat do not determine animal load.

While any goat breed can be raised for meat, specific types are bred specifically for the virtues most important for producing edible meat. Now that youve completed this guide to raising goats for meat, you should have a better understanding of the various aspects of meat goats and the meat goat business. But, they can also be all white, brown, or paint large spots of a different color on their bodies. Sell your slaughter goats individually or through a coop. If youd like to turn a profit raising livestock, consider meat goats. Between daily milking, special nutrition management, and the mandatory breeding necessary to maintain milk production, keeping a dairy herd is a big commitment. Theresa becchetti livestock and natural resource advisor stanislaus and san joaquin counties university of california cooperative extension. Guide for raising pygmy goats modern farming methods. Its a wideopen market and many more producers are needed. Stay tuned for more advice from curt rush, such as breeding and nutrition, dealing with health issues, and marketing meat goats for profit. These ethnic populations are demanding healthier and leaner red meat, which is exactly what goat meat is, especially when compared to other sources of red meat, such as beef and pork. When raising goats for meat production only, youll want to consider mixed breed.

We discuss the breeds and feeding for financial success. Raising goats for profit is a rewarding experience, but funding the purchase of livestock and housing for your herd may present a stumbling block. As with any venture, there are cons to raising goats as well. Each castrated male goat, or meat wether, will produce 25 to 40 pounds of meat. Since goats live on pasture, their meat has low saturated fat content.

The goat gap why arent farmers raising as many goats as we eat. Apr 23, 2012 transform your backyard into a farm perfect for raising goats using this tried and true guide and, in no time, enjoy fresh goat milk among other benefits. Sep 05, 2019 either way, this guide to raising boer goats for show can help you learn some of the basics youll need to be familiar with to get off to a great start. Raising 100% fullbloods for show and replacement brood stock. Raising percentages for the show ring and for replacementbrood stock. Pygmy goats have mediumlong soft coats that can be in many colors. Jan 05, 2019 raising goats can be quite rewarding and pretty entertaining. We recently butchered a 7monthold alpine a popular swiss dairy breed buck.

An adult pygmy goat weights about 75 pounds and stand about 16 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder. Some breeds of goat are raised for fiber, that is spun into yarn. The best way to raise goats for profit is to start either a goat meat farm, or a goat dairy farm. Their body shape is very similar to that of the nigerian dwarf goats. Goats bred for their meat are usually castrated known as wethers when they are around six to nine months. Like their bigger relatives, they are generally raised for their meat. However, just like cats and dogs, there are different breeds of goats. For example, when working with a small homestead, pygmy goats or nigerians may be intuitive choice whereas boer goats are great to raise on a farm for meat. Goats are suitable for commercial milk, meat and mohair production. To be fair, the meat was very highquality, lowfat, 100% organic and totally delicious. Jun 19, 2016 they also offer a good price for them. Breeds, housing, health and diet, dairy and meat, kid care ffa by carol a.

Goat owners also need to pay close attention to the products being used on animals that are used for meat or milk. Established goat entrepreneurs are struggling to provide americas goat meat buyers with a ready supply of tasty, wholesome product. After that, well go deeper into the details of raising boer goats for show and showing your goats. Number of goats per acre is not relevant to raising meat goats. If you dont castrate males within the first few months of their life, the meat tastes like dirty socks. Ive had the pleasure of helping other new producers get started with meat goats with the goal of helping them learn and succeed as well as growing the industry. If you grow crops on your farm, youll be glad to know that goat manure makes great fertilizer too. The trend for smaller, more agile goats was dominant in the wild. A really good milk goat can produce a gallon or more of milk per day for about 10 months. Knowing precisely about feeding goats will help productivity when raising goats for milk or meat. A meat goat butchered at the same age, in comparison, would likely yield more than three times as much meat. Goats are hard on fencing, and building one that wont let water escape the only way to guarantee to keep a goat in as well will also factor in.