Dairy Goats

The Australian dairy goat sector is an important emerging industry with significant potential.  

This book is an industry resource designed to build industry confidence, capacity and capability particularly in commercial goat milk production. It provides comprehensive information on animal husbandry, health and welfare, infrastructure, and quality milk production and handling. Case studies and examples are provided, as well as resources for further information.

This publication was produced by Tocal College and the NSW Department of Primary Industries in association with AgriFutures Australia. AgriFutures Australia is the trading name for Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation (RIRDC), a statutory authority of the Federal Government established by the Primary Industries Research and Development Act 1989. 

Table of contents:

Overview

Preface

PART 1 BUYING AND BUILDING THE HERD

CHAPTER 1 Dairy goat breeds in Australia

CHAPTER 2 Planning for productivity

PART 2 ANIMAL HUSBANDRY PRACTICES

CHAPTER 3  Milking management

CHAPTER 4 Handling the breeding stock

CHAPTER 5 Husbandry practices

CHAPTER 6 Responses of goats to handling

PART 3 ANIMAL HEALTH AND WELFARE

CHAPTER 7 The cost of disease

CHAPTER 8  Diseases and pests

PART 4 NUTRITION

CHAPTER 9 Ruminant digestion

CHAPTER 10 The well-fed herd

PART 5 FARM BIOSECURITY

CHAPTER 11 Buying goats

CHAPTER 12 On-farm quarantine

PART 6 INFRASTRUCTURE AND SHED REQUIREMENTS

CHAPTER 13 Buildings

PART 7 QUALITY ASSURANCE

CHAPTER 14 Milk quality

PART 8 MARKET SPECIFICATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES

CHAPTER 15 Marketing

APPENDIX 1 Case studies

APPENDIX 2 Vegetation effects on milk quality

APPENDIX 3 Toxins of plant and fungal origin occurring in milk

APPENDIX 4 Industry bodies

Further Reading