Did you know that on average, a single goat can provide around 1-2 liters of milk per day, with even higher milk production at the start of their lactation cycle? This impressive statistic underscores the incredible potential of incorporating goats into a permaculture system. Goats are not only entertaining and intelligent animals, but they can also be a valuable asset for sustainable landscaping, brush management, and milk production on a permaculture homestead.
Goats are known for their varied palate, making them highly useful in managing woody and weedy vegetation, as well as troublesome plants like blackberries. Their ability to effectively clear land while simultaneously fertilizing the soil through their manure production makes them an integral part of integrated farming and holistic land management. Additionally, the prospect of having a fresh supply of milk on hand, along with the opportunity to make delectable homemade goat cheese, is a strong motivator for many potential goat keepers.
Beyond their role in sustainable landscaping, goats can also be kept as a valuable source of meat production. With their propensity to produce twins, goats can be a highly productive choice for small-scale farms and homesteads seeking to supplement their protein intake. Interestingly, unlike larger hooved animals, goats can even be integrated into urban permaculture systems, as long as they are given the opportunity to forage daily and their housing and fencing needs are properly addressed.
Benefits of Keeping Goats in Permaculture
Goats are a versatile addition to any permaculture system, offering numerous benefits that can enhance the overall ecosystem. One of the primary advantages is their ability to produce nutrient-rich manure that can be used for composting and directly applied to the soil, improving soil fertility. Goat manure is particularly valuable as it is milder than chicken manure and similar in nutrients to cow manure, making it an excellent organic amendment for the garden.
Manure and Mulch Production
Goats are described as browsers, not grazers, indicating a preference for eating trees and shrubs over grass. This feeding behavior can be harnessed to manage weed, invasive species, and brush clearing in your permaculture design. By allowing goats to graze on problematic plants, you can effectively control their growth without the need for harmful herbicides. The remaining sticks and branches can then be used as a coarse mulch around fruit trees or as kindling.
“A small farmer in El Salvador cleared a piece of land with the help of goats, turning it into a healthy agroforestry system.”
Proper fencing and enclosures are crucial for containing goats, as they are known for their agility and ability to jump and climb. A herd of goats can quickly destroy an orchard if not properly managed, emphasizing the importance of designing suitable habitats for these versatile animals.
Goats as a Source of Milk
Goat milk is a versatile and nutritious dairy product that can be easily incorporated into a permaculture system. Fresh, unpasteurized goat milk offers a flavor profile vastly different from commercially produced varieties. A single goat can provide around 1-2 liters of milk per day, with higher yields at the start of lactation.
This goat milk can be transformed into a variety of dairy products, such as cheese, yogurt, and kefir. Milking can be done once or twice a day, with twice-daily milking resulting in a higher yield but requiring more time. Goats can be milked year-round, and some dairy goats can continue producing milk for years without giving birth again.
“If kids (baby goats) are kept on their mother, it is less stressful for everyone.”
Integrating goat milk production into a permaculture system offers numerous benefits. Goats can consume food scraps and garden waste that are difficult to compost or feed to other animals, reducing the overall waste stream. Additionally, their nutrient-rich manure can be directly applied to the garden without the need for composting, providing a valuable source of organic matter and nutrients for plants.
By harnessing the potential of goat milk, permaculture enthusiasts can create a sustainable and self-sufficient system that reduces waste, enhances soil fertility, and provides a diverse range of nutritious dairy products for their households and communities.
Meat Production with Goats
Raising goats for their meat, known as chevon, can be a productive and sustainable endeavor within a permaculture system. Goats are natural browsers that thrive in areas where other meat animals might struggle. Among the meat breeds favored for their efficiency, the Boer goat stands out as an excellent choice for meat production.
Boer goats are renowned for their rapid weight gain and superior muscle development. These hardy, hybrid breeds put on weight faster than many other goat varieties, making them an attractive option for sustainable meat production. While Boer goats may not excel in milk production, their meat-centric qualities make them a versatile addition to a permaculture farm.
Boer Goats for Meat
Characterized by their distinctive white bodies and reddish-brown heads and necks, Boer goats are a popular choice among permaculture farmers seeking to integrate goat meat into their sustainable food systems. With their short, curved horns and shorthaired coats, these meat breeds are well-suited to thrive in diverse climates and terrains.
“Boer goats are an excellent choice for permaculture farmers looking to produce high-quality goat meat in a sustainable manner.”
