GOAT FARMING PRACTICES ON HIGH PRODUCING PASTURES

Abstract

Few farmers have firm ideas about the long-term aims of their goat enterprises. Since profit is the primary motive, breeding objectives may change rapidly. Goats are generally a small proportion of total stock numbers and are given preferential grazing. Goat grazing improves pastures by increasing clover content and reducing the number of thistles and weed grasses. Although most farmers feed hay there is no indication this is necessary for high animal performance. The most productive goat management systems on high producing pastures have yet to be defined, especially integration with other livestock dasses. Preliminary data from mixed goat and sheep grazing trials in Canterbury suggest there are benefits in liveweight gain to sheep, but not necessarily to goats by integrating grazing. Areas for future research are considered.