The demand for goat meat in the U.S. is increasing. In 1990, 1,361 metric tons of goat meat was imported into the U.S. and 1,581 metric tons of goat meat exported. In 2000, 5,642 metric tons of goat meat was imported and exports fell to 104 metric tons. In 2004, imports grew to 9,551 metric tons with a value of more than $28 million while exports dropped further to only 84 metric tons (USDA Foreign Agricultural Service database). In response to increased demand, U.S. producers are raising more goats for slaughter. In 1990, only 229,600 goats passed through USDA inspected slaughter facilities. This number increased to more than 548,700 in 2000 and to 634,500 in 2003 (USDA National Agricultural Statistical Service database). With this increase in production comes the need for implementation of a standardized, formal framework of practices and procedures to assure the public of the safety and wholesomeness of all goat products produced in the U.S. These types of frameworks are already used in other livestock industries such as beef – Beef Quality Assurance, pork – Pork Quality Assurance, and sheep – The Sheep Safety and Quality Assurance Program.

The need for a Meat Goat Quality Assurance Program (MGQA) is not only to show the public that the goat industry is working to produce safe, wholesome products, although that is one objective, it is also needed to assist producers in making production decisions and guiding them through the production process.

1. MGQA as a production tool

The dramatic increase in goat slaughter in the U.S. indicates that production is rapidly expanding. This expansion has come about through herd growth, a shift in focus from fiber to meat goat production, and through new producers entering the goat industry.

Some producers new to raising goats have extensive experience with raising other livestock species such as cattle or sheep. Some new producers have little to no livestock experience. Since goats are considered a “minor species,” few drugs are approved for the treatment of diseases and parasites and education is needed in this area. Many producers have a need for current and correct information on how to raise goats and produce the safe, wholesome products demanded by the public. A MGQA program, with recommended production practices and procedures, can assist both experienced and inexperienced producers in making sound production decisions that result in animals that meet or exceed industry and federal standards for meat quality.

2. MGQA in long-term industry development

All meat goat producers should understand that they are part of a growing meat goat industry whose goal is to have goat meat considered alongside other red meats such as beef, pork, and lamb in the marketplace. Production of an animal that may have drug residues, injection site lesions, or one that yields poor quality meat affects the image of the industry as a whole. A standard MGQA adopted by the main meat goat associations in the U.S. will unify producers in working toward an industry standard, i.e., wholesome goat meat products.

3. MGQA as a marketing tool

The overwhelming majority of goat meat sold in the U.S. is imported. With many meat safety issues in the minds of the public, many consumers wish to know where their meat was produced. There exists a segment of the U.S. population that would purchase and consume more goat meat if they were assured that the product was U.S.-grown and conforms to all laws governing domestic meat production. Adoption of an industry-wide MGQA program would be a large step in the promotion of U.S.-grown goat meat to the consuming public. A quality assurance statement, coupled with the natural benefits of goat meat compared to other red meats in terms of fat and cholesterol content, could be the basis for a very effective marketing campaign.

4. MGQA as an industry safeguard

As the industry grows and additional producers enter the marketplace a wider variety of production systems, and potential problems, are likely to emerge. Future developments in the livestock industry, such as animal identification allowing the tracing of diseased animals back to their farm of origin, will affect all meat animal producers. Having an industry approach to quality assurance can assist producers in complying with federal regulations and avoid problems that could drastically, negatively affect the entire industry.

Adopting MGQA demonstrates to the public that producers in the meat goat industry do all they can to protect the welfare of their stock. While goat producers are very caring toward their animals, misunderstandings can arise with the general public. As fewer and fewer people are involved in direct animal production, there is a growing lack of understanding of animals, production systems, and the management actions involved in producing this nation’s food. In some countries of the world, this has led to establishment of government regulations on animal production, some of which can be quite restrictive. For example, the Codes of Recommendations for the Welfare of Livestock: Goats established by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in the United Kingdom states that all disbudding must be carried out by a veterinary surgeon. Adoption of MGQA and adherence to its standards are ways that meat goat producers can show the public how they care for and uphold the welfare of their stock.

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