Some permaculture enthusiasts opt for hybrid breeds, crossing Boer goats with other dairy-focused breeds like Nubians. This approach allows them to capitalize on the superior meat production of the Boer while also enjoying the milk-yielding benefits of the Nubian lineage, creating a well-rounded and versatile herd.
Space and Housing Requirements
When it comes to raising goats in a suburban setting, the space and housing requirements are relatively modest compared to other livestock. Goats don’t need as much space as cattle or sheep, as they are smaller and prefer to browse rather than graze. The size of your homestead and intended use of the goats will determine how many you can comfortably accommodate.
For a typical suburban Goat Enclosure, a 6×6 meter area fenced in with at least 120cm high fencing is a good starting point for two or three full-size dairy goats. Each goat will need around 1 square meter of undercover space within this Goat Pen. This Goat Shelter provides protection from the elements and gives the goats a designated resting area.
In Suburban Goat Keeping, the focus should be on providing a safe and comfortable environment for your herd. Goats are herd animals, so they’ll thrive with the companionship of other goats. Additionally, access to fresh food, clean water, and protection from predators are essential considerations when designing your Goat Enclosure and Goat Shelters.
By carefully planning the space and housing requirements for your suburban goat setup, you can ensure the well-being of your animals while also integrating them seamlessly into your Permaculture ecosystem.
Feeding and Dietary Needs
Goats have a sensitive digestive system that relies on rumen bacteria to efficiently digest their food. To keep them healthy, goats require a balanced diet that includes a ‘staple’ source of nutrition, such as branches from their favorite trees like acacias, tagasaste, and fruit trees, or a quality hay like lucerne. This dietary foundation can be supplemented with vegetable scraps, comfrey leaves, and other produce from the garden.
It’s important to note that goats cannot thrive on grass alone, so their diet must be varied. Supplemental feeding with hay or feed pellets is often necessary, especially when keeping goats for milk or meat production. Incorporating nitrogen-fixing plants like false acacia, foxglove tree, or velvet mesquite can provide valuable goat fodder and enhance the overall goat diet.
Nitrogen-Fixing Trees for Goat Fodder
Nitrogen-fixing trees and shrubs are a valuable addition to a goat’s browsing and foraging options. These plants have the ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be readily absorbed by the plants, providing a natural and sustainable supplemental feeding source for goats. Some examples of nitrogen-fixing plants suitable for goat fodder include false acacia, foxglove tree, and velvet mesquite.
“Integrating nitrogen-fixing trees and shrubs into a goat’s diet can not only provide valuable nutrients but also improve the overall soil fertility in a permaculture system.”
Fencing and Predator Protection
When it comes to raising goats in a permaculture setting, effective fencing and predator control are essential. Goats are notorious for testing the boundaries, and they can be quite agile in finding ways to escape. To ensure the safety and containment of your herd, robust and sturdy fencing is a must. You’ll need to keep the bucks separate from the does, which adds an additional layer of fencing requirements.
If your area is home to predators like mountain lions, coyotes, stray dogs, or other threats, fencing becomes even more crucial to protect your goats. Fortunately, there are various options to consider for predator control, including the use of Livestock Guardian Animals such as dogs, donkeys, and llamas.
“Prof. William Franklin’s research on guardian llamas in the U.S. studied 145 sheep farmers who reported losses to predation dropping from an average of 11% to 1% after introducing llamas.”
The effectiveness of llamas as Goat Fencing and Predator Control measures is well-documented. Over 50% of the farmers surveyed saw their losses reduced to zero after using llamas as guardians. Llamas are known to interact with potential predators, providing a protective presence that can deter coyotes, dogs, foxes, and even bears.
Llamas offer a long-term, cost-effective solution, with a lifespan of around 20-30 years and an annual cost of approximately $100 for guardian purposes. This makes them a compelling alternative to other predator protection methods, such as guardian dogs, which have a shorter working life expectancy and higher maintenance costs.
While alpacas have also been mentioned as potential guardians, they are generally considered less effective than llamas due to their smaller size, slower speed, and woolly face. The research confirms the effectiveness of llamas as Livestock Guardian Animals compared to other predator protection methods, making them a valuable asset for goat farmers in permaculture systems.
Goats in Permaculture
Goats can be a valuable asset in a permaculture system, offering sustainable landscaping and milk production. However, it’s crucial to understand the proper management and care required to ensure they don’t become a curse. When integrated thoughtfully, goats can contribute to the overall health and productivity of a permaculture ecosystem.
