Every year I receive dozens of calls from people wanting to get started in the goat business as well as from people who already have goats and have some management problems. I really encourage individuals to read all they can about goats and, as well, to visit some established herds and talk to experienced and reputable breeders BEFORE purchasing any animals. Any successful livestock enterprise requires careful research, management and a genuine interest in the species one is working with.
A well cared for, top quality angora goat in full fleece is one of the most beautiful and productive domestic animals. Angoras are small, long-lived, hardy, readily handled, need minimal facilities and are relatively odor-free. Like any living animal, they can be frustrating, however, and, on occasion, will crawl through and under poorly maintained fences, get their heads stuck in unbelievably small holes and destroy equipment one felt was built sturdily eneough for cattle.
While a couple of goats make interesting pets, most people who have any number expect to generate an income, either primary or seconday, from them. Sources of revenue include mohair, breeding stock, surplus wethers, meat and skins.
Buy good quality breeding stock, be it commercial or registered, to start out with. Remember that your bucks/billies are half of your herd, so purchase the best. Angora goats do well in confinement, semiconfinement, improved pastures or range if carefully managed. Well-nourished good quality goats that are regularly dewormed and deloused, protected from predators and have shelter from the elements for 6 - 8 weeks after shearing will repay the farmer or rancher with many pounds of mohair and 1 - 2 (or perhaps more) nice kids a year.
For more information on Angora goats refer to The Angora Goat, Its History, Management and Diseases by Stephanie and Allison Mitcham.
This book, by Stephanie Mitcham (Sexton) and Allison Mitcham was written in response to all of the goat questions asked over the years
The publisher writes about this book: This invaluable guide is intended for those concerned about the raising, care and maintenanceof Angora goats. Much practical and useful information is given: how to get started in the goat business, facilities needed, record keeping, nutrition, shearing, marketing and dealing with various diseases that may inflict goat herds.
The publisher continues: The authors have had wide experience, both in raising goats and in literary endeavors. Stephanie Mitcham Sexton is co-owner, along with her husband, Patrick Sexton ( D.V.M.), of Sexton Mohair in Tripoli, IOWA. She is also a veterinary pathologist and the author of articles in American and Canadian veterinary journals.
Allison Mitcham, Stephanie's mother, is the author of 13 books (more now) and numerous articles which have been published in Canada and the United States.
This 146 page book was published in 1992 and is in its second printing.
Contents include:
Price for this book is $12.95 plus $2.00 shipping within the US. Shipping outside the US is $3.50. Please send a money order or cheque to Stephanie Mitcham at the address below. The book will be sent out promptly when the money order is received. Please mark your mailing address clearly.
Stephanie MitchamCONTENTS
Foreword
Ordering instructions are as above. Price for the second edition is $15.95 plus $2.75 shipping in the US. Shipping outside the US is $4.25