Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
and some require building permits before any type of con-
struction may begin on the premises.
One major point to consider when planning structures
for a goat operation is whether or not structures or fabri-
cated shelters are needed. Goats adapt readily and can
endure a variety of weather conditions. In areas with heavy
plant cover, such as forests in a silvopasture system, ade-
quate cover and protection is present. However, in areas
without natural cover and in climates with extreme weather
conditions, supplemental shelter should be provided.
Shelter may also be necessary during kidding and until
young goats are environmentally adapted.
Personal preferences and goals should be taken into
consideration when planning to create or modify a farm-
stead. While one producer may enjoy being close to his or
her goats at all times, others may wish to move away from
farm facilities. While one producer may take a “keep it
simple” approach, others may want more elaborate or
extravagant facilities. The key is to select a design that is
workable and affordable. A complete detailed cost analysis
is needed before construction begins to determine the most
cost-effective approach while meeting housing and shelter
requirements.
The type of operation is a determining factor when plan-
ning farm structures. If the operation consists of strictly
meat goats, dairy, and/or fi ber goats, different provisions
apply. A dairy operation will need to include provisions
for milking and milk storage. Fiber goats require an area
for shearing and fi ber collection, grading, sorting, and
storage. Agritourism may be another consideration for the
farm business plans. If agritourism is included, facilities
should be safe and comfortable for guests visiting the farm.
This can increase the cost of structures signifi cantly.
However, the potential for greater profi ts also increases.
If permanent building structures for housing are
considered, building location is extremely important.
Several factors should be considered for design of a farm
building site:
A list of building plans is available through different
Extension offi ces throughout the U.S. International agen-
cies such as Heifer International, FAO, and nongovern-
ment aid organizations also can provide plans and advice
for housing.
Portable Structures
When planning strictly meat goat facilities, simplicity is
best. A small, low, wooden structure with open access to
the outside environment works well in most cases. These
structures can be constructed at low cost and will provide
adequate shelter for meat goats while allowing access to
browse and/or pastures. The front (open side) should face
opposite of the prevailing winds. This provides greater
protection for the goats from high winds and rain, as well
as improves the structure's durability. Fifteen to 20 square
feet (1.4 - 1.8 m
2
) per mature goat should be provided
(Porter, 2000). The front of the structure should be 5-6
feet (1.5-1.8 m) tall and the back should be 3-4 feet (1-
1.2 m) tall (McKinney, 2000). These dimensions will allow
for adequate slope on the roof for rain drainage. A gutter
placed at the end of the back slope will prevent erosion
along the back of the structure. These small buildings may
be anchored in the ground or placed on skids or wheels,
so they can be moved from paddock to paddock.
Another type of portable building is the hoop building
made from welded livestock panels. These shelters are
relatively simple and inexpensive to construct. Hoop
buildings consist of two or more livestock panels arched
to form a Quonset-shaped structure. The structure is then
covered with a tarpaulin, or other weatherproof material to
provide protection from the elements. Shade cloths can be
used to protect goats from the sun in summer where there
are no trees. The major advantages to hoop buildings are
that they are relatively inexpensive to construct, they can
be easily moved, and they can be disassembled and used
for other purposes. The commercially available fi berglass
hutches can also be used as portable shelters for goats. See
Figure 17.2 .
Moveable shelters are important in goat production,
especially when rotational grazing/browsing systems are
used. Rotational grazing/browsing is recommended for not
only improvement in available pastures but for goat health
reasons. Goats that are regularly rotated have fewer health
problems associated with internal parasites and typically
have fewer foot problems. It is both expensive and imprac-
tical to build a structure for each paddock. In some cases,
old equipment such as silage and cotton wagons, tobacco
wagons, boat trailers, or even old school buses can be
converted into moveable shelters for goats. Before such
The direction of the prevailing winds to prevent damage
to goats and the structure.
The soil drainage—poor drainage leads to fl ooding and
foot problems.
The slope of the site, which can cause problems with
water runoff during heavy rains.
Site proximity to trees, power lines, homes, or other
buildings to minimize damage during extreme weather.
Future expansion.
Access road to the proposed site.
Access to water, utilities, and other services.
