The Going into Goats guide

MLA's Going into Goats program was developed in 2006 with the launch of the Going into Goats: Profitable producers' best practice guide (GiG guide) and continues today as a delivery platform for outputs from research and development (R&D) activities for farmed and rangeland goat production systems.

Central to the program is the GiG guide, an information package designed to explain the essential processes for a successful goat production system. This applies to goat production as a standalone enterprise or as an enterprise that complements other production systems.

The GiG guide draws on the knowledge, skills and experience of more than 40 goat producers from across Australia. It provides tools and information to help goat producers increase productivity while minimising risk.

The GiG Guide has 12 modules that address different aspects of the goat production system. Producers can download the individual modules below for free.

• Module 1 - Property planning

  Helps producers set clear business objectives and the strategic direction of the goat production enterprise.
  Download Module 1

• Module 2 - Financial analysis

  Establishes critical aspects for assessing the financial position of a business and analysing the financial impact of enterprise changes.
  Download Module 2

• 

  Module 3 - Industry obligations

  Outlines the industry obligations goat producers must be aware of in relation to: Animal welfare, livestock health and disease management, sale and movement of goats, quality assurance and biosecurity.
  Download Module 3

•  Module 4 - Infrastructure

  Details infrastructure associated with a goat enterprise, its design and maintenance.
  Download Module 4

• 
  Module 5 - Goat selection

  Provides information to help producers select the best traits and goats for the ongoing productivity and profitability of the enterprise.
  Download Module 5

• 
  Module 6 - Husbandry

  Outlines key events that occur during the goat annual husbandry cycle and provides information regarding critical issues that needs to be addressed at each stage.
  Download Module 6

• 
  Module 7 - Nutrition

  Outlines considerations for the nutritional health of goats including nutrient requirements, feed resources and profit drivers influenced by nutrition.
  Download Module 7

• 
  Module 8 - Marketing

  Helps producers to increase financial returns by better meeting target market specifications, exploiting market opportunities and managing the risks.
  Download Module 8

• Module 9 - Parasite control - updated version

  Details practices to manage and control internal and external parasites of goats.
  Download Module 9

• Module 10 - Mohair production

  (Photo: AgriFutures Australia)
  Developed in conjunction with Mohair Australia Limited, this module outlines the knowledge and skills required to ensure profitable mohair production.
  Download Module 10

• 
  Module 11 - Goat depots

  Goat depots consolidate significant numbers of goats for marketing purposes. This module outlines best practices for this sector of the goat industry.
  Download Module 11

• Module 12 - Rangeland Management

  This practical guide to producing goats in the rangelands is intended to assist established and potential goat producers make the most out of their operation by drawing on the experiences of some of Australia’s best rangeland producers. 
  Download Module 12