The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Goats => Topic started by: trying on August 11, 2012, 06:22:13 pm

Title: How old is to old
Post by: trying on August 11, 2012, 06:22:13 pm

How old is to old to kill a castrate for eating?
Ann

Title: Re: How old is to old
Post by: Roxy on August 11, 2012, 07:41:32 pm

DIY castration by the ring method is supposed to be done within the first week.  Surgically by the vet, can be whenever.  I assume you are asking because the meat may be tainted by the billy goat smell?  Not sure of the answer to that one .....but an uncastated billy can become active very quickly, so assume he will smell from quite a young age too.

Title: Re: How old is to old
Post by: trying on August 11, 2012, 08:14:49 pm

Hi, sorry, I have made a complete ass of the question, a friend has two castrates that are last years kidds and wants to know if they are still young enough to eat.
Ann

Title: Re: How old is to old
Post by: chickenfeed on August 11, 2012, 08:58:56 pm

we have had milkers of 3 yrs old put in the freezer as with hogget & mutton the flavour is better, cook slow.
 
most butchers will also make sausage & burgers just ask for them to be made as lamb

Title: Re: How old is to old
Post by: trying on August 11, 2012, 09:21:31 pm

Thanks Chickensfeed,  :thumbsup:  that's good news
Ann

Title: Re: How old is to old
Post by: Lesley Silvester on August 11, 2012, 10:53:40 pm

Curry is now 14 months and I plan on having him slaughtered as soon as I can find an abbatoir.  My local one has closed down.