The potential of the goat in N.Z. agriculture : [a dissertation] presented for partial fulfillment [sic] of the requirements for the Diploma in Field Technology [Lincoln College]

Abstract

To goat, or not to goat, is a question that has been running through the minds of many individuals in this country. Specialized breeds and purebred stock are only in small numbers at the moment, and if the quarantine laws' persist, they may be for some time. However, New Zealand has a large population of unexploted feral goats that have a great potential to be used in crossbreeding programmes for meat, milk and hair production.

There are also vast areas of unproductive land overgrown by weeds or too steep and rugged for conventional types of farming that could support a population of goats. This type of extensive farming seems more applicable to the New Zealand situation than an intensive or indoor type farming based industry. Although potential is obvious, little is known on the optimum management and husbandry techniques that should be implemented, and here we can only go by experience and data published from overseas. The following report looks at the Goat Industry on a worldwide scale, and tries to bring together some of the management, economic and :production f'actors adopted in these countries, so that they can be made to suit a more local scene. It also points out the vast marketing potential of some of the goat products.