From Milk to Meat: Understanding the Goat Farming in Kenya for Beginners

Goats are hardy animals that need minimal care and can thrive in various climatic conditions. With the increasing demand for goat meat, milk, and other products, there has never been a better time to invest in this lucrative business. Let’s check out more information on goat farming in Kenya below.

Goat Farming in Kenya

Goat Farming Benefits in Kenya

  • Goats are hardy animals that can tolerate harsh climatic conditions, making them suitable for different regions in Kenya. They require minimal attention compared to cattle or pigs; hence it’s easier to manage them.
  • Moreover, Goats produce various by-products, such as manure, which farmers can use for fertilization while reducing environmental pollution.
  • One significant advantage of goat farming is its flexibility regarding farm size- you can start with a small herd and gradually grow your farm per your needs.
  • Goat farming also provides a sustainable income source since goats have a short gestation period (pregnancy), which means they reproduce quickly. Selecting a good farm location is crucial for the success of your goat farming venture.

Different Types of Goats in Kenya

  • One popular breed is the Toggenburger goat. They are medium-sized with distinctive brown or black patches on their white fur coats. These goats produce high-quality milk and meat, making them excellent for dairy and meat production.
  • Another common breed found in Kenya is Alpine goats which come in many colors, such as black, grey, or brown, with white markings around their face and legs. This breed produces higher-quality milk than most other breeds but yields less meat.
  • The Somali goats are well adapted to hot weather conditions. They have long ears that help dissipate heat and short hair, preventing excessive sweating, making them ideal for semi-arid areas where vegetation cover may be limited.
  • Saanen goats originated from Switzerland like Toggenburger, but they’re pure white without any patches or spots on their skin coat, giving them an attractive appearance. Saanens produce more milk with high-fat content compared to any other breeds, thus being suitable for commercial dairy farming.

What Foods Do Goats Eat?

  • Goats are herbivores animals, which means they only eat plants. Their unique digestive system allows them to break down tough plant materials and extract nutrients.
  • Generally, goats can eat various plants, including hay, grasses, legumes, leaves, and shrubs. It’s important to note that not all plants are safe for goats. Common foods toxic to goats include avocado, chocolate, and certain weeds.
  • Hay is an important staple food for goats as it provides essential fiber. Alfalfa hay is particularly rich in nutrients such as protein and calcium but should be given in moderation due to its high-calorie content.
  • Goats need a balanced roughage diet like hay or grass and concentrate like grains or pellets. It’s essential to provide them with clean drinking water at all times. You can supplement their diet with minerals and vitamins to prevent deficiencies.
  • When feeding goats, ensure you don’t overfeed them, as this may lead to obesity which can cause health problems. Also, avoid giving them moldy or spoiled food, negatively affecting their health.
  • It’s important to note that different breeds have unique nutritional requirements, so consult an expert for your breed’s best feeds.

In case you missed it: Marketing Trends/Strategies and Opportunities for Goat Products

Goat Herd

How to Care for Goats in Kenya?

  1. Housing: Goats need a clean, well-ventilated shelter that protects them from harsh weather conditions. Ensure the housing is spacious enough for them to move around comfortably.
  2. Feeding: Provide good quality hay, grains, and freshwater daily to keep your goats healthy and happy. Offer mineral supplements as needed.
  3. Grooming: Regularly groom your goats by brushing their hair coats and trimming their hooves.
  4. Health Care: Schedule regular check-ups with a veterinarian specializing in goat care to prevent diseases or detect any issues early on.
  5. Exercise: Allow your goats plenty of space to roam freely daily, as they require regular exercise too.

 Is Goat Business Profitable in Kenya?

Goat farming in Kenya has become a lucrative business opportunity for many farmers. With the increasing demand for goat meat and milk, it is no surprise that more people are entering this business. Goats require less land than cattle, making them ideal for small-scale farmers who may not have access to large tracts of land. Also, goats consume less food per day than larger livestock animals which translates into lower feeding costs.

