From Raising to Marketing: Your Comprehensive Guide to Barbari Goat Farming

Barbari goats are a unique breed of goats, prized for their hardiness, adaptability, and high-quality meat and milk. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about raising and marketing Barbari goats, from selecting healthy animals and building appropriate housing to managing herd size and processing goat products.

Barbari Goat Farming

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), India is the world’s largest producer of goat milk and meat, and Barbari goats are one of the most popular breeds in the country. They are also gaining popularity in other parts of the world, especially in the United States, where demand for specialty meat and dairy products is growing.

Barbari Goat Farming

Introduction to Barbari Goats 

The Barbari goat is a small domestic breed in India and Pakistan’s northwestern arid and semi-arid regions. It is named after Berbera, a coastal city in Somalia. This breed is classified as one of the 20 recognized breeds in India and is most commonly found in Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. Barbari goats are also present in Punjab and Sindh provinces of Pakistan, as well as in Mauritius, Nepal and Vietnam. The world population of Barbari goats is around 2.4 million, with the majority located in Pakistan.

Characteristics of Barbari Goats

  • The Barbari goat is a small breed with a compact body shape. They have a small, tidy head with small upward-pointing ears and horns. 
  • The coat of Barbari goats is typically short and can be either solid or white spotted with brownish red. There is also a polled strain known as the Thori Bari. 
  • Barbari goats are a dual-purpose breed, meaning they are raised for meat and milk production. 
  • A male Barbari goat weighs around 38 kg, while females weigh about 23 kg. 
  • The height of a male Barbari goat is about 71 cm, while females stand at approximately 56 cm.
  • It is a seasonal breeder and is utilized in intensive farming. In a lactation of about 150 days, the milk yield is approximately 107 litres.

Benefits of Raising Barbari Goats

  • Barbari goats are hardy and adaptable to various climates and environments.
  • They have a high reproductive rate and can produce multiple kids per year.
  • Barbari goats are efficient converters of feed to meat and milk, making them a good choice for farmers.
  • The meat and dairy produced by Barbari goats are of high quality and have a good market demand.
  • Raising Barbari goats can provide an additional source of income and help diversify a farmer’s livestock portfolio.
  • They are low maintenance and easy to care for, making them a suitable choice for beginners in animal farming.

Building Appropriate Shelter and Fencing for Barbari Goat

  • Barbari goats require less housing space, typically around 10 square feet per goat.
  • Provide double the playing space than housing space in stall-fed goat farming systems.
  • Ensure good ventilation and easy cleaning of the housing area.
  • Raised housing structures are preferred for Barbari goats.
  • Keep separate spaces for breeding bucks and nursing/pregnant does.
  • Store all necessary equipment inside the shelter for convenience.
  • Fencing should be sturdy and secure, as Barbari goats are agile and may attempt to escape.
  • Use fencing materials that are safe for goats to prevent injuries or illnesses.

Feeding and Nutrition for Barbari Goat

  • Feeding Barbari goats high-quality and nutritious food is crucial for their health and productivity.
  • Provide enough nutritious food and clean, fresh water to meet their daily requirements.
  • Avoid feeding contaminated or dirty feeds.
  • For stall-fed systems, provide a diet of wheat straw, barseem, barley, maize, and millet.
  • Consider supplementing their diet with protein-rich feeds like alfalfa, soybean, and cottonseed.
  • Offer mineral supplements and salt licks to ensure they are getting all the necessary nutrients.
  • Adjust their diet according to their age, weight, and breeding status.

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

Baby Goat

Breeding and Reproduction in Barbari Goat

  • The Barbari goats have a high reproduction rate and are known for their ability to produce twins and triplets. 
  • The doe usually reaches maturity at around 7 to 8 months of age and can breed year-round. The gestation period lasts around 150 days, after which the does give birth to 1-3 kids. 
  • The does can have multiple kidding in a year, with a minimum kidding interval of 10 months. 
  • Proper management of breeding and reproduction can greatly increase the productivity and profitability of the Barbari goat farming business.

Health and Disease Management

Barbari goats are generally healthy and hardy, but like any other livestock, they can get sick or infected with various diseases. Common diseases that can affect Barbari goats include

  1. Gastrointestinal parasites such as worms, coccidiosis, and liver flukes.
  2. Respiratory infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis.
  3. Foot and mouth disease.
  4. Brucellosis is a bacterial infection that can cause reproductive problems in goats.

Processing and Management of Barbari Goat Products

Processing and managing Barbari goat products can be profitable for the goat farming business. The meat and milk of the Barbari goats are high in quality and have a good demand in the market. You can process and package the meat and milk products, such as cheese and yoghurt, and sell them in the local or regional markets. Proper processing, packaging, and marketing can ensure good profits for your business.

Marketing and Selling Your Barbari Goat Products

  • Directly selling to individual consumers or local markets.
  • Selling through online marketplaces or e-commerce platforms.
  • Supplying to restaurants or meat shops.
  • Exporting to other countries with demand for goat products.

Establishing a good reputation for your products by maintaining quality and consistency is important. Networking with other farmers, attending trade fairs and exhibitions, and using social media can help expand your customer base.

Tips for Barbari Goat Farming

  • Develop a good business plan before starting Barbari goat farming.
  • Purchase healthy and high-quality goats from certified breeders.
  • Provide your goats with comfortable housing and adequate space.
  • Feed your goats with high-quality and nutritious feeds.
  • Regularly deworm and vaccinate your goats to prevent diseases.
  • Ensure that your goats have access to fresh and clean water.
  • Identify and separate sick animals from the herb to prevent the spread of diseases.
  • Develop a marketing plan before starting your Barbari goat farming business to ensure profitability.

In case you missed it: Best Practices for Disease Prevention and Management in Goats: Strategies for Maintaining a Healthy Herd

Goat White

Conclusion

Barbari goat farming can be profitable with proper planning, care, and management. By providing adequate shelter, nutrition, and healthcare to the goats and implementing effective marketing strategies, farmers can earn good returns on their investments.

3 COMMENTS

  1. Hi i am planning to start goat farming business and wish to learn goat farming skills. Can you please provide me the address where i can take a training as i live in thane, mumbai. Many thanks.

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