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Manyadza Tatenda is a Zimbabwean man, an agricultural science graduate aged 27. With five years post-graduate experience greatly biased towards crop science, he has since started venturing in animal production.
Most rural households have numerous goats. Having many of these beasts does not contribute much to income flow or improving livelihood for most Zimbabwean farmers. Little do they know that this is more like dead capital lying under utilised. My project seeks to and is proving that commercialising goat production changes ones welfare.
The increasing demand for meat made me realise this project, hence shifting from subsistence goat farming into a commercialised enterprise. This project set off with an initial investment of about 50 goats and these have been the local small breeds, but with help from Mr. Crispen Kadiramwando, the President of the Goats Breeders Association of Zimbabwe, it is possible to get the Boer goat breed that is big enough for meat production.
This breed can be crossed with our local small breeds to yield a cross breed that can produce good marketable meat. If given funds, I intend to acquire 2 Boer bucks (male goats) and 15 Boer does (female goats) by June 2016, as one mature buck can service 40 – 50 females.
One Boer goat can be purchased at a price of USD$250 on average and 17 Boer goats require about $3 400.
USD$800 can be set for upgrading and increasing the structures i.e. their feeding troughs and their pens.
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Vaccines and supplementary feeds such as the cakes used to feed the goats will be bought using approximately USD$500 (as they can survive on bushy vegetation and grass, supplements are necessary for quick growth and during pregnancy.)
To sustain the project, income realised from the sale of meat and goats will be used to cover sundry expenses that will be incurred. The average live weight of a mature boer goat is from 110 – 135kg and it takes about 18 months to reach maturity. With the beef price around USD$3.20/Kg, and goat meat prices ranging from USD$2.50 – USD$3.00/Kg this can give a viable business enterprise.
I will be content if more farmers buy my idea and acquire the Boer breed for meat production. In future I look forward to selling meat, goats and semen for artificial insermination to increase the meat production breeds in Zimbabwe.
Seeing this project being a success will help me diversify my profession, see many players venturing in goat production and also my community to awaken this idle goat production enterprise. Joining GCARD3 will expose me to much information and links that can help me champion other projects back home. Even with climatic change characterized by erratic rains in Zimbabwe, I believe venturing in goat production I will not miss the point.
Blogpost and picture submitted by Manyadza Tatenda (Zimbabwe) – manyadzatj[at]gmail.com
The content, structure and grammar is at the discretion of the author only.
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Thats a great idea would like to try it if funds permit
I think this is a viable project having the insight of the growing demand of meet in our country. I would like to venture in that project as soon as the funds permit. I would like to ask if there are any loans that can be accessed for those interested to venture in the project but without the adequate capital to kick start it. You can conduct me on ttmutava@gmail.com.
The main thing is not about funds but having at least a Boer breed Tanaka, such that you can cross with other goats and have better growth for meat production.
this is a great and noble project from my view and is one way in which Zimbabwean can be entrepreneurs whilst at the same time adressing challenges in the economy eg meat shortage in Zimbabwe. I am also keen in having more information and would it be possible to get these boer goats (even the smaller ones) especially closer to Hwedza?
The main idea is to get the boer breed then you can cross or in breed as this assures that you get good quality goats, idle for meat production.
Indeed we as the natives of this country we ought to put our hands together to go after this project …since we can sustain our communities with meat as it as been noted …yeah that great T.jay
Good approach to the meat market while everyone is busy on poultry and beef.wsh you the best
Thanx Sullivan your support makes me this as a sure success.
This is interesting. I agree with you that goats haven’t been part of the minds of a lot of people that they could bring such a great income. I am pleased with your project. Thank you for enlightening. This would help youths of today not to just wait to be employed by other people but to all start their own businesses which can lead to the stabilisation of our own nation’s capital. This is indeed a great idea which I wouldn’t mind trying.
In light of funding challenges and the high cost of buying these boer goats, is it advisable to simply buy the male boer goat and cross breed like you rightly said or one is required to buy both the male and female boer goat so as to fully benefit from such projects?
