How to Start a Goat Raising Business

(Updated) Goat raising has become a booming sector in Philippine agriculture, offering farmers a reliable source of milk, meat, and even fiber. In 2025, successful goat raising isn’t just about breeding and feeding; it’s about using innovative techniques, smart management practices, and understanding the evolving needs of these resilient animals.

With the right strategies, farmers can tap into a growing market while ensuring their operations remain sustainable and profitable. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the latest goat raising trends, from choosing the right breeds to setting up modern housing systems and maintaining herd health.

Why Invest in Goat Raising Today?

Goats are easy to raise, highly adaptable, and fit smallholder farming conditions perfectly. In the Philippines, they also hold strong cultural significance, often featured in fiestas, weddings, and other celebrations — making goat meat command premium market prices.

Today, goat raising supports around 15 million Filipinos. With low startup costs, reduced operational risks, and rising demand for goat products, this sector remains a prime opportunity for both backyard and commercial farmers.

Demand for goat meat and milk continues to rise, while the national goat inventory is only increasing by about 2% annually. This supply gap presents a promising window for new farmers to enter the market.

Investment and Profitability Overview (Updated for 2025)

Goat raising remains one of the most affordable agribusiness opportunities despite the slight increase in costs:

• Small-scale (25 does and 1 buck): Initial investment of PHP 120,000 to PHP 150,000.
• Medium-scale (50 does and 2 bucks): Around PHP 250,000 to PHP 300,000.
• Large-scale (100 does and 4 bucks): Estimated PHP 500,000 to PHP 600,000.

These figures include expenses for housing, fencing, basic feed, breeding stock, and initial health care supplies.

Profitability remains strong:

• ROI of 65% to 70% for small setups.
• ROI of 60% to 65% for larger farms.
• Payback period of just two to three years.

Choosing the Right Goat Breeds for Your Farm

Selecting the right breed depends on your goal — goat milk, goat meat, or fiber production.

Dairy Goats:

• Saanen and Alpine goats: Known for high milk production.
• Nubian goats: Produce rich, creamy milk ideal for cheese and specialty dairy products.

Meat Goats:

• Boer goats: Popular for fast growth rates and excellent meat quality.
• Kiko goats: Hardy, low-maintenance, and thrive even under challenging conditions.

Fiber Goats:

• Angora goats: Produce mohair.
• Cashmere goats: Renowned for their fine, soft wool.

Choosing the right breed aligns your operations with your market goals, ensuring maximum productivity and profitability.

Current Market Prices for Goats (2025)

Goat prices have risen alongside demand:

• Native goats for meat: Approximately PHP 243.87/kg liveweight.
• Upgraded breeds: Range between PHP 270 to PHP 500/kg liveweight.
• Boer goats: Breeding stock priced between PHP 50,000 to PHP 85,000.

Prices vary by region and season, but trends show a steady rise, especially for quality breeding stock.

Goat Housing: Cage Rearing vs. Pasture Grazing

Modern goat raising leans towards cage rearing for several reasons, particularly for its efficiency in managing goat housing, improving hygiene, and maximizing space utilization.

Advantages of Cage Rearing:

• Parasite control: Less exposure to parasites compared to pasture grazing.
• Higher productivity: Better feeding practices increase milk and meat yields.
• Efficient land use: Only ¼ hectare needed for every six female goats and one buck.
• Easier management: Simplifies feeding, cleaning, and health monitoring.

Cage Design Essentials:

• Elevated floors about 1.5 meters high for easier waste management.
• Simple wood or bamboo structures with open sides for ventilation.
• Dedicated pens for nursing mothers and growing kids.
• Six males can share a single pen, but avoid overcrowding.

Pasture Farming: If you opt for pasture-based farming, plant nutritious grasses like paragrass, napier, madre de cacao, and fertilize with dried goat manure to enhance growth.

Feeding Goats: Balanced Nutrition for High Yields

Forage and Plants:

• Paragrass, indigofera, napier, ipil-ipil, and madre de cacao are top choices.
• Always serve clean, fresh forage — goats refuse spoiled food.

Grain and Supplements:

• Oats, corn, and commercial goat feeds boost energy, especially for pregnant and lactating does.
• Fresh water and mineral salt licks are essential.

DIY Goat Treats:

• Mix oats, apples, and carrots for occasional nutrient-packed snacks.

Proper feeding ensures healthy goats, higher reproduction rates, and quality meat or milk.

Breeding and Reproduction: Maximizing Your Herd’s Potential

Breeding Age:

• Females: Ready at 10-12 months.
• Males: Ready by 12 months, servicing up to 25 does yearly by 1.5 years of age.

Signs of Fertility:

• Increased bleating
• Tail wagging
• Frequent urination
• Inflamed genital area
• Mounting behavior

Breeding Management:

• Conduct mating twice during the heat cycle, morning and afternoon, to maximize success.
• Record breeding dates carefully for expected delivery tracking.

Parturition (Delivery) and Newborn Care

Signs of Approaching Labor:

• Restlessness, discharge from the vulva, and discomfort.

Delivery Assistance:

• If necessary, assist gently but with clean hands.
• Clear the newborn’s nose and mouth to stimulate breathing.
• Apply iodine to the umbilical cord to prevent infection.

Post-Birth Care:

• Castrate males within 1-4 months.
• Dehorn kids by day 4.
• Ensure warm, clean environments for newborns.

Milking and Weaning Practices

Milking:

• Begin five days after birth, milking before the kids feed.
• If abundant milk is available, milk again in the afternoon.

Weaning:

• For dairy farms, kids can be partially weaned at 3-5 days old.
• Full weaning generally occurs around 3 months.

Proper milking schedules maintain udder health and boost milk yields.

Health Management: Keeping Your Goats Disease-Free

Pneumonia:

• Common during rainy seasons.
• Symptoms: Labored breathing and fever.
• Treatment: Antibiotics like Liquamycin or Tylan 200.

Parasite Control:

• Deworm regularly, at least every six months. Try this Indigenous Plant-Based Dewormers for goats.
• Recommended dewormers: Tetrazole or Thixbenzole.

Preventive healthcare, good housing, and clean water access are vital to maintain a productive herd.

Conclusion: Building a Successful Goat Farming Business

Goat raising business is a combination of traditional animal husbandry and modern, innovative practices. By selecting the right breeds, investing in proper housing, maintaining nutritional balance, and ensuring herd health, farmers can tap into a thriving market.

With consistent effort, smart management, and a focus on sustainability, goat farming can become a reliable, rewarding, and profitable venture in today’s evolving agricultural landscape.

Read more: Sample Feasibility Study on Goat Raising