Agriculture72 Comments

Goat farming is one of the most rewarding animal rearing business anyone can engage in anywhere in the world. Goat meats are widely accepted and consumed round the globe, while the milk is also gaining in popularity and is being sold in supermarkets across the United States, Europe and Asia and represent the bulk of the liquid milk market.

Goat-Boa-Specie
A Boer Breed

Here in Nigeria, the goat milk is still not yet widely consumed because farmers are not yet taking advantage of the opportunity. Would you be the farmer to make this happen? The meat is believed to be the best animal meat available anywhere in the market for good reasons. Not only does the meat taste great, it is also lower in fat than chicken but contains higher protein than beef, that makes it better than chicken and beef.

Goat meat has a unique taste that is very difficult to describe but very appealing to the taste bud. There are other products that can be derived from Goat milk such as cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and butter. Anything that cow milk can offer, goat milk can also offer. These are the reasons goat farming is considered by wise farmers as a very lucrative business and it is increasingly becoming very popular among modern farmers in Nigeria.

Opportunities In Goat Farming All Over The World

In India and Nepal, goat farming is one of the major source of income for families and bigger farmers are producing larger quantity for export. China, India, and Pakistan are currently the largest producer of goat in the world with the opportunities still great there for any new farmer who would like to tap the gain. Nepal is said to still import about 1.3million live goat yearly from the neighboring countries such as India, meaning that the opportunity is very much huge in that country for any would be goat farmer.

Australia is the largest exporter of live goat and goat products in the world, yet they are still not meeting the demand of countries where they export. The opportunities in Australia for new farmers are equally great and increasing rapidly.

In United Kingdom, almost all the supermarkets sells goat meats and other goat products like the milk, cheese, butter, and yogurt. The demand is quite high and farmers there are not meeting those demands in full. There are plenty of money making opportunities for goat farmers in UK.

In Nigeria, goat meat is widely consumed locally and forms major part of the people’s delicacies. The popular goat meat pepper soup is so tasty that people come from far and wide to have a taste of it. Yet, few farmers are into goat rearing in the country, most of the goats consumed in Nigeria comes from the Niger Republic and the North. Nigerian Dwarf Goats is popular in the South and Eastern part of the country but only kept for family consumption and sold in the local markets occasionally despite the huge demand. Any serious farmer who would take goat farming to the next level will have serious money to make.

Goat farming is a big and profitable business Anywhere in the world. In this article, I will explain how anyone can start goat farming on a small scale and grow to any size he want within couple of years in any part of the globe. I want to make this article as comprehensive as possible and as people begin to share their ideas and understanding in Goat farming business through comments, I hope this will end up becoming great resource for small scale goat farmers much like the Poultry Farming post. Please read and participate by dropping a comment.

The Profit In Goat Farming Business

First, let’s look at the profit potential in goat farming business, I want to analyze the profit in dollar perspective because I am looking at a situation where some Nigerian farmer would take this goat farming to the next level and starts producing large enough to export even if it is to other African countries.

A fully mature goat weigh about 100 pound and in many places goat sale is measured in pound with each pound going for $1.5. Therefore, 100 pound weigh goat will bring it $150 minimum. If you produce just 500 goats yearly and each sold for $150 minimum, you will be making $75,000 per year. Take away $25,000 as the production cost, you will be left with $50,000 (₦8,000,000) from just 500 goats as pure profit. Isn’t that great?

Don’t forget that goats take between 2-3 years to mature, in the profit estimate above, I assumed you have passed through the first three years of establishment. The 500 is a big number but very achievable if you take your farming seriously, in all honesty 500 goats per annul after three years is a realistic goal for small scale farmers. You can start smaller and expand gradually depending on the resources available.

Now, how do you proceed to start your own goat farming business in easy and simple way that guarantees profit and sustainability? How do you start off in a cost effective way that ensures you don’t get your fingers burnt. Below are what you need and things you need to put in place to ensure you get started quick and simple.

