COMMERCIAL GOAT FARMING IN INDIA & IMPORTANCE OF GOAT MEAT IN HEALTHY LIFE
DR.NK SINGH,IVRI
Commercial goat farming in India is becoming very popular day by day. As goat farming is a proven highly profitable business idea so, the popularity of this business is increasing rapidly in India. It is also one of the finest and established livestock management department in the country. Goat farming business is one of the traditional occupations of some Indian people. It is also the only economic activity of some people of rural areas. Like poultry farming, goat farming business is also very profitable and can employ a large number of unemployed educated people. Which will help to eradicate unemployment problem from the country. Wish your happy goat farming business in India. Goat farming in India is a well-established, antiquated form of farming especially in places where dry land farming system is practiced. It is generally practiced by farmers who have a very small area of land for farming. Sometimes landless laborers also undertake goat farming since the risk, initial investments etc. are much lower than other forms of farming. Goats are hence rightly called as “poor man’s cow” since it has promises of good return that can serve as investment source.
India occupies first position in terms of goat population and milk production. Chevon (goat meat) is most preferred and widely consumed meat in the country. Since ancient times goat milk has traditionally been known for its medicinal properties and has recently gained importance in human health due to its proximity to human milk for easy digestibility and it‟s all round health promoting traits. Still research is needed to explore and validate medicinal properties of goat milk for projecting it as therapeutic milk for human health. Demand for goat milk and milk products for internal consumption and export is expected to rise in coming years. Goat husbandry provides glimpses of future hope for employment generation, nutritional security and prosperity to the millions of small and marginal farmers in the country.
Role in Rural Economy :
Among all species of farm animals, Goats have the widest ecological range and have been poor people‟s most reliable livelihood resource since their domestication during Neolithic Revolution about 10 millennia ago. Goat plays a significant role in providing supplementary income and livelihood to millions of resource poor farmers and landless laborers of rural India. Small ruminant rearing ensures self-employment and acts as a cushion in distress situations like drought and famine.
Role in entrepreneurship:
In last few years, goat production in the country gained momentum in the form of a commercially viable enterprise as evidenced by increasing interest of young entrepreneurs to develop knowledge and skill in this species. In many small-herd dairy goat enterprises, not all does must be milked, so meat is often the main product. Along with meat, the sale of breeding stock from small herds of dairy goats may be an important income source. This versatility allows the producer to plan and operate a more stable economic production unit. In some parts of the world, all breeds may be raised for fiber, meat, and milk and cheese production. Kids of all breeds can be used for meat. However, meat goat carcasses are generally leaner and more muscular than dairy goat carcasses.
Role in global scenario:
India ranks on top in goat population. The demand for meat, milk and fiber is increasing progressively and expected to further rise in future in view of sizable increase in per capita income and health consciousness of people. Worldwide consumers are preferring products that are “clean, green and ethical”. As such goat producers are shifting to husbandry practices that do not compromise the welfare of animals. Medicinal properties of goat milk increased the interest of society to use it as therapeutic health food neutraceutical; moreover, biotechnologists are focusing on designer milk for human health.
Role in Nutrition and Health:
Goats possess distinct social, economical and biological advantages. They can be maintained on a limited area and can sustain on wide variety of vegetation in varied agro‐climatic conditions. Goat meat (chevon) is one of most preferred meat type by the consumers in several countries including India. The goat milk is easily digestible due to smaller size of fat globules and serves as a ready source of family nutrition. In India, both demand and production of goat meat have shown steady increase during the last decade and despite the rising production trend, country would need to double the number of goats to meet the projected requirement of goat meat for growing human population in the coming decades.
Current Scenario
Traditionally goat has served as source of livelihood and financial security to large section of society, mainly comprising of resource‐poor people. In the present scenario of changing agro‐climatic conditions, this small ruminant farm animal has tremendous potential to be projected as the „Future Animal‟ for rural and urban prosperity. The backyard goat rearing is steadily turning as the fast growing „livestock industry‟ in the country. Goat husbandry in India is essentially an endeavor of millions of small holders who rear animals on “Crop Residues” and “Common Property Resources”. The small holders produce milk, meat, fiber, skin etc for the community with virtually no capital, resource and formal training. More often goats are reared for production of meat, but they also serve as ready source for milk to meet the family requirement.
