What is this Project About?
Do you want to be part of the fastest growing livestock industries in the country? In the meat goat project, you can learn about breeds, animal health, management, and even explore meat goat related careers.
Grow in Your Project
Starting Out
- Identify meat goat parts
- Learn how to select a goat that meets the criteria for its intended use
- Identify breeds of meat goats
- Learn to keep good records in order to ensure a wholesome product
- Discover the differences between meat and dairy goats
Learning More
- Recognize market goat diseases
- Learn how to select the right does for breeding
- Be able to identify plants that are poisonous to goats
- Learn about body conditioning score
- Learn about manure management
Going Further
- Measure level of parasites in your herd
- Learn biosecurity prevention measures
- Select a sire to improve your herd
- Formulate a balanced ration for meat goats
- Evaluate your goat pasture
Take Your Project Further!
- Research countries that use goat meat as their primary source of protein. Try making a goat meat recipe and share it with your club members
- Participate as a member of your county 4-H meat judging team
- Design a record book to keep track of your goat herd
- Learn about the nutritional requirements for ruminants
- Look at the nutritional value of goat meat
- Take a tour of a meat goat farm
- Work with a local veterinarian to learn more about de-worming and vaccinations for meat goats
- Design a business card or brochure to market your farm or goat meat and by-products
Resources
- Goat Hair Sample Collection Instructions
- Goat Meeting Attendance Verification Form
- For livestock-related forms and resources, check out our livestock project information page.
- *Additional resources available at the Shawano County Extension Office