With the wide spread of environmental degradation, unfair meat imports “quality, safety issues, subsidized”, and even is of drugs to preserve meat and facilitate abnormal growth which even compromises taste, a lot has to be done in the meat Industry. Has there been wise brains to dig up what to implement? Polluted lakes and rivers makes even the fish we used run for is even more endangered and even so is the aquatic life.
Any innovation which enables us to participate and produce meat products that are in line with our own quality and safety standards would be a yes to me. What’s needed is funding for all these brilliant ideas to be implemented.
For sure there is need to improve on the meat quality on the market. With the experience climate change characterised by erratic rains, I believe goats can help in diversifying as they can tolerate drought conditions.
Much has been done on beef and chicken to improve shelf live but little has been done on Goat meat such that is still hope of getting good meat when consuming goat meat.
thats a very good and amazing thing keep up the standards
I will try to look for sources around Hwedza Victor, but looking at your area, it is very hot and most times your have low rains. I think that area Goats can do well considering that they are browsers, that implies that they can survive even with low rains. Consider it, am sure you will not go wrong.
great
Interesting projet keep it up .
Thank you for the encouragement Chenai. Hope we will have it in full swing, changing my immediate village up to being adopted nationally.
This is a great and really unique idea..give the right inputs its a project that will yield a lot
Mmmmm true
Goats are animals that do not need much inputs as they can tolerate harsh conditions. Though there is need to vaccinate them against pulpy kidney when they are still young.
This a really unique idea and given the right inputs it would yield a lot
A great initiative it is that can bring about a complete change in the animal husbandry sector of our agricultural economy,i wish many people would see this and think deeply about it.Great work Mr Manyadza
Thats a spectacular move which I believe will bring a new era and flavour in Agricultural Entreprenuership in Zimbabwe. Stay Empowered!!!
I also look forward to a great response from the general public with even those who were not into farming venturing into Goat farming. Consider the rate at which they breed and grow, within 2 years they will have matured. If a mature boer goat can weigh up to 135kg live weight then at $3/kg am sure you can break even and manage to sustain the project.
Thats a spectacular move which I believe will bring a new era and flavour of Agricutural Entreprenuership in Zimbabwe . Stay empowered !!
Thats a good and motivational project my brothr continue to persue in it as a result we come with our Zimbabwean breed of type goats which is superior
Thats a gud notion my brother its a motivational project bcoz by end of e day we produce a good breed of Zimbabwe
Yeah that is true, you know most of us have never pondered on finding the good that can come out of goats. Especially in Zimbabwe as our tradition and norm we slaughter goats rarely mostly when we have visitors. But on the other side we are just keeping a fortune that just needs a bit of serious investment, in terms of both time and money.
Its high time we wake up from our slumber and consider goat production as a viable business enterprise.
Many have been disappointed after putting many resources into Crop production but with low rains they have small yields which will be disheartening to them. I believe in response to climate change, one of the ways to go dear farmers and colleagues is to diversify and venture into animal husbandry, Goat farming to be precise.
I have put thrust on Boer goats, but that is just one breed, there are many others that can tolerate adverse conditions and thrive even with low rains. Remember goats are browsers, they can thrive on thickets and bushes that have already been established though there is need to have supplementary feeds especially when considering meat production and in times of pregnancy.
Consider the pay back period in every project, in about 18 months from birth, boer goats can be mature enough for market. Having many Does will mean more kids, implying that the number of your goats can increase in a short time.
such intelligence is incredible!! great staff sir manyadza
With your support Tendai we will make it. Consider coming to get the breed from me when the project is flourishing.
that is an excellent idea Jimmie. So besides the Boer goats, are there any other breeds we can work with? The price of the boer breed seems too high.
Tinashe.
There are many goat breeds such as the Black Bengal (originally from Bangladesh), Bormina breed (from Italy), Chigu goat (India), Irish goat (from Ireland), Kalahari red (from South Africa) among other breeds.
Some breeds such as the Black Bengal it gives birth 2 times/year delivering 3 – 4 goats but the live weight averages around 30kgs. The Chigu goat is for meat and Cashmere wool, such that it might not go well with the weather conditions experienced here in Zimbabwe.
