Are you looking to venture into goat farming in Kenya? Then you are headed for success.
Goats are considered to be multipurpose animals that provide mostly milk and meat.
The milk from goats is very nutritious and helps in the prevention of various diseases.
They can also be used to control weeds. But the most interesting thing about raising goats is that they are funny, friendly, and easy to keep. But some breeds are raised for fiber – spun into yarn.
They are hardy animals and can survive on a variety of food. However, they will do better if they have a good and reliable supply of fresh water.
These are some of the reasons why goat farming is a fast-growing agricultural activity in Kenya.
Farmers are increasingly turning to goat farming as a source of additional income and a way to improve their food security.
There are many reasons for the growing popularity of this farming in Kenya.
Goats are hardy animals that are well-adapted to the local climate and they require relatively little care.
They are also prolific breeders and can produce a lot of offspring in a short period of time.
In addition, goats are versatile animals that can be used for a variety of purposes.
Goats are also popular as pets and as animals for zoos and wildlife parks.
How To Start a Goat Farming Business In Kenya – Step By Step Guide
It is now time to decide whether to start this type of farming or not.
The first thing you need to ask yourself is whether you have the space to accommodate goats.
Goats require a lot of attention, so if you are not able to commit to this, you may want to reconsider whether you have the time and knowledge to properly care for goats.
If you really want to start a goat farming business, take the following steps:
1. Choose the right breed
There are many breeds of goats available in Kenya.
You need to choose the breed of goat that is best suited for your climate and farming conditions. Another factor to consider is the profitability of the breed.
2. Choose the right location for your farm
You need to choose a place that is near a good source of water and pasture.
The location should also be close to a market so that you can sell your goats quickly and easily.
3. Build a good shelter
Your goats will need a good shelter to protect them from the weather.
The shelter can be a simple barn or shed, or you can build a fence to keep the goats in a specific area.
This shelter should be big enough to accommodate all of your goats.
4. Build a good fence
Your goats will need a good fence to keep them from wandering away from the farm.
The fence should be strong enough to keep predators out.
5. Buy a good quality feed
You will need to buy good quality feed for your goats.
The feed should be high in protein and minerals to help the goats grow and stay healthy.
You can also give the goats fresh vegetables and fruits to eat.
You will also need to provide clean water to the goats.
Read also: Beans farming in Kenya
Why Kenya Is Suitable For Goat Farming
Kenya is a great place to start a goat farm.
There is a growing demand for goat meat and milk in Kenya, so there is a good market for your products.
Importance And Scope Of Goat Farming In Kenya
It’s an important economic activity in Kenya.
The country has over 25 million goats, making it the world’s second-largest goat population after India.
They provide meat, milk, and fiber, and are used for draught power. They are also a source of income for small-scale farmers.
The scope of this farming in Kenya is increasing as the demand for and milk grows.
The government is promoting goat farming as a way to improve food security and create employment opportunities.
There is also a growing market for goat hides and skins.
Benefits Of Goat Farming In Kenya
This is a very lucrative business in Kenya. There are several benefits of goat farming.
Some of these benefits include:
- More production of milk
Goats are known to be very good at producing milk. A goat can yield up to two liters of milk per day.
This milk is very rich in proteins and other nutrients and can be used for various purposes, including making cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products.
2. Increased meat production
Goats are also known for their high meat production. A goat can yield up to ten kilograms of meat per year.
This meat is very healthy and nutritious and is a popular source of protein in many parts of the world.
3. An increase in income
I is a very lucrative business in Kenya.
A goat can be sold for up to five thousand Kenyan shillings.
This high price tag makes goat farming a very profitable business.
4. Reduced feeding cost
Goats are very efficient feed converters.
This means that they can be fed with a very small amount of feed, compared to other livestock animals.
This helps to reduce the overall feeding costs of goat farming.
5. Increased land utilization
Goats are browsers and not grazers; they prefer to feed on plants that other livestock would not eat.
This makes them a perfect choice for land that is not suitable for other livestock due to its poor quality.
6. Reduced deforestation
Goats do not need much space and can survive on shrubs and trees that other livestock would not touch.
This means that they can be used to clear bushes and trees from the land, which would otherwise be cleared through deforestation.
7. Improved soil fertility
Goats feed on plants that other livestock would not eat, including plants that are considered to be weeds.
This means that they help to improve soil fertility as they clear the land of these plants.
Goat Raising Methods In Kenya
There are three main systems of goat farming, namely the extensive system, the semi-intensive system, and the intensive system.
Extensive system
The extensive system of goat farming is the simplest and cheapest system.
It is used mainly for keeping goats as pets or for supplying animals with meat.
Under this system, goats are allowed to roam freely and feed on whatever they can find in the open.
Semi-intensive system
The semi-intensive system of goat farming is a bit more complicated than the extensive system.
It is used when there is a need to produce more milk or meat from goats.
Under this system, goats are kept in pens and are fed a balanced diet of hay, straw, maize silage, and concentrates.
Intensive system
The intensive system of goat farming is the most complicated and expensive system.
It is used when there is a need to produce the maximum amount of milk or meat from goats.
Under this system, goats are kept in cages and are fed a balanced diet of hay, straw, maize silage, and concentrates.
Goat Feed Management
Kenyan goats are mostly raised on a diet of browse and forage from the surrounding bush and trees.
