GOATSoats

Depending on what your intention and purpose is for obtaining goats will greatly determine what breed of goats will be roaming your acreage.  See chart below that hopefully will help  you decide what breed of  goats will make you happy and/or profitable. The chart below ranks the top ten domestic breeds in popularity.

 

For first-time goat owners, Pygmy goats and Nigerian Dwarf goats are often recommended for their small size, friendly temperaments, and ease of care. Pygmy goats are hardy and adaptable, while Nigerian Dwarf goats are known for their high milk production and gentle nature. I have only had Pygmy goats on my acreage. To me, nothing beats a baby Pygmy goat for entertainment and a lot of laughs.

Check out the baby goat video below.

 

So if and when you decide to take the plunge with goats, regardless of breed, the following terminology applies to them all just so you will appear very knowledgeable to the prospective goat seller !

 

1) Doe or Nanny: This is the adult female goat

2) Ram:  This is the adult male goat

3) Wether: This was once a male goat but has been fixed.

4) Kid: This is a young goat (either gender)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Breed

Average Weight (lbs)

Primary Use

1.

Nubian

132-176

Dairy

2.

Saanen

132-154

Dairy

3.

Alpine

121-165

Dairy

4.

LaMancha

110-143

Dairy

5.

Boer

198-265

Meat

6.

Nigerian Dwarf

77-88

Dairy/Pet

7.

Angora

88-132

Fiber

8.

Pygmy

26-40

Pet/Exhibition

9.

Fainting (Tennessee)

70-100

Ornamental/Pet

10.

Damascus

154-198

Dairy/Meat

Also, regardless of breed, the following items will be essential to get started with goats. We will start with their living/sleeping quarters. 

 

 

 

 

Good (click image for detail)

Better (click image for detail)

Best (click image for detail)

 
If you are a Do It Yourselfer, then here some great plans for a goat shed  (click image for detail)
 (click image for detail)

Goat Fence

Now, lets move on to the necessary fencing requirements for the goats. This is going to entirely depend on how many goats you will have and how much grazing area you have and want to provide for them.  I have three common fence strategies that I will provide and in what circumstances I would use them for a pen size of Small, Medium and Large.