How To Setup Your Goat Farm

1. Pasture – Acquire a good grazing ground that grows plenty of grass verities. Goats are relatively clean animals. They eat a wide variety of plants that are nutritious to them. They are foragers of weeds and leaves and could eat different types of plant at different season and even days. However, production animals feed on grass, silage, hay and grain just like cattle. Look for where land is cheap and acquire some acres depending on the number of animals you want to keep.

goat-house-design
Diagram of Standard Goat House Design

Goats need large expanse of land, they like moving and moving while eating plants that are not too close to the ground to avoid worm infested plants. They like keeping enough distance from each other, this way, they reduce contaminating each other. Goat don’t like over crowded condition, ensure you have enough acres of land for your goats to roam about free while grazing and feeding.

How many goats should be kept in an acre? On a good pasture ground, maximum of 10 goats should be kept in an acre of grazing land, if you intend to keep up to 500 goats, you will need 50 acres of pasturage. Understand that goat multiply very quickly – a pregnancy will always result to the birth of twins. Sometimes they can give birth to single kid or even triplet which is very rare.

2. Fencing –
Construct short perimeter fence round your pasture or barbwire fence, I prefer barbwire to short perimeter fence for obvious reasons – Barbwire is more protective and impossible for goats to scare through while keeping the animal safe from predators. “Goats need protection from coyotes, roving dogs, or even cougars & bears if they are kept on pasture. Some producers use protection dogs to keep predators at bay. Special 1.2m fencing may be required to keep goats in. As goats like to go around obstacles, electric fencing is sometimes used. Many producers provide ‘play areas’ with things to climb to amuse them and to prevent damaging behavior”

3. Housing – Build a suitable house for your goats, house is required to keep them safe from rain and other climate factors like cold. Goat don’t like bad conditions, they like to stay indoor when it is raining, they like to stay under share when the weather is hot, and like to stay outside and graze when the weather is perfect and enjoyable.

Goat likes some measure of privacy when they are indoors, so it is required you build separate houses for few number of goats or you construct it in a way that it will be spacious enough to give each animal some level of privacy. Goats like laying down and chew the cord while resting in a quiet condition. Make sure the housing is made comfortable for them. Some even suggested building dog house for each goat.

4. Species
– There are large number of goat breeds suitable for different purposes of rearing. Some are very good for milk production, some are good for the meat, other are preferable for the fiber. However, there species that can combine all that. Some does well in certain area than the other, you need to go for the one that is most popular in your locality, they could be important reason why farmers prefer certain species in your environment. Check the list for available goat breeds in your country and choose according to what you need.

Goats-Pasture-Ground
Goats in a pasture ground

Having decided on the goat breeds to go for, source for healthy kids. It must have history of De-worming and Vaccination. Goat is susceptible to stomach worm and other internal parasites. Get the healthiest of goats possible to start with.

5. Veterinarians – You will need to have appointment with a veterinary Doctors near you for periodic check up and vaccination. This is very important if you hope to keep the mortality at the lowest or completely eliminated. You can use Government agencies near you or appoint a private vet doctor.

With all these in place, you are very good to go in your goat rearing business. Since goat does not necessarily feed on processed animal feeds, your cost of production will be highly reduced because they will be eating natural nutritious plants in their pasture that grows on their own.

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72 Comments

  • Sola ONI August 29, 2013

    Interesting read.
    It’ll be great if you can share the stats on the quantity of goat consumed per locality in Nigeria, this might spur some investors to actions.
    Poultry and fish farming is being explored because of the short period of time involved in these enterprise, if anyone is going to invest funds over the 2-3 years windows as you have stated, one needs to have the stats so as to plan effectively and efficiently.
    Thanks.

    • Darlinton Omeh August 29, 2013

      Every Nigerian knows that Goat is one of the most popular animal meat in the country. About the exact number of goats that is being slaughtered, maybe you can do the research and share it with us here 😀

  • nazzy August 29, 2013

    50 goats per acre? 500 goats 50 acres?? Is that not too much? And pls where can one get land that are affordable?

