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Goat Owner Mistakes
| Top 10 Mistakes Made by Goat Owners |
- Fencing and Pens. Determine the proper fencing and pens needed for your location management style and breeds of goats being raised. One size does not fit all. Fencing materials that make good pens and working traps are different from pasture fencing.
- Livestock Guardian Animals. Each goat owner should find out the predators in his area and purchase livestock guardian animals that fit both his needs and his budget. In addition to livestock guardian dogs donkeys and llamas are used.
- Raising Goats Like Other Species of Livestock. Goats are not sheep or little cattle. Almost everything about goats is unique. Learn about goats before you wind up killing some of them through mismanagement.
- Understanding the Real Function of Registries. Registries record pedigrees of livestock . . . sire dam grand-sire grand-dam age sex number in litter tattoo or other identification methods. Registration does not mean that the animal is quality.
- Medications and Other Animal Health Supplies. Learn what you need to have on hand and purchase it before you need it. You won't have the luxury of time to go get it when an emergency arises.
- Wise up to Goat Health. Take the time to locate sources of help so you can contact them when you need it. While sometimes difficult to find a good goat vet is essential.
- Breeding Techniques. Don't breed larger-framed males to more moderately-framed females. Don't breed does too young or too soon after kidding. Learn from the mistakes made by breeders of other species of livestock and apply that information to your breeding program.
- Feeding Goats. Goats are picky eaters with easily-upset rumens needing a wide variety of high-quality forage/browse. Research how to feed them properly. Protein is only one element of a feed ration. Long fiber is essential to rumen function. The rumen is the goat's digestive factory. Calcium-to-phosphorus ratios are critical. Copper selenium zinc and thiamine (Vitamin B-1) are but a few of the important minerals and vitamins essential to health and reproduction.
- Choosing a Breed. Find a breed of goat that fits your climate as well as your goals. Goats are primarily dry climate animals (under 25 inches of rainfall per year) but some breeds seem to be more adaptable than others to different climatic conditions.
- Research Your Market BEFORE You Buy Your First Goat. Find out what demand for goats exists in your area then breed for that market. Take a hard look at yourself and your operation. Decide if you are going to be a hobbyist or a serious market-oriented producer. If your market is production of animals for meat or raising herd sires/dams do not solicit advice from producers outside your chosen field. Show-goat producers manage and feed very differently from other breeders. Applying their techniques to your herd will result in serious health problems for your goats.
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