Advanced Goat Rearing Techniques: What is the real secret of earning from goat rearing?

Advanced Goat Rearing Techniques: Apart from farming, small farmers can also earn good money from goat rearing, provided they choose the breed of goats according to their region and use some advanced techniques. Goat rearing has been a source of livelihood for farmers in rural areas for centuries, but due to the use of traditional methods, farmers were not able to make much profit from it, but now the profit has increased in this field also due to the use of modern techniques. In this article, we will tell you the advanced methods of goat rearing (Advanced Goat Rearing Techniques).

If someone wants to do goat rearing on a commercial level, then first he can also take training for it from government institutions, so that no mistake is made in future and loss is not suffered. By the way, goat rearing was the main source of livelihood for small farmers earlier and remains so even today. Let’s know about the modern techniques related to goat rearing, selection of breed and the benefits of goat rearing.

Why is goat rearing beneficial for small farmers? 

Goat is also called the cow of the poor, the reason for this is that the poor farmer is not able to buy a cow due to its high cost. In such a situation, he rears goats for milk, because goats are much cheaper than cows and the cost of rearing them is also much less than cows and buffaloes. They are small in size, so a lot of goats can be kept in less space. Not only this, goats also eat many types of thorny bushes, weeds, crop residues and agricultural by-products that are not useful for humans. That is, farmers do not have to worry much about fodder.

It is easier to rear goats in areas with water shortage than other animals. Goat milk is easily digested compared to cow milk. It has anti-allergic, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. It is also beneficial for goat farmers who do business on a large scale because they get the same price for male and female goats.

Advanced Goat Rearing Techniques 

At present, many modern techniques are being used to earn more profit from goat rearing. This includes artificial insemination, correct choice of diet, health management and use of automated milking machines.

Artificial Insemination

Along with cows and buffaloes, artificial insemination is also being used to obtain improved breed of goats. With its help, farmers select good breed goats and inseminate female goats with their semen, which gives them better breed of goats. With the help of this modern breeding technique, farmers have been successful in breeding goats that give more milk, faster growth and better disease resistance. This technology helps in developing healthy and more productive goats, which not only gives more milk to the farmers, but also provides good quality meat which fetches a good price in the market.

Health Management

Just getting good breed of goats is not enough, but regular monitoring of their health is also necessary, so that in case of any disease, it can be treated immediately and if any goat gets an infectious disease, then it can be prevented from spreading in time, so that the goats do not suffer. Vaccination of goats is necessary to prevent diseases. Also, adopting new technologies like regular veterinary checkup can also prevent diseases to a great extent. Apart from this, by using technologies like remote monitoring devices and data analytics, goat farmers can keep a close watch on the health of their goats, detect early symptoms of the disease and get immediate treatment.

Automatic System

Like every field, the use of automatic technologies has increased in goat rearing too. Goat farmers are also using automatic systems for food and water, which not only saves time and labor, but also ensures that the goats get food and water on time. Apart from this, goats are milked with the help of automated milking machines, which reduces labor costs. The use of these new technologies has made goat farming a more efficient and profitable business.

Shelter Management In Goat Farming 

Proper management of the goats’ living space is also important. The goats’ housing should be clean, dry, disinfected and well-lit. This place should be such that the goats can be protected from strong sunlight, rain, cold and storm. Usually one square meter of space is sufficient for one goat, so according to this, allocate space as many goats as you have.

The roof of the housing should be A-shaped. Keep in mind that there should be a gap of at least 3 meters between the middle point of the roof and the ground. That is, it should be built 3 meters above. An enclosure should be made adjacent to the goats’ housing, where the goats can roam during the day. It can be surrounded by fencing or a brick wall. The size of the enclosure should be twice the size of the goats’ housing. 

Feed management in goat farming

Proper arrangement of fodder is necessary for proper growth and good health of goats. If there are trees and bushes nearby, then leave them to graze and if not, then grow green fodder for goats in the field. Usually goats should be grazed for 7 hours a day. The diet of goats should include 2/3 fodder and 1/3 grain. 60 percent dry fodder like straw and 40 percent green fodder can be given in the fodder. Leaves of cowpea, berseem, larso, moong, cluster bean etc. can be given as green fodder.

