Goats are one of the most versatile livestock commodities, valued for meat (chevon), milk, skins, and fiber (cashmere/mohair). With rising global demand—especially in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East—goat farming is becoming increasingly profitable.
1. Key Goat Products & Their Markets
| Product | Primary Use | Key Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Chevon (Goat Meat) | High-protein, lean meat | Middle East, Africa, Caribbean, USA |
| Goat Milk | Cheese, yogurt, infant formula | India, EU, specialty health markets |
| Goat Skins | Leather goods (gloves, luxury bags) | Pakistan, Ethiopia, Italy |
| Cashmere/Mohair | Luxury wool textiles | China, Mongolia, South Africa |
2. Top Goat-Producing Countries (2024)
Global goat herd: ~1.2 billion (FAO 2024)
| Rank | Country | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | Largest producer (meat & cashmere). |
| 2 | India | #1 in milk (goat milk = 30% of total dairy). |
| 3 | Nigeria | Fastest-growing meat demand. |
| 4 | Pakistan | Major exporter of skins & meat. |
| 5 | Bangladesh | High domestic consumption. |
| 6 | Ethiopia | Emerging export market. |
| 7 | Australia | Premium goat meat (chevon) for EU/US. |
3. Goat Meat (Chevon) Market Dynamics
Why Demand is Booming
✔ Healthier than beef/lamb – Lower fat, high protein.
✔ Cultural & religious demand – Eid al-Adha (Muslim markets), Caribbean cuisine.
✔ US & EU niche growth – Ethnic markets, gourmet restaurants.
Top Exporters & Prices (2024)
| Country | Price (USD/kg, Live Weight) | Key Buyers |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | $3.50 – $5.00 | USA, Middle East |
| India | $2.00 – $3.50 | Gulf countries |
| Brazil | $2.50 – $4.00 | Middle East |
| Ethiopia | $1.80 – $3.00 | Saudi Arabia, UAE |
4. Goat Milk & Dairy Trends
-
India produces 6.5M tons/year (world’s largest).
-
EU & US demand rising – Goat cheese, lactose-free milk.
-
Price: $0.80 – $1.50 per liter (wholesale).
5. Challenges in Goat Farming
⚠ Disease risks – Foot-and-mouth, PPR (goat plague).
⚠ Feed costs – Droughts impact grazing.
⚠ Lack of organized markets – Mostly informal in Africa/Asia.
6. Future Outlook & Opportunities
-
Africa’s goat boom – Nigeria, Ethiopia expanding exports.
-
Lab-grown goat meat? Startups exploring cultured chevon.
-
Cashmere demand – China dominates, but Mongolia improving quality.
Conclusion
Goats are a high-growth, low-input livestock commodity, ideal for small farmers. Key opportunities:
✔ Halal meat exports (Middle East)
✔ Goat dairy in health foods
✔ Sustainable cashmere production