Oklahoma Basic Meat Goat Manual

Chapter 1 - So You Want to be a Goat Rancher

This chapter details an overview of the meat goat industry in the United States and the different production systems where meat goat can be utilized. The chapter then describes the necessary planning steps needed to help create a sustainable meat goat operation.

Chapter 2 - Breeds of Meat Goats

This chapter describes several different breeds of meat goat that are being used in the U.S. for meat goat production. Each breed's attributes and potential weaknesses are discussed. Breeds discussed are Spanish, Boer, Kiko, Savanna, Tennessee Fainting Goats (mytonic), Pygmy, and Nubians.

Chapter 3 - Fencing

This chapter describes options and material available for electric fencing for goats. Detailed descriptions and instructions are laid out along with illustrations and cost comparisons.

Chapter 4 - Housing

In this chapter the housing needs and options for meat goat production are discussed.

Chapter 5 - Corrals

This chapter describes the types of corrals that can be used in goat production as well as the different types of materials that can be used.

Chapter 6 - Meat Goat Selection

This chapter describes the economically beneficial traits of meat goats and discusses how to measure and compare the different animals of the herd. Also included are detailed descriptions and illustrations of proper and improper udder structure.

Chapter 7 - Bucks and Breeding

This chapter discusses the importance of choosing the right buck for breeding purposes and the different breeding systems that can be used in a meat goat operation.

Chapter 8 - Kidding

This chapter discusses how to prepare for the birth of the kids and the kidding process. Also detailed illustrations are shown about normal and abnormal birthing presentations and how to assist in the kidding process.

Chapter 9 - Goat Nutrition

This chapter describes the nutrition requirements for meat goats and the different feeding options that may be available.

Chapter 10 - Forages, Forbes and Browse

This chapter discusses the grazing habits of goats and the different types of forages that are available to be used in a meat goat operation.

Chapter 11 - Herd Health

This chapter describes the common diseases that affect goats and the available vaccination programs for goats. Also discussed are the different internal and external parasites that affect goats and the preventative programs used to prevent problems in the goat herd.

Chapter 12 - Goat Marketing

This chapter describes how to develop a marketing plan for a meat goat operation. Also discussed is the price differences in the seasonal pattern of goat prices and the holiday schedule that influences that seasonal pattern.

Chapter 13 - Predator Control

This chapter describes the different methods of predator control that can be used in a meat goat operation. Options discussed are guardian animals such as dogs, donkeys and llamas, trapping and lethal methods of removing predators.

Chapter 14 - General Herd Management

This chapter goes over the general herd management practices that are not discussed in other chapters. Topics covered this chapter are ear tagging, castrating, hoof trimming, disbudding, tatooing, and body condition scoring. Also included is a general herd maintenance calendar.

Chapter 15 - Record Keeping

This chapter discusses the options for keeping production and financial records. It also details how some of the production and financial records and rations should be calculated.