Similar to other livestock species where the majority of the animals are in the middle grades and fewer are found at the extremes.Prime animals were the youngest and Utility animals were the oldest,\.Body weight was similar for all 4 grades,however,it tended to increase with decreasing grade.As our goat meat industry progresses,a superior product means,high edible product to bone ratio should fetch a premium price.If a grade is associated with higher ratio then that should translate into greater returns for the producer,meat,for its consumer dollar.Prime animals can have a edible product to bone ratio 3.63,this means that for every pound of bone there is 3.63 meat produced,Standards could insure a standardized product for every link of the marketing chain from producers to consumers.Producers would be able to compare their animals with the grade standards,allowing them to modify their management system to meet market demands.Consumers want better value for their money and want a product with less waste for their consumer peso.
mikey:Independant Producer Region 7