Goat meat is consumed worldwide. In the United States, the demand for this lean meat has recently increased due to specialty and ethnic markets. Together with sheep, it’s now in fourth place of the most consumed meat in the US.
The demand is one of the reasons for the price hike, and the rest will be revealed to you in this article.
Why is goat meat so expensive? Goat meat is so expensive because of the hardship in raising these animals. Since they can’t be under feedlot, they’re vulnerable to parasites obtained by ingesting soil, and it spreads through their feces. It will likely happen in overcrowding. Thus, raising a goat requires vast property.
In the latest report, the price of live goat per pound has an increment of $3.50 to $3.80. But be aware that the prices are favorable to the buyers from January to March. Goats are often sold out in summer and fall.
Apart from these tips for saving money when buying goat meat, you should understand further about the pricing.
What Do You Call Goat Meat?
Cabrito and chevon are the terms that you can call goat meat. Cabrito is referred to as the meat from goats that are in the age of 4 to 8 weeks. Chevon, on the other hand, is the 6 to 9 months old goat.
Some call the meat from an adult goat mutton, which is the same word used to call lamb meat.
What Does Goat Meat Taste Like?
A goat has a meaty taste that is similar to a lamb. It has a distinctive taste that some people find unpleasant. It has the same intensity as its smell, so it’s referred to as ‘goaty’.
The preparation method makes up for the tenderness or toughness of the meat. According to Heritage Foods USA, goat meat is grassy and delicate.
Other factors that affect the taste of goat meat are age, breed, and pre-slaughter condition of the animal. Young goats give tender meat with a mild taste while the older ones have meat that is less tender and has a stronger taste. Due to a little amount of fat, it’s best to slowly cook goat meat in a lot of water.
Is Goat More Expensive Than Beef?
Based on the data of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, one pound of beef costs from $4.94 to $5.17. This price varies based on the state where the goat meat is sold.
Goat is more expensive than beef as its legs for roasting and steak cost $16.25 to $24.99 per pound. Only the goat’s bone is cheaper as it’s $3.50 per pound.
How Much Does Goat Meat Cost?
The cost of goat meat parts is based on the retail quote of a ranch based in California.
| Goat part | Price |
| Rib chops | $19.99 / lb |
| Loin chops | $21.99 / lb |
| Shoulder roast | $16.99 / lb |
| Sausage | $16 / lb |
| Stew | $16.99/lb |
| Shanks | $14.99 / lb |
| Liver, heart, tongue, kidney | $7.99 / lb |
| Ground goat meat | $16.99 / lb |
| Neck | $ 10.99 / lb |
You can buy a whole goat for $13.50 per pound. When the whole goat is cleaned and butchered for you, it’s 16.99 per pound.
Why Is Goat Meat the Best?
Goat meat is the best because of its palatability and unique flavor. Health-conscious individuals love it since it’s lean and low in fat. This meat is also integrated with gourmet dishes and ethnic representation.
Is Eating Goat Meat Healthy?
Goat meat is the best because it has fewer calories, cholesterol, and fat than the other meat, namely beef, pork, chicken, and lamb, even though they’re a bit similar. It’s a good source of protein with amino acids that can nourish a human’s body.
Furthermore, goat meat has a high content of potassium, iron, and sodium. Other minerals found in it are magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus, but they’re only in low levels.
When Do You Butcher a Goat?
Goat kids are butchered when they weigh 40 to 85 pounds. Some people like them in the weight of up to 130 pounds. The matured ones are butchered with a weight of up to 250 pounds.
Why Don’t More People Raise Goats, Since the Demand Is So High for Them?
Despite the high demand for their meat, there are some hurdles in raising goats. They’re listed in the following part.
Breeding and Reproducing
Goats are polyestrous, but they mostly engage in sexual activity in the fall. The period is specified since the libido of male goats is in decline from late spring until summer.
Because of this, it’s advisable to not allow the bucks to mingle with the does all year round.
Furthermore, the continuous breeding season doesn’t fare well with goats. If it happens, there will be underdeveloped does for reproducing kids. Hence, there’s a negative impact on profitability.
The Health of the Herd
When raising goats, it’s crucial to look after their health. Compared to other livestock, they’re more susceptible to parasites. As a way of prevention, you have to remove them from the pasture when grass grows less than three inches. Some diseases linked with reproduction need attention as well.
How Long Does It Take To Raise a Meat Goat?
The duration of raising a meat goat depends on the desired size of the animal. If no issues impede the growth of the kids, they’ll be ready in 6 to 7 months. A year is needed if there’s a demand for goats with a larger body and more fat layers.
The breed is another factor in determining the time needed to raise a goat. For instance, a meat goat can reach 60 pounds faster than a dairy goat.
Related: Chickens & Goats | Simple Guidelines for Safe Coexistence!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Market for Goat Meat?
There is a market for goat meat. Based on the Department of Agriculture, the industry of goat meat is the fastest growing sector in the livestock industry in the US. The production is run by small and medium-sized businesses.
What Factor Increases the Price of a Goat Meat?
A few goats should be assigned to an acre. This set-up holds a few goats in exchange for a few dollars, as well. Hence, this is one factor that increases the price.
Aside from allocating enough space for each goat, an experienced farmer should handle the animals so they can be kept away from diseases. Based on the United States Department of Agriculture, 91% of goat raisers earn less than a quarter of their farming income.
Are Goats Red Meat?
Goats are red meat, and they’re a healthier alternative to pork, beef, and lamb.
Is a Goat Brain Safe to Eat?
Animal brains, including goat brains, are a delicacy to some countries, like Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, and India. It’s been a part of their customs, so you may think that goat brain is safe to eat.
However, a study about Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease links the eating of animal brains as one way of transmission.
The said disease is a brain disorder that causes behavioral changes, loss of muscle coordination, vision issues, and memory problems. To prove the study’s claim, it’s stated that the reservoir in the central nervous system of a wild goat is the culprit.
What Is Goat Meat Called in the USA?
Goat meat is also called cabrito or chevon in the United States.
Which Animal Meat Is Tastiest?
To prove that meat is the tastiest, the number of consumers should be known. In the US, many would think about chicken, beef, or pork as the tastiest.
But based on the worldwide record, 63% of the population around the world eats goat meat. Some of them consume goats because it’s a healthier meat option and their religious belief dictates them so.
But still, goat meat is tasty. The cabrito and chevon are considered a delicacy as their weights range from 50 to 75 kilos. These kinds of meat are from goats that are 1 to 3 months old and 6 to 9 months old. The older goat meat is still useful and tasty in chili or sausages.
Related: 5 Best Small Goat Breeds | Unexpected Reasons to Have Them!
What Is the Most Eaten Meat in the World?
In the recent total of livestock and poultry of World Market and Trade, pork is the most eaten meat in the world with a total of 109.9 million tons for a yearly total as of January 2022.
Summary
This article has revealed all the reasons behind the high price of goat meat. The demands of raising this animal are the primary reasons. But if you think about it as a healthier option but tasty at the same time, it’s worth every penny. With the right process of cooking goat meat, you’ll enjoy it for sure.
List of Sources
Texas Lamb and Goat Markets Remain Hot
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. Possible Transmission to Humans by Consumption of Wild Animal Brains