Goat Production Systems in India
In our country, goats are reared by men and women with diverse working and professional background. The production systems are as numerous as the socioeconomic and varied agricultural situations in the country. However, they can be broadly classified into the following:-
1.Tethering: This is common in the sub-humid and humid zones, where probably because of intensive cropping, it is a convenient means of rearing goats from the stand point of control, minimum labour input and utilization of feed in situ. It is thus a sedentary system. A variation of this method is combining tethering with grazing up to 5 goats at a time, led by ropes held by women and children.
2.Extensive production : This involves low carrying capacity in situations where land is marginal and is plentiful. It is characterized by low rainfall and various browse plants. The system is used by nomadic people, usually in very low rainfall areas or during winter months when crop resides are available.
3 Intensive production: The goats are fed in confinement with limited access to land. It involves high labour and cash inputs. Cultivated grasses and agroindustrial byproducts are fed in situ. This system also has the advantage of allowing control over the animals.
4.Semi-intensive production: This system is practiced to some degree in most of the situations, but the nature and extent of integration depend on the type of crops grown and their suitability to goats. The advantages of this system are increased fertility of land via the return of dung and urine, control of waste herbage growth, reduced fertilizer usage, easier crop management, increased crop yields, and greater economic returns.
Advantages of Goat Farming Business
Goat farming in India
There are some benefits of domestic or commercial goat farming. If you want to start goat farming business then you must read the benefits of raising goats. § Goats are multi purpose animal which can produce milk, meat, fiber, skin together. § Compared to cow and other livestock farming, goat farming requires less space and additional facilities. They have a less demand of housing and other management. In small scale production they are also able to share their homes with their owners and his/her other livestock. § Production costs like infrastructure, feeding and treatment are less. § You don’t have to think about marketing your farm products. Because there are already an established market in the country for marketing your products. § It is really very easy to maintain a goat farm compared to other farm animals. § Goats can adopt themselves with almost all types of agro-climatic conditions. And diseases are less in goats. § They are smaller in size but reach slaughter age faster. § Goat products like meat and milk has no religious taboo. And highly accepted for consumption throughout the world.
Some of the goat farming advantages is as below:
- Almost all sections of the society consume goat meat and there is no religious taboo over it. In addition goat meat is lean meat and has lower cholesterol content. · The initial investment required for a goat farm is much low than dairy farming. · It is not necessary to start a farm with herd of 6-10 goats. A farm can be started with just one goat and gradually increased to a herd or develop into large commercial units. · Goats can tolerate bitter taste to a greater extent than other animals. Hence, they consume almost every type of plants that are not eaten by other animals. · Since they are careful eaters they can live in almost all types of climatic conditions. · Goat milk contains small fat globules that are easily digestible. Hence goat milk is medically recommended for senior citizens and infants. · Goat droppings are rich in phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium. Hence it is excellent organic manure. Goat manure has high demand in organic farming. · Generally, goats start milking by the age of 16-17 months. · They are productive breeders and give birth to three kids within two years and producing twins is a usual feature. Considering all the above advantages, it can be said that goats ensure good economic returns in a short period of time.
Starting a Goat Farm in India
While beginning a goat farm, the following points must be paid special attention:
Selecting the Goats-
Goats must be healthy and lively. However before procuring it is better to check with the local government about regulations. While procuring it is advisable to get two goats. Goats are social animals and need company. They would try to escape if kept in solitary confinement. Hence at least two goats must be kept in enclosures.
Male: Female Ratio
Goats are of three types: · Females or does · Uncastrated males or bucks · Castrated males or wethers. For milk production, it is not necessary that the does must be impregnated by bucks. Ideally one buck to every 30 does is a healthy ratio for goat farms.
Age of Goats
Younger goats around eight weeks old are cheaper and friendlier to procure than older goats. However, these younger goats need care for about a year or two. Following this period they can be bred, sold as meat or used for milk production.
Choosing the Right Breed
Select Breeds
There are numerous goat breeds available in India. But all goats are not suitable for commercial production. Some goat breeds are highly productive and very suitable for commercial farming in India.
- Jamunapari Goat: Jamunapari goat is a native goat breed of India. It is a highly milk and meat productive goat. But they are raised mainly for their highly milk production capacity. A female goat can produce about 2-3 litter milk daily. An adult male weights about 65-90 kg and female goat weights about 40-60 kg.
- Boer Goat: Boer goat is a South African goat breed but suitable for farming in India. They are meat productive goat breed. And adult Boer goat weights about 110-115 kg and a female goat weights about 90-100 kg.
