GOATS
Goats are farmed for meat, milk or fibre.
Goat meat production in Australia was valued at about $20 million per annum in 1997, and milk at $1 million. The mohair industry was valued at about $2 million per annum. The cashmere industry was valued at about $0.5 million per annum.
There is presently a major under supply of goat meat in Australia to satisfy domestic and export demands. The limited number of feral goats presently being captured and sold, and low farmed stocks, indicates that more suppliers of good quality meat are needed.
Identification of specific cuts and market needs (i.e. carcass or live goats) combined with the co-ordination of suppliers, wholesalers and retailers will maximise client satisfaction. Younger goats although lighter in weight can sustain a higher price as the meat is much more tender. Older goats can contain too much fat for the market. Meat prices can vary throughout the year. Meat can be obtained from all breeds of fibre, dairy, feral and improved boer goats.
Goat milk can be used for specialised cheese making, although the supply is much less than the demand, also indicating a need for industry expansion to satisfy domestic and export markets.
Dairy goats need improved pastures in good rainfall areas. A good knowledge of animal nutrition, lactation and disease control is essential for milk production. Additional knowledge of pasture management will aid in increased productivity.
The main dairy breeds include Saanen, British Alpine and Toggenburg. Crossbreeds of these have been used in recent years in Australia.
Use of all chemicals should be monitored. The withholding period of the chemical should be adhered to explicitly for meat and dairy goats.
Milking sheds are set up like cow dairies. Infrastructure and machines may be expensive to set up, but are easily run. Milk lactation lasts for 300 days with an average 2-3 L/doe/day.
Mohair and cashmere is one sector of the goat industry that has internationally established markets for the fibres. The demand for quality fibre is beyond the present Australian supply capacity. Prices for fleece may vary considerably from year to year, due to fashion trends and market economies. Mohair fibre is regarded as high quality and frequently used in luxury clothing. Fibre price is dependent on fibre diameter, length and occurrence of colour. Kid mohair generally receives a higher price compared to the coarser adult fibre. Shearing is carried out twice a year when length exceeds 10cm.
Cashmere goats produce a coarse low value fleece, but have an under coat of fine high quality down - it is this down which is called cashmere. Price obtained is governed by colour and fibre diameter. Shearing is carried out once a year.
Mohair fibre is normally sold overseas in the greasy state, with Australia buying back yarns, rugs, knitwear and velours. Australia producers have recently been processing more of their fibre to reduce imports, and to benefit from value adding.
All goats have the benefit of consuming weeds species thereby reducing the weed population on the farm; and the ability to utilise steep slopes where other animals are less likely to graze. However, vegetable matter (VM) content in the fibre will lower the value of the mohair. Goats are best in dry to semi-arid districts where winter rainfall is not high - these districts tend to increase problems of parasites. Goats are susceptible to soil trace-element deficiencies, and a range of diseases, including Johnes disease and Caprine retovirus (CAE).
Goats need strong fencing, so initial fencing costs may be expensive, however, electrified fences tend to be cheaper in set up and more effective in goat control.
To enter into goat production, it is advisable to first fully research the topic. Try to observe other goat farm operations, ensure suitable fencing is constructed, start with a small number of head before expanding to full production. Purchase the right equipment (drenches, shears, castration equipment, etc). Stocking rates are similar to that of sheep, and good pasture husbandry will increase productivity. Goats have been incorporated with other grazing animals successfully.
More courses
Short courses available which can be beneficial to those starting in goat farming include:
Agricultural Marketing
Animal Behaviour
Animal Breeding
Animal Health Care
Animal Husbandry II
Animal Husbandry III
You can also undertake Certificates, Advanced Certificates and Associate Diplomas in Agriculture to give you the knowledge you require to run a successful business. Click here for more