Zambia Agribusiness Society

For producers to benefit from the growing national and international demand for live goats and goat products, it is essential to have healthy flocks. Dr Alan Rowe, chief state veterinarian for the Harry Gwala District Municipality, shares tips on goat health management. The profitability of a goat enterprise depends largely on the animals’ health and productivity. It is crucial, therefore, that a goat farmer has the skills to identify an animal in poor health, diagnose the illness and treat it, or obtain assistance from other knowledgeable goat farmers, state animal health officials or private vets. The key is to act swiftly. “While the advice that follows can be helpful, the diagnoses and treatment policies are not carved in stone. They need to be tested and adapted where necessary because of the varying goat production conditions across the country,” cautions Dr Alan Rowe, chief state veterinarian for the Harry Gwala District Municipality. Prevention is always better than cure, and i

Goat farm design plays an important role in the overall production and health of your goats. A good designed goat farm with all types of facilities, ensures higher production, maximum profit and good health for goats. A large amount of total invested money in goat farming business plan goes to this sector. If you are new in this business then you should visit as many goat farms as possible to have some practical knowledge. A good goat farm design must include a suitable house or shelter, pasture, numerous mobile shelter for taking rest, sufficient grazing place, free from noise or sound, properly fenced, good source of fresh and clean water and some other necessary facilities. Diagram of standard goat house design Before making final goat farm design consider the following factors. 1.     First of all you may have a question. How much will this cost? Generally the cost depends on the materials and type of the shed. For the first time you can go with low-cost designs. And after gainin