Goat Raising Ideas: Backyard Goat Farming For Beginners

Goat raising has become an increasingly attractive livelihood option for Filipino families, especially during times when mobility is restricted and local food production becomes essential. As a backyard or small-scale enterprise, goat production is practical, low-cost, and well-suited to the typical Philippine community setting.

Why Invest in Goat Raising

Compared to other livestock, goats require less capital, reproduce faster, and thrive even in limited spaces where cattle or pigs may not be feasible. They are hardy animals that can survive on tree leaves, grasses, weeds, and agricultural by-products—making them ideal for smallholder farmers.

Goat meat (kambing) remains in high demand for daily consumption and special occasions such as fiestas, birthdays, weddings, and community gatherings. Goat milk also serves as an alternative dairy source for individuals with cow milk allergies or digestive sensitivities.

Goat raising supports the livelihood of an estimated 15 million Filipinos. Because it requires low investment and minimal risk, it is a viable income source for resource-poor families. Women and children can also participate in goat care, making it a strong complement to government livelihood programs.

Sample Projected Income (5-Year Period)

Projected income based on number of does.

Types of Goat Raising Businesses

Goat raising business models and potential markets.

Challenges of Goat Raising

While goats are rewarding to raise, they also present challenges:

• Limited feed resources due to land pressure and seasonal shortages.
• Climate risks such as drought, flooding, and lightning.
• High kid mortality from disease, starvation, or extreme weather.
• Limited veterinary access in rural areas.
• Knowledge gaps in scientific feeding and herd management.
• Predators such as wild dogs or feral pigs.
• Crop damage when goats roam freely.
• Theft due to their small size and ease of transport.

Goat Feed Requirements

Proper nutrition is essential for growth, pregnancy, and milk production. Energy and protein are the most important components of goat feed. Poor-quality feed leads to low productivity and health issues such as hypocalcemia and pregnancy toxemia.

In the Philippines, feed is abundant during the wet season but scarce during the dry months. Climate change worsens this imbalance. Fortunately, researchers at Central Luzon State University have developed pellet feeds using ipil-ipil, kakawate, rensonii, concentrates, and mineral supplements. Pellets improve nutrition, storage, and feeding efficiency.

Regular feed budgeting and nutrient testing (copper, selenium, cobalt) help maintain herd health. Does should gain weight one month before mating to support fetal development and milk production.

Common Goat Breeds in the Philippines

• Native – Small, hardy, 20–30 kg; minimal milk production.
• Anglo Nubian – Large, drooping ears; 70–90 kg; 1–2 liters of milk/day.
• Boer – Meat-type breed; 90 kg average; fast-growing.
• Saanen – Highest milk producer (1.8 liters/day); 70 kg.
• Toggenburg – Swiss breed; 1.5 liters/day; distinct white markings.
• Alpine – Medium to large; 70 kg; 1.5 liters/day.

How to Select Does (Female Goats)

• Choose goats from areas with similar climate conditions.
• Native or graded does should weigh at least 25 kg.
• Check the udder for lumps or abnormalities.
• Teats should be uniform and easy to milk.
• Look for alert eyes, good appetite, and healthy posture.

How to Select Bucks (Male Goats)

• Choose a one-year-old buck with proven mating success.
• Ensure pedigree records are available.
• Select bucks from high-producing maternal lines.
• Prefer bucks from does with high twinning rates.
• Replace bucks every three years to avoid inbreeding.

How to Manage and Care for Goats

Housing

Goats need clean, dry, well-ventilated housing. They dislike rain and wet floors, which can lead to pneumonia. Elevated sleeping platforms are ideal. Separate pens should be provided for lactating does, kids, growers, and bucks.

A fenced loafing area beside the goat house allows goats to move freely. Cement flooring helps with drying and sanitation. Maintain interior temperatures between 28–30°C to avoid reduced feed intake.

Fencing Guide for Goats

Nine-eye hog wire is the most affordable and effective fencing option. Posts should be placed every 2 meters. Goats often rub against fences, so durability is essential. Barbed wire requires at least four strands and increases the risk of injury.

Pasturing

A well-developed pasture can support up to 15 goats per hectare. For combined grazing and confinement systems, allocate 3 hectares per 50 goats. Divide pastures into paddocks for rotational grazing to prevent overgrazing.

Care of Dry and Pregnant Does

Dry does 1.5–2 months before kidding to prepare for the next lactation. Move them to a separate kidding pen one week before giving birth. Watch for signs such as vulva swelling, teat engorgement, and restlessness.

Dystocia (difficult birth) is common when native does are bred with large purebred bucks. Assistance may be needed, but only when necessary. Consult a veterinarian for complicated cases.

Care of Lactating Does and Newborn Kids

Immediately after birth, clear the kid’s airways and ensure it suckles within one hour. Weak kids may require colostrum feeding via stomach tube. Prevent mastitis by stripping excess milk if the kid cannot consume all colostrum.

Efficient Goat Milking Practices

Goats should be milked at consistent times daily (e.g., 6 AM and 6 PM). Clean the udder with lukewarm water before milking. Feed concentrates during milking to encourage cooperation. Keep bucks away to avoid transferring odor to the milk.

Care of Weanlings and Growing Kids

Separate weaned kids by size. Castrate male kids early (within the first month). Remove extra teats in females. Dehorn kids when horn buds appear. Separate males and females at four months to prevent early breeding.

Care of the Breeding Buck

House bucks separately but within sight of does. Provide a loafing area. A one- to two-year-old buck can service 25–50 does annually; older bucks can service more.

Best Goat Raising Practices

Does reach puberty at 4–18 months; ideal breeding age is 10–12 months. Use a 1:25 buck-to-doe ratio. Introduce the doe to the buck, not the other way around.

Crossbreeding native does with purebred bucks improves performance due to hybrid vigor. Limit foreign bloodlines to 75% to retain disease resistance.

Other Goat Management Best Practices

1. Hoof trimming – Prevents lameness and foot rot.
2. Dehorning – Improves safety and reduces injuries.
3. Castration – Improves growth rate and meat quality.
4. Identification – Use ear notching or tattooing for record-keeping.
5. Record keeping – Essential for breeding, health, and productivity tracking.

Training and Additional Resources

The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) of the Department of Agriculture offers goat production training programs for farmers and aspiring raisers.

For more information, contact:

Florita G. Lozada
Project Officer
0930-8208661

You may also download the Goat Raising Guide from the Department of Trade and Industry.