Exporting Goats

As the characteristics of Boer goats become better known there appears to be an increasing demand for their export from the UK. Indeed, I have been approached by three people already this year wishing to export kids.

In order for goats to be exported to other EU countries they need to be from herds which have at least 3 years Scrapie Monitored Status (SMS) and a current whole herd CAE negative certificate. To transport further afield an Export Certificate is required which meets each countries specific health requirements. Details of these health requirements can be found on AHVLA website. Semen can also be exported.

Goats can be exported either by air or over land (via the sea obviously).
There are specialist companies which can organize the transportation process, delivering the goats in person and if an Export Certificate is currently not available some companies can liase with the appropriate authorities to put certification into place. In the last few years Christine Ball of “Goat Genetics” has exported Boer Goats to several countries including in June 2013 – Beech Hay Imperial Duty transported to Guernsey and in Sept 2011 – 10 does and 3 bucks from Janas and Topknot herds exported to Greece. Christine has a large specially adapted trailer in which up to 50 kids can be transported over two decks, which she tows behind her mobile home.

On the Members list on the website there is a key to breeders’ preferences:
H – Hobby
B – Breed Pedigree Boers
M – Breed and sell meat (and some pedigree Boers)
E – have export status (though this might depend on country exporting to).

If your herd has export status please contact the web editor so that they can update the list for you.