- Black Bengal Goat: Black Bengal goat is a Bangladeshi goat breed. This goat breed is considered as an important small livestock in Bangladesh. They are very suitable for meat, milk, skin and fiber production. This goat breed can adopt themselves with almost all types of climate easily. Their meat and milk are very tasty and has a great demand.
- Beetal Goat: Beetal goat is a native Indian goat breed. They are highly milk productive goat breed. Also suitable for highly meat production. They are able to produce about 2.5-4 litter milk daily. An adult male goat weights about 65 kg and female about 45 kg.
- Saanen Goat: Saanen goat is a dairy goat breed of Switzerland. But suitable for commercial milk production in India. They can produce milk highly like Jamunapari and Alpine goat. They are able to produce about 3.8 litters milk daily. An adult male Saanen goat weights around 70-90 kg and female around 60-70 kg. Goats belonging to breeds like Malabari, Black Bengal, Jamunapuri, Osmanabadi, etc. give very rich milk and good meat. Hence they are reared for both milk and meatpurposes. Breeds like Cashmere or Angora are raised for their hair since it is very popular for its use as a fabric.
Goat Farming Management Practices
Housing Facilities and Management
Elevated housing facility in goat farm
Primary objective of a house is to protect the animal from sun, wind and rain. The house must be built at an elevation so that it does not suffer from problems of water logging. Locally available materials like elephant grass, paddy straw, bamboo, wood, etc. are used for construction of houses. No elaborate housing arrangements are needed for small units. The goat sheds must have a good amount of ventilation. The slope must be arranged such that water can drain away easily and it should be easy to clean the place. In case of group housing a space of 1.8 sq.mt. per doe must be provided while a floor space of 2.4 sq. mt. must be provided for the bucks. An area of 1.8 X 1.8 sq. mt. is sufficient for 10 kids. However, overstocking must be avoided as it results in cramped up spaces and suffocation. Sick animals must be quarantined immediately since diseases spread very easily among goats.
Feeding Management in Goat Farming
Feeding Goats
can grow well and produce maximum by feeding well balanced and nutritious food. Always ensure availability of all types of necessary ingredients in their food. Most successful modern goat farmer feed their goats 12% to 18% protein containing feeds. Add all types of necessary vitamins, minerals and other necessary ingredients in proper ratio. Ensure sufficient supply of green grasses or other green foods. Never try to feed them contaminated or expired foods. Making a pasture or grazing place will be effective for higher production. Ensure sufficient amount of clean and fresh water available according to the daily demands of goat along with providing good foods. Goats are meticulous eaters and can tolerate more amount of bitterness than other animals. Hence, they can thrive on the agricultural by-products, waste and other such feed. In addition they are stronger and hence can withstand all types of weather conditions. Their tongues are adapted for grazing and their upper lip is mobile. Hence they can graze on extremely short grasses, bushes, shrubs and trees. The goats must be provided with leguminous fodder in addition to grains like pulses, wheat, maize, etc. They generally prefer fodder of leguminous crops than straw or maize silage. In addition they need feed composed at least 14-15% protein along with high mineral composition like iodized salt, bone meal, zinc oxide, ferrous carbonate, high grade limestone, copper sulphate and vitamins. The growers are given 100 gm per day of concentrate mixture while adult does and bucks are given concentrate ration of 200-250 grams per day. On an average, each goat consumes 5-7 Kg of green fodder and a liter of water per day. Statistically speaking an acre of fodder is sufficient to feed 35 goats.
Caring for Goat’s Kid
The new born kid must be fed with colostrum immediately after birth and for upto 5 days thereon. This would help the goat develop better immunity. After the initial five days, the amount of doe’s milk provided to the kid must be 1/10th of the kid’s body weight.
Pregnant Doe
Pregnant does must be given a concentrated mixture of 250-300 grams a day. The amount must be reduced gradually from a week before parturition and the mount of fodder must be increased. This facilitates easy delivery.
Breeding Management
Selecting the right buck and doe is the secret to successful breeding. Goat doe attain maturity between 6-10 months of age. However this also depends on size, body weight and breed. Goat bucks attain maturity after 12 months. It is ideal to have two kidding annually with an interval of 8-9 months for optimal production. The peak breeding season for goats is during the months of March to May and September to November. The estrous cycle generally occurs every 17-21 days. The heat period lasts for 18-36 hours in a doe. Usually a teaser buck is used to detect the onset of heat in a doe. For increasing the conception rate the doe must meet the buck only after 10-15 hours of the onset of heat. The gestation period lasts for 155 days. While the females can be used for breeding purposes for 5-7 years, males can be used for as long as 8-10 years.
