Oklahoma Basic Meat Goat Manual
Chapter 1: So You Want to be a Goat Rancher
This chapter details an overview of the meat goat industry in the United States and the different production systems where meat goat can be utilized. The chapter then describes the necessary planning steps needed to help create a sustainable meat goat operation.
Chapter 1: So You Want to be a Goat Rancher
Chapter 2: Breeds of Meat Goats
This chapter describes several different breeds of meat goat that are being used in the U.S. for meat goat production. Each breed's attributes and potential weaknesses are discussed. Breeds discussed are Spanish, Boer, Kiko, Savanna, Tennessee Fainting Goats (mytonic), Pygmy and Nubians.
Chapter 2: Breeds of Meat Goat
Chapter 3: Meat Goat Selection
This chapter describes the economically beneficial traits of meat goats and discusses how to measure and compare the different animals of the herd. Also included are detailed descriptions and illustrations of proper and improper udder structure.
Chapter 3: Meat Goat Selection
Chapter 4: Forages, Forbes and Browse
This chapter discusses the grazing habits of goats and the different types of forages that are available to be used in a meat goat operation.
Chapter 4: Forages, Forbes and Browse
Chapter 5: Nutrition
This chapter describes the nutrition requirements for meat goats and the different feeding options that may be available.
Chapter 6: Herd Health
This chapter describes the common diseases that affect goats and the available vaccination programs for goats. Also discussed are the different internal and external parasites that affect goats and the preventative programs used to prevent problems in the goat herd.
Chapter 7: Bucks and Breeding
This chapter discusses the importance of choosing the right buck for breeding purposes and the different breeding systems that can be used in a meat goat operation
Chapter 8: Kidding
This chapter discusses how to prepare for the birth of the kids and the kidding process. Also detailed illustrations are shown about normal and abnormal birthing presentations and how to assist in the kidding process.
Chapter 9: Goat Marketing
This chapter describes how to develop a marketing plan for a meat goat operation. Also discussed is the price differences in the season pattern of goat prices and the holiday schedule that influences the season pattern.
Chapter 10: General Herd Management
This chapter goes over the general herd management practices that are not discussed in other chapters. Topics covered this chapter are ear tagging, castrating, hoof trimming, disbudding, tattooing and body condition scoring.
Chapter 10: General Herd Management
Chapter 11: Fencing
This chapter describes options and material available for electric fencing for goats. Detailed descriptions and instructions are laid out along with illustrations and cost comparisons.
Chapter 12: Housing and Corrals
In this chapter the housing needs and options for meat goat production are discussed. Also, this chapter describes the types of corrals that can be used in goat production as well as the different types of materials that can be used.
Chapter 12: Housing and Corrals
Chapter 13: Predator Control
This chapter describes the different methods of predator control that can be used in a meat goat operation. Options discussed are guardian animals such as dogs, donkeys and llamas, trapping and lethal methods of removing predators.
Chapter 14: Record Keeping
This chapter discusses the options for keeping production and financial records. It also details how some of the production and financial records and rations should be calculated.
Chapter 15: Livestock Mortality Management
This chapter discusses the importance of proper livestock mortality management and explores common mortality disposal methods. It also shows the steps for livestock mortality composting.