The best alternative from my own perception is the Kalahari red breed as it is can thrive in Zimbabwe. Its more accessible since we can have it from South Africa and its live weight is slightly less than that of the boer breed. The average weight of a buck is as much as 115kg, while does reach 75kg. Kids grow fast.
They can survive in harsh conditions, arid and semi-desert areas. To prevail under these conditions, animals must be sun-resistant and hardy.
So there are many breeds you can have but you have to consider if it can do well when exposed to the conditions of your area. Its not about having cheaper alternatives but finding the breed that is best for your area.
Regards.
Tatenda, this is a well thought of idea. With most meat being produced with some unfair practices. producing goats will enable people to access natural and original meat. Give it a try.
Mr. Chatadza
The demand for meat is increasing daily, with most people eyeing chicken and beef and this has surely led to unfair practices by most farmers in order to stay on the market. I see this project as a eye opener to most farmers or potential investors who have been leaving this business venture.
Yah there are some other goats which is very big but Boer goats is on market from my understanding from livestock principal director Dr Ushewekunze
Vincent.
The issue does lie on getting a breed that gives quality meat and also easy to manage. Some breeds might be big but might not do well when exposed to arid or semi-arid conditions. The other goat breed I recommended for a Zimbabwean set-up it the Kalahari red, a breed that is fairly the same as the Boers and it can thrive in hardy conditions.
Regards.
Mr manyadza, hope i fibd you well. Where do we find this type of goat breed. Any leads. Are there any podibilities of collecting yhe semen alone.
Few facts about boer goats.
1. Boer goat is known for its fast weight gain, and quality meat worldwide.
2. It is a native breed of South Africa and it’s developed and reared all over the world for Meat purpose.
3. In India its Reared in limited numbers and it’s mainly used to cross breed with local breeds to yield excellent Cross-breeds.
4. Boer breed is the best Fast growing breed in the world. They are very fast growing goat breeds and for this reason they are very suitable and most of the farmers prefer them for commercial goat farming purpose.
5. Boer goats have a very high fertility rates compared to other goat breeds. Male Boer goats are used for breeding and meat production and the female are for producing kids.
6. An adult male Boer goat weights about 110-135 kg and an adult female Boer weights about 90-100 kg.
7. The meat of Boer goat is very tasty and nutritious.
* for these and other reasons consider boer goat production.
It’s a gud idea, considering the competative price I think u can lure more customers especially this era of low disposable income in Zimbabwe. I will buy this idea as well
Mr. Chimbwa.
The breed is accessible from few farmers in Zimbabwe that is why the price of one goat is a bit high. Players are still few in Zimbabwe, but in South africa that is where this breed originated from and I am sure they are considerably cheap. I have managed to liaise with the Goat Breeders President Mr. Kadiramwando for the Boers. The semen can be collected but there is need for a bit of expertise especially on the conditions needed to keep the semen viable.
Sounds nice. Hope you go all the way and get supported.
Evans, I hope this project will be an eye opener to most farmers just to diversify and venture into goat farming. It also helps as a way to respond to the issue of climate change. Since goats can survive even with little rains since they can rely on foliage for food.
Are they also available somewhere near chivhu? for starters would want a boer buck for crossbreeding with the local ones, then later on acquire some boer does due to limited funds and also test marketing.
That is a good start and initiative. Near Harare i know of a farmer near Norton but still Mr. Kadiramwando has these near Rusape so am sure that is nearer to Chivhu. I am sure you will not regret venturing in this project. Keep in touch so we can assist each other. Regards.
Try Amato Boer Goats in Beatrice. The lady to speak to is Anisha Cader, 0717622420.
She arguably has the best stock locally.
