Goat farming is one of the most rewarding animal rearing business anyone can engage in anywhere in the world. Goat meats are widely accepted and consumed round the globe, while the milk is also gaining in popularity and is being sold in supermarkets across the United States, Europe and Asia and represent the bulk of the liquid milk market.
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| A Boer Breed |
Here in Nigeria, the goat milk is still not yet widely consumed because farmers are not yet taking advantage of the opportunity. Would you be the farmer to make this happen? The meat is believed to be the best animal meat available anywhere in the market for good reasons. Not only does the meat taste great, it is also lower in fat than chicken but contains higher protein than beef, that makes it better than chicken and beef.
Goat meat has a unique taste that is very difficult to describe but very appealing to the taste bud. There are other products that can be derived from Goat milk such as cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and butter. Anything that cow milk can offer, goat milk can also offer. These are the reasons goat farming is considered by wise farmers as a very lucrative business and it is increasingly becoming very popular among modern farmers in Nigeria.
In India and Nepal, goat farming is one of the major source of income for families and bigger farmers are producing larger quantity for export. China, India, and Pakistan are currently the largest producer of goat in the world with the opportunities still great there for any new farmer who would like to tap the gain. Nepal is said to still import about 1.3million live goat yearly from the neighboring countries such as India, meaning that the opportunity is very much huge in that country for any would be goat farmer.
Australia is the largest exporter of live goat and goat products in the world, yet they are still not meeting the demand of countries where they export. The opportunities in Australia for new farmers are equally great and increasing rapidly.
In United Kingdom, almost all the supermarkets sells goat meats and other goat products like the milk, cheese, butter, and yogurt. The demand is quite high and farmers there are not meeting those demands in full. There are plenty of money making opportunities for goat farmers in UK.
In Nigeria, goat meat is widely consumed locally and forms major part of the people’s delicacies. The popular goat meat pepper soup is so tasty that people come from far and wide to have a taste of it. Yet, few farmers are into goat rearing in the country, most of the goats consumed in Nigeria comes from the Niger Republic and the North. Nigerian Dwarf Goats is popular in the South and Eastern part of the country but only kept for family consumption and sold in the local markets occasionally despite the huge demand. Any serious farmer who would take goat farming to the next level will have serious money to make.
Goat farming is a big and profitable business Anywhere in the world. In this article, I will explain how anyone can start goat farming on a small scale and grow to any size he want within couple of years in any part of the globe. I want to make this article as comprehensive as possible and as people begin to share their ideas and understanding in Goat farming business through comments, I hope this will end up becoming great resource for small scale goat farmers much like the Poultry Farming post. Please read and participate by dropping a comment.
First, let’s look at the profit potential in goat farming business, I want to analyze the profit in dollar perspective because I am looking at a situation where some Nigerian farmer would take this goat farming to the next level and starts producing large enough to export even if it is to other African countries.
A fully mature goat weigh about 100 pound and in many places goat sale is measured in pound with each pound going for $1.5. Therefore, 100 pound weigh goat will bring it $150 minimum. If you produce just 500 goats yearly and each sold for $150 minimum, you will be making $75,000 per year. Take away $25,000 as the production cost, you will be left with $50,000 (₦8,000,000) from just 500 goats as pure profit. Isn’t that great?
Don’t forget that goats take between 2-3 years to mature, in the profit estimate above, I assumed you have passed through the first three years of establishment. The 500 is a big number but very achievable if you take your farming seriously, in all honesty 500 goats per annul after three years is a realistic goal for small scale farmers. You can start smaller and expand gradually depending on the resources available.
Now, how do you proceed to start your own goat farming business in easy and simple way that guarantees profit and sustainability? How do you start off in a cost effective way that ensures you don’t get your fingers burnt. Below are what you need and things you need to put in place to ensure you get started quick and simple.
1. Pasture – Acquire a good grazing ground that grows plenty of grass verities. Goats are relatively clean animals. They eat a wide variety of plants that are nutritious to them. They are foragers of weeds and leaves and could eat different types of plant at different season and even days. However, production animals feed on grass, silage, hay and grain just like cattle. Look for where land is cheap and acquire some acres depending on the number of animals you want to keep.
