Nothing "boering" about goats meat

They're curious, intelligent, stubborn, easily trained and a growing number of South Cantabrians are getting accustomed to seeing them on the dinner table. Goat is the latest delicacy to hit the province and it's creating a flood of interest as a cheap alternative to beef and lamb. Pleasant Point butcher Barry Wilson is promoting the curious creature as a healthy and affordable option and swears the meat is lean and tender. Mr Wilson said he put goat on the market before Christmas and discovered an overwhelming response."It's great in curries and for roasting."It's a very cheap meat to eat and very good for you." Goat meat reportedly tastes similar to lamb or a slightly gamier combination of lamb and beef reports The Timaru Herald. The average Kiwi wouldn't eat goat because they are so focused on sheep and beef, Mr Wilson said. But a side of goat, which should provide a whole leg, loin, chops and forequarter, costs around $75 "“ cheaper than $95 for a side of hogget and $100 for lamb. Mr Wilson buys the South African boer goats from a Cave farmer and has even been developing his own goat sausages. The South African boer goat was first bred early last century.Its name is taken from the Dutch word "boer", meaning farmer. It was cross-bred for meat and is known for its fast growth and the qualities of its carcass. One of the most popular breeds of goat meat in the world, boer goats are generally resistant to disease and survive well in hot, dry conditions. Ministry of Agriculture figures showed 109,000 goats were slaughtered for consumption during the 2008/09 year.