Free online courseDairy Goat Farming course

Course Description

The Dairy Goat Farming course provides an extensive and immersive educational experience, meticulously designed for individuals passionate about professional agribusiness and environmental practices. With a duration of 4 hours and 48 minutes, this course offers a comprehensive walkthrough of dairy goat farming, equipping learners with essential knowledge and practical skills.

The journey begins with a detailed Course Outline in Lesson 1, serving as a roadmap for what participants can expect throughout their learning experience. The Introduction in Lesson 2 sets a solid foundation, preparing learners for the more intricate details that follow. In Lesson 3, a deep dive into Breeds helps students understand the various types of dairy goats, setting the stage for informed breed selection and breeding practices.

Lesson 4 covers the Reproduction processes critical for maintaining and expanding a healthy herd. Lesson 5 explores the Estrus Cycle, providing necessary insights for effective breeding management. Moving into Lesson 6, the spotlight turns to Housing, essential for creating safe and productive living conditions for goats.

Nutrition becomes the focus with Lessons 8 through 11, where Feeding and Nutrition, Feeding a Kid, Sources of Dry Matter, and Nutrition Requirements are thoroughly discussed. These lessons are crucial for understanding how to maximize health and milk production through proper diet.

Lesson 13 navigates the Meat Production Curve, and Lesson 14 delves into various Management Practices essential for daily farm operations. Health management is emphasized in subsequent lessons, with Deworming and Vaccination in Lesson 15, Spaying and Castration in Lesson 16, and Hoofing, Trimming, and Dehorning in Lesson 17.

Identification Methods in Lesson 18, and Milking practices in Lesson 19, round out the key operational skills. A deep understanding of Diseases in Lesson 20, CCPP / Mastitis in Lesson 21, and Coccidiosis and Colibacillosis in Lesson 22, followed by Foot and Mouth / Acidosis in Lesson 23 and Pink Eye in Lesson 24, ensure that learners are well-prepared to manage health challenges.

Additionally, the course addresses the importance of a Vaccination Schedule in Lesson 25 and Record Keeping in Lesson 26. In Lessons 27 and 28, learners explore Markets / Products / Value Addition and Cash Flow Budgets, essential for financial management and sustainability.

The practical aspects are further elaborated with Farm Visits in Lesson 29 and Mistakes Made on a Typical Day in Lesson 31. Lessons 32 through 35 cover Maintenance / Record Keeping / Advice, Starting Capital / Controlling Inbreeding / Quitting Employment, Housing Structure, and Choice of Breed / Markets, providing a well-rounded understanding of the farming ecosystem.

In the final stretch, the course wraps up with a focus on Common Diseases in Lesson 36, and Milking in Lesson 37, reiterating the significance of health and productivity. Lessons 7 and 12 interspersed, provide a thorough understanding of the Digestive System and Feeds to Avoid, ensuring comprehensive knowledge of goat health and nutrition.

The Dairy Goat Farming course is an invaluable resource for aspiring and seasoned farmers alike, combining theoretical foundations with practical insights to foster successful and sustainable dairy goat farming practices.