Choosing the Breeding Stock
Ideal breeding stock would be the ones that are at prime stage of production or are ready to breed. They must be in good health and have a good vigour. Pedigrees are ascertained at the time of purchase. Once purchased, the animals are vaccinated against diseases, especially infectious diseases. The newly purchased stock is kept under observation for 15 days to check for animal behavior, diseases and also to give time to the animals for settling down. They are culled from the breeding stock after attaining 6 years of age and they are replaced with a new stock. Male and female ratio must be maintained at optimum level in the farm. The male bucks must be replaced every 2-3 years to avoid in-breeding. This helps maintain the best performance production.
Kid Management
Newborn kids
The mucus from the nose and mouth of the newborn kid must be cleaned immediately after its birth. The does must be allowed to lick them so as to develop a mother-kid bond and also for easy identification by the mother in future. The naval cord must be cut 2.5 cm away from the body of the kid. Tincture iodine or other such antibiotic must be applied to prevent infection and naval illness. The udders of the doe must be cleaned and disinfected with antiseptic lotion after delivery. Immediately after birth and for the next 5 days the kid must be given colostrum. However over feeding must be avoided. If more than 2 kids are born then provisions must be made for extra goats. They can be bottle fed formula milk for as long as 2 months. During winter, the kids must be provided with sawdust, straw or gunny bags as bedding materials to protect them from frost. Energy drinks like glucose must be given to the kids during summer to avoid heat stroke.
Castration
Male kids are generally reared for better meat quality. They are not generally wanted in the breeding flock. Hence they are castrated between the age of 1-2 months.
Health Care
Veterinary Service
Availability of veterinary service is a must for setting up commercial goat farming business in India. So, ensure proper veterinary service for your goats. Stock all types of necessary vaccines and medicines in your farm. This will help you if something goes wrong and maximizing productions from commercial goat farming in India. The sheds must be washed thoroughly and disinfected at least once a month. The food and water managers must be cleaned regularly. Goats are prone to endoparasite infection. Hence deworming must be done once in every six months. Kids are dewormed every month while does are dewormed just before breeding. In order to avoid lice, ticks, mites, etc. the animals must be sprayed with ectoparasitic drugs like acaricides regularly. Vaccinations against diseases like goat pox, plague, FMD, etc. must be done periodically. Zoonotic diseases like salmonellosis, brucellosis etc. must be prevented since they are infectious and spread easily. Stray animals must not be allowed to enter the farm to keep infections in check. Sick goats must be isolated as soon as the infection is detected and timely medication must be administered.
Goat Caring in a Nutshell
To conclude the following points must be remembered while raising a goat farm:
- Choose breeds that are local to the geographical location and best suited to the weather conditions of the place. · Animals must be procured from certified and licensed centers. · The stock must be such that about 15-20% breeder does can be added every year. · The stock must be flexible so that the older animals and poorly performing animals can be replaced without many hassles. · Keeping a headcount of more than 150 goats becomes difficult for management. Hence the count must be kept below 150. · Flocks must be allowed to graze early in the morning and in late evenings during summer. · Grazing must be done near a source of water so that the goats get enough water to drink. · During the period of pregnancy, growth, lactation and other such crucial stages, the goat must be provided fresh pastures. · The new born kid must be provided with sufficient amount of dry grass and straw for bedding purposes. · Cleaning of newborn’s nose and mouth immediately after birth must be conducted properly. The colostrum must be fed within the first half hour of birth. · After the first five days, the kids must be gradually separated from the mother and allowed to suckle once in every six hours. This can be continued for the next one week or so and gradually reduced before totally weaning away. · Animals of different age groups must be kept in the right flock for their proper care and management. · During monsoon, goats are likely to develop foot rot. Hence they must be passed through copper sulphate solution.
Once upon a time, goat farming was considered to be a lowly and neglected occupation. However, realizing the benefits of goat milk, meat and other by-products, it is considered as a respected occupation. There are several low investment enterprises among which goat farming tops the list. Goat farming is especially a good business to start with for the unemployed youth whose number is simply increasing by the day.
