A292
Goats - Meat Production

Introduction: There are four types of goats found in the United States: dairy, Angora, cashmere, and meat. Of the four, the meat goat appears at this time to have the most promising future and demand. Goat meat can be produced from any and all goats, while true meat goats have been developed through breeding and selection for increased muscle mass and overall meatiness. Goat meat is relished and highly valued in many parts of the world, as "cabrito" by the Spanish, "chevon" by the French, and other dishes favored by different ethnic groups.

The southwestern United States has dominated the production of meat goats for many years. This trend is changing, with some type of meat goat production occurring in every part of the country. The meat goats originally produced in the southwestern United States were commonly known as Spanish goats (a name of basic convenience). Many, but not all, meat goats have been in this country since the early Spanish conquistadores appeared. In recent years the introduction of the South African Boer meat goat has created a significant impact on American meat goat production.

Why Raise Meat Goats?: Revenue from meat goat production is beginning to compare favorably with other more traditional meat production systems under range conditions. Goat meat also appears to be more nutritious than other red meats. This is primarily due to the fact that goat meat is often more lean.

Because they can make use of coarse and woody plant species, as well as eradicating noxious weeds, goats also have an advantage in grazing under certain range conditions. In the past few years, meat goats have been implemented as a tool to reduce fuel load in fire prone areas near suburbs and cities. Many meat goats require little if any supplementation. Does producing a half a gallon of milk per day can raise two kids without additional supplemental feeds.

Management Issues:

  1. Nutrition: Although goats have the ability to consume and utilize poor quality roughage, they cannot produce high quality meat if they are being fed trash types of feeds. Adults can, however, utilize poor quality roughages such as stovers, straw, and other crop aftermath. Younger goats require a higher quality ration in order to maintain proper growth rates. Feedlot production of meat goats is not normally practiced. For additional nutrition information, refer to page B575.

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  2. Marketing: Unfortunately, there is no well established national or regional market and distribution system for goat meat. As a result, some producers arrange for custom butchering and provide cut and wrapped goat meat directly to consumers. This method of marketing goat meat is changing, however, because of the greater effort being made to develop and establish goat meat market programs by producers in the United States.

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  3. Reproduction: Generally, most American meat goat producers let the bucks run with the does continuously during the year; however, this is not feasible if a producer wants to target certain seasonal markets. Goats, like sheep, are seasonally polyestrous breeders and thus are only receptive to mating during certain seasons of the year. Most often, meat goat does will cycle from August through February. In some cases, it is possible to accomplish twice a year breeding, resulting in twice a year kidding. Usually, this twice a year activity can occur when a doe loses her offspring or when an aggressive early weaning program is utilized. The average meat goat producer should expect at least a production level of 1.25 to 1.5 kids raised per doe per year.

  4. General Production and Castration: Buck kids will gain and grow faster than does and can be sold earlier. Many people also raise yearling wethers for the purpose of raising larger yielding carcasses.

    One of the primary management practices that is widely performed in meat goat production is the castration of males. Castration of males hampers the growth rate to some extent, but it eliminates the odor and sanitation problems associated with intact male goats. It also eliminates the unplanned breeding of does. In the meat goat market, castrated meat goats are favored over the intact males and provide an economic advantage.

  5. Fencing and Predation: One of the main problems with running meat goats is the potential for predation losses. Anywhere in the United States where goats will be pastured, grazed or ranged can potentially expose them to predators, i.e. dogs, coyotes, feral pigs, and other larger predators. Predator protection is an important component of any overall meat goat production system. Fencing, flock guarding animals, and other approved technologies are a must in order to prevent or at least reduce the potential negative impact of predator losses. Good net wire fences at least 4 to 4 ½ feet high and/or electric fencing are a must in some areas. Barb wire is generally not as effective as net wire or electric fences.