Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Article Title

History of the U.S. Goat Industry

Authors

Terry A. Gipson, Langston UniversityFollow

Abstract

Abstract

Goats were first domesticated in the Fertile Crescent and then spread throughout the world. Goats were brought to North America into the southwestern U.S. in the 17^th century by early Spanish explorers and clergy. These goats are the ancestors of the Spanish goat of Texas and the Lamancha breed of California. English and other European settlers also brought their goats as they moved into the eastern U.S in the 18^th century. Angora goats were first imported in the U.S. in the mid-19^th century and the earliest importation of officially recognized dairy goat breeds occurred in the late 19^th century and early 20^th century. Most recently the Boer and Kiko goats were imported into the United States in the late 20^th century. The numbers of goats have fluctuated over the years but generally, have increased. However, Angora numbers have plummeted precipitously after the repeal of a production incentive program.

Keywords: History, Goats, Goat Industry, Domestication

Recommended Citation

Gipson, Terry A. (2019) "History of the U.S. Goat Industry," Professional Agricultural Workers Journal: Vol. 6: No. 2, 7.
Available at: https://tuspubs.tuskegee.edu/pawj/vol6/iss2/7