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| Diagram of Standard Goat House Design |
Goats need large expanse of land, they like moving and moving while eating plants that are not too close to the ground to avoid worm infested plants. They like keeping enough distance from each other, this way, they reduce contaminating each other. Goat don’t like over crowded condition, ensure you have enough acres of land for your goats to roam about free while grazing and feeding.
How many goats should be kept in an acre? On a good pasture ground, maximum of 10 goats should be kept in an acre of grazing land, if you intend to keep up to 500 goats, you will need 50 acres of pasturage. Understand that goat multiply very quickly – a pregnancy will always result to the birth of twins. Sometimes they can give birth to single kid or even triplet which is very rare.
2. Fencing – Construct short perimeter fence round your pasture or barbwire fence, I prefer barbwire to short perimeter fence for obvious reasons – Barbwire is more protective and impossible for goats to scare through while keeping the animal safe from predators. “Goats need protection from coyotes, roving dogs, or even cougars & bears if they are kept on pasture. Some producers use protection dogs to keep predators at bay. Special 1.2m fencing may be required to keep goats in. As goats like to go around obstacles, electric fencing is sometimes used. Many producers provide ‘play areas’ with things to climb to amuse them and to prevent damaging behavior”
3. Housing – Build a suitable house for your goats, house is required to keep them safe from rain and other climate factors like cold. Goat don’t like bad conditions, they like to stay indoor when it is raining, they like to stay under share when the weather is hot, and like to stay outside and graze when the weather is perfect and enjoyable.
Goat likes some measure of privacy when they are indoors, so it is required you build separate houses for few number of goats or you construct it in a way that it will be spacious enough to give each animal some level of privacy. Goats like laying down and chew the cord while resting in a quiet condition. Make sure the housing is made comfortable for them. Some even suggested building dog house for each goat.
4. Species – There are large number of goat breeds suitable for different purposes of rearing. Some are very good for milk production, some are good for the meat, other are preferable for the fiber. However, there species that can combine all that. Some does well in certain area than the other, you need to go for the one that is most popular in your locality, they could be important reason why farmers prefer certain species in your environment. Check the list for available goat breeds in your country and choose according to what you need.
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| Goats in a pasture ground |
Having decided on the goat breeds to go for, source for healthy kids. It must have history of De-worming and Vaccination. Goat is susceptible to stomach worm and other internal parasites. Get the healthiest of goats possible to start with.
5. Veterinarians – You will need to have appointment with a veterinary Doctors near you for periodic check up and vaccination. This is very important if you hope to keep the mortality at the lowest or completely eliminated. You can use Government agencies near you or appoint a private vet doctor.
With all these in place, you are very good to go in your goat rearing business. Since goat does not necessarily feed on processed animal feeds, your cost of production will be highly reduced because they will be eating natural nutritious plants in their pasture that grows on their own.
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Interesting read.
It’ll be great if you can share the stats on the quantity of goat consumed per locality in Nigeria, this might spur some investors to actions.
Poultry and fish farming is being explored because of the short period of time involved in these enterprise, if anyone is going to invest funds over the 2-3 years windows as you have stated, one needs to have the stats so as to plan effectively and efficiently.
Thanks.
Every Nigerian knows that Goat is one of the most popular animal meat in the country. About the exact number of goats that is being slaughtered, maybe you can do the research and share it with us here 😀
50 goats per acre? 500 goats 50 acres?? Is that not too much? And pls where can one get land that are affordable?
Yes, that is about the international standard but you can adjust much less than that. Just use what works for you.
Nigerian is our country, you may decide to comedown to the northern Nigeria and invest. we have a vast abundant of land. make use of the opportunity or partner with one of you school or university course mate who is from North. both of you will succeed.
Great writing. Along with goats, raising some free range chickens ensure high profit. Am doing this.
How do I contact you?
+234 8138031667 is my number
Great writing, i am preparing to start plantain farming and goat rearing side by side next years. 1000 plantain and 50 goats for a start. I hope it comes out well
Sure it will and that will be a good combination
This is a good one, may Allah reward you.
Interesting article. I have been thinking of how to start goat rearing ever before but with this information I have now, I will soon start with at least 10 goats. What I also want to know apart form your useful informative is what can I give them apart from the natural grass and leafs? as food for them to grow well and healthy?
