Rearing goats for milk production can be a deeply rewarding and profitable business. However, successful goat milk production requires dedication, continuous learning, and a strong commitment to the welfare of your goats.
So, what are some of the essentials that a farmer should know about rearing goats for goat’s milk? Mahundu Makwela, farmer and founder of Makwela Farming Enterprise, shares his insights.
“It is a good source of income, because milk you sell every day,” he says. “There is a constant cash flow for the enterprise. Goats are not heavy eaters and enjoy a balanced diet. They are much easier than cattle.”
1. Choose the right goat breed
It all starts with your goats and choosing the right breed. Dairy goat breeds like Saanen, Nubian, Alpine, LaMancha, and Nigerian Dwarf are known for their milk production, but farmers should select a breed that suits their climate, resources, and market demand.
According to Makwela, at least 20 to 40 goats are required to kickstart a decent goat milk operation
“A lot of dairy companies have goats, but they don’t have enough. That is why, in most cases, goats are not sold but rather processed into by-products or used for their milk to make cheese and yoghurt,” he explains.
2. Take care of goat herd health
High-quality nutrition is crucial for milk production which is why taking care of your goat herd health is important. Makwela says goats should produce high volumes of milk and have a good weight count for their age.
Goats are gentle and require a soft, and loving approach, explains Makwela. “Most people that farm with dairy goats use intensive methods. Once goats get sick, after being exposed to ticks, in many cases [they] don’t survive.”
It’s good practice to ensure that your goats have access to clean water, good-quality forage, and balanced concentrate feeds. Consult with a veterinarian or nutritionist to create a proper feeding plan.
3. What about capital?
Rearing goats for milk production can be a rewarding and profitable venture for farmers but it requires capital, Makwela says.
“It is very capital and labour intensive, because of the scarcity of milk operations, getting the equipment and goats.”
The capital needed can vary widely depending on various factors, including your location, the scale of your operation, the breed of goats you choose, and the existing infrastructure you have.
4. Prioritise goat housing
It is important to provide clean and well-ventilated housing for your goats. Adequate shelter helps protect them from extreme weather conditions and diseases.
Makwela says, “To start the production you need 200 000 to 300 000 widths to have the structure to keep the goats safe. To have them under a shed it [can] cost another R50 000 to R100 000.”
5. Milking equipment
If you plan to milk your goats, you’ll need milking equipment. “The milking equipment that you will need such as suctions, pumps including a proper space where you can milk them.”
While the cost varies depending on the type and size of equipment you choose, Makwela says this could easily cost about R100 000.
It is important to invest in proper milking equipment and ensure that they are cleaned and sanitised regularly. It is also crucial to maintain strict hygiene during milking to prevent contamination of the milk.
6. Protect your milk
Did you know that it is illegal to sell raw milk in Mzansi? The sale of raw milk is only permitted if the milk complies with food safety regulations.
“Raw milk is not sold to the public. However, people use goats’ milk for different purposes, such as medical or feeding children if they are allergic to cow’s milk,” he explains.
When milking goats, it is important to ensure that your goats are not sick. Always ensure that the milk is clean and safe for human consumption. This can be done by properly storing and handling the milk to maintain its quality and safety. Use stainless steel containers and cool the milk quickly after milking.
It is also advised to establish a regular milking routine. Most goats are milked twice a day, but the frequency may vary depending on the breed and lactation stage.
7. Marketing and distribution
Your market is of utter importance. As a farmer, it is important to understand the market you want to supply.
In most cases, processed goat milk products are found in luxurious spaces, such as hotels and boutiques. The market is niche, but worth it.
“Because of the scarcity and how expensive it is, there is no overflooding of the market and I don’t think it will happen In the next 10 to 20 years in Mzansi. So, there is [money] to be made.”
Explore options for selling goat’s milk, whether it’s through direct sales, local markets, or dairy processors. Also consider marketing and distribution costs, which can include packaging, labelling, transportation, and promotion.
Remember that successful goat milk production requires dedication, continuous learning, and a strong commitment to the welfare of your goats. With proper care and management, goats can provide a reliable source of high-quality milk for your farm and potentially generate income for your agricultural business.
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