If you want to use goats for brush control, how do you get into the business? The first step is to visit other producers, especially those that are using goats for weed and brush control to see if goats will control your type of vegetation. Find out information about their goat management practices. Work to learn all you can about goats from extension personnel, other producers, and the internet. A good source of information is …
Parasite problems are generally considerably less when goats are used for vegetation management than when they are grazing conventional pastures. This is due to goats browsing and consuming feed that is above ground leve where most of the larva from parasites are locatedl. Many browse species also contain tannins, which aid in parasite control. However, if the goats are patch-grazing grass, they can develop serious parasite problems. If high stocking rates are used relative to available vegetation, goats will …
Goats being used for vegetation control in the southern United States typically need little shelter. Often goats have enough shade and shelter from the rain by utilizing cover from existing trees during the summer. Goats need shelter from the wind during the winter, which may be accomplished with a gully, pond bank, brushy mott or brush pile. Standing brush or cedars can also provide shelter. Does should be bred to kid late enough in the spring so that shelter …
Predators are a serious problem in the use of goats for vegetation management as locations are often remote, with habitat that provides natural cover for predators. Guard animals put with the goats can prevent predator attack. The number of guard animals needs to be sufficient to cover the area and terrain in which the goats are kept. If guard dogs are used, plans need to be made for feeding them. They can be fed using self feeders, but the …
Time is needed for goats to sustainably control brush and weeds. Brush and weeds are not as well adapted to repeated defoliation as are grasses. Repeated defoliation stresses these plants and reduces carbohydrate reserves. This stress makes the plant more subject to damage or death through insect and disease attack. Finally, when the root carbohydrates are depleted, the plant will die.
Stripping of bark by goats, such as seen in honey and black locust and red cedar, will …
A major decision is the type of goat enterprise desired for use in vegetation control. Do you want to have a brood goat operation, a stocker goat operation, or have mature wethers? Do you want to co-graze with cattle, horses, or sheep?
A brood goat operation where does produce kids requires the greatest management input and encounters the most problems due to kidding and raising kids. This enterprise also has the potential for the greatest profits. Grazing …
Below are some websites that may be helpful if you are interest in starting an organic goat production system:
…Websites that are available to help in designing facilities for goats:
The following plans were developed for Tobacco Barns but will work for any existing barn of similar size.
…Many potential consumers of goat meat are from different ethnic and religious groups that have specific requirements and rules for food. Many of these groups want to know the person who produces their food or to produce it themselves. Often they have specific requirements for processing meat so it qualifies under their religious rules. If you wish to market to them then you will need to better understand these differences. People practice Islam need animals to be …
