what is the purpose of keeping goats

[boykin2010]

i know that people keep chickens and quail and turkeys and geese for eggs and people keep cows for milk and some people have sheep for wool. but what is the purpose for keeping goats except for them mowing the grass for you. i am thinkin about getting some. are they useful in any way. are they friendly. do they tolerate the heat well bcuz i live in south ga. how easy is it to take care of and any helpful tips or advice is appreciated

 

[taraann81]

Goats make terrible lawn mowers. Preferring to browse than graze.

People keep them for milk, meat, fiber, pets, brush clearers, showing, companions...

 

[Illia]

Actually, they don't mow grass. They clear brush.

Goats are excellent dairy animals if you get the right breed though. Their milk is healthier than cow's milk, as it digests easier, and you can make plenty cheeses and yogurt from it. Aside from Dairy, they're also excellent pack animals and meat animals.

Our Kinders, a slightly smaller breed of goat, produce a superb amount of milk FAR richer than cow's milk, and offer a nice amount of meat. Goat meat is quite good - Almost like slightly gamey lamb.

We here are very much enjoying the friendly disposition, amazing milk and cheese, and good meat of our goats. They're actually VERY ideal for small time farmers and small land owners.

 

[PaulaJoAnne]

Quote:
Goats only eat grass if they are starving from no browse to eat.
Goats are just like moose in their diet

And goats have excellent milk if fed correctly, and the milk is chilled correctly.
Excess bucklings make excellent food for the table as well when they are young.

A good dairy goat can give as much as a gallon of milk per day.

 

[Hillsvale]

My boer goat.... huge personality!! and because they are sweet and funny, beyond entertaining and taste exceptional.

 

[boykin2010]

ok well i live on 20 acres but it is just a field with 5 pecan trees in the front and some pine trees and thick thick woods in the back. i was gonna fence it in and let the goats eat the grass so i didnt have to mow. right now i am mowing once a week. but i guess if they dont do that i would just be keeping them for their milk. I would like to try some goat milk before i get them... i am not thinking goats are right for me now. are goats strong enough to fight off the neighborhood dogs. they are always around and i am afraid they would attack one of the goats.

do cows eat grass more than goats. would this be a better decision to mow the grass???

 

[welsummerchicks]

because they prefer cleaning up little pellets to cow pies?

because of all the milk?

because a cow can't jump onto the kitchen counter when it's 2 months old?

 

[PaulaJoAnne]

Quote:
You might consider getting sheep instead.
Plus, if you are going to get livestock, you MUST do all that is needed to defend, protect and care for them.
That includes proper fencing so no dogs will get in. Neither goats or sheep can defend themselves, especially sheep. thats why they require a shepherd.

I would also advise lots more research, and holding off on getting a cow. They are much harder to take care of.

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

Goats clean up brush sheep mow. Both taste good between two peaces of bread.

 

[boykin2010]

yea i am thinking of holding off for now i think sheep is gonna b a lot of trouble because dont you have to trim the wool off them every year? i really just need something to mow my grass and i dont think there is anything i can do about the dogs even if i fence properly they will still find a way in. THEY ARE SO ANNOYING!!!!