How to Raise Kiko Goats in Iowa
The market for goat meat grew 12 percent each year from 2000 to 2010 in Iowa. Kiko goats are primary raised for meat because, believe it or not, goat is the most consumed meat in the world. All over Iowa farmers are choosing to raise kiko goats because they grow faster than other breeds and have stronger resistance to parasites. They can also replace your lawn mower and fertilize your yard.
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Instructions
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Build a woven wire of electric fence to contain your goats. Adjust to fence to reach 4.5 to 5 feet tall so the goats cannot jump out. There should be no more than 10 goats per acre of land.
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Set up shelters throughout your pasture to keep the goats dry. Each shelter should be 10 square feet per goat.
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Construct a nursery by using lots of dry hay. Make sure the area is well ventilated. Keep extra dry hay nearby so when your goats have their babies you can keep changing the bedding.
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Set up your feeder and water container. Keep the water off the ground but low enough for the goats to reach; this helps keep the water clean. A kiko goat will not drink water that looks dingy or dirty. Purchase feed that is six parts shelled corn mixed with 14 percent protein pellets to help your goats gain weight and stay healthy. Fill the feeder and keep the excess feed in a dry area.
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Purchase the best looking kiko goats that you can find. Check the roundness of the stomach area; the rounder the better. Place two finger in between each pair of ribs, if your finger fits the goat has a strong heart and lungs.
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Vaccinate and deworm all of your kiko goats. Trim their hooves when they get too long. Keep a record for each goat. Write down every goat's birthday, medication dates and breeding cycles.
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Feed and water your goats daily. Clean their shelters often.
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Calculate the cost of production and figure out profit. The state of Iowa gives a tax break to farmers with livestock.
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Tips & Warnings
Revaccinate your goats yearly to keep them from getting disease.
A heat lamp is unnecessary for your nursery if you keep cleaning and putting lots of dry bedding in the area.
When your goats have reached a good weight you can either take them to the slaughter house or sell them to buyers.
Kiko goats can be raised along with cattle.
References
Resources
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