MANAGEMENT OF LIVESTOCK – GOATS MANAGEMENT

CONTENT

1. Introduction to Goats Management
2. Importance of Keeping Goats
3. Factors Responsible for Success in Goats Production
4. Breeds of Goats
5. Goats Management Practices
6. Systems Used for Goats Keeping

Introduction to Goats Management

Goats are ruminants and very hardy type of animal which are regarded as scavengers. Goat farming is the raising and breeding of domestic goats (Capra aegagrus hircus). It is a branch of animal husbandry. Goats are raised principally for their meat, milk, fibre and skin.

Goat farming can be very suited to production with other livestock such as sheep and cattle on low-quality grazing land. Goats efficiently convert sub-quality grazing matter that is less desirable for other livestock into quality lean meat. Furthermore, goats can be farmed with a relatively small area of pasture and limited resources.

Importance of Keeping Goats

Goats are reared for the following reasons:

1. Goats provides meat as a source of protein
2. Goats supply good nutritious milk
3. Goats provides hides used in the manufacturing of leather works
4. They provides hair(mohair) used for making carpets and bags
5. It is a source of income to the government
6. They are used for many social and religious ceremonies
7. The manure(droppings ) from goats used as manure on the soil

Factors Responsible for Success in Goats Production

1. Goats thrive on variety of feeds.