₦airaland Forum

Got this vegetable forage waste from the local market for free and all my 9 ruminants devoured everything in less than 3hrs lol

#lifeofagoatfarmer #livestock #dryseason
Note: these are lush forage, pls feed in small amount and follow it up later with dry hays or wilted grass so as to prevent bloating in small ruminants.

Let me give you one free ruminant rearing tip you can take to the bank and cash it✓ if you want to see noticeable growth and healthy improvement in your goats, sheep etc.

Try and include the sun-dry millet leftover slurry from millet pap making, now how do we get millet pap residue locally known as dusa gero.

dusa is the Hausa term for the bran or husk removed from grains like millet (gero), corn or sorghum during milling or traditional pap making, which is a nutritious by-product used for livestock feed.


Well, you can learn to make the gero pap yourself and sun-dry the residue or go round your area and look for a gero pap drinking joint or just anywhere there is a gero pap cooking joint where some people gather to take the pap along with fried akara, sweet potato etc..could be close to densely foot-trafficked area, travel park, govt sec sch, or just keep asking around about the people selling the gero pap etc meet the people making it and place your order request for the dusa gero with them, ...pls note, they would usually bring it wet and soggy but you will have to sun-dry them yourself to extend its storage life.

Why dusa gero or millet leftover slurry? It is highly nutritious than corn plus guinea corn residue combine THE SECRET IS IN THE LIVESTOCK FEED FORMULATION
Just a few grams of dusa gero inclusion or let's say the recommended inclusion level should not be more than 30% of the entire feed mix and mix altogether with one or two of some other raw feed materials like corn bran, beans husk, seki dawa, dusa dawa etc would up your game in the livestock farming business..you will notice pure and excellent growth rate within a short period after consistently including this well-rich magic formula in order to maintain proper and healthy livestock and you will notice your livestock gain so much energy for them to be frolicking about the compound.


Nutritional value of dry-mass dusa gero / millet pap residue

Crude Protein: Ranges from 9.30% to 15.60%.
Crude Fibre: Ranges from 10.50% to 15.50%.
Ether Extract (Fat): Ranges from 3.00% to 5.00%.
Plus ash minerals btw 6-12% pls see pics for the detail breakdown of the ash minerals attached below.


Why not more than 30% dusa gero inclusion level in livestock feed mixing?

Keep it ≤30% because:

1. Moderate protein – Not strong enough to replace quality protein sources, so growth can slow if too much is used.

2. High fiber – Makes animals feel full quickly, thus reducing total feed intake and energy consumption.

3. Lower energy density – Too much reduces weight gain and milk production.

4. Mineral imbalance risk – High phosphorus and low calcium can cause bone or urinary problems (especially in male goats).

30% is safe and balanced when mixed with maize bran, protein source, etc..

KACHMENTH-B is a proven mucolytic and respiratory support drug for farm animals with sneezing and nasal mucus discharge.

Its effectiveness comes from:

Bromhexine HCl – breaks down and loosens thick mucus, making it easier to clear.

Eucalyptus oil & Menthol – open airways, reduce congestion and ease breathing.

Benzoic acid – supports antimicrobial action.

When used as directed, it helps reduce sneezing, clears nasal discharge and improves breathing in poultry and livestock with respiratory stress or infections.
Other branded products may come with exact composition and different packaging due to the scarcity of the KACHMENTH-B brand in the vet shop. You just have to try them out and see

angelboy01:
They don't forgive, they don't forget.

both sides don't forgive and also don't forget.
Just that revenge looks sweeter on one side over the other lol

One of the golden rules of successful goat farming is observation.

A good farmer watches the goats daily and notices small changes; loss of appetite, weakness, coughing, limping or unusual behavior. These early signs help detect problems before they become serious.
By simply observing, you prevent losses and act accordingly to improve the overall health of your livestock

This is a raw feed ingredient for ruminants, locally known as saki dawa. I plan to adopt several alternative and sustainable feeding options for all my ruminants so that I do not depend on seasons or wait on time of the year. The goal is to never run out of feed for goats, sheep and other livestock.

