Goat farming is a highly profitable venture gaining popularity in Assam due to its suitable climate. Goats are semi-intensive animals, requiring less care than other livestock and providing a good income source. Let’s check out more information about goat farming in Assam below.
Different Types of Goat Breeds Found in Assam
- Assam has several goat breeds adapted well to the local climate and vegetation. The most popular breed in Assam is the Black Bengal Goat, also known as the North-eastern Bengal Goat. These small but highly prolific goats can produce multiple kids per litter.
- Another breed in Assam is the Beetal Goat, which originated from Pakistan but has been widely introduced throughout India. These large-bodied goats have distinctive red coat and are primarily reared for their meat production.
- The Sirohi goat, originally from Rajasthan, has also gained popularity among farmers in Assam due to its adaptability to local conditions and resistance to various diseases. This breed is generally used for both meat and milk production.
- There’s the Assam Hill Goat; these goats are native to hill areas of Assam and the north-eastern states of India, where they graze on wild plants and shrubs. They’re smaller than other breeds but highly valued for their high-quality meat.
Housing Management for Goat Farming in Assam
- Housing is one of the essential factors in goat farming. For successful goat farming, it is crucial to have a suitable and well-constructed house for goats. The housing structure should be spacious and secure and provide ample ventilation.
- The size of the shed or shelter for goats depends on the number of goats you plan to raise. A 100 square feet area can accommodate up to ten adult goats comfortably. Ensure that there are enough windows or gaps for proper air circulation.
- The flooring also plays an important role in housing construction.
- Goats require protection from predators like dogs, foxes, wolves, etc., so make sure your fencing system covers all around your farm with strong wire mesh preventing any predator attacks.
- A well-planned housing structure protects your animals from extreme weather conditions, such as heat waves during summer or cold winter days.
Basic Requirements for Goat Farming in Assam
- The first requirement for goat farming in Assam is land. You will need enough land for the goats to graze and roam freely. At least half an acre of land can support 10-15 goats.
- The next important requirement is a good source of clean water, as goats require plenty of fresh water daily for drinking and cleaning themselves.
- It would help to have proper housing facilities for your goats. Housing should be well-drained, ventilated, and hygienic, with adequate space per animal.
- Feeding is another crucial aspect of goat farming. You must provide a balanced diet of roughage, concentrates, minerals, and vitamins according to age and weight.
- Proper hygiene and sanitation practices should be maintained within the farm premises. The goats’ sheds should be cleaned regularly, and their bedding changed frequently.
- Health management is a significant part of goat farming. Regular check-ups by veterinarians can help detect any illnesses early on throughout the herd. Vaccination schedules must also be followed strictly.
- Marketing strategies play an indispensable role in determining profitability for goat farmers. One must identify potential buyers well in advance and work towards building long-term relationships with them.
In case you missed it: Goat Breeding and Genetics for Improved Productivity and Disease Resistance
Steps for Starting Goat Farming in Assam
- Choose a suitable location: The right place is important for the goat farm’s success. It should have good access to water, grazing land, and adequate shelter.
- Determine your budget: It is important to know how much money you can invest and what profits you expect from it before starting any farming activity.
- Decide on which breed of goats to raise: There are different breeds of goats available in Assam, like Black Bengal, Beetal Goat, Sirohi Goat, and others that thrive well in this climate.
- Set up housing structures: Goats require a proper shelter to rest during bad weather conditions or at night when predators may be around.
- Implement feeding management practices: Feeding plays an important role in your goats’ growth and health, so ensure they have enough nutrition, including minerals & vitamins.
Feeding Management for Goat Farming in Assam
- It is an essential part of goat rearing. Proper feeding ensures the good health and growth of the goats. Regarding feeding, one should remember that each goat has its nutritional requirements.
- In Assam, goats are fed green fodder, dry fodder, concentrate feed, and mineral mixture. Green fodder, such as grasses, leaves, and legumes, should form a major portion of their diet as they contain the high nutrients required for the growth of goats.
- Dry fodders like hay can be given to them during winters or when green fodder shortages.
- Mineral mixtures containing salt, calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals are necessary for healthy bones. Goats also need clean drinking water at all times.
- Proper feeding management plays a crucial role in determining the productivity level of goat farming.
Goat Farming Loans in Assam
In Assam, the government provides financial assistance to those interested in goat farming. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) offers loans to farmers looking to start their goat farm.
Health Management for Goat Farming in Assam
- It is crucial in every aspect of goat farming. It ensures your goats are healthy and disease-free, maximizing productivity and profitability. The first step towards proper health management is ensuring that the goats receive a balanced diet with all essential nutrients.
- Feeding goats on time and in the right proportion improves their immune system, making them robust against diseases.
- Regular check-ups by a veterinarian are also necessary for preventative care measures such as vaccinations, deworming, and treatment. Farmers should create a schedule for regular vaccination according to the guidelines prescribed by veterinarians.
- Cleanliness is also vital for good health among goats; it helps prevent infections like pneumonia and diarrhea caused by poor hygiene practices.
- Proper health management leads to an increase in production levels among your flock while lowering overall costs associated with medication expenses or loss of production due to illnesses.
In case you missed it: Best Practices for Disease Prevention and Management in Goats: Strategies for Maintaining a Healthy Herd
Conclusion
Goat farming is a great option for a profitable agricultural business. In Assam, semi-intensive goat farming is highly profitable due to the climate conditions and the availability of resources. Goat farming has become increasingly popular in Assam due to its climate and soil suitability for rearing goats. There are several benefits of goat farming, especially in Assam, where there is a high demand for goat meat.
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Hello,
My name is Nayanmoni Boro, and I am from Guwahati (Ambikagiri Nagar, Nijora Path), Asaam. Here by I am planning to start a goat farm at a distance of 50 km towards Sonapur from Guwahati.
There for I need Goat in best quality according to your knowledge.
Please send me the quotation on behalf of your farm along with your suggestion Which will be profitable for me.
Hope for positive reply. Thank you.
Thaks, your information is very knowledgeable thank you very much..
I want to start goat farming in 3000 sq ft of land…how much goat I can accommodate and is it profitable to start in a this small place. For your knowledge I am from guwahati