Abstract :
Organic goat production can be a rewarding livelihood and is gaining popularity. Global
organic production has increased significantly annually over the past decade. Industry analysts
forecast that demand in many markets will continue to grow at 10–30% per year, with
the international organic market expected to grow to a volume of US$ 100 billion in the
next decade. Organic dairy has shown stronger growth rates than organic meat production.
In certain regions, the rise in organic milk production has increased the range of processed
value-added organic milk and dairy products, and demand is out-stripping supply. The basic
principles of organic goat production include care, ecology, fairness, and health as stated
by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM). Organic goat
production can improve animal welfare, protect the environment, and sustain rewarding
rural live styles. There are challenges when dealing with organic goat production, especially
when one hopes to control intestinal parasites and to achieve adequate nutritional
management. Exploring nutritional technology and disease prevention and treatment will
eventually improve the production efficiency. There are various regulations in different
countries that apply to certify organic foods, and the number of regulations is growing. One
of the leading federations in international organic farming is IFOAM. The standards can be
certified under IFOAM then can be recognized in many counties around the world. These
regulations serve as branding effort, not only to protect the “organic” brand but also to
promote it. Future of organic goat production will have to rely on continue search for alternatives
in nutrition and disease prevention and control that are environmentally friendly,
human health conscientious and animal considerate. Understanding organic goat farming
from economic, ecological, and animal welfare perspectives will increase the likelihood of
success.
