GOAT FARMING: A PASSPORT TO PROSPERITY By Dr. Bandile Mkhize

INTRODUCTION The goat industry in South Africa has a huge potential There is a huge demand for live goats There is equally an increasing demand for goat products like meat, milk, skin and hair The demand for live goats is driven by cultural practices The health characteristics of goat meat are also a factor in the growing demand for goats

INTRODUCTION Every farming operation has to be run as a business if the potential of the goat industry is to be realized. There is a need to move away from communal farming practices to commercial farming. Goat farmers need to adopt sustainable goat farming practices.

ADVANTAGES OF GOAT FARMING Commercial goat farming is a great and guaranteed profitable business Capital required for this business is comparatively less than other business opportunities. Goats produce kids twice a year Goats require housing/sheltering facilities less than other livestock animals It is very easy to maintain goats and maintenance costs are also less.

ADVANTAGES OF GOAT FARMING Goats require less labour cost Great idea for unemployed, educated youth and women Commercial goat farming can contribute to the national economy to make t strong. Commercial Goat farming is a great business idea with good returns on investment ratio

TYPES OF GOATS Indigenous Goat Boer Goat Angora Goat Kalahari Goat Sannen Goat Savannah Goat

INDIGENOUS GOAT

BOER GOAT

ANGORA GOAT

KALAHARI GOAT

SANNEN GOAT

SAVANNAH GOAT

GOAT PRODUCTS Meat Milk Skin Soap and other beauty products Mohair Lip balm Burgers Cheese production

GOAT PRODUCTS Goats produce about 2.8l of milk per day, while some produce up to 5l per day Approximately 10l of milk are used to produce 1kg cheese You need A-Grade milk to produce A-Grade cheese Cheese is a value-add Goat milk contains far lower levels of cholesterol. Types of goat milk cheese include: cheesecake, feta, cheddar, semi-hard cheeses, soft mass

GOAT INFRASTRUCTURE On average 1.5 to 2 square meter housing space is required per goat Keep separate areas for rams and ewes Make a separate enclosure for the kids For commercial dairy goat farming, make an extra enclosure for milking goats There must be sufficient flow of fresh air and light. Select a higher place for the housing structure to keep it always dry.

GOAT INSFRASTUCTURE Always keep floor of the housing structure dry Prevent damping condition, because it can cause various diseases. Goats fear rain. So never let the rain water enter inside the goat housing structure Always keep sufficient clean fresh water inside the house Make a fence around your farm to keep your goats safe.

PROFITABILITY OF THE GOAT BUSINESS

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30 NOVEMBER 2018 – 01 DECEMBER 2018