goats
Poor pastures threaten Zimbabwe’s cattle herd: Goats may provide an answer
Smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe who rear livestock are counting their losses after an extended dry season decimated pastures. Like many smallholders, livestock breeders rely on rainfall for the feeding of their cattle, goats, donkeys, and everything else. However, with the country reeling under an unusually long dry season, the[...]
African farmers learn all about goats
Gerrie Ferreira, founder and co-owner of Karoo Livestock Exports based on the farm Chandelier near Oudtshoorn in the Klein-Karoo, has been exporting ostriches, livestock, and game for the past 27 years. Since the first export of ostriches in 1996, the family business has expanded its market to more than[...]
Farming with goats – Part 11: Transporting goats and the importance of veld management
When transporting livestock, it is essential that they are managed in a way that reduces stress and minimises any risks to animal welfare. Producers must understand their roles and responsibilities when transporting livestock. Transporting goats Marketing of goats will require transportation of them from the farm to a marketing[...]
Farming with goats – Part 7: Best breeding practices to expand your flock
Every farmer wants to expand his flock. However there are key principles that need attention concerning the effective management of ewes, rams and kids. Reproduction and kidding management directly affect the flock’s reproductive performance. Reproduction efficiency in any goat flock can be assessed by considering the following aspects: •The[...]
Farming with goats – Part 6: Housing and feeding your goats successfully
Shelter Goats need to be confined at night for a number of reasons: • To provide shelter from bad weather • To prevent theft • To prevent predation If animals are kraaled but are not provided with a shelter, they will be exposed to the weather and will not[...]