Shed Building Assessment

I have listed some practical concerns with the build of the shed. These are not exhaustive, and please feel free to add more as you see fit. When working your way through the list, please consider to what extent these points are a concern, and consequently, how it can be managed with the materials available.

1.    In the wet season, there could be considerably long periods of constant rainfall, leading to potential flooding of the area surrounding the shed, inside the shed, and an inability to adequate clean and dry the floors of the living area.

Raul's comment: I think it would be key not only to find ways to avoid the flooding but also if it is possible to collect the water in some way it will be great.

2.    In the dry season, there may be relatively high temperatures and humidity, meaning that the goats must be provided with an area in the shade, but with reasonable ventilation.

Raul's comments: I think it will be also very important to try to find a breed that will adjust well to the dry season

3.    The animals may need protection from the wind, draughts and cold.

4.    There must be an effective means of waste collection. Waste must not be allowed to gather for long periods of time, leading to unsanitary living conditions. It must also be prevented from contaminating the local environment.

5.    The floor must be easy to keep clean and dry. Damp and dirty conditions ultimately result in disease and growth of parasites. The foundations should either be raised above the ground with good drainage (slatted floor), or be on the ground level, constructed of solid, easily-cleanable material such as concrete.

Raul's comments: Concrete could be really expensive so it will be important to try and have a floor that is easy to clean whil still using natural materials

6.    There should ideally be an area to Quarantine sick animals.

Raul's comments:This is where it will be important to have a separate shed per family so that there are no issues between families.

7.    The must be separate living quarters for the bucks, away from the does and kids. Ideally, a mother and kids should be separated from other animals to prevent them being trampled upon, but this is more important for larger herds.

8.    The shed should be located close to the village, and preferably next to the home of the goat keeper, or person(s) responsible for their care. This is for the purposes of security, prevention of theft, etc…

9.    Feeding and drinking facilities must also be provided. If during the wet season the ground is too wet and muddy, there may need to be an area where the animals can feed on dry ground, and under cover.

The feed must be placed above the ground, as goats prefer to reach for their food.

Clean drinking water must be provided at all times, and a salt lick for provision of minerals. Goats can drink up to 4L of water a day if eating dry food.

Essential areas of the design to be considered are:

-    Living area / rooms req’d

-    Elevation, raised/ground level

-    Drainage, external

-    Drainage, internal

-    Feeding / feed storage

-    Roofing / Ceiling / walls;

-    Sanitation / waste collection;