The Measured Goats project aims to grow with the $3.7m investment. Image – N. Leighton.

A GENETICS project aiming to have one of the largest research reference population for goat meat production in the world has been given a $3.7 million boost.

The Measured Goats project to enhance genetic selection tools for goat meat industry has had a $3.7m co-investment from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) and Meat & Livestock Australia.

The new initiative is focused on increasing the adoption of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) to strengthen the goat meat sector’s competitiveness, sustainability, and productivity. It aims to contribute to the long-term growth of the Australian goat meat industry, supporting higher national production and meeting consumer demand for high-quality goat meat.

The project aims to expand the KIDPLAN database, adding 8000 animals by 2027 to improve EBV accuracy and support more precise genetic selection. When the animal goal is reached, it will be one of the largest research goat reference populations for goat meat production in the world.

The project is open to rangeland, Boer and Kalahari producers only. It has already engaged 164 producers with the aim of reaching at least 300 in the lifetime of the project. People can participate by supplying bucks, attending webinars, workshops, field days or just talking to project staff.

NSW DPIRD Measured Goats project leader and research officer Dr Tom Granleese said the project provides goat meat producers with advanced genetic tools to improve herd productivity, profitability, and animal welfare.

“While the uptake of modern genetic tools in the goat meat sector has historically lagged behind other livestock industries, the Measured Goats project is changing this trajectory,” he said.

“The project focuses on key traits impacting profitability and animal welfare, including growth rates, reproduction, carcase quality, faecal egg count, horn structure, horn/poll status, coat colour, temperament, conformation, and udder structure.

“A recent key milestone for the genomic reference herd established at the NSW DPIRD Condobolin Research Station was achieved with the weaning of 1599 kids following the joining of 1050 does,” Dr Granleese said.

“These animals will undergo performance, pedigree, and genomic evaluation, contributing to the KIDPLAN database and enhancing EBVs for industry-wide use.

“This comprehensive data will enable producers to make informed pure and crossbreeding decisions, improving herd genetics and operational performance.”

Dr Granleese said by gathering genomic and performance data more accurate EBVs can be developed, allowing producers to select the best genetics for their breeding objectives. This will drive genetic progress, enhance productivity, and improve profitability across the sector.

“The Measured Goats project is a clear example of how partnerships can support industry growth and provide producers with the tools needed for sustained success.

“The project represents a significant step forward in improving genetic selection in the Australian goatmeat industry, aiding sustainable industry growth and success “

He said initial data from the current trial will be available in the form of EBVs in February 2025 and accessible to producers through the Measured Goats website and KIDPLAN platform.

“In addition to the Measured Goats Program, NSW DPIRD has partnered with Local Land Services on the Going Ahead with Goats Project.

“The initiative is accelerating the adoption of goat Research & Development (R&D) like the  Measured Goats Project to grow market share, both domestically and in the export market, for goat producers,” Dr Granleese said.

“Producers interested in improving breeding decisions and accessing EBVS are encouraged to visit the project website.”

A field day will also be held in September 2025 to provide further insights into the project’s benefits.

For more information on the Measured Goats project, please visit NSW DPIRD website – https://bit.ly/4fV2gCW

For more information on the KIDPLAN platform, please visit – https://bit.ly/41sdNpt

For more information on the Going Ahead with Goats project, please visit – https://bit.ly/3ZVANfz