SAE: | Raise meat goats |
Description: | |
Meat
Goats can be raised successfully in most parts of the country.
Consideration should be given to available land and facilities.
According to the student's situation, a production plan can be developed
to fit the resources available in the local area. Goats in general
prefer browse or legumes over grass to graze. Confinement operations
can make use of legume (alfalfa or perennial peanut) hay and a small
amount of grain (.5 lb/head/day) to successfully raise a crop of meat
goats. The primary breeding season is August/September, kidding
in January/February, and marketing the kids in May/June. Increases
in ethnic populations moving to the US have created a shortage of goat
meat at the current time. Students with marginal land and minimal
investments can begin a successful SAE with goats and if desired can
into full production in a few years. Market price for meat goats
has continued to rise over the past 5-10 years with demand still exceeding
supply.
Exhibiting Meat Goats Written by Kim Anderson |
Factors To Consider |
Ranking: 1 = lowest 10 = highest |
Time required |
3 |
Investment | 3 |
Equipment needed | 3 |
Skills required | 2 |
Facilities required | 2 |
Land required | 3 |
Labor Intensity | 2 |
Potential for income | 5 |
Transportation required | 5 |
Expansion possibilities | 8 |
Expertise needed | 4 |
Advertising needed | 2 |
Susceptible to disease | 2 |
Susceptible to insects | 2 |
Suitable for residential areas | 3 |
Other (specify) | |
Length of production cycle | 10 months |
Regional | No |
When to start project | Spring |
Notes: |
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Sources of Additional Information: |
- Extension Publications
- Texas A&M University Exhibiting, Fitting, and Feeding Meat Goats Handout - Calvin Alford, UGA Animal Science - Harvey Pool, Miller County High School
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