However, supplemental feeding with hay, maize, and other concentrates may be necessary to achieve the best performance from the goats.
The type and amount of supplemental feed will vary depending on the season, availability of browse and forage, and the goat’s stage of production.
In the dry season, when browse and forage are scarce, goats may require up to 2.5 kilograms of concentrate feed per day in addition to their normal diet of browse and forage.
In the rainy season, when browse and forage are plentiful, goats may require only 1 kilogram of concentrate feed per day.
When hay is the only supplemental feed, it should be mixed with a small amount of maize to make it more palatable to the goats.
Commercial goat feeds are also available and can be used to supplement the diet of goats, but they are expensive and should be used sparingly.
Goat Feeding Tips
- Feed good quality hay or other roughage to goats to help them maintain a healthy digestive system.
- Provide a salt lick to goats to help them meet their mineral requirements.
- Provide a mineral mix formulated for goats.
- Supply a good quality hay or straw diet.
- Provide a fresh, clean water supply.
- Feed a balanced diet that meets the goat’s nutritional needs.
Best Goat Breed In Kenya For Meat, Milk, And Wool
There is no “best” goat breed for meat, milk, and wool production in Kenya.
However, some breeds are better suited for certain purposes than others.
For meat production, Boer goats and Kiko goats are both good options.
Boer goats are well known for their high-quality meat, while Kiko goats are known for their ability to thrive on poor-quality forage.
For milk production, Saanen goats and Nubian goats are both good choices.
Saanen goats are known for their high milk yields, while Nubian goats are known for their high butterfat content.
For wool production, Romney Marsh and Cheviot sheep are both good choices.
Romney Marsh sheep are known for their high-quality wool, while Cheviot sheep are known for their high resistance to parasites.
Goat Insurance For Commercial Goat Farming In Kenya
There is a high demand for goat meat and milk in Kenya.
The goat farming industry is growing, but there is a lack of insurance products available to goat farmers.
Goat Insurance for commercial goat farming will provide coverage for:
- Death of goats
- Injury of goats
- Loss of goats
- Ransom of goats
The goat insurance for commercial goat farming is designed to protect your goats from loss or damage.
Goat Farming In Kenya: Marketing
There are various marketing options for goat farmers in Kenya.
The main markets for goats are:
- Local markets: The most common markets for goats are small towns and villages. The goats are sold as whole animals or in parts – skin, meat, or offal.
- Regional markets: These markets are located in different parts of the country.
- International markets: These are markets where goat meat and other goat products are exported to other countries.
Challenges Facing Goat Farmers In Kenya
There are a number of challenges facing goat farmers in Kenya.
These include the following:
1. Poor access to markets
One of the main challenges facing goat farmers in Kenya is the lack of access to markets.
There is a lack of goat slaughterhouses and other processing facilities, which means that most goats are sold live to traders.
This means that farmers are often forced to sell their goats at a lower price than they would like.
2. Poor access to feed and water.
Another challenge facing goat farmers in Kenya is the lack of access to feed and water.
This is particularly a problem in arid and semi-arid areas, where there is limited access to grazing land and water sources.
3. Poor health and disease
Poor health and disease are major challenges facing goat farmers in Kenya.
Goat diseases are highly contagious and can quickly spread through herds, resulting in significant losses.
4. Lack of knowledge and skills
A lack of knowledge and skills is also a major challenge facing goat farmers in Kenya.
Many farmers are not familiar with the best ways to raise and care for goats, which can lead to poor results.
Diseases That Affect Goats
There are a number of diseases that can affect goats. Some of the most common diseases are scabies, pneumonia, ringworm, and coccidiosis. While these diseases can be problematic for goats, there are ways to prevent and treat them.
Scabies
Scabies is a parasitic infection. This infection can be treated with medication.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a dangerous respiratory infection that can be prevented by vaccinating goats against it.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection. It is treated with antifungal medication.
Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis is a protozoal infection. It can be prevented with medication.
Goat Farming Questions And Answers
1. What are the benefits of goat farming?
There are many benefits of goat farming, including providing a source of meat, milk, and fiber; providing income opportunities; and helping to improve soil quality.
2. What are the requirements for starting a goat farm?
There are many requirements for starting a goat farm, including having adequate space, having a secure fencing system, having a reliable water source, and having a knowledgeable goat farmer to provide guidance.
3. What are the most common breeds of goats?
The most common breeds of goats are the Alpine, LaMancha, Nubian, and Saanen.
4. What are the most common diseases of goats?
The most common diseases of goats are coccidiosis, mastitis, and pneumonia.
5. What is the average lifespan of a goat?
The average lifespan of a goat is about 10 years.
6. What is the average yield of milk from a goat?
The average yield of milk from a goat is about 1 gallon per day.
Final Thoughts
There are many reasons why goat farming can be a successful endeavor.
The country has a favorable climate for raising goats, and there is a large demand for goat meat and milk.
Additionally, there is a large population of smallholder farmers who could benefit from goat farming as a way to increase their income.
There are a few things to keep in mind if you are thinking about starting a goat farming operation.
First, you will need to find a reliable source of feed for your goats, as there is not much grazing land in the country.
Second, you will need to have a good understanding of the local market for goat meat and milk and be able to price your products accordingly.
Finally, you will need to be prepared for some initial challenges, such as dealing with parasites and diseases that are common to goats.