These options include saki dawa, bean husks, azolla, BSF cake as a substitute for groundnut cake and soybean meal, mixed forage or hay from the harvest season, silage production (using sorghum) shearing pea plants ( goat kids feed) and hydroponic maize fodder. With hydroponic fodder, 1 kg of maize seed can produce about 7 kg of fresh fodder in 10 days.

I am choosing this system as a year-round alternative to conventional grazing because it improves feed digestibility, reduces water use, and can increase milk yield, especially during the dry season.

I am working towards reducing the need to depend on external feed suppliers. That’s all for now.

Deworming drug for ruminants, albenor 250
1 tablet for 4 ruminants...some choose to deworm monthly or every 6 weeks. We don't want intestinal worms sucking up all the nutrients, thus hindering growth and preventing weight gain. However, it should be avoided during early pregnancy (the first 30–45 days) as it can cause birth defects or abortion.

good morning to you all...
the livestock are doing great today
I'm serving them beans husk and 'seki dawa' mixed together and there's veggies waste placed near them as well.
the four preggies ( 3 female goats & 1 ewe ) are doing well today

why enclosed (confined) livestock rearing has more disease challenges than free-roaming.

Enclosed livestock – why sickness is common

Overcrowding: diseases spread faster (worms, coccidiosis, respiratory infections).

- Manure buildup: increases parasites and bacteria if hygiene is poor.
- Limited feed diet: nutrient gaps weaken immunity without proper supplementation.
- Stress from heat, crowding, and poor ventilation reduce resistance to disease.

Free-roaming livestock - why they appear healthier

- Wide feed variety: browse many plants i.e better natural nutrition.
- Lower parasite pressure: movement reduces constant reinfection.
- Exercise & sunlight: stronger immunity and body condition.

Feeding, theft, minerals, costs & meds (comparison)

Enclosed system

- Feeding: you provide all feed therefore resulting to higher feed cost.
- Mineral salt block: Essential (they can’t self-select minerals).
- Theft risk: Low (controlled environment).
- Medications: higher routine cost (deworming, coccidiosis control, sucking parasite and other meds like ppr, etc).

Pros: fast growth, controlled breeding, protection from theft/accidents.
Cons: higher costs (feed, minerals, meds), disease risk if management is poor.

Free-roaming system
- Feeding: Mostly self-fed lower feed cost.
- Mineral salt block: Often not critical (natural mineral intake from browse etc).
- Theft risk: high (straying, disputes, road accidents).
- Medications: Lower routine cost, but harder to monitor illness.
Pros: low feeding cost, fewer management inputs.
Cons: theft, crop damage complaints, uncontrolled breeding, external / internal parasites hindering growth and poor weight gain.

Confined goats rearing via fencing need mineral salt blocks and better health management which raises costs but improves productivity and security. Free-roaming goats rearing method cost less to feed and medicate but come with high theft risk and poor control. Good hygiene, space and minerals can make enclosed systems healthier and more profitable.

#LivestockFarming #dryseasonfarming

This morning, the vet came to us to treat sucking and biting parasites on our goats. I have seen them rub themselves hard against rough surfaces, kicking and jamming their body against the pen structure and fence especially in the midnight and one of the four-month-old kids already had its fur eaten away for weeks now, showing how much it has affected their growth. We treated every goat, including the pregnant doe, spraying the solution over every spot and pen they lie or sleep in, hoping to prevent any reoccurrence.

when green pasture dries up and prices rise, your livestock shouldn’t suffer. Stocking up ruminant feed early means steady nutrition, less stress, better weight gain and peace of mind all through the dry months.

livestock feed is locked and loaded..🧑‍🌾

GOATS FAQs: Answers to 32 frequently asked questions In goats farming


1. At what age do goats reach sexual maturity?
Does reach sexual maturity at about 5–6 months, while bucks may show libido as early as 3–4 months, but breeding is recommended later.

2. What is the ideal age to start breeding does?
does should be bred at 8–10 months or when they reach 60–70% of their adult body weight.

3. When should a buck be used for breeding?
Bucks are best used for breeding from 10–12 months, when their fertility and strength are well developed.

