Goat meat production in harsh environments

This paper provides some insight into special attributes of the goat as an efficient producer of meat under harsh environments. The overview is not intended to be exhaustive; it gives the readers a comprehensive synthesis on the subject allowing them to consult the list of references. Moreover, it would not be possible to classify the most limiting factor among the numerous and diverse constraints that negatively affect goat production: high ambient temperatures and/or humidity, and erratic and/or low rainfall that have concomitant effects on quality and quantity of feeds, a wide variety of diseases and low levels of animal husbandry. The paper highlights some particular conditions illustrated by data coming from different parts of the world, which can be classified as having harsh environments. Finally, the objectives of this work are not to propose ready-made solutions, but to recommend a holistic approach to the problems and their analyses allude to opportunities for improvement in the future. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.