    • Darlinton Omeh August 29, 2013

      Yes, that is about the international standard but you can adjust much less than that. Just use what works for you.

    • Abbas Mohammed April 10, 2016

      Nigerian is our country, you may decide to comedown to the northern Nigeria and invest. we have a vast abundant of land. make use of the opportunity or partner with one of you school or university course mate who is from North. both of you will succeed.

  • ROYSFARM September 25, 2013

    Great writing. Along with goats, raising some free range chickens ensure high profit. Am doing this.

  • Kalita Farms November 12, 2013

    Great writing, i am preparing to start plantain farming and goat rearing side by side next years. 1000 plantain and 50 goats for a start. I hope it comes out well

  • Alhassan yahya February 15, 2014

    This is a good one, may Allah reward you.

  • Ishaq Mohammed Waziri March 18, 2014

    Interesting article. I have been thinking of how to start goat rearing ever before but with this information I have now, I will soon start with at least 10 goats. What I also want to know apart form your useful informative is what can I give them apart from the natural grass and leafs? as food for them to grow well and healthy?

    • Darlinton Omeh March 19, 2014

      Natural grass is the best food for herbivorous animals. Look for a good source of natural green grasses

  • Muhammad Ali March 23, 2014

    Great writing from a great writer, Mr. Darlinton Omeh, my question here is after harvesting atleast 500 goats, how do I get to know the process of exporting them abroad for selling? Seriously awaiting your responce. Gratitude.

  • Muhammad Ali March 23, 2014

    Great writing from a great writer, Mr. Darlinton Omeh, my question here is after harvesting atleast 500 goats, how do I get to know the process of exporting them abroad for selling? Seriously awaiting your responce. Gratitude.

  • Imoudu Ezekiel March 29, 2014

    Thanks Bro

  • Anonymous August 6, 2014

    good investment opportunity. my problem is this… how do i get the type of breed that sells commonly in most Nigerian markets… i mean the hausa type of goat?

    • Darlinton Omeh August 6, 2014

      You can get at any goat market in Nigeria or from the North and Niger Republic. The South East dwarf goal is also good in the market

  • Anonymous January 8, 2015

    Goat farming is a business that interest me a lot. And i have already embark on it. But please do u know where i can get boer goat in any farm in Nigeria

  • Anonymous January 15, 2015

    My name is Ik and I have interest in starting a goat in Nigeria, sir can you help by letting me know how many goat can I have in a land of 100ft by 200ft and to stock is it proper get the goats at open market

  • Anonymous May 2, 2015

    I Googled this information because i'll like to go into this biz,I have the land and pasture but I reside in the southern part of Nigeria. I'll like to know which state I can travel to and buy goats at cheaper rate in Nigeria. In between, Nice and inspiring article. Thank you for the information.

  • emeka March 21, 2016

    In the case of lack of green pasture, what else can I provide my goat with. And how and where can i find it?

  • emeka March 21, 2016

    If I cant provide them with green pasture, what else can i feed them with?

  • opeyemi April 27, 2016

    pls where cn i get good foundation stock of goat, i want to start goat farming bt i dnt knw how to get goat breed (west africa dwarf)

  • Ajetunmobi Lateef April 28, 2016

    Good write up Sir. I really commend your efforts but i will like to know how to feed the goats apart from the grass you mentioned because i have ten goats which are caged due to neighbours complaint of roaming about the community. Thanks

    • Ayomide.Adeyemo farms July 16, 2020

      You can’t cage goats sir you may need to relocate them and I tell you in a year from now you are looking at double if not triple of the goats you have now

  • Ajao David Ayobami April 29, 2016

    Nice write-up from Mr Darlington.
    I think I can provide answer to the questions asked about other feed that can be provide except fresh grasses… The answer are : Provision of Agro-industrial by-product can be an alternative to the forage expecially in dry season when forages are scars.
    Agro-industrial by-product are waste products arising from processing of crops or animal products usually by an agricultural firm.. Examples are Maize stovers , Cassava leaves, Wheat straw, Cowpea hulls, Cassava peels, Citrus pulp, Groundnut husk etc.
    This will help in feeding d goat n wi provide their required nutrients…
    Thanks..

