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
  Showing market meat goats involves acquiring a young goat at weaning age (3-4 months) and feeding it to the desired market weight at less than one year of age.  The goat chosen to show must be a wether or doe kid and will need to be trained to lead and set up similar to showing a lamb or calf.  Some exhibitors choose to show their goat with a lamb halter while others use a collar and lead as used with dairy goats.  A small pen (10 ft. x 10 ft.) with a shelter or hut is all that is needed to raise a goat for show.  By vaccinating and feeding a medicated goat feed and providing plenty of legume hay most problems can be prevented and a successful experience realized.  Remember goats like dry ground and forage to eat.  Try to locate facilities on a high and dry piece of land and do not over feed grain.  A pamphlet on exhibiting meat goats can be obtained from Texas A&M University by contacting Frank Craddock, Extension Sheep/Goat Specialist.

  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:
 

 

 

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