Off the Urban Grid

The Basics of Raising Goats

The goat is often referred to as the “poor man’s cow,” because in comparison to bovines, they are a more practical livestock to raise. So if you’re interested in having access to cheaper, natural and homemade dairy products, goats could be your answer.

There are several pros to raising goats. Similar to cows you can benefit from their milk and even butcher them if you want a supply of chevron. Also, you can sell some of your goats to other farmers and make a profit on the side. In addition, you can turn a goat’s hide into clothing or rugs, and you can use the wool from mohair goats to make more clothing. However, if you’re simply looking for another dairy option as well as a companion, goats can fulfill those simple requirements too.

Goats produce approximately one gallon or less of milk every day, and their milk can be turned into yogurt, cheese and butter. Their lactation period lasts for 305 days, and they consume less food during this time. Each adult goat needs at least 16 square feet of space, and you can build a simple three-sided shed to protect your animals from the elements. A four to five foot fence is also necessary to keep your goats in and predators out.

These animals eat inexpensive food such as hay, grain and foraged food. Goats are more prone to eat fruits rather than your grass so don’t think that you will have less grass to cut. A pregnant doe will need extra protein, so you will need to bump up the one scoop of grain to two scoops per day. Overall, goats will eat less food than a typical cow.

Raising goats can be beneficial to your budget and your food supply. Some say that the milk from goats tastes completely different from a cow, but you will have to test it out for yourself or maybe give yourself a chance to get used to it.

Tags: healthy goats, raising goats