4. How long is the gestation period of goats?
The gestation period is approximately 150 days (5 months or more).

5. How many kids do goats usually produce? goats commonly produce twins, though singles and triplets also occur.

6. How often can goats give birth?
With proper management, does can kid every 8–9 months or once per year under extensive systems.


7. How fast do kids grow?
kids grow rapidly, gaining 150–250 g per day under good nutrition.

8. What do goats eat?
They eat grasses, legumes, browse plants, and perform best when supplemented with concentrates and mineral licks.

9. Can goats survive in hot climates? Well, it depends on the breed and absolutely yes. Most goats are highly adaptable and perform well in hot and dry climates, including Africa.

10. How much water do goats need daily?
Adult goats need 3–6 liters of clean water per day, more during hot weather.

11. What housing system is best for goats?
A well-ventilated, dry, raised or concrete-floored housing system with good drainage is ideal.

12. Can goats be raised under intensive systems?
Yes. Goats thrive under intensive, semi-intensive, and extensive management systems.

13. What diseases commonly affect goats?
Common diseases include PPR, foot rot, pneumonia, coccidiosis, and internal parasites.

14. How often should goats be dewormed?
Deworming is recommended every 2–3 months, depending on parasite pressure and management.

15. When should kids be dewormed for the first time?
Kids should receive their first deworming at 2–3 weeks of age.

16. At what age should kids be vaccinated?
Vaccinations usually start at 4–6 weeks, following a veterinary-recommended schedule.

17. When should kids be weaned?
Weaning is best done at 8–12 weeks, depending on growth and feed availability.

18. How can you identify a good goat?
Look for broad chest, strong legs, well-developed muscles, good body condition and alertness.

19. What is the lifespan of goats?
goats typically live 5–12 years under good management.

20. How many does can one buck serve?
One healthy buck can serve 25–40 does in a breeding season.

21. What minerals are important for goats?
Key minerals include calcium, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, and salt.

22. Can goats be crossed with local breeds?
Yes. Crossbreeding improves growth rate, meat yield, and adaptability.

23. How profitable is goat farming?
goat farming is highly profitable due to fast growth, high kidding rate and strong meat demand.

27. How much space do goats need?
Housing: 1.0–1.5 m² per adult goat
Exercise yard: adequate outdoor space is essential

28. Do goats require regular hoof trimming?
Yes. Hooves should be trimmed every 6–8 weeks to prevent lameness.

29. What signs show a doe is in heat?
Signs include tail wagging, restlessness, vocalization, swollen vulva, and seeking the buck.

30. What causes poor growth in goats?
Poor nutrition, parasites, overcrowding, diseases, and poor genetics.

31. How do you prevent kid mortality?
Ensure clean kidding areas, colostrum intake, proper nutrition, and early disease control.

32. What is the key to success in goat farming?
Good genetics, proper feeding, sound health management, and consistent record-keeping.

#2026 is going to be a good year by God willing

Today I visited the vegetable section of the market and collected all these discarded vegetable stalks from just one seller, for free. Imagine having a small silage-making machine to chop the forage, mix it with a little molasses solution and then compress and store it in an airtight drum or polythene bag. This can provide feed for 3–5 days depending on the size of your ruminants. Especially, when you fetch and mix it with other feed materials like bean husks, soy milk residue and similar by-products to support a steady and affordable feeding program.

goat market somewhere in Lagos

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1MaJpCwZB5/

2025 wrapped: goat rearing, mineral salt lick production, maize farming & agro-consultancy.

Happy 2026! From #DlemHarvestGarden, we’re pushing further and growing into a bigger and more serious integrated farming culture.

https://www.nairaland.com/8464068/how-plan-grow-maize-organically

https://www.nairaland.com/8549664/goat-farming-tips-how-start

Since we are already in the dry season:
cucumbers provide hydration and vitamins.
watermelon rind provides fiber and mild energy.

both are safe and beneficial as supplements, but small ruminants still need proper forage for good growth and health. Because these feeds contain a lot of water, it is better not to give them during the rainy season, as they may cause diarrhea.

- feed small amounts only
- always combine with dry forage or hay
- avoid feeding to very young kids during heavy rains
- stop immediately if loose stool appears

Confined goats rearing via fencing need mineral salt block and better health management which raises costs but improves productivity and security. Free-roaming goats rearing method cost less to feed and medicate but come with high theft risk and poor control. Good hygiene, space and minerals can make enclosed systems healthier and more profitable.

