How are Goats Raised for Food?
In the U.S., there are three distinct types of goats: Dairy goats, raised primarily for milk; Spanish or Mexican goats, produced for meat on a variety of open rangeland; South African Boer goats, a recently introduced breed that can adapt to various climates and can rebreed while still nursing; and Angora goats, raised primarily for their wool, used to make cloth. Excess males and cull goats are also used for meat. The Spanish and Angora goats are increasing in numbers in the Southwestern States, primarily in Texas. On brushy ranges, they improve the pasture for cattle and sheep by eating large amounts of twigs, shrubs, and brush. Are Goats Inspected? Goats are covered under the U.S. Federal Meat Inspection Act of 1906 and thus must be slaughtered under Federal or State inspection. Any carcasses slaughtered for sale must be inspected. Following are the number of goats federally inspected in various years.