Brother, I am sorry I was not able to access these mail from SA
Great insightful business project. In reality five years of initial maximum production will turn this into a multi million dollar project. Thumps up for the entrepreneurial mind and for the distinguishing unique ideathat shall make you the employment creator that its seeker. Though financially challenging a project, I pray that the entrepreneurial spirit of endurance shall carry you though the trying time and testing phases of your excellent project. “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before Kings; He shall not stand before mean men.” Proverbs 22 vs 29. “Where there is no of vision, the people perish……”Proverbs 29 V18. PHILIPPIANES 4V13″I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHICH STRENGTHENS ME” MAY GOD ALMIGHTY JEHOVAH EXCEEDINGLY BLESS THE WORK OF YOUR HANDS AS YOU PLAN TO FEED THE GLOBAL VILLAGE. WE WISH YOU ALL THE BEST. DON’T GIVE UP!
Thank you so much for the encouragement. I believe the project will go a long way helping many Zimbabweans realise that there is much in goats.
Thats a briallant n fantastic idea o project u have started o boer goats l hope it will get u further n mke u what u want to achieve to other fellow people May God bless you to achieve yo destination whre you want to reach ey Mr Manyadza forward ever backward neva so keep on mving neva gve up hey
Thank you so much for the encouragement. Will make sure that the project will go a long way.
Thank you Paul.
This is a good idea Mr TJ. We have to try it sir.
All is possible Ephraim when we put our best effort. What we have to do is put all resources available am sure we wont go wrong. We can also curb the problem of erratic rains experienced in Zimbabwe.
Thank you.
Hi
Any groups or organisations that I can join with regards to goat farming.
Many thanks
Hama
its a good idea wish you the best
Am also planning the same business,can you kindly provide me the cost of each boer here in Zim when buying it,and what age will they be. the boer prices for both the females and rams.
great idea Manyadza,am definitely looking into going into the project.
l am in Bulawayo,anyone or place l can go and see to buy the boer breed?
where can l get Boer buck goat
@ Tapiwa, Sino and Leslie.
Goat farming has never been this exciting. So far we have introduced the Kalahari breed which has similar characteristics as the Boers and are available as well. The plot where these can be accessed is in Headlands which is fortunate considering distance i.e. for Leslie in Bulawayo. But where there is a will, there is always a way.
Get in touch with me on ma e.mail – manyadzatj@gmail.com then can have further deliberations one-on-one.
My regards.
This sounds good i think i must make means to meet with you since i have always thought that this is a good way of making a living and having observed that goat breeding can bring about change in my life.i would like to get more knowledge on goats
thus great youngman i’m also in goat project. thks for de issue of cross breeding bt truely u will never go wrong with dis project. fm bryn
Yaaaah thank is great keep on aflot my dear l am also following your steps
Great job young man and thank you so much..God bless you.
great would like to share more ideas, got a boer goat recently and he has done well so far.
Where can i can the boer goat ? Would you have any ideas where i can get one in Matebeleland ?
I’m intrigued by the idea of goat production and yes it’s so brilliant TJ. Is there any group (preferably Whatsapp) where one can access information more easily on obstacles and opportunities in the sector? Surely, this is an opportunity that has to be grabbed on with eager hands. I am in Makoni district/ Rusape and would be happy to interact more closely with farmers who have already started on the project.
Eggs Asima : Very practical approach. There is a huge market for goat meat locally. In fact I have started a small goat project in West Nicholson area with 80 animals also bought 2 pure Boer Goat bucks from a breeder in Bulawayo. I am hoping to see the indigenous goats that I have improve in genetics in two seasons.
Hi I m looking for some goer goats to buy near Rusape. Please help.
That’s a viable project from the information I have gathered. Please can you help as I am looking into buying some boer goats. My email is vnyaru09@gmail.com
To make it easy for you to find these boer goats near Rusape here is the contact 0772204401 Mr Kadiramwando (Kadram) Headlands
Thank you so much vince 1992
Any boer goats in karoi area if i try this breed we will be the best in mashwest
This is the man i am looking for . i need your contact so that i get knowledge and expert practical life . i have just started with not very breed i intended. i was cheated by the seller. but i am persuing my passion. so i really need your breed and everything which yiu may offer so that i may grow as well. Call and Whats Up on ; +263779292974. Midlands.
thank you, i am in harare but will be going back to my home plumtree to set up for goat production, i thnk my resources are now enough for that,,,,, 0777553261 ian