What I fed the goats & ewe today:

dried sorghum waste
Beans husks
roasted yam peels

All mixed together and given as a whole..
later in the evening I gave them mango leaves (fresh branch-cut) and chopped cucumbers

There is mineral block close to their drinking water - and always make sure the water is clean and available 24/7, hence we are experiencing real dry season over here.

Natural Salt Licks, Salt Licking Block and Sodium Chloride Lick Block) has increased daily weight, milk yield and feed conversion efficiency, and is specialized in the prevention and treatment of various nutritional metabolic diseases. Increase the milk yield, weight, reproduction rate and survival rate of livestock. Promote digestion, improve the utilization of coarse fodder, and save material. It is full of nutrition, good adaptability, and also has the function of preventing disease, improving reproduction rate and immunity.

Note: always ensure a clean and consistent water bowl for the ruminants

Also available:

Molasses
Super napier grass cuttings
Other pasture grass & fodders

Whatsapp 09138430767

Hamachi:
Men in their 30's and 40's what advice will yoi give to a 20 year old man today?

we they reach 30 something or 40, they will know what to do

Special care for baby goats in the dry season

Always separate or priority feeding: Goat kids get easily pushed aside during group feeding. Always feed them first or use an isolated feeding area only they can access.

supplement lack of greens
- Dry season means little green forage. Provide legume hay, soft leaves, kitchen vegetable waste, spent grain paste, dry and mix feeds for proper growth.
- Adequate drinking water & minerals: Ensure clean water at all times and access to a mineral salt lick to prevent deficiencies and poor bone growth.

- Prevent stress & injuries
Avoid overcrowding during feeding, because trampling and stress reduce feed intake and immunity.
- Good, Clean & Dry housing
clean shelter protects kids from cold nights, dust and diseases.

- Regular health checks,
deworm, medicate and watch for weight loss or weakness - kids decline fast in harsh seasons.

In the dry season, baby goats don’t compete well. Extra attention, separate feeding and supplements are essential for healthy growth.

earlier on someone was asking if I can be rich rearing goats or sheep> I visited the local livestock market section yesterday..
Looking at this livestock upon hearing the final offer or sales worth each? I just called them executive sheep! because the price of one only is worth my annual salary after deducting total transport fare to the job..🤦
daily tf fares is digging serious hole in the pocket of monthly salary earners and that's a fact..abuja people can relate to the situation shaa

Always get rid of nylon from your livestock pen. It may look harmless but it's very dangerous to animals. Goats, sheep, and cattle are curious feeders. Once they see nylon, they can easily pick it up and swallow it while feeding or licking the floor. Inside the stomach, nylon does not digest. It stays there, blocks digestion, reduces feed intake, and slowly weakens the animal.

Beyond the pen, always check the feed you give your animals. Cassava peels, crop residues, and even feeds bought from local feed suppliers can sometimes contain nylon, rope, or plastic fragments mixed inside. Many animals do not choose carefully. They eat whatever comes with the feed. Before serving, spread the feed out and remove any foreign materials you see.

Some cases of weight loss, poor growth, bloating, and sudden death are linked to nylon ingestion. The sad part is that the signs often appear when damage has already been done. Keeping the pen clean and inspecting feed properly are simple habits, but they protect your animals and save you from avoidable losses.

✍️Farmwell post

KENVEE6:
Good morning, I want to ask how much I can start with and how profitable goat farming is.

like I said in my earlier post, I started 1 year 8 months ago with just two pregnant goats - white & black females
Both cost me 110k and each gave birth one female each..

