A group of goats is seen eating on a farm. Subsequently, a goat is shown drinking milk from a bottle.
The goat industry is one of the fastest-growing livestock industries in the United States. Goats are hardy and fun livestock to raise. They require less space and investment than pigs or cattle require, and goats can be produced for their meat, milk, and hides.
This transitions to a herd of goats roaming freely on the farm.
In the United States, meat goats are the largest sector of the goat industry, followed by dairy goats.
Successive images display dairy goats and hair goats, followed by goats grazing in the fields. This transitions to a herd of crossbred goats.
Fiber or “hair” goat production has decreased in recent years, while 4-H and FFA show goat production has increased the population of meat goats.
Commercial goat production raises meat goats strictly for market. Does are bred and the kids are sold after weaning for harvest. Commercial goats are usually crossbred, meaning the offspring are more than one breed of goat.
A woman is seen holding a dairy goat, followed by three girls coming out of their house while carrying goats in their hands.
Meat goats are more muscular than dairy goats. They do not typically produce more milk than what is needed to feed their kids. Dairy goats produce between 1800 and 2600 pounds of milk per lactation cycle, which typically lasts for 284 days.
An elderly man sits with his goat, accompanied by a veterinarian holding a syringe.
Because goat production is a newer area of interest in the United States, it is essential to find a veterinarian who is knowledgeable of goats and their health needs.
Subsequently, a goat health manager is seen on a farm, holding a notepad.
To help keep goats healthy, farmers establish a herd health management plan. The plan includes parasite control, vaccinations, and keeping accurate records.
A herd of goats moves, led by elder goats, followed by two goats playfully butting heads.
Like many herd animals, goats tend to move as a group with older goats taking the lead. Goats can be difficult, tending to butt and fight back when confronted. They often lay down when frightened, making it difficult to move them. You should be especially vigilant with goats showing horns.
This transitions to an outline sketch illustrating a meat goat with labeled body parts such as leg, loin, flank, rib, and shoulder.
If raising a meat goat, the primal cuts are similar to that of a sheep, including loin, shoulder, leg, and neck.
A slide lists 12 goat breeds, transitioning to images of goats grazing, with one goat leaping and exiting the frame.
Many goat breeds are raised in the United States. If you are interested in raising goats, do your research and determine which breed will best suit your goals.
Multiple goats are then shown on a farm.
Goats are hardy, productive, and relatively inexpensive investments compared with other livestock. If you are looking to get involved with livestock, goats are a great starter project. You can even turn your goat farm into a profitable meat or breeding and showing operation.