Domesticated goats are versatile and intelligent but also rewarding in terms of their economic value. Goats can be used as a breeding or cottage industry investment, or as a source of income for farming and grazing enterprises that are looking to diversify. Goats can control weed and grass overgrowth and a great source of manure, but they can also produce dairy, meat, wool, leather and soaps, body and hair care products.
The Certificate of Goat Husbandry is a professional development course that will introduce you to the variety of goat breeds (there are over 300!), and teach you how to feed, care for and understand this entertaining animal’s unique behaviour.
In this goat husbandry course, you will learn about farming systems, health management, and general goat husbandry, including fencing, housing and grooming.
You will also study goat breeding; dairy, meat and fibre production; and how to successfully negotiate goat farm management. This includes buildings and structures, farm safety, how to keep records, market your products and handle and maintain equipment and machinery.
On completion of this course, you will have insights into some of the tricks of the trade in terms of goat husbandry, choosing the most appropriate breed, and managing your herd to get the very best out of them.
Course Structure
Unit - Goat Production
Unit 1 – Nature and Scope of Goat Production
- Introduction and History
- Biological Terminology
- Uses of Goats and Goat Production
- Goats Breeds Overview
- Introduction to Farm Systems
- Keeping a Buck
- Truths and Myths about Goats
- Goat Psychology
- Social Structure
Unit 2 – Goat Breeds and Breeding
- Dairy Goats
- Saanen
- Toggenburg
- British Alpine
- Anglo-Nubian
- Fleece Goats
- Angoras
- Cashmere
- Meat Goats
- Boer Goats
- Spanish Goats
- Savannas
- Kiko
- Myotonic
- Goat Skin
- Black Bengal
- Garganica
- Pet Goats
- Australian Miniature
- Nigerian Dwarf
- African Pygmy
- Feral Goats
- Selection and Breeding General Objectives
- Reproductive System Anatomy
- Puberty
- Breeding Season
- Flock Mating
- Pen Mating
- Hand Mating
- Reproduction Control Methods
- Synchronisation of Oestrus
- Out of Breeding Season
- Superovulation
- Artificial Insemination
- Genetics and Selection
- Understanding Genes
Unit 3 – Feeds and Nutrition
- Feeding
- Forage
- Hay
- Haylage
- Straw
- Wild Plants
- Concentrates
- By-products
- Minerals
- Feeding Strategies
- Feeding for milk production
- Feeding for meat production
Unit 4 – Health Management
- Health Problems
- Ecopathology
- Signs of Good Health
- Bacterial and Viral Diseases
- Clostridial Diseases
- Johne’s Disease (Paratuberculosis)
- Listeriosis
- Soremouth
- Slow viruses
- Parasites
- Accidents, Emergencies and First Aid
- Control of Bleeding
- Tear wounds or lacerations
- Electric Shock
- Snake bites
- Fractures
- Poisoning
- Abortion and Genital Processes
- Chlamidiosis
- Q Fever
- Listeriosis
- Leptospirosis
- Toxoplasmosis
- Ketosis
- Digestive Problems
- Bloat
- Choking
- Acidosis
- Respiratory problems
- White Muscle Diseases
- Pinkeye
- Urinary Calculi
- Mastitis
- Metritis
- Sanitary Policy of Infectious Goats
- Choosing a Vet
Unit 5 – General Husbandry – Housing, Fencing, Grooming
- Space Requirements
- Housing and Fencing
- Grazing and Pasture Management
- Free Range
- Intensive Confinement
- Combination System
- Grazing Methods
- How Much Grazing
- Other Areas That Can Be Utilised For Grazing
- Hoof care
- Disbudding
- Dehorning
- Tatooing
- Vaccination
- Worming
- Grooming and Hair Care
Unit 6 – Kids and Kidding
- Hygiene during delivery
- The delivery
- Parturition/Birth
- Care of a newborn kid
- Early feeding
- Weaning
- Castration
Unit 7 – Dairy Production
- Milk Production
- Lactation Curve
- Quality and Composition
- Compositions of goat’s milk
- Protein
- Fat
- Lactose
- Ash
- Vitamins
- Factors of variation
- Breeds and production systems
- Age and lactation number
- Different types of cheese
Unit 8 – Meat and Fibre Production
- Fibre Production
- Mohair
- Annual Management of Angora Flock
- Mohair Production
- Cashmere
- Annual Management of a cashmere flock
- Cashmere Production
- Meat Production
- Management of meat flock
- Slaughter terminology
- Carcass quality and grading
- Leather production
Unit 9 – Goat Farm Management
- On the Farm – Buildings and Structures
- Goat shelters
- Farming production systems
- Keeping records
- Goat Management
- Occupational Health and Safety Legislation
- Farm Safety
- Duty of care (employer and employer duties)
- Lifting and manual handling
- Protective Equipment
- Dealing with chemicals
- Storage and disposal of chemicals
- Handling tools and machinery
- Safety Audit
- Marketing your products
- Advertising your stock
- Where you can sell
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Approval and Recognition
Australian Online Courses Pty Ltd is an approved and recognised member of IARC. The IARC is an International association that recognises quality and excellence in tertiary education providers.
Testimonials
Great experience. Got in depth knowledge such that I can apply it in the real world
A.Shahzad, Ontario | Certificate of Goat Husbandry
My overall experience was very positive. I found the Australian Online Course easy to navigate and the communication from the team was excellent. I would highly recommend anyone to study with the Australian Online Courses.
Peter | Kings Meadows, TAS| Certificate of Goat Husbandry
I enjoyed the learning experience and would be keen to continue my studies with this education provider.
Sara | Wauchope, NSW | Certificate of Goat Husbandry
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:-
- Goat Farmers
- Hobby Farmers
Related Blogs
