Year after year more people consume products made with goat milk. Traditionally they are used for old, ill people, babies and children with dairy allergy. Moreover goat milk is more nutritious than cow milk. We asked Emiel van Haaren, a worldwide famous expert in goat and sheep breeding, how to make healthy products accessible to the Ukrainians and what rules we should follow if we want to start this business. He has accomplished many successful projects in different countries. The greatest was realized in Saudi Arabia — a farm with 15 000 goats.

— What should we start with if we want to farm goats or sheep?

— If you want to start a commercial goat dairy, the most important is to find healthy animals. I had a chance to work with Ukrainian producers, so I definitely know that Ukraine doesn’t have large farms, where you can buy enough smalls. If even someone sells, the amount doesn’t go higher than 10-15 animals.That’s not enough for 1000 milking goats farm. You should find the way to bring goats from other countries, for example, Germany or France. Before you do, make a check on them.

— How many acres of land is required for approx 1000 goats farm, if we are planning to have our own fodder production?

— If you want to have such a farm, the maximum goats you can have is 17-23 milking goats/ha. The exact number depends on the quality of chosen land and what path of production you take — traditional or organic. So, if you are planning to have 1000 heads and your own forage production you will approximately need 59 ha. Such a formula is appropriate for the Netherlands. It is explained by favorable climate conditions and forage yield. The optimal number for Ukraine is 10-15 goats/ha.Hence 100-150 hais needed for 1000 heads.

— Is grazing necessary for goats or we may keep the herd in a stall?

— In Western Europe they don’t herd goats as there isn’t enough space for pen area. Production site may occupy 0,5 ha, where goats are kept in herds. Special housing conditions are created, keeping to necessary temperature and light conditions, and providing ventilation. That’s why goats doesn’t lack comfort.

In France, for instance, goats graze on eco farms. Some of the owners point out they produce more milk when they are kept in the stall.

It’s up to you to chose the kind of management, but I may affirm that goats feel confident in stalls during the first five lactation periods.

— The production of what kind of milk is more effective: goat or sheep?

— What are the peculiarities of barns in different climatic zones?

— What is the cost of 1000 goats farm and what’s the payback period of the project?

— What feeding recommendations would you advise to follow?

— What milking, housing and feeding facilities should be used to make a farm profitable?

— What is better: to rebuild the old building or build a new one?

— What final product should we choose — milk or cheese?

Get the answers on these and other questions in the magazine «Milk and Farm», № 4 (17), August, 2013