Goats are highly intelligent and entertaining animals with a knack for clearing overgrown areas and providing nutrient-rich manure for soil improvement. According to research, goats in a permaculture setting may exhibit diverse nutritional needs due to their behavior to browse various nutrient-dense plant species. Providing them with high-quality dairy hay, alfalfa, and a balanced diet can significantly contribute to their health and well-being, especially for lactating does and growing kids.
Living Land, for example, keeps a herd of Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats for sustainable landscaping and milk production. These goats are primarily fed on forage, trees, and brush, with supplemental hay and a grain-free diet, resulting in lower milk production but higher quality. The herd is checked annually for diseases, and the goats are not routinely vaccinated or dewormed unless necessary, while they are dam-raised for at least 2 months to build a healthy foundation.
Integrating goats into a permaculture system requires careful consideration of their space and housing needs, fencing, and predator protection. By addressing these factors and providing appropriate nutrition, owners can harness the benefits of Goats in Permaculture Systems while minimizing potential drawbacks. This Integrated Livestock Management approach promotes a Holistic Land Use strategy that aligns with the principles of permaculture.
Social Needs and Herd Dynamics
Goats are highly social animals, and a solitary goat is unlikely to be content. They typically thrive when kept in the company of at least one other goat, or even another species like sheep. Goats exhibit distinct personalities and a loving nature, making them excellent companions in addition to their productive capabilities.
Goat Behavior and Herd Mentality are crucial aspects to consider when integrating goats into a permaculture system. Goats are naturally inclined to live in herds, with a dominant female leading the group in foraging and securing the most comfortable sleeping spots.
“Goats are more aggressive and display dominance within social groupings more than sheep.”
When introducing a new goat to an established herd, temporary conflicts may arise as the newcomer establishes their place in the pecking order. Dominance is often exhibited through lowered heads and pointed horns directed at subordinate animals.
Despite some common myths, Companion Animals like goats are generally clean and selective in their browsing habits, preferring to feed on trees, shrubs, and weeds rather than consuming everything in sight. Keeping goats in a herd setting is essential to prevent destructive behaviors that may arise from isolation.
By understanding the social needs and herd dynamics of goats, permaculture enthusiasts can create a harmonious and productive environment for these versatile livestock. Integrating goats into a backyard system or a larger permaculture design can provide valuable outputs while fostering the natural behaviors of these engaging animals.
Integrating Goats into a Backyard System
For urban dwellers and small-scale permaculture enthusiasts, incorporating goats into a backyard system can be a game-changer. Goats are versatile animals that thrive in compact spaces, making them an excellent fit for Backyard Permaculture projects. By keeping a small herd of goats, homeowners can enjoy a steady supply of nutrient-rich milk, all while harnessing the power of their manure to enrich the soil and control unwanted vegetation.
Goat Co-operatives
One innovative approach to Urban Goat Keeping is the concept of Cooperative Farming. Hibi Farm, a pioneering goat cooperative in the heart of the city, demonstrates how a group of households can collectively care for and benefit from a shared herd of goats. Through this cooperative model, members can share the responsibilities of milking, feeding, and monitoring the herd, while equitably distributing the resulting dairy products among the group.
“The Hibi Farm co-op has allowed us to enjoy the bounties of goat ownership without the full-time commitment. We get fresh milk, cheese, and even soap, all while contributing to the herd’s care. It’s a win-win for our family and the community.”
By pooling resources and labor, urban dwellers can reap the rewards of Urban Goat Keeping without the need for individual large-scale investments or time-consuming management. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility, making it an attractive option for those seeking to integrate goats into their Backyard Permaculture systems.
Health Care and Management
Keeping goats healthy and thriving is essential in a permaculture system. While goats are generally hardy animals, they do require regular hoof care to prevent lameness, monitoring for parasites, and vigilance against common goat ailments. Having a knowledgeable “goat mentor” to provide advice and support is highly recommended, especially for new goat keepers.
Proper hoof care is crucial for the well-being of your goats. Regular trimming, using the appropriate tools and techniques, can help prevent painful conditions like foot rot, abscesses, and overgrowth. Additionally, maintaining clean, dry bedding and providing adequate exercise can contribute to healthy hooves.
Effective parasite control is another essential aspect of goat health. Implementing rotational grazing, providing a diverse diet, and using natural de-worming methods can help reduce the risk of internal and external parasites. Regularly monitoring your goats and working with a veterinarian can ensure timely intervention and prevention of disease.
By staying vigilant and addressing goat health concerns promptly, you can create a thriving and resilient permaculture system where your goats can thrive. With the right knowledge and care, goats can be a valuable asset in your permaculture landscape.
