Goats are one of the most versatile creatures which are reared commercially for their meat, milk as well as fiber. Due to its good economic prospects, goat rearing under intensive and semi-intensive system for commercial production is gaining momentum since couple of years and has become one of the main occupation of the people in rural India.
If you are interested in animal husbandry, then goat farming can be a good source of earning for you. However, you will need to avoid a few mistakes which we have discussed in detail in this article. Read on!
Common Mistake While Raising Goats for Commercial Purposes:
Let's quickly take you through some common mistakes done by goat rearers;
Buying Unhealthy Goats:
If you are just starting your own goat farming enterprise chances are that you will be tempted to buy goats from where ever you get a good deal. While some of these animals may actually be a good deal, you would never be able to identify if they have a serious health problem just by looking at them. Many dealers auction their large herds for cheap prices just because they have an illness or are not productive.
Therefore you need to stay safe from such deals. Make sure you look at the goats closely and ask questions about their health from the dealer and if they have been tested/ vaccinated for some of the diseases. You may also get a contract with the dealer in case you find out that the goat had a pre-existing health problem later on; you will be able to take a legal recourse afterwards.
Not Choosing the Right Breed:
Another typical error made by goat owners is presuming that all goat breeds are the same. Goats reared for Milk will not be raised in the same way as meat goats or fibre.
Not Having Enough Space:
Goats need a lot of space to be healthy – and with that space comes added expense. Don't underestimate the amount of space you'll require. You could put a female goat and her babies in a single stall, but you shouldn't keep the male goat in there with them.
Indoor area for each goat should be at least 10-feet – the more, the better. You can expect to raise 6-8 goats per acre.
Naturally, the more room you can provide them, the better. Parasites are highly common in goats, and if you overcrowd your goats, parasites will become a serious issue. Rotate your pastures and make sure your goats have plenty of room.
Lack of Enough Knowledge:
Before you get your hand into this business, educate yourself. This is a significant duty, and you cannot simply leave them outside and expect gain profits from them.
You can read a few books, view some videos, and talk to a goat-raising acquaintance. To prosper, goats demand time, care, money, and knowledge – so educate yourself first.
Neglecting Parasite Susceptibility:
Unfortunately, goats are very susceptible to parasites. Parasites, both external and internal, can cause havoc in your herd. Weight loss, diarrhoea, a shaggy coat, sadness, fatigue, anaemia, fever, coughing, and jaw swelling are all indications of parasitism.
It's critical to treat parasitism early on before it becomes a problem. Set up a parasite prevention programme for your animals.
