THE FARMER TURNS TO THE GOAT

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue CXXIII, 10 April 1937, Page 27

THE FARMER TURNS TO THE GOAT

; '. Farmers of the American south-west are turning to 'goat-raising, in a region where millions.of aci-es will support no other livestock or will support cattle and sheep most precariously, ; says the "New 'York Times.'-In. the past the .wool clip from Angora goats has been theisp'urce- of-the goatraiser's profit. Now goat milk is becoming,ah important:product.::■■;.-'' ■"■:;.■-■■ ..- Doctors,, arid dietitians have discovered that, goat's rriilk is the^ most ;nutritibus of .all milk. It is being pre.scribed ;for .infants and invalids,*for tests reveal .that'more'.'vitamins,',minerals, fats, and proteins'are present iri this-food . than in ariy other; Though, rich in these- properties, it is easily digested^ unlike many other .concentrated -, foods, and'therefore is growing in popularity.-.- ' •

Goat-raisers of the south-west—from Texas to 'Southern California—are not satisfied withv'the common goat associated with vacant" lots 'and back alleys., They" t seek. an. animal th&t' will produce 'milk of a better, quality , and greater quantity. There is, perhaps, = a wider gap,in the different grades.•■■ of goat's milk -than in' any other. iThe,

poorest sell often for as low as 7Jd a quart, while the best will bring as high as 2s. " Some 'goats produce ' as little as a quart of- milk a day, and three quarts are at present regarded as about all one can expect of even the best. - • -

Experiments are now under way which it is hoped will lead to the development .of a goat that will be both a wool and milk producer. So far all efforts have failed, for the Angora goat has proved almost worthless so far as milk ■is concerned, while the long-eared or Swiss breed has not been a good wool bearer.

Goat meat has long been a food in other and poorer countries. In ancient Rome the kid was highly prized, while in Mexico today the meat of the goat is used in chile con came and other native dishes.

American goat-raisers are looking forward: to the time when the public will demand, goat meat in the market —when they will realise" that it possesses both delicacy and tenderness. Meanwhile, farmers are contenting themselves with the market for goat milk and for wool from Angora goats.