Current situation and projections of goat farming in Peru

Abstract

Goat farming in Peru began in the 16th century, with the introduction of different breeds of Spanish goats, not yet fully defined, having found among them the races of Murciana, Granadina, Malagueña, etc. These goats were slowly distributed throughout most of the country, with the exception of the humid tropics. In the north zone and given the presence of the carob tree it settled in numerous ways. Later they settled in the dry valleys of the coast and the inter-Andean valleys of the mountains. From the beginning of their breeding, goats were directly linked to the agricultural producers of the lowest economic resources and were traditionally excluded from research, technical assistance, credit and adequate marketing, which has notably slowed their development. The current goat farming is artisanal, with low production and income. Milk production is scarce, but the production of high-tech and sale cheeses has been achieved in large chain stores. With the exception of goat meat, there is little production of adult goat meat. The production of hides and fur is extremely scarce, despite the enormous possibilities of both types of by-products.