In India, goat is called ‘Poor man’s cow’ and is an important component in dry land farming system. Marginal or undulating lands inappropriate for other types of animals such as cow or buffalo, goat is the best option. With very less investments goat rearing can be turned into a lucrative venture for small & marginal farmers.
Goat Rearing
Goats are primarily reared for milk and meat. The goat is stated to be a multi-functional animal that contributes significantly to the economy and nutrition of landless, tiny, and marginal farmers in India. Goat farming is a rural activity that has long been conducted by a considerable portion of the people. Goats can easily thrive in adverse hostile environments on available trees and shrubs in low fertility soils where no other crop can be grown.
Globally, more people drink goat milk than cow milk, and more people consume goat meat than beef, among other things. According to historians, goats were the first animals to be domesticated. Goats have been utilized for milk, meat, hair, and skins all throughout the world for many years.
Goat farming Advantages
Here are the benefits of goat rearing:
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The initial investment required for Goat farming is quite low.
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Because of small body size & docile nature, housing requirements & management problems with goats are less.
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In drought-prone areas, the risk of goat farming is very low as compared to other animals.
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Goats are prolific breeders & reach sexual maturity at the age of 10 to 12 months, the gestation period is also short & at the age of 15 to 17 months, it starts giving milk.
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Goats are best for mixed species grazing. It can thrive well on a wide range of thorny bushes, weeds, crop residues.
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Goat meat is leaner i.e. low cholesterol & is relatively good for those who prefer a low energy diet, especially in summer.
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Goat milk is also very easy to digest as compared to cow milk. Goat milk helps in improving appetite & digestive efficiency.
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They are 2.5 times more economical or cheaper than sheep on free-range grazing under semi-arid conditions.
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The goat provides employment to the rural poor besides effectively utilizing unpaid family labor.
How to start goat farming in India
Know about Different Goat breeds
There are many goat breeds available in the country but all of them are not suitable for commercial production. Some breeds of goat are highly productive and suitable for commercial farming in India.
Jamunapari goat
Jamunapari goats are mostly found in Uttar Pradesh and its surroundings areas, but nowadays they are available in many of the country and some other South Asian nations as well.
Malabari goat
They are also called Tellichery goats and mainly found in Southern state of Kerala.
Sirohi goat
Sirohi goats are found in Rajasthan and its surrounding regions.
Barbari goat
Barbari goats can be found in the regions of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Panipat, Karnal, Rothak and Delhi regions
Beetal goat
They are mostly found in Punjab & Haryana.
Changthangi goat
These goats are known for their delicate fiber yield. They are mainly white in color and the rest are brown, black & gray.
Jakharana goat
Jakharana goats are important dairy goat breed of the semi-arid tract of the Rajasthan.
Chegu goat
They are mainly white in color, but grayish red & mixed colors can also be found.
Kanni Adu goat
Kanni Adu goats are mostly found in Tamil Nadu.
Kutchi Goat
Kutchi goats are also called Kathiawari goat and found in Gujarat.
Look for a Suitable Location
Almost all of India's regions are suited for goat cultivation. It is preferable to choose a property for goat farming or goat rearing close to your home. You can also look for a piece of land that has all of the necessary amenities for a successful goat farming enterprise.
Proper Housing
In India, housing is essential for commercial goat farming or goat husbandry. However, many goat farmers in the country breed goats on a modest scale and keep them alongside other livestock/domestic animals such as cows, buffaloes, and sheep. However, this method of goat husbandry does not yield the highest possible yield.
Thus, in order to establish a commercial goat farm, producers must construct a specialized goat housing infrastructure. Nowadays, goat housing designs with stall feeding systems are fairly common, as they ensure higher production with a higher profit margin than other traditional systems.
Right Feeding
Goats can grow and produce the most if they are fed a well-balanced and healthy diet. Always ensure that all types of important elements are available in their food. Successful goat farmers include all vital vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other elements in the right proportions.
Care & Management
Take excellent care of your domestic animals, particularly goats. Check-in on all of their activities on a regular basis. Keep all necessary immunizations and medications on hand on your farm. This will assist you in growing your commercial goat farming production. Always provide them with fresh, nutritious food that is high in green ingredients.
If you properly follow the methods outlined above, you will be able to earn a fair living from goat farming.
(Also read: What Are The Advantages And Problems In Goat Farming?)
