Muslim approach to slaughtering goats (Halal)

[Buster]

So since I am considering raising goats for meat, I thought it might be a good idea if I found out whether or not I could do the processing. Physically I know I can, but I want to make sure I can muster the gumption to do what is necessary. A few weeks ago a BYC friend worked with me on processing some roosters, and I found it was a snap. So it occurred to me it might be a good idea to do the same thing with goats.

A colleague of mine is from Pakistan and is of the Muslim faith. He grew up farming back home, and one of his favorite meats is goat meat. He goes to a local farm, buys the goat, and slaughters it there himself, and does so about every two or three months. He has offered to let me help him next time he goes so I can get an idea about what it is all about.

One reason he slaughters his own is because he is very devout, and believes the animal must be killed by someone of the Muslim faith, at least as I understand it. Part of the reason for this is there are very particular steps that must be taken in order for the slaughter to be considered a clean one.

Here's my question.

I know the killing has to be done a certain way. When I do it at my home I plan on using a gun, so that's unimportant. I don't need to know how to do that. But is there anything else specific anyone can think of that makes the process different from what others may do? In other words, is the opportunity he is giving me going to be of practical use for a backyard operation?

Thanks in advance.

[catdance62]

have you Googled it??

[DaleK]

If he's really doing it halal, as I understand, there is no opportunity for a gun. It can only be done by slitting the throat while the animal is alive. No shooting, no stunning.

If he's good at it, it shouldn't matter much. I know there have been some real horror shows around here of somebody supposedly experienced in halal slaughter that ended up with the animal bleeding out slowly as it ran around the barnyard.

Otherwise there isn't anything particularly more or less practical that I'm aware of.

[elkhound]

have you looked at ozark jewels post about butchering??it is outstanding with pic's.

go and help the guy you will learn something from him..no matter how it is killed.

i have killed 2 goats and it is no different than a deer.get us some pics when you do yours...that would be great and inspire others to tackle a job like this.

[Buster]

Originally Posted by DaleK

If he's really doing it halal, as I understand, there is no opportunity for a gun.

Guess I wasn't clear. He will use Halal methods for the process. He already warned me of the importance of letting it bleed out. I'm not Muslim, so I'll be under no such constraint when I process at home. I'll use a gun.

The responses so far have been very helpful.

[Buster]

Originally Posted by DaleK

If he's good at it, it shouldn't matter much. I know there have been some real horror shows around here of somebody supposedly experienced in halal slaughter that ended up with the animal bleeding out slowly as it ran around the barnyard.

He's been doing it on a regular basis since he was a kid, and is now in his late 40s, so I'm not expecting much of a horror show. It's good to know everything else will probably be about the same.

[Buster]

Originally Posted by elkhound

have you looked at ozark jewels post about butchering??it is outstanding with pic's.

Yes, that is what made me think I could do this. I like the idea of being able to raise my own meat and bringing it to the table myself. Until I saw that article, I had no confidence I could do anything larger than a turkey.

I will talk to my friend about pics. I do want to help him, though, so I guess it depends on how busy I will be.

[Goat Servant]

Buster I'd sure like to hear about your experience with Halal & hopefully the pics to go with.
Tho no contact yet with the Muslim community, they do take their butchering very seriously.

[Buster]

Originally Posted by Goat Servant

Buster I'd sure like to hear about your experience with Halal & hopefully the pics to go with.
Tho no contact yet with the Muslim community, they do take their butchering very seriously.

Maybe that would be a better approach, anyway. Take careful notes and pics if possible, and share that here. Then y'all can tell me if there are differences and if they matter.

At the very least, it gives a different perspective from a different culture (Pakistani) with a very experienced teacher.

[PNP Katahdins]

Here is a poster from Cornell University you may be interested in: http://www.sheepgoatmarketing.info/n...eSlaughter.pdf

One of my co-workers was a professor from Bangla Desh. He and his Muslim friends bought lambs from us every year and did the halal humane slaughter in our barn. Never had a problem. Jamir brought me some lamb curry one time that was made from our lamb. Delicious! I haven't seen him since he retired to Dearborn, MI.

These were fellows that did the slaughter once a year. You should be able to handle it fine. Helping your Muslim friend is an excellent idea.

Peg

[Narshalla]

Will the stuff he teaches you be useful in slaughtering for yourself? Yes, it will.

Will you be able to slaughter goats and sell them to the Muslim community as Halal? No, you will not.

[HomegrownAcres]

We chose to not allow Halaal butchering. I would much rather put the goat out by shooting it in the brain than letting it bleed out; it's too inhumane for us. Besides, our Latino and other customers prefer a humane method.

We also choose to raise pigs and that prevents our goats from being considered for Halaal meat.

Brian
Homegrown Acres
HomegrownAcres.com

[Buster]

Originally Posted by Narshalla

Will the stuff he teaches you be useful in slaughtering for yourself? Yes, it will.

Will you be able to slaughter goats and sell them to the Muslim community as Halal? No, you will not.

Unless I convert.