Goat Farming Challenges in Kenya

  • One major challenge is the limited market for goat meat and milk products.
  • Another challenge is the lack of proper infrastructure and equipment for goat farming. Due to limited resources, many farmers struggle to provide adequate shelter, clean water sources, and nutritious feed for their goats.
  • Disease outbreaks are also a common challenge in goat farming in Kenya. Farmers must take extra measures to protect their herds from foot-and-mouth disease and pneumonia.
  • Predators such as wild dogs and hyenas pose a threat to goats on farms located near wildlife reserves. Farmers must be vigilant in protecting their animals from these predators by building sturdy fences or hiring guards.
  • Access to credit facilities remains a significant challenge for many small-scale farmers looking to expand their businesses. Lack of financial support can discourage potential farmers from entering the industry due to inadequate funds.
  • Despite these challenges, many Kenyan farmers continue to embrace goat farming since it provides an excellent source of income while requiring minimal investment compared to other types of livestock production activities available in the country today.

Common Steps for Goat Farming in Kenya

  1. Starting a goat business in Kenya can be lucrative but requires careful planning and execution. Choose a good farm location with ample space for your goats to move around and graze. Ensure that the land is suitable for grazing and has access to water. Your chosen location should have access to clean water, adequate grazing land, and be free from environmental hazards such as waste dumps or factories.
  2. Choosing the right breed of goats is also important. Different breeds have different characteristics, such as milk production, meat quality, disease resistance, etc. Some popular breeds for Kenyan farmers include Toggenburger, Alpine goat, Somali goat, and Saanen.
  3. Making an effective business plan can help you determine your goals and objectives for your farm. It will help you find potential challenges and opportunities to make informed decisions about how to grow your business.
  4. Building appropriate housing structures for your goats is essential for their health and well-being. A good house should protect from extreme weather conditions like rain or excessive sun exposure.
  5. Providing high-quality feed for your goats is crucial if you want goats to thrive on your farm. It would help if you had enough roughage (e.g., hay) and concentrates (e.g., grains) in their diet so they get all the nutrients they need.
  6. Keeping a proper ratio of male to female goats on the farm helps improve breeding outcomes by always ensuring enough genetic diversity among offspring.

In case you missed it: A Guide to Small-Scale Rural Goat Farming: Tips, Tricks, and Best Practices

Goats in Farm

Conclusion

Goat farming in Kenya is a lucrative business that can provide a steady income source. Goat farming is raising goats for their meat, milk, and other products. It is a profitable business gaining popularity in Kenya due to the high demand for local and international goat products.

4 COMMENTS

  1. I am a goat keeper in Homa Bay County and am looking for full blood boer goats to. Currently I have Sanens (cross breed).

    Please I need contacts of farmers who can sell to me

  2. I have started goat farming in the semi-arid town of Kinango in kwale county. I bought about 50 goats from the local market and also built an elavated house for them. My mistake from what I have just read is that i bought these goats from the local market not from a breeder. However , i bought two male goats from a breeder with the intention of getting a cross breed after kidding . My question is how can i Increase productivity as am intending to do a large scale goat farming? I have followed some of the guidelines mentioned above and have involved a veterinary doctor who came and vaccinated the goats and did a deworming exercise . Am currently using the open grazing system as i have large tracts of land . Which of the breeds are suitable for a semi-arid place like Kinango.? Where can I attend training for large scale goat farming? Please advice.

    • Gideon, that is a great start…. You are already a large scale farmer… Your goats can only benefit you majorly on meat…. U can diversify and look for milk breed… Especially Saanen or Torgenburg…. Optionally you can sell some of your local goats to finance your structures for hybrid goats…..

  3. Thanks for the information. Am a new breeder with 2 German Alpines. 4 months both pregnant. 1st time mothers. Any chance of getting twins?

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