Natural grass is the best food for herbivorous animals. Look for a good source of natural green grasses
Great writing from a great writer, Mr. Darlinton Omeh, my question here is after harvesting atleast 500 goats, how do I get to know the process of exporting them abroad for selling? Seriously awaiting your responce. Gratitude.
Great writing from a great writer, Mr. Darlinton Omeh, my question here is after harvesting atleast 500 goats, how do I get to know the process of exporting them abroad for selling? Seriously awaiting your responce. Gratitude.
Nigerian Export Promotion Council will be able to provide you with all the assistance needed. You can contact me when you have it
& how do I get ur contact?
@muhammad Ali, here is the link; keep us posted http://www.nepc.gov.ng/
Thanks Bro
good investment opportunity. my problem is this… how do i get the type of breed that sells commonly in most Nigerian markets… i mean the hausa type of goat?
You can get at any goat market in Nigeria or from the North and Niger Republic. The South East dwarf goal is also good in the market
Goat farming is a business that interest me a lot. And i have already embark on it. But please do u know where i can get boer goat in any farm in Nigeria
Pls detail me how States your farm
My name is Ik and I have interest in starting a goat in Nigeria, sir can you help by letting me know how many goat can I have in a land of 100ft by 200ft and to stock is it proper get the goats at open market
I Googled this information because i'll like to go into this biz,I have the land and pasture but I reside in the southern part of Nigeria. I'll like to know which state I can travel to and buy goats at cheaper rate in Nigeria. In between, Nice and inspiring article. Thank you for the information.
In the case of lack of green pasture, what else can I provide my goat with. And how and where can i find it?
If I cant provide them with green pasture, what else can i feed them with?
pls where cn i get good foundation stock of goat, i want to start goat farming bt i dnt knw how to get goat breed (west africa dwarf)
Good write up Sir. I really commend your efforts but i will like to know how to feed the goats apart from the grass you mentioned because i have ten goats which are caged due to neighbours complaint of roaming about the community. Thanks
You can’t cage goats sir you may need to relocate them and I tell you in a year from now you are looking at double if not triple of the goats you have now
Nice write-up from Mr Darlington.
I think I can provide answer to the questions asked about other feed that can be provide except fresh grasses… The answer are : Provision of Agro-industrial by-product can be an alternative to the forage expecially in dry season when forages are scars.
Agro-industrial by-product are waste products arising from processing of crops or animal products usually by an agricultural firm.. Examples are Maize stovers , Cassava leaves, Wheat straw, Cowpea hulls, Cassava peels, Citrus pulp, Groundnut husk etc.
This will help in feeding d goat n wi provide their required nutrients…
Thanks..
Thanks Mr Darlington for this informative article. Please how and where can one get a Boer breed goats. I am very much interested in goat farming.
Please what is the average cost of a kid goat and a matured goat that is ready for reproduction? Thanks
Thanks a lot Mr Darlington for this information.I just want to start this business in 3months time.Pls where can I buy the goats from
This is just my dream. Don’t you have a farm where someone can come for seminar? Pls, if there is, let me know the location & time
Thanks so much Mr Darilington for empowering some youths like us. We use to rear goat 15 years back but the challenge we had then was how to store their feed during dry season. But now I know better,wash cassava peels and dry them after then blend it and feed them with it. Or buy lots of sweet potatoes during the season slice it and store. You can as well plant some trees like Melina tree, Dogoyaro tree and palm tree which will be useful at dry season. Thanks
but is there somebody already in this business if im looking to invest in them. (you already have all your land and buildings ill just buy GOAT)
how is it possible to sell one goat for $150 in nigeria ? e no dey feasible o . except na ram u de talk
Yes goat rearing is very lucrative because goats feed naturally on grass of different nutritional compositions. But the challenge is how can one who has not been gainfully employed in his own country for about 10 years after his University graduation start such a project. I use myself as an example in this case!
The best thing is to combine it with other sources of income at the beginning. Then as the business begins to yield profit, you may gradually drop your other works to concentrate in the business.
Thank you for this write up. I will like to know if you have a goat farm and the quantity you rear, thank you kindly.
Pls sir mr Darlinton I will need your contact.
