The goat is a versatile animal. Goats were the first animals domesticated by man in 10,000 B.C. Most goats can be found in Asia and the Mid-East. Goats were the first animals to be used for milk by humans. There are over 210 breeds of goats in the world. There are approximately 450 million goats around the world. Goats were first brought to America by Columbus in 1493.
The female goat is called a “doe” or “nanny.”The male goat is called a “buck” or “billy.”A castrated male goat is called a “wether.” A baby goat is called a “kid.”
Goat milk is cheap, wholesome, easily digestible, and nutritious. It is recommended for use in dyspepsia, peptic ulcer, and pyloric stenosis. It is also preferred to cow milk for liver dysfunction, jaundice, biliary disorders, acidosis, and insomnia. Goats fall into four categories: meat, wool, dairy, and dual (multi) purpose. Some goat breeds are dual-purpose (e.g. meat and wool, or meat and milk).
Expected Yield: 10-20 goats per acre depending on the availability of pasture. The cut and carry system can accommodate more. A doe can have 1 to 6 kids per litter.
Growing Season per Year: Goats are ready for the market at 3-5 months weighing 10-20kgs.
Nutritional Value: Total fat 6%, saturated fat 3g 13%, cholesterol 11mg 4%, sodium 50mg 2%, carbohydrates 4g 1%, sugar 4g, vitamin A 4%, vitamin C 2%, Calcium 13% and iron 0%.
