Meat Goats

[mtm8878]

So, after becoming unsecsessful in finding information on getting regulated to sell Goat Milk in Maryland, I was intrested in meat goats. I am really intrested in goats, and did not want to give up on them.

So, for those of you with meat goat experiennce

-what and how much do you feed
-how much space should I provide per goat
-on average, how long does it take to reach slaughter weight
-does anyone know if you need a liscence to sell goat meat in MD?

Thanks!

[Alice In TX/MO]

Excerpts only. Check website for detailed information.
http://www.hobbyfarms.com/livestock-...ats-25028.aspx
Success with Meat Goats - When asked how readers might emulate their success, Matt replies, "They need to learn everything they can before they buy. They should learn:

How to manage goats
Which vaccinations to give and how to give them
How to tell when a goat is sick
They need to understand how to feed them
And start small. That way they can continue learning as they expand.

http://www.sheepandgoat.com/articles/economics.html
It is difficult for many agricultural enterprises, including sheep and goats, to show a profit when fixed costs are factored into the budget. In addition, most sheep and goat producers are part-time and utilize existing resources, and do not charge land and labor to the goat enterprise. Profit is usually expressed in three ways: 1) income above variable costs; 2) income above fixed costs; and 3) profit plus a margin (return to management). In the long term, fixed costs must be covered, unless off-farm income is used to finance the farming operation.

http://www.tennesseemeatgoats.com/ar...atgoats06.html
Quality goats are not easy to raise. A lot of hard physical work, knowledge, and commitment to the job are required. The work week includes seven days -- goats don't take the weekend off from eating, kidding, or getting sick.

[HappyFarmer]

-what and how much do you feed

In winter we feed bulk whole oats, cracked corn, alfalfa pellets & boss when their skin starts to show dryness.
In summer we limit the grain only to the replacement animals and anyone who may be pregnant (rarely in the Northeast)
Pasture, loose minerals, protein tubs free choice 365/24/7
Mediocre grass hay, protein topping out at only 7-8%(why the tubs).

If you are selling strickly for meat this is too much input for you.....our market is breeding stock & pets. You need to balance little input to acquire maximum gain if you are selling to the meat market only. Find a value added (like buyer slaughter on farm see below).

-how much space should I provide per goat

If you are asking this question you must not have a lot of room. To be profitable in meat goats you need acreage, little input for the output. Anywho if space means pasture, it depends on what is in the pasture-fertile farmland or barren waste? Grass, brush, trees? Acres of each? This is a variable answer. If you don't have a lot of room, buy decent quality stock that can be sold for meat, but double as breeding stock - that's where you'll break even if you market well.


-on average, how long does it take to reach slaughter weight

Depends on your market. Look up ethnic calendars for the schedule. Easter is the big one for young kids, there are markets also for adults, bucks, fixed, untouched, but those market may or may not exist in your area. Find another breeder close by to pool animals with to go to market. 40-60lbs is a common market depends on the breed, weather, forage quality, preventions given, and genetics. Buy stock from proven bloodlines where the daily gains were recorded so you can compare gains & know what to expect.


-does anyone know if you need a license to sell goat meat in MD?
No idea. Find your nearest slaughter house & strike a deal, offer self-slaughter facilities on your farm (they do the deed-not you!), join the marketing lists, sell on-the-hoof.

You need to research your markets and take if from there. Find out what your customers want & fulfill those needs. Keep good records for historical review down the line.

HF