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A Comprehensive Guide to Goat Farming in Tamil Nadu

Goat farming has become an increasingly popular agricultural activity in Tamil Nadu. The state is known for its vast and diverse geography, providing ample goat-rearing opportunities. Goats were reared by small farmers as a source of milk, meat, and manure. This makes it a profitable venture for farmers who want to increase their income and contribute to meeting global food needs.

Goat Farming in Tamil Nadu

What are the Breeds of Goat in Tamil Nadu?

  • Tamil Nadu is known for its diverse goat breeds well-suited to the local climate and terrain. 
  • Kanni Adu is a small-sized breed that is highly valued for its meat. They have a light brown coat with black markings on their face and legs. On the other hand, Kodi Adu is a larger goat breed with long ears and curved horns. They are typically reared for milk production.
  • Salem Black goats are another popular breed in Tamil Nadu known for their hardiness and adaptability to tough conditions. Their jet-black coat coloration and white patches on their ears make them an attractive addition to any farm.
  • Apart from these indigenous breeds of goats found in Tamil Nadu, some exotic breeds like Beetal and Jamnapari can be raised successfully in this region due to favorable climatic conditions.
  • Tamil Nadu offers prospective goat farmers a wide range of options for selecting the right breed for their farm based on production goals such as meat or milk yield potential and environmental factors like temperature fluctuations or rainfall patterns, which significantly impact breeding success rates.

Requirements for Starting Goat Farming in Tamil Nadu

  • The first requirement is a suitable land area where you can build your housing for the goats and provide them with enough space to graze. It’s also important to consider the location, ensuring it’s accessible and near markets.
  • Additionally, you will need good quality feed for your goats which may include grasses like lucerne or leguminous fodder, along with supplements such as minerals and vitamins. Clean drinking water should also be available at all times.
  • Another essential requirement is fencing to keep predators out of the grazing areas. Goats are naturally curious animals that wander off into nearby fields if improperly secured.
  • You’ll also need basic equipment like feeding troughs, watering containers, milking machines, medical supplies for treating sick animals, etc.

Feed and Nutrition for Goats

Feeding and nutrition are the most crucial aspects of goat farming in Tamil Nadu. Goats have a unique digestive system that requires a balanced diet to maintain goat health. Providing your goats with quality feed will ensure they grow well, produce milk or meat, and stay healthy. A good goat farmer must understand the nutritional requirements of their goats based on age, weight, breed, and purpose.

You can also supplement this with concentrates like grains or pellets containing protein and minerals. Always provide clean drinking water for your goats, as it helps them digest food easily while maintaining proper hydration levels. The amount of feed you give your goats depends on many factors like weather conditions (hot summer months mean less appetite), stage of growth, etc.

In case you missed it: Goat Breeding and Genetics for Improved Productivity and Disease Resistance

Goat Breeding

In addition to providing balanced meals for your livestock, you should also ensure they get enough vitamins and minerals like calcium, which help build strong bones in growing kids while boosting milk production in lactating does. Regularly checking their body condition scores will also help confirm if they are getting enough nutrition from the feed given.

Housing Management for Goat Farming in Tamil Nadu

  • Proper housing can protect goats from extreme weather conditions and predators while ensuring a clean and healthy living environment.
  • One key factor in goat housing is space. Goats need enough room to move freely, as cramped conditions can lead to stress and disease. The amount of space required per goat depends on their breed, age, weight, and sex. Generally speaking, an adult goat needs at least 10 square feet of indoor and 20 square feet of outdoor space.
  • Another important consideration is ventilation. Good airflow helps prevent respiratory issues and keeps the barn or shed smelling fresh. You can achieve proper ventilation by installing windows or vents for natural airflow.
  • Goat bedding is another crucial element in providing comfortable housing for your animals. The bedding should be clean, dry, and absorbent material such as straw or wood shavings, which help keep moisture levels down within the shelter.
  • You’ll want to ensure that your goats’ feeding troughs are securely attached so they don’t tip over during meal times, causing waste food all over its place and resulting in unhygienic conditions inside the house.

What are the Loans and Subsidies for Goat Farming In Tamil Nadu?

The Tamil Nadu government offers subsidies and schemes for new farmers looking to start their goat farming operations. One such scheme is the Livestock Development Scheme (LDS), which provides up to 50% subsidy on capital investment for setting up small-scale commercial livestock farms, including goats. The Integrated Goat Development Project (IGDP) is another initiative that aims to increase traditional smallholder farmers’ productivity and profitability through improved breeds, feeding practices, healthcare management, and marketing facilities.

Additionally, in collaboration with Commercial Banks, the National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD) scheme provides loan facilities up to 85% of project cost subject to certain conditions. Furthermore, other state government schemes like Tamil Nadu State Agricultural Marketing Board also provide transportation subsidy measures to help farmers transport their produce from farms directly.

Tips for Successful Goat Farming in Tamil Nadu

  1. Proper Breeding: The success of goat farming relies heavily on choosing the right breed and maintaining their breeding cycles properly. Invest in quality bucks and does, and keep note of their breeding seasons.
  2. Good Nutrition: A balanced diet with adequate amounts of protein, vitamins, minerals, and roughage is essential for the growth and health of your goats.
  3. Clean Water Supply: Goats require clean water at all times, so ensure they have access to fresh water sources throughout the day.
  4. Regular Vaccinations: Keep track of vaccination schedules for common diseases prevalent in goats, like pneumonia, foot rot, etc., to prevent any outbreak.
  5. Hygiene Management: Maintain cleanliness within your farm premises by regularly disposing of waste, cleaning sheds frequently, and keeping feeding areas hygienic.

In case you missed it: Innovative Housing and Shelter Designs for Profitable Goat Farming

Black Goats

Conclusion

Today, Tamil Nadu is one of India’s leading states regarding commercial goat farming. Thanks to various government schemes and subsidies available, more people are taking up this activity either full-time or as a supplementary income source. Goats are relatively low-maintenance animals and require little space compared to other livestock, such as cows or buffaloes.

11 COMMENTS

  1. Dear Sir,

    We are planing to start a goat farm very soon. Want to know about risks due to diseases and other factors which are affecting goat farming profits.

  2. Hi, I am interested to start a goat farm in my native near Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu. I don’t have any idea about it; but I’m very much interested in that. Please guide me how to proceed further in this regard. Thanks in advance!

  3. Hi I would like to start small scale goat form .so I need a gudience what should I do n don’t in detail

  4. I decided to start goat farming in Tamil Nadu..
    Please let me know which location is better to start
    Goat farming, can you help me to get suitable land for lease to start this.

  5. I want to start goat farming. I would like to know whom I should contact?
    whare Should I take training? Should I pay any fees for training? Please give me your suggestions.

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