Raising small ruminants, such as goats and sheep, can be personally rewarding and sustainable. These animals are valuable for their milk, meat, fiber, and manure and are relatively easy to care for compared to larger livestock. However, as with any venture, starting with a solid foundation is important. The following tips will help you get started with raising small ruminants.

1. Do Your Research: Know Your Animals
Before acquiring any small ruminants, it’s crucial to understand their needs and determine the specific breed that best suits your goals. Goats and sheep come in various breeds with different characteristics.
• Goats are often raised for their milk (dairy goats) or meat (meat goats). Some breeds, like the Nigerian Dwarf, are excellent for small-scale milk production, while breeds like the Boer goat are known for meat production. Goats are also regarded for their intelligence and curiosity.
• Sheep are commonly raised for their wool, meat, or milk. Breeds like the Dorset and Suffolk are suitable for meat production, while breeds like the Merino are prized for their high-quality wool. Sheep are typically more docile than goats and can be easier to manage in certain environments.

2. Select the Right Fencing and Shelter
Small ruminants, especially goats, are known for their ability to escape enclosures. Strong, tall fencing (at least 4-5 feet) is essential. Goats are notorious for climbing or jumping over fences, so make sure your enclosures are escape-proof. Wire fencing or electric fencing can work well for both goats and sheep.

In addition to fencing, small ruminants require proper shelter. They need a dry, draft-free area to protect them from harsh weather conditions, including rain, snow, and extreme heat. A three-sided barn or shed with bedding is sufficient for most breeds. Ensure the shelter has proper ventilation while keeping the animals safe from the elements.

3. Understand Their Dietary and Nutritional Needs
Small ruminants are herbivores, and their diet primarily consists of forage, such as grass, hay, and browse (shrubs, twigs, and leaves). Make sure they always have access to quality forage. In addition to pasture, you may need to supplement their diet with grain or specially formulated feed, especially during the winter when fresh pasture isn’t available.
• Goats are browsers, meaning they prefer a varied diet that includes shrubs and trees, although they will also eat grass. It’s essential to provide them with a variety of food to prevent boredom and ensure they get all the nutrients they need.
• Sheep are grazers and typically prefer grass to other types of vegetation. However, they also require access to fresh hay, especially in the winter when fresh grass is scarce.

Both goats and sheep also always need access to clean water. Additionally, they may benefit from mineral supplements like salt licks, which provide essential nutrients that may not be present in their regular forage.

4. Implement a Health Care Routine
Raising healthy small ruminants requires regular healthcare practices. You’ll need to familiarize yourself with commonhealth issues and preventive care, such as:
• Hoof care: Goats and sheep have hooves that require regular trimming. Overgrown hooves can lead to discomfort and lameness.
• Vaccinations: Consult with a local veterinarian to establish a vaccination schedule for your herd. Common vaccines for small ruminants include tetanus, clostridial diseases, and Pasteurella.
• Parasite control: Goats and sheep are susceptible to internal and external parasites, such as worms, lice, and mites. Regular deworming and rotating pastures can help prevent infestations.
• Footrot and disease prevention: Regularly check for signs of disease and ensure your animals’ environment is clean and dry to prevent the development of foot rot or other infections.

5. Breeding and Raising Young Ruminants
If you plan to breed your goats or sheep, you should educate yourself about their reproductive cycles and the best practices for managing births. Goats typically breed in the fall and give birth in the spring. Sheep may breed year-round, depending on the breed.
• Breeding: You can use a buck (male goat) or ram (male sheep) to breed your females, or utilize artificial insemination, which is common in some commercial operations.
• Birthing: Be prepared for the birthing process, as some small ruminants may require assistance during labor. It’s important to know the signs of labor and be ready to help if needed. Most small ruminants give birth to twins or triplets, meaning you may need to manage multiple births simultaneously.
• Caring for kids and lambs: After birth, kids and lambs must be fed colostrum for their first few hours to obtain the necessary antibodies. You may also need to help them stand and nurse if they are weak.

6. Start Small and Grow Gradually
As a beginner, it’s wise to start with a few animals. This will allow you to learn and get comfortable with their care before expanding your herd or flock. Starting small also reduces the risk of overwhelming yourself with too many animals and allows you to make mistakes and learn from them.

You will also have time to understand the responsibilities and build the infrastructure (fencing, shelter, etc.) you will need as you grow your operation.

7. Join a Community of Farmers and Seek Expert Advice
Raising small ruminants can sometimes be challenging, but it’s easier in a supportive community. Look for local or online farming groups where you can ask questions, share experiences, and get advice from more experienced farmers. You can also attend farming workshops or seek guidance from local agricultural extension offices.

Final Thoughts
Raising small ruminants can be a fulfilling experience, but it requires time, dedication, and a commitment to learning. You can build a thriving operation by selecting the right breed, providing proper care, and understanding their nutritional and health needs. Whether you’re raising goats for milk or sheep for wool, the rewards are numerous—remember to start small and grow with experience.

Sioux Nation Ag Center has experts on staff who would be glad to help with questions and advice.