There are now 30,000 domesticated buffalo in tuberculosis and brucellosis free areas in Australia’s Northern Territory. Feral buffalo number over 80,000.

The Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry is implementing a program whereby all feral buffalo will be eradicated by 1990. The purpose of this program is to halt the spread of brucellosis and tuberculosis from infected areas. 

Both the Department of Primary Industry and the Buffalo Industry Council are assisting producers to build up controlled domesticated and game park herds of buffalo for production of meat and breeding animals.



Feedlots have been established to turn out young male buffalo (approx. 180 kilograms dressing weight [400 pounds]) and work is currently underway to establish a standard carcass.

Objective data are available on growth rates and fertility of the Australian buffalo. In research programs conducted in Northern Australia, growth rates appear similar to those of Brahman cross cattle. Fertility is generally excellent.

A substantial buffalo meat export industry has developed with exports primarily to Europe and Asia. Buffalo meat is also consumed on the domestic market.

Australia is basically free of major diseases affecting buffalo elsewhere in the world.

Reference:

Handbook of Austrailian Livestock, Australian Meat & Livestock Corporation,1989, 3rd Edition

Meat Goat History in the Southwest United States:

Goats were a common sight on early European sailing ships. They were desirable because of their relatively small size. They are agile, friendly and capable of eating a much less desirable, and more available, diet than other sources of milk and meat.



When Coronado, DeSoto and other Spanish explorers came to America they brought goats as a meat source. Some of these goats either escaped or were released when alternate meat sources were discovered.



That would have placed the first goats in Oklahoma and Texas in the early 1540s. Pockets of wild goats, decended from these animals, developed for over 400 years before developing this livestock became profitable.



The trend for smaller, more agile goats was dominant in the wild. Small udders were essential. Large udders would be cut up by cactus, thorns, rocks and any number of other obstacles.



These feral goats became known as “Spanish” or “brush goat”. Although not of a specific breed ancestry they have developed through natural selection. The term has also become used to describe any goat of unknown ancestry. Most are wild or at least semi-wild. Size varies greatly due to climate, terrain and available breeding stock. Body shape, ear shape, horns, hair and color are not consistant.



Traditionally, in the United States goats have not been considered as a meat source. Ethnic groups have increased in the last few years from areas where goats are a staple in their diet. These recent groups have had the money and influence to attract the owners of wild goats. These owners have begun to change their strategy regarding their goats. Management tactics have been implemented to increase the size and meat characteristics of their animals. New and larger breeding animals, such as the Boer goat, have been imported.



The fat content of the meat is considerably less than beef. America is in need of a healthy red meat source. Producers, consumers and investors are looking at the changes in the animals and the market. The meat goat is capable of becoming the fastest growing livestock animal in quite some time.




Content providers:

Ron Yoakum, E-mail: workgoats@gmail.com

Dr. Dan Waldron, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, San Angelo, Texas

This breed originated in the region ”Grafschaft Bentheim” in northern Germany. In the beginning of the 20th century there was a large number of colored swine in this region. Local breeds were crossed with Berkshire and Cornwalls. After the 1950’s the breed was nearly extincted. A herdbook was started in 1988.

Characteristics: Middle-sized, white with black spots in grey rings. Hardy and long-lived, high fertility (9.2 piglets/litter). Rare breed with about 100 registred breeding animals.

boar: Hight: 75 cm Weight: 250 kg
sow: Hight: 70 cm Weight: 180 kg



More information: GEH (society for the protection of old domestic animal breeds), www.g-e-h.de
Warder Haustierpark (Zoo for endangered domestic breeds), www.tierpark-warder.de



Reference:

Beate Milerski, Theodor-Heuss-Str. 42, D-71735 Eberdingen, e-mail:b.milerski@web.de.


Photographs:

Beate Milerski, Theodor-Heuss-Str. 42, D-71735 Eberdingen, e-mail:b.milerski@web.de