HOW TO FATTEN GOATS Fattening goats effectively involves a combination of proper nutrition, good health management, and appropriate housing. Here’s a practical guide to help you fatten goats: Choose the Right Goats Breed matters: Meat breeds like Boer, Kiko, or Savannah fatten faster than dairy or fiber breeds. Age: Young goats (4–12 months) are ideal for fattening. Health: Only select healthy goats with no signs of parasites or diseases. Deworming and Vaccination Deworm before starting fattening to ensure feed efficiency. Follow a vet-recommended vaccination schedule to prevent diseases. Feeding Strategy a. Roughage (Forage) Provide quality hay, grass, or browse. It should make up 40–60% of their diet. Examples: Alfalfa, Napier grass, and legume hays. b. Concentrates (Grain Mix) Make up 40–60% of their diet. Typical mix includes: Maize (corn) or barley – energy source Soybean meal or cottonseed cake – protein Wheat bran – fiber and minerals Molasses – energy and taste enhancer Example mix (per 100kg): Maize – 50kg Soybean meal – 25kg Wheat bran – 20kg Molasses – 5kg Add mineral/vitamin premix Feed 2–3% of body weight in concentrates daily, split into two meals. c. Minerals and Salt Provide a mineral block or mix with feed. Free-choice salt lick helps maintain electrolyte balance. Water Clean, fresh water should always be available. Shelter and Comfort Dry, clean, and well-ventilated housing.