GOATS BY TYPE/USE
Goats are one of the most versatile domesticated animals known to man. More and more they are being accepted in areas of North America than as pets and used for a variety of purposes to aid humans.
BRUSH GOATS
Brush goats are gaining popularity as a business model for helping to clear lots and forests of dry tinder, brush and foliage that is difficult to clear by other means such as mowing.
Goat herders who know how to manage groups of goats using portable electric fencing, for example, can make a good living providing clearing services to individuals, businesses and governments to help prevent wildfires and make vacant lots, pastures and uninhabited lands safer for their property owners.
Unlike cattle and sheep who are grazers and will eat pastures down to nothing if left to do so, goats are browsers who eat selectively, leaving some brush behind, so their impact on the land can be better overall for the environment in some areas. Of course, it’s all relative to the individual situation so if your property owner has some prized Roses of Sharon on exhibition, those will have to cordoned off from the goats who will see them only as a delicacy on the buffet table to be eaten like the rest of the plants.
TIPS: Strong, effective and preferably portable electric fencing is paramount if you are considering this type of business. Also, the goat herder must plan for shelter for him or herself during the brush control job. A reliable guard dog is a huge plus as well for security of the herder and the goats at night.
CAUTIONS: Also, the prominence of drug needles and some poisonous plants in some areas of the U.S. are two often overlooked threat to the goats themselves. So please keep that in mind when considering brush control within city limits of any town. On the other hand, a benefit of using goats for brush control is that they love to eat poison ivy…just saying…See Poisonous Plants
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DAIRY GOATS
Dairy goats produce several products, the most well-known of which is goat milk. Depending upon the dairy breed, high quality milk can also be used to make delicious cheeses and luxurious goat milk soaps.
While every breed of goat produces milk for their babies, some breeds are more prolific at producing milk and some breeds even produce milk with a different taste – such as the sweet tasting milk of LaMancha goats vs. the milk of Nubians, for example.
With so many human babies being intolerant of cow’s milk, goat’s milk is still highly sought after as an alternative, especially when the human mother is unable to provide appropriate amounts of breast milk to feed her baby. Many a farm cat has also been happily raised on leftover goat’s milk on farms around the world.
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FIBER GOATS
Goat fiber is prized the world over for both luxurious softness and impressive strength as a textile yarn.
Angora and Cashmere goat fiber are the two primary types of goat fiber used in making exquisite sweaters, scarfs, leggings and more.
These goats are in general a bit more fragile in terms of wind and dampness and need a bit more care than many goat breeds, but if raised in the right conditions can be as hearty as any goat while producing an admirable profit and highly desirable product for many years to come.
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HARNESS GOATS
Farm Work pulling plows and other farm implements not involving machinery, driving carts for work or pleasure, or pulling larger carriages in teams, depending upon the size and breed of the goats, are all well-documented throughout history.
Saanens (aka The Big White Goat), for example, are known for their strength and are well-suited to pulling carts and wedding carriages either solo or in teams, even today.
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MEAT GOATS
Goat meat is a priority food staple in nearly 3/4 of the world. Goats are easier and cheaper to raise than cattle, and the meat is leaner and healthier for most humans to consume.
While common around the world, Goat Meat in America was slower to be accepted as a livestock business, but is now well established and is highly competitive with beef, pork and chicken.
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PACK GOATS
Goats have been carrying packs of supplies to help humans traverse mountains, hills, deserts and forests worldwide for thousands of years.
They can go where it is often more difficult for horses, llamas or donkeys/mules.
Their sure-footedness is not only helpful, but their use can cause less damage to the terrain, because of the style of their hooves.
On the other hand, the amount of weight they can safely carry is often less than other animals, depending upon their breed characteristics and size. Throughout history, mules, llamas and camels were often prized by nomads, explorers and gold prospectors for their nimbleness and strength for carrying heavy loads. On the other hand, goats were often easier for families and farmers to train to pull loads rather than to carry them…see Harness goats.
Today, pack goats are often welcome companions for solo hikers who need to carry less, but appreciate the company and the extra freedom a well-trained pack goat can provide on their nature treks.
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PET GOATS
Goats can make great pets as they have personalities similar to dogs in that they can be trained to follow commands and seem to understand human emotions as well.
Some are quiet and cause no trouble and others…well…it’s smart to put dogs, kids and goats in the same categories when considering care, safety and potential for getting into trouble. Plan for the worst (escapes especially) and hope for the best. Expect the big “it wasn’t me” sad eyes or the defiant “I have no idea why you are upset again” rebellious look, when you try to discipline any of them!
Also like dogs, goats can test boundaries by following you around everywhere you go, so keep that and personal safety (yours and theirs) in mind when choosing the breed, size and disposition of your goat if it is to be a pet. This can be especially around children because most goats have horns while others may be naturally polled (born without horns).
While horns can be removed in a variety of ways (and often are for many reasons) this practice is not without controversy, so it’s worth researching ahead of time.
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THERAPY GOATS
Goats used in therapy programs as companion animals for horses, for example. Sometimes, they are used in human therapy programs for PTSD, Senior Care, Hospital Visits, Farm Visits, and as companions in Zoos.
Smaller breeds such as Nigerian Dwarfs and Pygmy Goats are often considered just the right size for children and seniors, but like anything with animals…it’s all in the disposition of the animal and the way it’s trained and handled.
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