Goat products: Meeting the challenges of human health and nutrition

Abstract

The prospect of using small ruminants as food has not been fully exploited. Small ruminants produce food and fiber for man at a relatively low cost as they graze on pasture and feed on farm by -products. There are documentations on the benefits that can be derived from goat products regardless, of the breed or region. Goat meat is a source of high quality protein and low saturated fats which is good for human health. The use of goat meat and milk as therapeutic aids in heartrelated diseases and other ailments is unknown to many. This paper therefore, seeks to present goat as a good source of protein to help alleviate the protein nutritional deficiency of humans. The utilization of goat as experimental animal in researches, for medical purposes and other uses were also highlighted.

The quality of meat and edible by-products from kids with different inheritance of Boer goat

“…These countries account for 93% of the world goat population (FAOSTAT, 2013). In the developing countries, goats are used for many purposes like milk, meat, fibre or skin (Anaeto et al, 2010;Dubeuf et al, 2004). Goat meat is known from lower fat and cholesterol content, and lower saturated fatty acid levels compared to other red meats (USDA, 1989).…”

Changes in the quality of goat meat in the production of smoked ham

“…It has about the same nutritional value as sheep meat (contains more proteins and less fat compared to sheep meat). Anaeto et al (2010) has considered that goat meat is easier to digest as a result of its molecular structure. Because goat meat contains low amount of saturated fatty acids and cholesterol, according Anaeto et al (2010), it presents a healthier alternative compared to other types of red meat.…”

“…Anaeto et al (2010) has considered that goat meat is easier to digest as a result of its molecular structure. Because goat meat contains low amount of saturated fatty acids and cholesterol, according Anaeto et al (2010), it presents a healthier alternative compared to other types of red meat. According to the same author, polyunsaturated fatty acids are prevalent in goat meat and diet rich in unsaturated fatty acids is correlated with a reduced risk of stroke and coronary heart disease, which indicates important role of goat meat in human diet.…”

Validating the demand for goat meat in the US meat market

“…It is now recognized by researchers and consumers that there is a good match between goat meat and their preferences for lower risk and more healthy products [10][11][12]. This acknowledgement led to a continual growth in the demand for goat meat in the United States.…”