Questions on meat goats for Ramadan.

[frank4570]

I live kind of close to D.C. so there shuld be a concentration of muslims to sell to. And I have plenty of land.So I am thinking of raising some goats to market for Ramadan.Any suggestions where to start? What breed? How do I get to the right people in the muslim community?

[james dilley]

They want only INTACT male goats. I do know that. The best breed ??? that is A $$64.00 question as they want the meaty type goats Boer cross would be my guess. But that does not mean they won't take dairy type males too. Ask around the muslim area. they will be able to help. Don't forget there are other folks that will buy goats year round ...

[frank4570]

I used to know a lady who sold chickens to the muslims. They insisted on slaughtering the chickens themselves and they allowed her to watch. She said they made a big show of sharpening the knives and the chickens went out like a light.That is exactly the kind of people I would be comfortable selling my live animals to.
What other people would want to buy goats the rest of the year?

[frank4570]

I have been doing some research. The goat market in my asrea on the east coast looks very strong.

[BillHoo]

I'm currently in the middle east and we had to take an Iraqi Culture course. The class covered islamic food and briefly went over what makes it Halal or Kosher.

Basically, the animal is raised organically, no hormones or chemical feed supplements. It is important that the animal's diet is also "clean".. No pork scraps or anything non-kosher fed to them.

Yes, male goats that are intact are in demand. The animal also must be clean and stress free.

The animal is to be put to death in the most humane manner possible. Torture or abuse of animals is against Islamic law. Prayers are made thanking God for this bounty. The knife is also prepared and the cut is made so the animal is bled quickly.

[HunterTed]

Frank, see my post entitled "Catering to the Ethnic Market" I hope it helps you.