The Malaysian market has led the recovery in Australian live goat exports over recent years and last year accounted for more than 77% of total live goat exports or about 69,500 of the 89,000 goats exported.
The majority of these goats are destined for slaughter however an increased proportion of exports are high value breeding stock. In 2007 the live goat export trade was worth over A$11 million.
Demand from Malaysia for breeding stock has been stimulated by a five-year economic plan, known as the 9th Malaysian Plan, which was introduced in April 2006. Under this plan, Malaysia is committed to lifting its goat production self sufficiency to 35% by 2015 through the importation of breeding does and bucks.
To support this very important trade, which draws on livestock throughout Australia’s goat producing regions, MLA /LiveCorp has produced a comprehensive guide for Malaysian farmers as part of the Live Export Program.
Titled Australian Goat Manual For Malaysian Farmers - A Guide To Successful Goat Production From Australian Goats In Malaysia, the guide aims to address animal husbandry issues confronting goat farmers in the region, particularly with respect to handling, animal health and nutrition and thus reinforce Australia’s position as the preferred supplier of livestock.