Goat Breed Selection

To earn profit from goat rearing business, it is important that goat farmers choose the right breed and for this they should have complete information about the breed of goats. According to ICAR, those who rear goats for both milk and meat purpose should buy goats of Jamunapari, Barbari, Beetal, Surati, Jakharana breed.

If someone wants to rear goats only for meat, then Black Bengal, Ganjam, Osmanabadi, Sangamneri and Sirohi breeds of goats are good. Whereas for those who rear goats for fiber production, Marwari, Gaddi, Chengu, Changthangi breeds are considered good.

Breeds of Goats 

Jamunapari- This goat breed found in Agra and Etawah area of ​​​​Uttar Pradesh is reared for both milk and meat. The weight of the male is 50-60 kg and the weight of the female is 40-50 kg. It is usually white in color and has black brown spots on the body.

Black Bengal- The size of Black Bengal found in West Bengal and Assam is small. Colour is black/brown, horns are raised upwards and chest is broad. Male weighs up to 30 kg and female weighs up to 20 kg.

Barbari- This breed is mainly found in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. It weighs up to 40 kg. It is small in size, has small ears and small horns. Its colour is white and brown.

Beetal- This breed of Punjab and Haryana is of large size. Its colour is brown, ears are long and horns are bent backwards. Male weighs 50-60 kg and female weighs up to 40-50 kg.

Sirohi- Sirohi and Ajmer district of Rajasthan are its place of origin. Male weighs 40-50 kg and female weighs up to 30-40 kg.

Frequently Asked Questions on Goat Farming 

Question: Which breeds are best for goat farming?

Answer: Some popular breeds for goat farming in India are:

1. Sirohi: Best for milk and meat.
2. Beetal: Famous for milk production.
3. Jamunapari: Suitable for both milk and meat.
4. Barbari: Good for meat production.
5. Totapuri: Good meat breed.

Question: How to start goat farming?

Answer: Names of some improved breeds for goat farming:

1. Make a business plan: Determine the breed of rearing, area, budget etc.
2. Selection of animals: Select healthy goats of good breed.
3. Arrangement of shed and enclosure: Make a clean and airy shed for the goats to live in.
4. Food and nutrition: Arrange proper diet and nutrition for the goats.
5. Health care: Get regular vaccination and consult a veterinarian.

Question: What diseases can goats suffer from?

Answer: Names of the main diseases that goats suffer from:

1. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD): This is a rapidly spreading viral disease.
2. Fadakiya disease: This is mainly a bacterial disease. Its germs are found in the soil or the esophagus.
3. Pneumonia: It is spread by a bacterium called ‘Capri’. This disease is mostly seen in animals wet due to rain.
4. Endoparasite: In this, parasites suck the blood of animals.
5. Plague disease: This is a viral disease. Babies aged four to 12 months are more affected by it.

Question: How much does goat rearing cost?

Answer: The cost of goat rearing depends on many factors, such as:

1. Breed and number of goats
2. Cost of shed construction
3. Cost of diet and nutrition
4. Cost of health care and medicines

Question: What are the tips to be successful in goat rearing?

Answer: Keep these things in mind while rearing goats:

1. Select the right breed.
2. Pay attention to diet and nutrition.
3. Get regular health checkups and vaccinations done.
4. Ensure cleanliness and good living conditions.
5. Keep information about market demand and prices.
6. Know about schemes related to goat rearing, for this contact your nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra or Directorate of Agriculture.

Question: What should be the proper housing for goats?

Answer: Keep the goat shed clean, airy, and dry. Arrange proper space and ventilation in the shed so that the goats feel comfortable.

Question: How to manage breeding?

Answer: Keep an eye on the breeding cycle of goats and breed them at the right time. Keep a record of the breeding and health status of each goat and can also use artificial insemination technique.

Question: What is a balanced diet for goats?

Answer: Give high quality fodder, green leaves, grains, and mineral and vitamin supplements to the goats. Consult an animal nutritionist to make a balanced diet plan.