Breed Selection for Dairy or Meat
When it comes to raising goats in a permaculture setting, the choice of breed is crucial. While any breed can be used for meat, certain breeds are specifically bred for their superior meat production. Boer goats, for instance, are known for their rapid growth and ability to put on more weight, making them a popular choice for meat production.
On the other hand, dairy breeds like Saanens, Toggenburgs, and British Alpines are often preferred for their quieter temperament and suitability for suburban or urban areas. These dairy breeds are known for their excellent milk production, with Saanens capable of yielding up to a gallon and a half of milk per day on average.
Some farmers opt for a hybrid approach, crossing Dairy Goat Breeds and Meat Goat Breeds to combine the benefits of both milk and meat production. This Cross-Breeding can lead to increased hybrid vigor and a more versatile herd.
“Oberhasli and Oberhasli Grade goats are favored for their gentle nature, excellent meat, and milk production.”
When selecting goats for your permaculture system, it’s crucial to consider factors such as temperament, productivity, and adaptability to your specific climate and environment. By carefully choosing the right breed or combination of breeds, you can maximize the benefits of integrating goats into your sustainable landscape.
Regulations and Zoning for Urban Goats
Keeping urban livestock, including goats, can be a rewarding experience, but navigating the regulations and zoning requirements can be a challenge. Before bringing home those adorable backyard goats, it’s crucial to understand the Urban Livestock Regulations in your area.
Not all councils will allow Backyard Goats. It’s essential to check with your local authorities to ensure you comply with the relevant Permitting requirements. While some councils may be unfamiliar with the concept of suburban goats, many are open to the idea, especially if you have a good relationship with your neighbors.
“It can help to have a talk with neighbors first to explain the benefits and care requirements of keeping goats,” says urban homesteading expert, Sarah Granger.
In some cities, such as Sparks, Nevada, Urban Livestock Regulations have been updated to allow for a limited number of hens, reflecting a growing trend towards sustainable, self-sufficient living. Similarly, Reno permits a variety of small livestock without specific limitations, provided the animals are well-cared for and neighbors approve.
However, it’s important to note that regulations can vary widely across different states and municipalities. Researching your local Urban Livestock Regulations and Permitting requirements is crucial to ensure you can legally and responsibly keep Backyard Goats.
Goats as Integrated Permaculture Livestock
Goats are a valuable addition to a permaculture homestead, providing a range of benefits that contribute to the overall productivity and sustainability of the land. These versatile animals can produce milk, meat, and nutrient-rich manure, while also helping to manage vegetation through their unique grazing habits.
When properly integrated into a permaculture system, goats can play a crucial role in creating a closed-loop system where waste is minimized, and resources are recycled. Their diverse dietary needs allow them to thrive on a wide variety of plants, including nitrogen-fixing trees and shrubs that can enhance soil fertility and support other elements of the permaculture design.
Goats’ ability to clear vegetation, combined with their production of nutrient-rich manure, make them well-suited for sustainable agriculture practices. By incorporating goats into a permaculture homestead, gardeners and farmers can reduce the need for external inputs, such as chemical fertilizers, and promote a more balanced and resilient ecosystem.
Beyond their practical benefits, goats can also contribute to the social and educational aspects of a permaculture community. Their presence can engage children and adults in learning about animal husbandry, the importance of closed-loop systems, and the principles of Goats in Permaculture. This integration of livestock into the permaculture design can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living beings within a sustainable ecosystem.
Conclusion
Keeping goats on a permaculture homestead can bring a wealth of Goat Keeping Benefits, from providing fresh dairy products to managing overgrown vegetation and enhancing soil fertility. While there are considerations around space, fencing, and regulations, the rewards of Permaculture Animal Integration can be substantial. With proper planning and care, goats can be a valuable asset in creating a self-sustaining, closed-loop permaculture landscape.
The Suburban Homesteading approach showcased by Geoff Lawton’s experiment highlights the importance of integrating animals, plants, and energy systems in a permaculture design. By utilizing goats to clear unwanted scrub and transform the landscape into a productive food forest, Lawton demonstrated the transformative potential of these versatile creatures.
Ultimately, the integration of goats into a permaculture system can yield a range of benefits, from sustainable landscaping to milk production and beyond. With the right knowledge and preparation, goats can be a valuable addition to any Suburban Homesteading endeavor, contributing to the creation of a self-sustaining, closed-loop ecosystem.
