Goat producers
MLA is endeavouring to ensure that the Australian goatmeat industry is able to capitalise on consumer demand for the product and enable growth to meet its full potential. This is being done through programs designed to ensure the integrity of the product and address the fundamental issue limiting the industry's growth – inconsistent supply.
The following information provides an introduction to the Australian goat industry and outlines the MLA activities being undertaken to move the industry forward in an environmentally and economically sustainable way.
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The availability of goatmeat in the domestic market is set to rise following an independent supermarket group indicating that it may stock boneless diced goatmeat. This along with recipe cards will introduce the goatmeat product to a broader domestic audience.
National Livestock Reporting Service (NLRS) offered by MLA collects market data from the key auction and direct markets across Australia, in addition to slaughter statistics, wholesale, skin and hide prices. MLA members are entitled to 100 free market reports annually.
Find out more about NLRS and the full range of reports available
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Going into goats: Keeping parasites out of profits
The MLA 'Going into goats' guide and the first ever drench registered specifically for goats, Caprimec, is expected to help boost the value of the goat meat industry as producers take the next step in lifting productivity through effective parasite management.
Several Tips & Tools are now also available from MLA that provide useful information on internal parasite control (PDF, 115 KB) and external parasite control (PDF, 117 KB).
Other new tools available to MLA members include
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Goats on the Move – a quarterly eNewsletter with information about the latest developments within MLA goat programs and the Australian goat meat industry. View past issues of Goats on the Move
Goat industry
Weed control using goats (PDF, 626 KB) The publication recommends using goats to control weeds can assist traditional control methods in providing efficient, sustainable pasture management when conducted according to best practice. Order a free hardcopy
Going into goats: Profitable producers’ best practice guide The guide has been developed to be relevant to all goat industry sectors including extensive and intensive goat meat producers, cashmere and mohair producers and dairy goat producers. Order a copy
Goat farming for the future (PDF, 759 KB) Goats can be used to effectively control weeds in pasture and improve productivity. This publication introduces the environmental and financial benefits of using goats to control weeds.
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Eating quality
Animal health
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- NLIS trial on track
A goat National Livestock Identification Scheme (NLIS) trial to assess the suitability of a range of tag designs for use on goats is underway with all goats involved in the trial now tagged.
- Goat industry communication network
MLA coordinates a national goat industry communication network, established to facilitate communication between the various groups and interested parties that contribute to the Australian goatmeat industry.
- KIDPLAN
By using pedigree and performance information, KIDPLAN provides simple, practical information on the value of an animal’s genes for production, in the form of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) and specialised indexes.
- National Vendor Declarations (NVD)s
Producers use the NVD/Waybill to declare valuable information about the food safety status of the livestock being sold. Buyers rely on the NVD/Waybill for accurate information on the livestock purchased and processors rely on the information to ensure only the safest food enters our food chain.
- Export slaughter intervals (ESIs)
Livestock Chemical Residue Management provides up-to-date information regarding export slaughter intervals (ESI) and withholding periods (WHP). The use of ESIs and WHPs ensures that the risk to trade from residues in meat and offal is minimised.
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feedback (January/February 2010 edition) – out now!
- The future of phosphorous
- Food for thought at environmnet forum
- New research reaffirms red meat's role in a healthy diet
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