  • Samuel June 12, 2016

    Thanks Mr Darlington for this informative article. Please how and where can one get a Boer breed goats. I am very much interested in goat farming.

  • Samuel June 12, 2016

    Please what is the average cost of a kid goat and a matured goat that is ready for reproduction? Thanks

  • Janet June 18, 2016

    Thanks a lot Mr Darlington for this information.I just want to start this business in 3months time.Pls where can I buy the goats from

  • Richard Adeyemo July 9, 2016

    This is just my dream. Don’t you have a farm where someone can come for seminar? Pls, if there is, let me know the location & time

  • franklin July 15, 2016

    Thanks so much Mr Darilington for empowering some youths like us. We use to rear goat 15 years back but the challenge we had then was how to store their feed during dry season. But now I know better,wash cassava peels and dry them after then blend it and feed them with it. Or buy lots of sweet potatoes during the season slice it and store. You can as well plant some trees like Melina tree, Dogoyaro tree and palm tree which will be useful at dry season. Thanks

  • shalam15 November 7, 2016

    but is there somebody already in this business if im looking to invest in them. (you already have all your land and buildings ill just buy GOAT)

  • ruk April 6, 2017

    how is it possible to sell one goat for $150 in nigeria ? e no dey feasible o . except na ram u de talk

  • EZEILO CHARLES OKECHUKWU July 16, 2017

    Yes goat rearing is very lucrative because goats feed naturally on grass of different nutritional compositions. But the challenge is how can one who has not been gainfully employed in his own country for about 10 years after his University graduation start such a project. I use myself as an example in this case!

    • Darlinton Omeh July 16, 2017

      The best thing is to combine it with other sources of income at the beginning. Then as the business begins to yield profit, you may gradually drop your other works to concentrate in the business.

  • God’spower July 23, 2017

    Thank you for this write up. I will like to know if you have a goat farm and the quantity you rear, thank you kindly.

  • hakeem September 2, 2017

    Pls sir mr Darlinton I will need your contact.

  • Ojo J September 5, 2017

    You are indeed wonderful may God bless you for sharing your experience with us,is it possible to have more than 10 goats in one acre

  • Bolaji Oluwafunmilayo September 19, 2017

    This is a good write up,I am an Agricultural science teacher in a secondary school,I got a 3plots of land in ogunstate for this purpose,Please how many goats can I start up with and how much can I startup with thank you .
    ,

  • Abel Ebogomo October 5, 2017

    I am a bit lost here sir. Pls do me the favour of describing an acre of land in terms of plots of land. Some persons say they have 2 or 3 plots of land, if my thoughts are right, judging from your conclusion sir, of 10 goats per acre, these persons can’t even start with 1 goat, unless I am wrong, which I believe I am. Pls help me sir. Thanks.

  • Nkem November 14, 2017

    I love this write up..Thanks and remain blessed for the information sir. My worry is, how do you know the kid goat that have been DE-wormed when you want to buy them as a beginner in goat business.. Thanks for your anticipated reply.

  • debby November 20, 2017

    pls i want to know goatmilk produce is what i want to do, since it not common in nigeria what should i do.

  • Jordan December 2, 2017

    Very nice piece. Thanks a lot

    Where can one get grass to plant?

  • Onaji January 6, 2018

    Wonderful writeup Darlinton, I think I have gotten some ideas for a start. Thanks, but I will appreciate if you can help us with your phone contact so as to reach you for further guidance.

  • Auwalu M Bello January 22, 2018

    Good Write up I am in the Business ,I have got a lot of ideas to add up .

