Breeds, Selection, Feeding, and Management of Goats Chapter 28

Objectives Give a brief description of the goat enterprise List and describe the common breeds of goats Select quality breeding stock using generally accepted criteria

Objectives (cont.) Discuss feeding and management of goats Describe housing and equipment required for goat production

Overview of The Goat Enterprise Goat populations in U.S. have increased in recent years, struggling to keep up with increased demand Market popularity has increased due to news about positive health benefits of goat products. Less caloric and less fat than in beef or chicken

Classes of Goats Goats are classified by their products Dairy Fiber Meat Two minor classifications Pets/companions Goatskins

Classes of Goats (cont.) Dairy Goats Found in every state in the U.S. Only seven dairy goat breeds common in U.S. Most kept on small farms Require less space and are less expensive than dairy cattle Can be used for meat

Classes of Goats (cont.) Fiber Goats Three common in U.S. Angora (most popular, most found in Texas) Cashmere Miniature Silky Fainting Goat Can also be used for meat Help control weeds Can be pastured with cattle

Classes of Goats (cont.) Meat Goats Popularity of goat meat on rise About 45 breeds can be classified as meat type Most common in U.S. – Boer, Kiko, Kinder, Myotonic, Pygmy, Savanna, and Spanish

Breeds of Goats Dairy Goats Alpine LaMancha Nigerian Dwarf, Nubian Oberhasli Saanen and Sable Toggenburg

Breeds of Goats Dairy Goats Alpine

Breeds of Goats (cont.) Dairy Goats (cont.) LaMancha

Breeds of Goats (cont.) Dairy Goats (cont.) Nigerian Dwarf

Breeds of Goats (cont.) Dairy Goats (cont.) Nubian

Breeds of Goats (cont.) Dairy Goats (cont.) Oberhasli

Breeds of Goats (cont.) Dairy Goats (cont.) Saanen and Sable

Breeds of Goats (cont.) Dairy Goats (cont.) Toggenburg

Breeds of Goats (cont.) Fiber Goats Angora

Breeds of Goats (cont.) Fiber Goats (cont.) Cashmere Soft down or winter undercoat of fiber produced by most breeds of goats (other than Angora) Down is soft furry, fine feathery coat of young birds and animals, or undercoat of adult birds, animals Most comes from China, Afghanistan, Iran, Outer Mongolia, India, Australia, and New Zealand

Breeds of Goats (cont.) Meat Goats Boer

Breeds of Goats (cont.) Meat Goats (cont.) Kiko

Breeds of Goats (cont.) Meat Goats (cont.) Kinder

Breeds of Goats (cont.) Meat Goats (cont.) Myotonic

Breeds of Goats (cont.) Meat Goats (cont.) Pygmy

Breeds of Goats (cont.) Meat Goats (cont.) Savanna Spanish

Selection of Goats Selection of Dairy Goats Matter of personal preference Select goats that indicate good milk production Scorecards are available that indicate desirable traits for judging dairy goats Production records and pedigrees can be valuable in selection

Selection of Goats (cont.) Selection of Dairy Goats (cont.)

Selection of Goats (cont.) Selection of Fiber Goats Judged on basis of body and fleece Body – breed type, conformation, bone, constitution and vigor, size, weight, age Fleece – fineness, uniformity, completeness of covering, oil content, luster, density, and character Balance between body and fleece a must

Selection of Goats (cont.) Selection of Meat Goats Examine health, appearance, pedigree, and performance data Evaluation competitions becoming more popular Meat goat evaluation now part of National FFA Livestock Judging Career Development Event

Feeding Goats Feeding Dairy Goats Roughages with grains added if needed Commercial protein concentrates Home-mixed feeds Minerals, vitamins, salt, and water are essential Pasture or hay

Feeding Goats (cont.) Feeding Fiber Goats Wide variety of brush, weeds, and grass Additional feed in winter Guajillo and live oak are excellent Pelleted feeds and roughages 20 percent protein range cubes Shelled yellow corn

Feeding Goats (cont.) Feeding Meat Goats Similar to feeding fiber goats Some require more protein and energy Best way to add protein is with a protein supplement Most needs are met through pasture or rangeland

Management of Goats Managing Dairy Goats Seasonal breeders Keep buck separate from doe during milking season Bucks need exercise to avoid becoming sterile Gestation period is 5 months

Management of Goats (cont.) Managing Dairy Goats (cont.) Put kids on pasture as soon as possible Separate buck kids from doelings at 2 to 3 months Castrate bucks at 8 to 12 weeks old Dehorn kids when 3 to 5 days old Trim hooves from time to time

Management of Goats (cont.) Managing Dairy Goats (cont.) Tattooing or tagging Milk on stand by hand or machine Feed strong-flavored feeds only after milking Clip does on udder and flank area

Management of Goats (cont.) Managing Dairy Goats (cont.) Wash udder Milk at intervals of 12 hours Strain milk Cool milk quickly

Management of Goats (cont.) Managing Fiber Goats Run three or four bucks with each 100 does Flush does Use yearling or older bucks for breeding Kid does in pasture Use stakes and kidding boxes

Management of Goats (cont.) Managing Fiber Goats (cont.) Newborn kids should not be handled Ear mark and vaccinate kids Castration Weaned after fall shearing Caping to protect from weather Spraying and drenching

Management of Goats (cont.) Managing Meat Goats Breed year-round Cross Spanish with Boer to increase meat production Overall, similar to managing fiber goats

Housing and Equipment Housing and Equipment for Dairy Goats Depends on size of herd Loose pen and tie stalls Confinement housing Milking area/room Woven wire fences Feed racks, troughs, and hurdles

Housing and Equipment Housing and Equipment for Fiber and Meat Goats Similar to those for sheep Basic protection from elements, extreme weather Housing varies by herd size, land availability, and operation type If confined, minimum 20 square feet needed

Protection from Predators Domestic dogs, wolves, coyotes, and wildcats are serious threats Goats are easy prey Fencing helps to protect Guardian animals (dogs, donkeys, llamas) can help protect the herd