You are indeed wonderful may God bless you for sharing your experience with us,is it possible to have more than 10 goats in one acre
This is a good write up,I am an Agricultural science teacher in a secondary school,I got a 3plots of land in ogunstate for this purpose,Please how many goats can I start up with and how much can I startup with thank you .
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I am a bit lost here sir. Pls do me the favour of describing an acre of land in terms of plots of land. Some persons say they have 2 or 3 plots of land, if my thoughts are right, judging from your conclusion sir, of 10 goats per acre, these persons can’t even start with 1 goat, unless I am wrong, which I believe I am. Pls help me sir. Thanks.
I love this write up..Thanks and remain blessed for the information sir. My worry is, how do you know the kid goat that have been DE-wormed when you want to buy them as a beginner in goat business.. Thanks for your anticipated reply.
pls i want to know goatmilk produce is what i want to do, since it not common in nigeria what should i do.
Very nice piece. Thanks a lot
Where can one get grass to plant?
Wonderful writeup Darlinton, I think I have gotten some ideas for a start. Thanks, but I will appreciate if you can help us with your phone contact so as to reach you for further guidance.
Good Write up I am in the Business ,I have got a lot of ideas to add up .
Please can I get your contact brother? I need to relate with you asap… My what’s app number 07030193317. Please. Thanks bro
For Mr Abel, an acre of land is made up of 8 plots. One hectare of land is made up of 21plot. From the write-ups , 1 plot of land should accommodate just about 2 goats. But practically that space can carry up to 5 goats. Only problem wld be to take them out to other surrounding areas for feeding…. Godwin Chibu
I want to get some knowledge for prearing goat feed locally because I am dwelling in city where there is no grazing land.
Dis is a mind blowing bizz of which i never thought about. Plz i wud lik us 2 hv a cht on watsup
Quit a helpful information for me as I am about starting a goat farm in Plateau state Nigeria. I have been enlighten on the breeds, housing , care equipments and more.
I need to stat goat farming
I want to know where we have demostration farm and where people get necessary training for goat farming in Nigeria.
I love goat business. As such, I would like to undergo training before I embark into it. Where is it possible to do that?
U vr don a good job, I just want 2 start planting poultry, ruminants, monogastric farming & grasscutter production etc pls I need ur advice, about goat exportation & how can I make it 2 an international standard. Pls my WhatsApp line +2348033740308
I am so delighted in reading your article…Please I want to start this business in nigeria..I have a plot of land at the back of my house..and I wish to start small because I don’t have the capital to start big as you have mentioned in your article and I want to grow big in this business…Please kindly advice what should I do, how many goat and ram can I start with..thanks
Interesting write up, an acre of land is about 4000+square metre. How would you rare only 10 goats on this large portion of land. Something is wrong with that.
I guess the writer mean you can start with 10 since the number increases as reproduction started. The space will give room for the future kids.
Thank you so much for the information about goat farming. The question is how do I get Nigeria dwarf goat to buy? I want to do this business how do get cheap goat and which state sell them.
Well i have even start d goat business, i rear dwarf goat. Am lookin for boar goat, day sell dwarf goat in my place. 08134472286
why you no dey give person your contact now ?
Thank to this website
what is price fer 1kg in nigeria price
thank you but I need goat how to start it please help me I’m form ekiti
thank you for this article it is very educating.
This is Interesting and good article. I sincerely appreciate your article regarding goat rearing business. I rearer goat at my house. I’m also planning to do it in a large scale as you said in your write up. I knew goat reproduced twice in a year and its highly profitable business and achievable. infact, agriculture is the only solutions to unemployment in Nigeria. It is good to combine it with other business in agric like plantain plantation if you’re capable.
Thanks for the informations please will like to chat with you to get more informations
WhatsAppNO+971568667328
I am seriously planning on entering the goat rearing business because I can see the huge potential. The West African Dwarf goat is highly sought after especially in the Southern part of the country and expensive thereof. My idea was to cross it with the South African Boar Goat to increase carcass yield while still maintaining resistance to certain diseases and that unique taste. Just a thought as an Animal Scientist.
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Good writing.
I have a palm plantation and plan starting a small goat farming along it. Will goats do well if fed on the palm fronds / leaves cut off while harvesting the bunches of palm kernel?