GOAT FACTS AROUND THE WORLD

Goat Meat is the most widely consumed meat in the world. There are few, if any, religious taboos limiting goat meat consumption. In fact, goat meat is an important component of the traditions of Hindu and Muslim faiths.

The largest producers of goat meat are the largest consumers, but not the largest importers or exporters.

The largest export market for Australian goat meat is the United States. Volumes have grown steadily since the mid to late 1990's and the US market now represents 52% of total Australian goat meat exports. Australia currently has a 93% market share of the US imported goat meat market.

Until recently the Australian goat meat industry knew very little about the US market despite its importance to the industry. To rectify this and provide the necessary information for effective strategic planning, MLA commissioned a study of the market, the Mintel Report.

The report indicated that the US market continues to offer significant potential for growth. Goat meat consumption is increasing, in part driven by a growing immigrant population that is accustomed to goat meat as a protein in their diet. The US domestic supply chain is reasonable undeveloped, and has been identified as likely not able to maintain supply with increased demand now and into the future.

Domestication

Wild ancestors of modern goats, known as Persian or Bezoar goats (Capra aegagrus) once roamed from South Asia to Crete. It is believed human goatherding began 10,000 years ago in the Zagros highlands of western Iran, as evidenced through selective slaughter of young males. DNA studies support that domestication began at that time due to the rapid growth of the goat population. Domesticated goats (Capra hircus) demonstrate remarkable genetic uniformity worldwide. Genetic analysis suggests that goats were a commonly traded in ancient times, which dispersed the population to Europe, Africa, and Asia. Later, they provided a convenient source of milk and meat aboard the ships of European explorers, who introduced goats to the New World.

China     ( About 180 million goats )
India
Pakistan
Sudan
Bangladesh
Nigeria
Iran, Islamic Rep of
Indonesia
Tanzania, United Rep of
Mali

Australia ranks 91st in the goat inventory database.

Top 10 Goat Meat Producers

China
India
Pakistan
Nigeria
Bangladesh
Sudan
Iran, Islamic Rep of
Indonesia
Mali
Greece

Australia ranks 35th in goat meat production and only produces about 0.3% of
the world's goat meat.

Top 10 goat meat importers

United States
China
UAE
Hong Kong
Saudi Arabia
Italy
France
Canada
Trinidad & Tobago
Portugal

Top 10 goat meat exporters

Australia
China
France
Pakistan
Ethiopia
New Zealand
Bulgaria
Spain
Sudan
India