Posted by Cat on September 18, 2002, 9:55 am First and most important goats provide food in the form of meat, milk and milk by-products to 80 percent of the world's population. Goats have been a source of food for thousands of years with biblical reference back to Moses. They are a source of food to every country, including the United States. The majority of dairy goats originated in Europe with one dairy breed, the Le Mancha originating in the United States. Angora goats originated in Turkey and Cashmere fiber goats in northern Asia. From South Africa the Boer Goat originated, a very hardy, stocky meat goat that can reach weights up to 300 pounds. Most meat goats are processed around the 60 to 90 pound range depending on the season. Meat goats reach market weight at 3 to 4 months of age, prices range from $1 to $2.50 a pound. According to the USDA 1998 Handbook, 3 oz. of roasted go at meat has 122 calories, 2.58 grams of fat, 23 grams of protein and 3.2 grams of iron. These compared to 3 oz of roasted chicken, which as 120 calories, 3.5 grams of fat, 21 grams of protein and 1.5 grams of iron. Goat meat tastes like a cross between pork and beef with a slight buttery flavor. Goat's milk is recommended for babies, children and adults who have lactose intolerance to cow's milk. More goat's milk is consumed worldwide then cow's milk. Goat's milk is naturally homogenized. Dr. Jon R. Addizzo, M.D. Staten Island Medical Center, New York, wrote a thesis titled "Use of Goat Milk and Goat Meat as Therapeutic Aids in Cardiovascular Diseases." Goat hides provide for the finest and softest leather, yet it is very durable. Fleece from Angora (a.k.a Mohair) and Cashmere provide durable, yet some of the worlds most luxurious, fiber for garments. They can live on ground and mountainous areas that can not support cattle. They are great for cleaning up grounds that are fire hazards due to underbrush, they are excellent for noxious weed control along streams and hilly areas where herbicides are ineffective or neighborhoods that are sensitive to chemical controls. Goats make excellent pack animals, having minimal impact on the environment. Every breed of goat can be found in 4-H and FFA projects through-out the United States, from pygmy goats, fiber goats, dairy goats to meat goats.. They are easy to train and easy for young children to handle. They are excellent choices for people with small acreage or limited budgets. Goats eat approximately 3 to 4 pounds of alfalfa a day, need shelter and clean water just as any other animal. Goats tend to be very hardy with few aliments. As a pet, they are loyal and affectionate animals. Written by: Catherine Wissner
Shoot Star Design Studio
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