Here at Branru Farm, we obviously love goats. We especially love producing lotions, and soaps using the milk from our dairy goats. They are also just a lot of fun to be around. Each one has its own distinct personality. If you are looking to get into farming or add to your existing farm, we can't recommend goats enough. Here are some specific reasons why.
Goats Love to Eat
A big benefit of raising goats is that they love to eat, and they'll eat just about anything. That's why they're great at helping keep land clear. In fact, some people also use goats as pack animals to help them carry items in mountainous regions because they don't have to worry about feeding them. The goats just eat the grass and shrubbery along the trails. They're also agile, and depending on the type of goat and certain other factors, can
usually carry about 30 percent of their body weights. Additionally, since goats are browsers who like to eat things like woody bushes and brush and general opportune eaters, they don't tend to cost a lot to feed compared to certain other farm animals.
Some Goats Produce Useful Fibers
Although not our specialty here at Branru Farm, many farmers keep certain types of goats for the fiber (hair) they can produce. Goat fiber is commonly used in various types of textile and crafting work. For example, cashmere is produced by the goat type of the same name. Meanwhile, mohair is produced by Pygora and Angora goats. As a side note, angora comes from the Angora rabbit. If you decide to keep those types of goats on your goat farm, you can sell the fibers or use them yourself to create your own clothing and textiles.
Goats Can be Raised for Their Meat
Our goats are dairy goats, but it is possible to raise certain types of goats for their meat. Meat goats can help you provide for your family's food needs. Since you can also sell them or their meat, they can also be a source of income for your household. There are several breeds of goats raised as meat goats. Click here for a list, in case that aspect of goat farming interests you.
Goat Milk is Great to Drink
Goat milk is tasty. There are also several ways drinking goat milk can be good for your health, too. For starters, it can help support your bone health. Also:
It's less likely to cause upset stomachs for most people than cow milk.
It is closer to human milk than to cow milk, making it easier for humans to process and absorb nutrients from, in general.
It may provide a metabolism boost.
It is full of beneficial fatty acids that may be especially good for heart health.
It's a great protein source.
It can be useful in some cases to help people lose weight due to its low concentration of bad fats.
Goat Milk Makes Great Soap
One of our favorite reasons to keep dairy goats is that their milk makes great soap. Goat milk soap is wonderfully mild and gentle on the skin. It's also full of nutrients and a great exfoliant. That's why many people with skin problems like to use it. It can potentially improve their skin health. We also like it because it can easily be scented with various scents that are great for aromatherapy, such as lavender.
It's Amazing in Lotions
Another great use for goat milk is in lotion. On our goat farm we produce several wonderful scented body lotions in scents like spring mint and green apple. Goat milk lotion can soften rough hands and feet. The anti-inflammatory properties of goat milk also help it reduce skin irritations. So, if you struggle with dry skin essentially, it can be a wonderfully hydrating skincare solution.
Goats Can Provide an Off-the-Grid Fuel Source
It may sound odd, but you can use goat dung as fuel for fires. People all over the world do it all the time. Therefore, goat farming is a great solution if you want a way to be almost entirely off-the-grid and self-sufficient. At the very least, raising goats can certainly help you cut down on your traditional energy and fuel consumption.
Goats Make Good Pets
Goats aren't just good for providing meat or milk, and they're not just good for clearing land or fostering healthy skin. They also make fantastic pets. They are friendly pack animals who love to be with each other and their human companions, usually. They're also relatively small, which makes them wonderful pets for families with kids. If you are trying to teach your children about pet care and general responsibilities, getting a goat or
two might be a good way to start.
We at Branru Farm certainly love ours. They're cherished members of our family.