MEAT GOAT BREEDS
Goats of any breed or crossbreed are eventually slaughtered for human consumption. With the exception of the South African Boer goat imported via New Zealand in early 1993, there are no true meat goats breeds in the U.S. However, there are few breeds that stand out as more specialized for meat production. These [...]
CAPRINE ARTHRITIC ENCEPHALITIS – THE SILENT KILLER
Caprine Arthritic Encephalitis (CAE), discovered by researchers at Washington State University over 20 years ago, is a viral infection in goats which can cause encephalitis in kids and chronic joint disease in adults.
The elusive nature of CAE complicates the goat raiser’s ability to control the disease. Goats can be [...]
by Susan SchoenianArea Agent,
Sheep and GoatsWestern
Maryland Research & Education Center
MarylandCooperative Extension
There’s a lot of hoopla surrounding meat goats. The South African Boer goat has almost single-handedly transformed the “lowly” meat goat industry into a force to be reckoned with. It’s now fashionable to raise goats, especially if they have red heads.
There has been a large [...]
Housing provisions are necessary whether on range or confined feeding. A goat house or shed must be built to provide shelter. Remember, goats are afraid of rain and wetness as these make them prone to pneumonia. They also prefer sleeping in elevated platforms with a stair-type arrangement. It must be well-ventilated, drained and easy to [...]
