Many cultures worldwide prefer to raise goats to provide meat and milk for their families instead of cattle for various reasons, from the climate in the region to religious beliefs, but for whatever the reason, they have the right idea, goats are a great choice to provide people with a healthy, sustainable source of meat and milk.
Take a look at some of the reasons and see why Americans should start raising more goats.
The Environment Plays A Role
Many regions around the world are dry, arid, have limited space and are prone to long periods of drought. Not exactly hospitable to cattle. In fact, these unfavorable conditions make raising cattle very difficult.
Cattle are grazers and need access to large pastures, and require a lot of water. If cattle don’t have access to pasture, they require large quantities of hay and grain, which is not easily accessible for many people.
And of course, cattle require huge amounts of water daily, which in areas prone to drought, it’s hard enough to get enough water to supply a family let alone a cow.
On the other hand, goats thrive in dry climates, are browsers (not grazers), and require far less water and space to thrive.
Simply put, they’re easier regardless of the local environment.
A Simple Matter of Economics
Cattle are very expensive to purchase, care for and maintain. A reality that makes raising cattle too costly for people on a limited income.
The supplemental feeds cattle need are expensive and difficult to find in poorer nations.
Goats are less expensive to buy and can be raised without supplemental feed if enough browse is available (weeds and brush tend to be plentiful everywhere).
The Issue of Space
In many countries, the amount of space families have available to raise livestock is extremely minimal. Raising a cow simply can’t be done on merely an acre (or even a few acres).
Goats don’t require large pastures. They’re smaller and don’t graze and can thrive on an acre.
Religious Beliefs Play A Role
Some religions like Hinduism consider cows sacred and will not consume their meat. Instead, they turn to other sources of animal protein, especially goats.
For over a thousand years, goats have been one of the main sources of red meat for many religions, around the world.
Americans can learn a lot from other cultures about choosing livestock that can provide their families with a delicious, healthy and more sustainable source of red meat.
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Use this information to help you decide to try using goat meat and milk to feed your family and using less beef and cows milk.
Please keep in mind that while goat is a great choice, maintaining them may not be for you. You may prefer a slightly easier animal that seems almost built for homesteading, like sheep.