This is probably one of the best books on the market, but having raised a few goats before with my mom, I found some serious gaps in the information here, especially regarding illness, post-partum does, and bummer kids. For example, I recently bought a Nubian cross goat after many years without one, and she came with the surprise bonus of a day-old bummer kid. Unfortunately, never having had a bummer before, I was unsure how to feed her properly and bought this book. Within a few weeks she died due to bloat because of the bad and/or nonexistant advice of this book. I then bought the Storey book on sheep and found the information on bloat that could have saved her life if it had been in the goat book.
Additionally, the tone of Mr. Belanger's writing rubs me the wrong way, sounding somewhat condescending at times and cavalier at others. I was disturbed by some of the things he recommended, such as transporting an adult goat by sticking it in the trunk of a car (!!!), but his attitude is that those who disagree with him are either ignorant or they're whiners. I am neither, and I don't appreciate paying good money to be told I am because I disagree, thankyouverymuch.
In conclusion, this book does have its merits and is good for the basics, but it's not a complete source of information and I would get at least one other goat book as well as the Storey sheep book to fill out your library, especially if your large animal vet is very far away from your goats.
Product Description
For 17 years readers have turned to Storey Books for advice on raising animals. Our Modern Way series of six books has sold more than 1,000,000 copies. In an effort to provide readers with the best how-to animal books on the market we are completely updating all six Modern Way titles and re-introducing them as part of our Guide to Raising series.
Written by experts, these guides give novice and experienced livestock farmers all they need to know to successfully keep and profit from animals. Each book includes information on selection, housing, space requirements, breeding and birthing techniques, feeding, behavior, and health concerns and remedies for illness. The books also address the business of raising animals - processing meat, milk, eggs, and more. The authors were chosen not only for their expertise but also for their ability to explain the ins and outs of animal husbandry in an inviting and authoritative manner. Whether readers are ready to start an entire herd or flock or are considering purchasing their first animal, Storey's Guide to Raising series offers vital information; each book is an indispensable reference.
From the Back Cover
The Best Advice on Raising Dairy Goats
This indispensable, fully illustrated guide provides the very latest practical information for dairy goat owners. All of the essentials are covered here, including:
Individual breeds - Feeding and housing - Health care and disease prevention
Breeding and kidding - Milking and dairying
"We receive many request from novice goat owners wanting caprine information. This book will give answers and help people get started. It can also be used by established goat owners wanting a reference in an easy-to-read format. We will certainly recommend this book as a great reference about goats." - John D. Howland, American Goat Society, Inc.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Storey's Guide to Raising Dairy Goats: Breeds, Care, Dairying (Paperback)
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