Goats - Economic Importance
More people in the world consume products from goats than from cows, because there are more goats than cows in the mountainous, arid, and semitropical regions. Goats can survive by eating scarce grass and brush in countries where insufficient grain resources don't support dairy cattle. In temperate zones Goats are kept as supplementary animals.
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Picture source:
Midriver Boer Goats Alberta Canada © 2001-2003
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A Goat's milk has 2 percent less fat than does cow's milk. It's naturally homogenized and much more digestible and assimilated than milk from cows. In Cuba, for instance, Goats are maids and nurses for babies. Goat cheese is considered a delicacy. It's hard to manufacture butter from Goats' milk, but if a cream separator is used then it's possible.
As for chevon (Goat meat), many developing countries rely on it as the primary source of meat. It's easily digested and tastes like beef. Eating Goat meat is more efficient than eating cow meat. Besides, Goats' wool, leather, and even dung are used. Also people use Goats (especially wethers - castrated males) for packing. A Goat can carry 25% of its body weight and travel 5-12 miles a day.
On the other hand, Goatherds have destroyed many tree and woodland areas, causing ecological problems, such as erosion or desertification. In some areas grazing Goats are banned.
Goats - General Information Links
Boer Breeders Web Site - A collection of web sites for Boer goat breeders sharing a common domain name.
British Goat Society - Information about goats and goat keeping in the UK with many photos and links to other sites.
Caprine Veterinary Reference - Reference list put together by goat breeders - veterinarians listed state by state.
CaprineEstates - This site contains extensive information on dairy goats and the products produced from their milk. A large family owned farm in Ohio.
Chamois - Rupicapra rupicapra - Basic biology of the Alpine Goat.
Cher-Lynn Acres Dairy Goats - Cher-Lynn Acres dairy goats for show, milk and meat. Online herd brochure with pictures and pedigrees. Canada.
Dairygoats.com - Online information source for dairy goat breeders including a breeders list and free classified ads.
Goat Advertiser - Advertising website designed to provide goat ranchers with a medium for selling goats.
Goat Stock Exchange - An internationally known market for goat and bovine trading.
Goat Wisdom - Gives detailed information on Goats keeping and links for goat breeders.
GoatWorld 911 Emergency Contact List - Goat World provides a comprehensive information and community site where goat people can discuss care, breeding, buying, selling, and just having fun raising goats of all kinds!
Great Britain Pygmy Goat Club - The internet home for pygmy goats in Great Britain. Serves as the hub of information on pygmy goats for members and non-members alike.
Khimaira Farm - Dairy goat farm located in Luray, VA, USA. Nubians are the primary breed. Offering gifts and supplies including pasteurizers.
Mills County Meat Goat Association - Promoting the production of the meat goat by encouraging selective breeding for confirmation, adaptability, and increased carcass weights. MCMGA is made up of members who strive to breed and raise top quality meat goats.
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Picture source:
Ram H Breeders Alberta Canada © 2000-2003
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National Goat Handbook - Providing information on all aspects of goat husbandry.
Oklahoma State University - Goat Resource Library - A variety of links to goat resources on the web.
Poplar Hill Dairy Goat Farm - A Minnesota dairy goat farm marketing goat milk and cheese in the upper midwest since 1972. Purebred Alpine, Nubian, Saanen, and Toggenburg breeding stock for sale.
The Goat Connection - Web hosting, web site development, and ads are all offered by Khimaira Farm.
The Goat Veterinary Society - Formed in 1979 to promote interest in and improve knowledge of goats in the veterinary profession. Information on their background and goals, their officers and membership. Based in the UK.
Wind River Pack Goats - Leading trips using pack goats all over the west. Also, an instructional book and video for sale, as well as other pack goat supplies. Located in Wyoming.
