Goat & hen forming

Question

Goat  & hen  forming

Sathiyavarsha K · Answer

Goat and Hen (Poultry) Farming are two of the most profitable and complementary animal husbandry businesses in rural and semi-urban India. They require moderate investment and can generate regular income if managed properly.

Here is a detailed guide for starting both Goat Farming and Hen Farming (Broiler/Layer/Desi) together:

1. Goat Farming: Step-by-Step
A. Choose the Right Breed
Purpose	Suggested Breeds
Meat	Boer, Sirohi, Jamunapari, Beetal, Barbari
Milk	Jamunapari, Saanen, Alpine

B. Space Requirement
1 adult goat requires around 10 sq. ft. covered and 20 sq. ft. open area.

For 10 goats: 100 sq. ft. shed + 200 sq. ft. open area is needed.

C. Shed Construction
Elevated platform with slotted floor for cleanliness.

Proper ventilation and slope for urine/drainage.

Use bamboo/wood/brick depending on budget.

D. Feeding
Green fodder: Subabul, Berseem, Lucerne

Dry fodder: Straw, hay

Concentrate feed: 150–300g/day/goat depending on age

Mineral mixture and clean water must be provided.

E. Health & Vaccination
Regular deworming every 3 months

Vaccination: PPR, ET, FMD, Goat Pox

Regular vet checkup

2. Hen (Poultry) Farming: Step-by-Step
A. Choose Poultry Type
Type	Purpose	Breed Example
Broiler	Meat	Vencobb, Ross
Layer	Eggs	BV300, ISA Brown
Desi	Meat + Eggs	Kadaknath, Aseel, Vanaraja

B. Space Requirement
Broilers: 1 sq. ft. per bird

Layers: 1.5–2 sq. ft. per bird

For 100 broilers: 100 sq. ft. shed minimum

C. Shed Management
Raised and dry floor

Cross ventilation

Temperature control (especially for chicks)

D. Feeding
Starter feed (0–2 weeks)

Grower feed (2–4 weeks)

Finisher feed (5+ weeks)

Clean water and feeder hygiene is critical

E. Vaccination Schedule
Age	Vaccine
Day 1	Marek’s disease
Day 5–7	Lasota (Ranikhet)
Week 2	Gumboro
Monthly	Booster doses as per vet advice

3. Combined Benefits of Goat and Poultry Farming
Shared resources: Shed space, land, water, labor

Diversified income: Eggs, meat, goat milk

Manure use: Poultry litter can enrich goat manure compost

Risk management: One farm’s loss can be balanced by the other

4. Investment and Income Estimate (Small Scale)
Activity	Approx. Investment (INR)	Monthly Income (Estimate)
10 Goats (meat purpose)	₹1.5–2 lakh	₹10,000–₹15,000 after 6 months
100 Broiler Hens	₹40,000–₹60,000	₹8,000–₹15,000 per 35–40 days cycle

Figures depend on market rate and feed cost.

5. Subsidy and Loan Support
NABARD supports goat and poultry farming under the National Livestock Mission (NLM).

25–33% subsidy for general category; up to 50% for SC/ST.

Mudra Loans available through banks without collateral up to ₹10 lakh.

6. Selling and Marketing
Sell live goats to local meat sellers or at livestock markets.

Broiler chickens can be sold to hotels, meat shops, or in local mandi.

Eggs can be sold door-to-door, to retailers, or bulk buyers.