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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 5: Nutrition

 

 

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 6: Herd Health

 

 

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 7: Bucks and Breeding

 

 

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 8: Kidding

 

 

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 9: Goat Marketing

 

 

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 11: Fencing

 

 

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 13: Predator Control

 

 

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 14: Record Keeping

 

 

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.

 

Chapter 15: Livestock Mortality Management

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