Goats are amazing creatures. Since their domestication thousands of years ago in Asia, they have produced milk, wool, skin, and other products. These magnificent creatures are distinguished by their sheeplike features, backward-pointing horns, and propensity for amazing rock climbing feats. But since they have been largely domesticated, a lot of people are trying to figure out how to maintain them as pets and get stuff out of them. Both are interested in the expense of a goat, even if the latter is less often than the former.
But when it comes to other expenditures, such housing, food, vet bills, and much more, buying a goat is the least of your worries—especially if you want to include goats on your farms as regulars and improve their quality of life in the process.
Because goats and sheep are related and relatively similar, caring for them is comparable to caring for sheep. Knowing the costs associated with owning a goat will also help you understand how to take care of them if you have never taken care of sheep before.
It goes without saying that purchasing a goat—or a herd of goats, for that matter—can be a costly and daunting endeavor. However, if you’re searching for a place to start, purchasing a buckling, or young goat, is a good way to start.
Continue reading this article to learn about the primary costs of keeping a goat, the incidental costs associated with owning goats, and where to purchase goats in the USA if you want to make a significant investment in buying a goat or many goats.
You will learn how much goats would cost overall and what their price range is as they become older by continuing to read.
In summary, a variety of variables influence goat prices. To start with, you must ascertain whether you are purchasing goats for milk or meat. In light of this, goats may cost anywhere from $100 to $1,500 or more.
Compared to other farm animals, domestic goats (Capra hircus) are more compact, making them simple to identify. Compared to sheep, they have straighter hair, lighter frames, and short, supple tails. They produce goat milk, which has several health benefits, including improved liver function.
For this reason, farmers often purchase goats, first and foremost for their milk. Since goats are becoming more and more common in farm menageries, it is understandable that you would wish to get one. But before you search online for the price of a goat at a livestock trade, let’s first determine why you really need the animal.
Goats are raised for their milk, skin, or meat, as was previously stated in the article. There are several goat breeds, therefore it’s important to educate yourself on which types work best for certain goods.
Various Breeds of Goats:
You will either look for goats that are ideal for generating meat or goats that are good at producing milk and dairy products in general when buying goats. Because of their suitability for both, several goat breeds are referred to as dual-purpose goats.
The top 5 goat breeds for producing milk are listed below:
Nigerian Dwarf:
Due to the greatest butterfat content in their milk, these goat varieties are among the most often used for milk production. The owners of these goats, who are farmers, often sell their milk to facilities that make dairy products like cream and cheese. They are seen to be dwarfs, although they produce a lot of milk.
Saanen:
They need a lot of room and grass to eat, yet they are safe to have near youngsters and have a mellow, laid-back temperament. Their daily milk production might reach three gallons. They do, however, contain little butterfat.
Nubian
A Nubian goat’s daily milk production may reach two liters. Additionally, they have a high butterfat content, which is fantastic for creating cheese or even soap. They are likewise of average size, but because they make a lot of noise, you should have a big area set aside for them.
Alpine:
They are simple to handle and care for, despite their dependability. They yield 2 to 3 liters of milk each day on average.
LaMancha:
It’s safe and agreeable to have these goats around kids. They consistently provide one to two gallons of medium-fat buttermilk, which may be used to make low-fat cheese and cream.
Many goat species are perfect for generating meat and leather, apart from those that provide milk. Red meat from goats is very healthful and nutritious, and it is produced and consumed by many civilizations worldwide. In terms of calories, it is lower than other red meats like beef. Its easiest aspect is that it’s really simple to understand.
It’s also important to note that meat goats develop quickly, ensuring prompt commercial farming. But because there are many goats raised for meat, it’s crucial to choose just the finest. The top five meat-breed goats for your farm are listed below.
Boer Goat:
These are among the bigger goats, with a maximum weight of 300 pounds. They are often favored by farmers and meat breeders because of their size.
Black Bengal Goat:
Due to their delicious and healthy flesh, these goats are the most often employed for meat production. Though they were domesticated in Bangladesh, they are now widespread due to their remarkable degree of adaptability.
Rangeland Goat:
Originally from Australia, this breed is owned by farmers all over the globe due to its adaptability. They have wonderful meat that is of excellent quality, and they may grow to be fairly tall.
Spanish Goats:
Though they originated in Spain, Spanish goats are now widely distributed. They are cultivated as one of the meat goat breeds with the most nutritious meat worldwide, which is why many farmers choose to produce Spanish goats.
Sirohi
Another Asian goat, the Sirohi comes from India in particular. Its size and meat quality make it an excellent breed for producing meat. Farmers all across the globe want to purchase them as they are also very versatile.
What Is the Price of a Goat?
As was already noted in the text, a variety of variables influence a goat’s price. Gender, age, breed, past medical history, and, of course, geography are a few variables. Not everyone buys goats only for the purpose of using them as a source of meat, milk, leather, or even labor in mountainous locations.