    • Tunji March 5, 2018

      Please can I get your contact brother? I need to relate with you asap… My what’s app number 07030193317. Please. Thanks bro

  • Godwin March 19, 2018

    For Mr Abel, an acre of land is made up of 8 plots. One hectare of land is made up of 21plot. From the write-ups , 1 plot of land should accommodate just about 2 goats. But practically that space can carry up to 5 goats. Only problem wld be to take them out to other surrounding areas for feeding…. Godwin Chibu

  • Kabiru Ashiru Lawan March 26, 2018

    I want to get some knowledge for prearing goat feed locally because I am dwelling in city where there is no grazing land.

  • Victor March 31, 2018

    Dis is a mind blowing bizz of which i never thought about. Plz i wud lik us 2 hv a cht on watsup

  • Utoblo Daniel April 16, 2018

    Quit a helpful information for me as I am about starting a goat farm in Plateau state Nigeria. I have been enlighten on the breeds, housing , care equipments and more.

  • Ahmad dauda ibrahim April 23, 2018

    I need to stat goat farming

  • KEN NWEKE May 23, 2018

    I want to know where we have demostration farm and where people get necessary training for goat farming in Nigeria.

    • Okon Sunday Edet May 31, 2018

      I love goat business. As such, I would like to undergo training before I embark into it. Where is it possible to do that?

  • ADEDOTUN GIWA May 24, 2018

    U vr don a good job, I just want 2 start planting poultry, ruminants, monogastric farming & grasscutter production etc pls I need ur advice, about goat exportation & how can I make it 2 an international standard. Pls my WhatsApp line +2348033740308

  • Wahab Adeshina May 24, 2018

    I am so delighted in reading your article…Please I want to start this business in nigeria..I have a plot of land at the back of my house..and I wish to start small because I don’t have the capital to start big as you have mentioned in your article and I want to grow big in this business…Please kindly advice what should I do, how many goat and ram can I start with..thanks

  • Charles May 24, 2018

    Interesting write up, an acre of land is about 4000+square metre. How would you rare only 10 goats on this large portion of land. Something is wrong with that.

    • Moree June 18, 2018

      I guess the writer mean you can start with 10 since the number increases as reproduction started. The space will give room for the future kids.

  • Atakuziewe Ofegor June 15, 2018

    Thank you so much for the information about goat farming. The question is how do I get Nigeria dwarf goat to buy? I want to do this business how do get cheap goat and which state sell them.

    • Aikhomu manasseh December 26, 2018

      Well i have even start d goat business, i rear dwarf goat. Am lookin for boar goat, day sell dwarf goat in my place. 08134472286

  • joe June 28, 2018

    why you no dey give person your contact now ?

  • Umar yakub ahmad July 17, 2018

    Thank to this website
    what is price fer 1kg in nigeria price

  • ayomide August 21, 2018

    thank you but I need goat how to start it please help me I’m form ekiti

  • Vicwin August 23, 2018

    thank you for this article it is very educating.

  • Saheed Salami January 21, 2019

    This is Interesting and good article. I sincerely appreciate your article regarding goat rearing business. I rearer goat at my house. I’m also planning to do it in a large scale as you said in your write up. I knew goat reproduced twice in a year and its highly profitable business and achievable. infact, agriculture is the only solutions to unemployment in Nigeria. It is good to combine it with other business in agric like plantain plantation if you’re capable.

  • Rahman February 6, 2019

    Thanks for the informations please will like to chat with you to get more informations
    WhatsAppNO+971568667328

  • isaac sampson August 24, 2019

    I am seriously planning on entering the goat rearing business because I can see the huge potential. The West African Dwarf goat is highly sought after especially in the Southern part of the country and expensive thereof. My idea was to cross it with the South African Boar Goat to increase carcass yield while still maintaining resistance to certain diseases and that unique taste. Just a thought as an Animal Scientist.

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  • Segun July 7, 2020

    Good writing.
    I have a palm plantation and plan starting a small goat farming along it. Will goats do well if fed on the palm fronds / leaves cut off while harvesting the bunches of palm kernel?

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