Foundations of Goat Husbandry

This unit introduces core concepts of small-ruminant care, breed selection, housing, nutrition, basic health, and primary product pathways (milk, meat, fiber). Students will gain practical skills and decision-making tools that prepare them for more advanced management, production, and value-added activities in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze characteristics and production suitability of common goat breeds and select breeds to meet specified dairy, meat, fiber, or dual-purpose goals
• Apply principles of stocking rate, shelter design, nutrition, and fencing to develop a site-appropriate basic herd management plan
• Demonstrate routine husbandry and health-monitoring procedures, including grooming, parasite management, observation of normal behavior, recognition of illness, basic kidding preparation, and biosecurity practices
• Evaluate goat product pathways (milk to cheese/yogurt/drinks, fiber harvest, meat production, and showing) and develop a simple value-added or marketing plan that addresses processing steps, quality, and basic regulatory/safety considerations