Goat Farm Design: Best Guide For Beginners

Goat farm design plays an important role in the overall production and health of your goats. A good designed goat farm with all types of facilities, ensures higher production, maximum profit and good health for goats.

A large amount of total invested money in goat farming business plan goes to this sector. If you are new in this business then you should visit as many goat farms as possible to have some practical knowledge.

A good goat farm design must have to include a suitable house or shelter, pasture, numerous mobile shelter for taking rest, sufficient grazing place, free from noise or sound, properly fenced, good source of fresh and clean water and some other necessary facilities.

So, before making final goat farm design consider the following factors.

1. First of all you may have a question. How much this will cost? Generally the cost depends on the materials and type of the shed. For the first time you can go with low-cost designs. And after gaining practical knowledge about goat farm management you can construct a high-end infrastructure farm design. Generally goat farm design costs less than other livestock animals.
2. In general a house with high-roof shed covered with fire-proof materials has been found as the best for goats. And this system is much cooler than the the conventional goat housing system made by using reeds, hay thatches, bamboo poles and asbestos sheet.
3. Make the shed in east-west direction. Houses made in this system ensures the maximum flow of fresh air, light and cooler environment inside the house. This system works best for hot-arid conditions.
4. You can also make open type shed if your farm located in hot-arid areas. But this system has some disadvantages too and not suitable for over rainy areas.
5. The size and width of shelter or house depends on the goat breeds and their size. But an average sized shelter of five to six meters is considered as OK. But the length of the shelter depends on the strength of the herd or flock. An adult goat need about 40-50 squire feet of area for running passage and about 16-17 squire feet of area under the shed according to the strength of breed you can construct a shed.
6. The height of the house depends on the weather condition of your farm location. The height of the shelter should be between 3 to 5 meters in the hot regions. And a house less than this height result poor ventilation. Shelter with proper height also helps to control the temperature inside the house.
7. The roof of the shelter can be found in both flat and ‘A’ shaped. The ‘A’ shaped shelter is very suitable and has many advantages than flat shaped roof. Flat shaped shelter is perfect in cold areas. But the ‘A’ shaped houses are suitable for all areas. Especially for hot areas. ‘A’ shaped roof helps to prevent direct solar radiation by casting its shadow. It also helps in cutting down heat gain from the roof of the house.
8. Fire-proof tar-coated roofing materials has been found as most effective, among all the roofing materials.
9. Always try to keep the places surrounding your farm as green as possible for avoiding heating up of the shed for good ventilation. It also help to protect the animals from the direct hit of hot winds.
10. Cover the eastern and western sides of the shades for up to a meter height.
11. Make the roof and walls white colored outside and colored inside. By painting the side walls with white color outside, it will help to reduce the surface temperature inside by 12 to 22 degree centigrade. Compared to unpainted walls in places where temperature remain above 37 degree centigrade. This is absolutely a great idea for keeping your farm area cool.
12. For commercial goat farming, an area with 1 acre land (for producing green feeds) will be sufficient enough for raising about 100 goats (you need to have proper irrigation system and choose fast growing grass for producing feeds throughout the year).

A good goat farm design really plays a very important role in overall farm profit and production. So, before starting, make a suitable farm design that fulfill your all demands and keeps the goat healthy and productive.

Best Tips for Goat Farm Design

Whether you are starting a commercial goat farming business or simply keeping goats for personal use, it is important to have a well-designed goat farm.

A well-designed goat farm will not only make your work easier but also increase the productivity and health of your goats. Now we will provide you with tips for goat farm design that will help you create a comfortable and productive environment for your goats.

1: Determine the Size of Your Farm

The size of your farm will determine the number of goats you can keep and the amount of land you will need. A rule of thumb is to have at least 250 square feet of space per goat.

This space includes housing, feeding, and exercise areas. You will need to have a separate area for kidding and sick goats.

2: Consider the Terrain and Climate of Your Location

Goats are adaptable to a wide range of climates, but you need to consider the weather patterns in your location. For example, if you live in a cold region, you will need to provide heating in the housing area during the winter season.

Similarly, if you live in a hot region, you will need to provide shade and ventilation in the housing area during the summer season.

You need to consider the terrain of your location. Goats require a well-drained area to prevent them from getting sick. Therefore, if your location is prone to flooding or waterlogging, you will need to take measures to improve drainage.

3: Provide Adequate Housing

Goats require a dry and clean shelter to keep them safe and comfortable. The housing area should be well-ventilated to prevent the build-up of harmful gases, such as ammonia, which can cause respiratory problems.

The housing area should be designed to provide adequate space for the goats to move around freely.

When designing the housing area, consider the type of goat you will be keeping. For example, if you will be keeping dairy goats, you will need to provide an area for milking. If you will be keeping goats for meat production, you will need to provide a separate area for slaughtering.

4: Provide Adequate Feeding and Watering Facilities

Goats require fresh water and a balanced diet to remain healthy and productive. When designing your goat farm, ensure that you have adequate feeding and watering facilities. The feeding area should be designed to prevent wastage and contamination of the feed.

Additionally, you will need to provide mineral supplements and salt licks to ensure that your goats get all the nutrients they need. The water source should be clean and easily accessible to the goats.

5: Provide Adequate Exercise Areas

Goats require exercise to keep them healthy and happy. The exercise area should be designed to provide adequate space for the goats to move around freely. Additionally, the exercise area should be designed to prevent the goats from escaping or injuring themselves.