Looking at the table we’ve supplied below is the greatest approach to learning about the prices of various goats. No matter the breed, you can see the price range for any adult, miniature, dairy, or meat goat here.
Goat Type and Cost
Goat Dairy $100-$600
Goat Meat: $500–$1500
Pack Goat: $200–$500; Pygmy Goat: $250–$500
Be ready to spend as little as $50 to $100 if you’re looking to purchase a baby goat, also referred to as a young buckling, which is a goat that is a few months old. In addition to some of the websites we’ll list below, sale barns are where you can purchase them.
However, you should expect to pay between $200 and $800 if you want to purchase a baby goat that will be guaranteed to be breed-certified. Remember that some people only own goats as pets, so you could also spend as little as $50 to $100 on an adult male castrated goat, known as a wether.
Goats are not animals that belong on their own, either. They get along well with other goats and are typically found in herds. For this reason, you should always think about getting additional goats to prevent them from becoming lonely and depressed.
Goats are referred to as dairy goats when they are kept primarily for their milk. For the highest caliber dairy goats, you should always visit licensed goat breeders if you’re searching for a purebred goat. However, depending on the race, those will always be more costly.
A goat that is ready for breeding may cost up to $1,000 if you’re searching for certified purebred Nubian goats. If you want to purchase a baby goat that is only a few weeks old, you could be able to pay as little as $250 to $500.
The best thing about purchasing from professional breeders is that you can explain your reasons for wanting a goat, whether they are solely for milk, cheese, or soap production, and they will provide you with the best breeds at the right price, which is typically fairly high.
Expert breeders will also know where to look for the best purebred to meet your needs—one that will yield the highest milk yield with the least amount of feed and without sacrificing health.
Because they can’t keep up to feed them all, some breeders will reject baby goats; however, depending on how purebred they are, they can cost anywhere from $100 to $500. The most popular breeds of goats for meat are Boer’s and Savanna, though there are other popular breeds that we highlighted earlier in the piece.
Their popularity stems primarily from their rapid growth and year-round heat cycles, which make them perfect for raising meat. Adult goat meat can range in price from $600 to $1,500, contingent on the breed and whether the animal belongs to one of the previously mentioned species.
Farmers who have enough room to keep a pet goat for themselves or their kids are big fans of pygmy goats in the UK and the USA. Although pygmy goats are among the smallest breeds of goats, their price can rival that of any adult dairy goat.
You should budget at least $500 for a registered miniature goat that is purebred or comes from a good breeding line.
In the slender mountainous regions, pack goats are fairly common among nomadic groups that rely on them to carry their belongings and their weight. The Alpine breeds of goats are typically included in this group due to their calm disposition and large weight capacity.
Though it can be challenging to find one that isn’t a castaway dairy alpine goat, you should budget between $200 and $500.
Additional Costs Related to Goats
Purchasing a goat is merely the initial stage. Goats also come with additional costs. Check out the information about them below.
Grasping
Shelter and fencing must be taken into account. Typically, individuals set aside a section of their land and construct the shelter—which doubles as a barn—on their own. However, the cost to build or buy a portable one can range from $200 to $1,000, depending on the materials you use.
Numerous factors need to be considered, such as the door and sturdy fences that the goats won’t be able to jump over, in addition to shelter from the elements—rain, snow, wind, and heat.
Consume
Mostly, goats consume hay or grass. Remember that they are herbivores, meaning that plants will make up their diet. Hay will make up about 90% of the goat’s diet, so you’ll need to have an ample supply on hand. The monthly cost for this will range from $20 to $50.
Make sure to include the probable extra expenses for salt licks, barley, pellets, and grains in your monthly budget.
Medical Care
Goat healthcare can run anywhere from $10 to $50 per month, depending on the rules that apply in your state. It is imperative that you attend to their veterinary requirements, particularly if you are raising goats for meat.
Goats are generally healthy creatures, but you will need to keep an eye out for lice and make sure they have received all of their recommended vaccinations.
Editor’s note: Although this cost won’t always be recurring, it’s critical to make sure your goats are in good health and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
Grooming
Goats can be used to produce wool, just like sheep can. In contrast to sheep, their hair is straighter and considerably shorter. It is, nevertheless, also simpler to maintain. Every eight weeks, you will need to take your pet to a groomer for hoof trimming, which can range from free to $40 per month.
Editor’s note: Goats grow hair much faster and in a straighter manner than sheep, so this isn’t always a necessary expense. Sheep, on the other hand, only need to be groomed once or twice a year.
Where Can I Purchase Goats?
Purchasing a goat locally will be less expensive than purchasing one online because shipping costs and other small fees may cause the price to appear higher than it actually is. However, it’s difficult to locate a local farmer who will either sell you a purebred goat or locate exactly what you need.
Online shopping therefore appears to be a good choice. So where can I get goats? Goatzz, Blue Sky Organic Farm, and sellmylivestock.com are a few of the most well-known websites. These online resources may prove to be the most beneficial if you’re trying to buy a particular breed.