Now:

I have got 4 goat kids ( 3 males + 1 female)
and 3 pregnant goats ( the old two I started with plus sole daughter to the white female goat..) the sole daughter to the black female was pregnant too but died, shockingly the mother kept head-butting her in the belly and killed her..
To sum everything up as far as livestock farming or rearing in dec 2025 per say:
4 kids
3 pregnant goats
1 mature ram ( I don't even know the breed, I'm targeting Salah sales)
1 mature female likely yankasa-cross sheep ( just brought few weeks ago already pregnant)..
Total livestock = 9

KENVEE6:
Good morning, I want to ask how much I can start with and how profitable goat farming is.

very profitable if done right and properly

mcjohny:
I have 🐐 goats 4 sale

I'm in Kano
For Xmas or conventional farming
(0) 810 988 5235

pls open your own thread for that...no selling of goats allowed here bro...

Zocalite:
The picture na goat rearing not farming


Oga just dey download chatgpt for us

my Facebook siggy dey attached where I post two times daily..check for reels too

nightsaint:
Frankly speaking, is this what you will do and become a rich in life!

absolutely, give me 3yrs sir...I will be doing serious agri-business and won't have the luxury of time to be posting on nairaland...but if you think it is only goat rearing/farming I'm doing then you haven't met me.. I'm into integrated farming for the long haul...

Comment like this naa e mek me complete my backyard maize farming thread..

https://www.nairaland.com/8464068/how-plan-grow-maize-organically

I welcome una negativity - cuz I go dey always dey run things 110%

Dogalmighty17:
What do you mean by dullest and laziest goat? Do you expect it to solve differential calculus or Newtonian physics for you?

funny...

mariovito:
Do they stay there all day?

How do you handle the pee smell?

it smells a lot but I do always clean and sweep their shed to avoid further disease spread like foot and mouth disease, etc.
Nothing good comes easy but so far it's being a great journey

RebirthPhoenix:
This your black goat just remind me of Nigerian girls

lol

WHY A MINERAL SALT BLOCK IS A MUST-HAVE FOR EVERY GOAT FARMER

Many people think salt blocks are just something goats lick out of habit.
But in reality, that small block sitting in your pen is one of the most powerful tools for boosting health, fertility, and overall farm performance.

Let’s break it down 👇


1️⃣ Why Minerals Matter More Than You Think

Goats are active browsers.
They walk long distances, nibble on different plants, and lose minerals quickly - far more than many farmers realize.
To stay at peak condition, they need a steady supply of essential minerals.

A good-quality mineral salt block gives them daily access to key nutrients such as:

Sodium & Chloride: help maintain hydration, nerve function, and digestion.

Calcium & Phosphorus: support bone strength, milk production, and healthy pregnancies.

Copper & Zinc: encourage strong immunity, good fertility, bright eyes, and shiny coats.
Iodine & Selenium: prevent weak kids, thyroid issues, and reproductive challenges.

Every lick works like a natural mineral booster - simple, safe, and cost-effective.


2️⃣ Signs Your Goats Are Lacking Minerals

Mineral deficiency doesn’t show up overnight.
It builds up quietly — until your goats begin to show worrying symptoms like:

* Rough or fading coat
* Kids growing slowly or looking weak
* Low milk production
* Does failing to conceive or repeating heat cycles
* Brittle bones or limping
* Frequent sickness, worms, or poor immunity
* Licking soil, chewing wood, or eating strange objects

If you notice these behaviours, your animals are signaling that they urgently need minerals.
A single mineral block can prevent most of these problems.

3️⃣ Choosing the Right Salt Block

All salt blocks are not the same. Pick wisely:

* Choose mineral blocks designed for goats other livestock types may not have the right mineral balance. Or you can build one yourself
* Keep the block lifted off the ground and away from rain.
* Replace it once it finishes - consistency is key.


4️⃣ Water Completes the Package

Goats will naturally drink more water after consuming minerals.
Clean, fresh water nearby helps with digestion and mineral absorption.

What You Gain

With consistent mineral access, you’ll notice:

Better feed utilization
Faster growth and stronger breeding performance
Higher milk output
Improved immunity and fewer health issues
Glossy coats and more active animals

Salt blocks might look small, but they play a big role in overall goat management.

I’ll continue sharing practical tips, feeding ideas, breeding guides, and personal farm experiences in the coming months to help you take your goat operation to the next level.

Small steps - like providing a mineral block - create big results when combined with proper management.

Take control of your goat farm today.
Turn your passion into profit.

Note: I'm not the original author of this one...I saw on a Facebook group so I decided to share.