In many small flocks of dairy goats, the does may not all be milked, and thus the main product from these flocks is meat. The sale of breeding stock from small flocks of dairy goats may represent important sources of income, but at some point, meat or milk is needed as a contribution to mankind. Not all meat goats are Spanish range goats. Goat meat is relished and highly priced in many parts of the world, as cabrito by Spanish, chevon by French people, and also favored by US ethnic groups, e.g. Greek, Moslem, Jews, Arabs, Mexican, Puerto Ricans. Easter goat kids are in particular demand but require early spring or late winter kidding.
Goats producing half a gallon of milk per day can raise two kids without supplemental feeding.
Easter kids should weigh about 25 to 30 lbs and depending on the price per lb on the hoof can return a profit. Buck kids will grow faster and can be sold ahead of doe kids. Some people raise yearling wethers, letting them nurse as long as a half year and then letting them graze. They may custom butcher for a fee and charge retail prices for the carcass. The cost of hay, feeds and grazing must be recovered from the meat sales besides a reasonable profit.