Last updated on March 2nd, 2024 at 06:02 pm
You are thinking of starting a goat farming business in Kenya. Before you venture into this business, there are some important things you need to know. In this article, we shall discuss some of these things including the amount of capital you need, the space required, what to feed your goats and the different breeds of goats.
We shall also look at how to take care of sick goats and the market for goats in Kenya. At the end of this article, you should have a good understanding of what it takes to start a goat farming business in Kenya.
Starting Capital for a Goat Farming Business in Kenya
You will need a capital of Kes. 25,000 to start your goat farming business. This amount is enough to buy about 15 goats at the rate of Kes. 1,666 per goat. You should however note that the number of goats you buy will depend on the size of your farm and the level of production you desire.
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Space Needed for Goat Farming in Kenya and house structure
You will need space to keep the goats in. A goat needs a minimum of 2 square meters. If you are keeping them in a pen, then the pen should be at least 3 meters by 3 meters.
Goats are browsers and not grazers. This means that they like to eat bushes and trees and not grass. You will need to provide them with a constant source of browse. Some good browse plants include: Ficus, Terminalia, Combretum, Moringa, Baobab and Acacia. You can either grow these plants in your compound or get them from the market.
Your goat house should be made of brick and mortar or permanent concrete. The roof should be of galvanized iron sheets to keep out the rain. The walls should be plastered with a good coat of cement to keep out the wind and protect the goats from weather extremes
How to Feed Your Goats Until Maturity
So you’ve decided to start a goat farm in Kenya. Congratulations! This is a wise decision, as goat farming is a lucrative business. But before you can start reaping the benefits, you need to make sure your goats are well-fed.
There are a few things to keep in mind when feeding your goats. For one, goats are browsers, which means they like to nibble on a variety of plants. This can make it difficult to find a single food that will meet all their nutritional needs. However, there are some feed options that come close.
For dairy goats, you can give them hay, pasture, silage or crop residues. For meat goats, you can give them hay, pasture, maize silage or concentrate feeds. And remember to always provide clean water to your goats.
With the right feed, your goats will grow up healthy and strong.
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What to Feed Dairy Goats and What to Feed Goats for Meat
Your goats will need a balanced diet of hay, grain and supplements, based on the type of goat you’re raising. Let’s start with what to feed dairy goats. Dairy-breed goats are kept primarily for the production of milk and need a higher-protein diet than meat goats. So, look for a balance of hay with grains like oats, wheat, or barley. Supplements such as molasses, minerals, and salt licks can be added in moderation.
On the other hand, meat-breed goats are usually raised for their meat and require a diet that is rich in proteins for muscle development. You should focus on high-protein hay such as alfalfa or clover hay supplemented with grain to ensure they get adequate protein and energy levels. You can also add supplements like molasses or mineral blocks to ensure that their nutritional needs are met but make sure not to overdo this since it can lead to health issues.
Best Goat Breeds in Kenya
If you’re looking to start goat farming in Kenya, you’ll want to know what the best goat breeds are.
The Saanen is a good choice for dairy goats, as it produces a high yield of milk on average. Another popular dairy goat breed is the Alpine, which produces even more milk than the Saanen, making it ideal for larger scale operations.
For meat goats, the Boer and Kalahari are both well-suited to the climate in Kenya and are known for their fast growth rate and impressive carcass size. The local Small East African Goat (SEA), also known as Muturuzi, is another option if you prefer more native breeds.
Any of these breeds have their own advantages and disadvantages so it’s important to do your research before deciding which one would be best suited to your needs and goals.
Treating Unhealthy or Sick Goats
Dealing with sick goats is an unfortunate but sometimes inevitable part of goat farming. Depending on the illness, you may need to give your goat antibiotics or make sure it has proper nutrition to help it recover. If the situation is severe, it’s best to get in touch with a professional veterinarian who can assess the problem and create a treatment plan.
Goat Market in Kenya
When it comes time to sell your goats, the Goat Market in Kenya can provide invaluable insight into pricing and demand. The market functions differently than other agricultural markets because supply levels fluctuate more due to seasonal variations of milk and meat availability. Prices also vary based on breeds, age, size and gender. It’s important to do your research ahead of time so you don’t get scammed when selling or buying your animals.
So, if you’re thinking of starting a goat farm in Kenya, you now know what you need to get started. It’s important to do your research and plan ahead, so you can ensure the success of your farm. With the proper planning and execution, you can make a good living from goat farming in Kenya.