GOAT MEAT A Healthy Choice
If yes, consider adding goat meat to your diet. Goat meat is a good alternative to traditional meats. It is leaner nutritious meat and has been a staple red meat in the diet of many cultures worldwide. Goats have been a source of meat since the beginning of civilization. Goats are raised in the India without hormones for their meat and milk. Goat meat is a healthier alternative to other red meats like beef, lamb, and pork. It is naturally lean, very nutritious and has a range of health benefits. The meat has less fat, less saturated fat, more iron, and about the same amount of protein compared to beef, pork, lamb, or chicken.
While, the fat and cholesterol content in lean red meat is comparable to poultry and fish, red meat has acquired a negative reputation. Whether this is warranted, needs to be explored.
Meat contains about 20-23 per cent protein and varying amounts of fat (5-30 per cent). However, the nature of fat differs. Red meat fat is more saturated than poultry fat, while the fat in fish is primarily unsaturated in the form of fish oil. Meat is an excellent source of B-complex vitamins, vitamin B12, niacin, zinc and bio-available heme iron — a form of iron which is far more readily absorbed compared to iron found in plant foods.
For women and teenage girls who suffer from anaemia, lean red meat may be an important source of iron. Meat protein is high quality i.e. it provides all the essential amino acids that cannot be made by the body. Meat is also a source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a group of fatty acids that are found in milk and milk products and ruminant animals. CLAs have been found to be useful in reducing cholesterol and body fat, and in addition, may possess potentially anti-carcinogenic properties.
Despite its impressive nutritional benefits, meat eating has been associated with heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Substantial evidence from recent studies showed that lean red meat trimmed of visible fat does not raise blood cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Infact, it is low in saturated fat, and if consumed as a part of a healthy diet, is associated with reductions in LDL (bad) cholesterol in individuals with high and normal cholesterol levels.
Scientific evidence increasingly suggests that lean red meat is a healthy and beneficial component of any well balanced diet as long as it is fat trimmed and consumed as a part of a varied diet.
As is well known — ‘the dose makes the poison’. People who experience increased risk of colon cancer are those who consume more than 250 gm of red meat everyday. The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) and the American Dietetic Association (ADA) recommend limiting red meat consumption to 250 gm a week.
The quality of meat and its processing also counts. Scientific evidence reveals that processed meat such as sausages, bacon and salami increase risk of bowel cancer more than red meat. They are not only high on fats but also contain potentially carcinogenic (cancer causing) components such as nitrites. It is recommended that cured or processed meats be eaten as a condiment or flavouring with foods rather than as a main dish. Organ meats such as liver and kidney are relatively low in fat but high on cholesterol, and should not be eaten more than once a month.
Among red meats, lamb stands out for its high nutritional value. Lamb is obtained from young animals less than 14 months of age. Sheep/goat beyond two years of age is sold as mutton. It is darker in colour, stronger in flavour and less tender. Meats from shoulder, shank and neck are leaner compared to the breast. Since much of its fat is on the outside of the meat, it can be trimmed before cooking.An increasing number of experts, however, are saying that goat meat has a number of nutritional benefits. Low in calories, total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol than traditional meats, goat meat has higher levels of iron when compared to a similar serving size of beef, pork, lamb and chicken. Comparatively, goat meat also contains higher potassium content with lower sodium levels. Offering more nutritional value and greater health benefits, goat meat has a number of health benefits, which includeWhen it comes to fat, goat meat is leaner than other meats. It also has far lesser calories, which means it is ideal for those trying to stick to a diet.
– While red meat is known to be high with saturated fat that increases cholesterol levels and leads to heart disease, goat meat is said to have very low levels of saturated fat and will pose no harm to your heart health. The low levels of saturated fat in goat meat is said to improve blood cholesterol levels and ease inflammation.
– With cholesterol levels shooting through the roof in most households, it is important to watch your diet. Goat meat comprises very little cholesterol and hence, can be consumed regularly.
– Goat meat also contains higher levels of iron than chicken. Iron is an important nutrient especially for women — a lack of iron reserves is known to cause anaemia.
– The meat is also packed with proteins — another important nutrient the body needs on a daily basis.
– Goat meat comprises Vitamin B, which is known to help one effectively burn fat. So, a little portion of the meat is good for those wanting to lose some weight.
– It is packed with Vitamin B12, which is known to help you get healthy skin.
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