VN May 2023

Vetnews | Mei 2023 5 Goats – how do they differ from other stock animals Dr Areina Shepherd Goat numbers have been increasing globally for the past two decades. Since 1990 global goat meat and milk production has doubled. Goats have become more popular, especially in less developed countries, because they are easier to feed (browsing behaviour), manage (smaller size), and have a high reproduction ability and short breeding interval. 1,15 In South Africa, they are mainly used for meat and mohair. South Africa has developed 2 of the most popular meat goat breeds globally – the Boer goat and the Kalahari red. Currently, South Africa produces just over 50% of the world’s mohair. Goat population in theWorld (heads) in the years 2000 and 2013 (Faostat, 2013). Goat population heads Change % Contribution % 2000 2013 2000-2013 2013 Asia 458 521 280 597 151 616 +30.23 59.38 Africa 236 852 594 351 978 256 +48.61 35.00 Οceania 2 396 231 3 972 060 +65.76 0.39 Europe 18 940 725 16 487 290 -12.95 1.65 Ε.U. (28) 14 509 183 12 411 308 -14.46 1.23 Αmericas 34 921 551 36 013 781 +3.13 3.58 World 751 632 381 1 005 603 003 +33.79 100 >>> 6