Comparison of Productivity of Different Breeds of Meat Goats Under Low-to-Moderate-Input Systems in the United States

Richard Browning and Maria L. Leite-Browning

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal (PAWJ), 2020, vol. 6, issue 3

Abstract: Boer and Kiko goats were imported in the 1990s to enhance the productivity of the US base population of Spanish meat goats. Successful breed introductions require adaptation to the destination environment. Well-planned, low-input management is a good route to meat goat enterprise profitability using proper goat genetics. Reproduction drives profit more than growth and carcass traits. Results of breed evaluation studies on doe reproductive and health traits, the Boer goat influence tended to be negative compared with Kiko and Spanish goat influences. Reduced doe herd reproductive output suggests reduced enterprise profitability. Differences in growth or carcass traits among sire breeds have not consistently favored any particular breed. Boer goat genetics improved visual conformation, which increases market value. Improved visual appraisal has not translated into enhancements for objectively measured carcass traits. Proper breed selection and use in meat goat mating systems are important for enhanced doe herd productivity and profitability in low-input, limited-resource operations.

Keywords: Livestock Production/Industries; Production Economics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:pawjal:319743

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.319743

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