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Planning a profitable goat farm

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It is easier to manage one or two goats than managing a farm. You need to thoroughly research the market and the operational factors. Information should be gathered from a broad range of sources: existing farm owners, other local farmers, publications, the internet, agriculture universities, primary industries, consultants and financial advisors. After market study, you need to have a clear understanding of your personal and business goals. Livestock farming requires day to day attention. You have to change your lifestyle accordingly. Is it a full-time or part-time commitment? Type of farm you want to develop: There are many options; such as one who has surplus agriculture land, both feed and water is available in plenty, may choose to do it as mixed enterprise. In this type, one gets advantage of fodder availability and the manure from goat farming can be used for agriculture. Goats can be grazed on crop stubbles and help in weed control. Goats are relatively cheap with respect to

What we must know to be a successful goat farmer?

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The goat husbandry has a bright future with great potential for growth. This opportunity exists because the huge demand for various goat products, such as meat, milk, cheese, leather and fiber, exceeds supply. Goat rearing can be the sole enterprise or part of a mixed business. In rural India goats are always reared by farmers and are mainly fed on crop waste and or grazed. Before going into goats, one should consider the following: Market potential: This is the first and most important step. One should investigate the market, taking into consideration the demand of product (meat/milk or other), year round market or specific period of demand, distance from your farm. By studying product demand, you can select and determine the breed and breeding policies for your herd. Market period will give you idea of making product ready for market when there is demand. Transportation of animals to longer duration often leads to losses and increases the production cost. Land and clima