Rangeland Goats information

Goats, Capra hircus, have been part of the Australian landscape since 1788 when they were introduced from England with the First Fleet. These goats were used as a source of meat, milk and fibre (Rolls 1969).

Goats were introduced into Queensland when the State was colonized in the early 1800’s. Feral goat populations established after the deliberate release or escape of domestic stock. Many isolated properties kept goats for milk and meat.

Goats held on properties were often kept in a semi-feral state, being free to forage during the day and return to holding yards at night. This freedom allowed the

domestic goats to mingle with or form feral populations (Ramsay 1994). Australia now supports the biggest feral goat population in the world.

Feral goats (Capra hircus) can have a significant impact on the environment and agricultural production and are a potential reservoir and vector of endemic and exotic diseases. Although often considered pests, feral goats are also an important resource,

Feral goats can cause major agricultural and environmental damage. They compete

with domestic stock for pasture, damage fences and reduce the profitability of

pastoral and agricultural industries. Feral goats also cause environmental damage

through competing with native fauna for food, increasing soil degradation and

overgrazing. Feral goats also pose a potentially serious disease risk to native and domestic animals.

‘Rangeland’ goats are defined as goats raised on land where the indigenous vegetation is predominantly grasses, herbs and shrubs suitable for grazing and browsing, and where the land is managed as a natural ecosystem. This includes natural grasslands, shrub lands, deserts and alpine areas (MLA 2006). Goats in western NSW and South western Queensland are either harvested from wild or unmanaged populations or produced in managed enterprises. Producers believe the industry faces a unique challenge to ensure the rangeland goat is viewed as a resource rather than a pest. 

Goat meat is the most widely consumed meat in the world. There are few, if any, religious taboos limiting goat meat consumption. Goat meat is an important component of the traditions of the Hindu and Muslim faiths, being readily consumed on specific holidays (MLA 2011). Goats produce a lean meat of high quality, particularly during the young stage. The meat is flavoursome, succulent, tender, attractive and tasty.