Currently, a significant number of farmers in the country are turning to livestock farming. Apart from traditional livestock such as cows, buffaloes, and goats, sectors like fish farming and poultry farming are also experiencing rapid growth. Goat farming can be pursued with minimal investment and space requirements. Marginal and landless farmers rear goats for both milk and meat production. Moreover, goat skin, hair, and wool have commercial value as well. Before venturing into goat farming, it is essential for farmers to gather all the necessary information related to this enterprise. Special attention should be given to the dietary requirements of goats. Continuous consumption of wet or moist fodder may render goats vulnerable to certain diseases.
Experts suggest that providing green fodder to goats, cows, and buffaloes is highly beneficial. Green fodder is rich in protein, minerals, salts, and vitamins. Various forms of green fodder for goats include different types of grasses, tree leaves, fruits, leafy vegetables, berseem, and clover, among others. If adequate grazing areas, shrubs, and nutritious green fodder are available, there may not be a need for supplemental grain feed.
Feeding goats a blend of grains is highly advantageous. During the breeding period, a male goat should be given 200 grams, pregnant goats 200 grams (last 60 days), and lactating goats 250 grams of grain mix per day. To prepare the grain mix, any locally available affordable grain can be used as 50-60%, pulses 20%, bran 25%, wheat husk or rice husk 10%, mineral mix 2%, and common salt 1%.
Farmers should gradually transition goats to new diets. Large quantities of wet or moist fodder like berseem, lucerne, or beans should be avoided, as they may lead to enterotoxemia. Goats should not be allowed to graze in areas where dew is present on the grass in the morning, as this may lead to endoparasitic infections.
Failure to promptly treat enterotoxemia can result in the death of animals. When animals afflicted with this disease consume excessive wet green fodder, their stomachs accumulate toxic gases such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen, and ammonia, leading to bloating, restlessness, and discomfort. This condition, known as enterotoxemia or bloat, can be addressed by administering a mixture of 15 ml tincture of asafoetida, 15 ml spirit ammonia aromatic, 40 ml turpentine oil, and 500 ml linseed oil.
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