Farming and Ranching

The fencing of a farm is highly recommended for halal-compliant goats, considering the risk of cross-contamination with non-halal animals like swine and other stray animals that can enter the farm. The use of live posts is of great advantage because it can also serve as a source of feeds. A nine-hole hog wire is the best choice for the purpose. Fencing is also important as part of biosecurity measures. A dog is allowed in Islam for two purposes: guarding the farm (i.e livestock) and for hunting.

There is no restriction of breeds of goat intended for halal production and processing. Preferably, the initial stocks should come from reliable sources of good progeny and not mingled previously with non-halal animals such as swine. There are two types of animal breeding—natural and artificial—for the halal-compliant goat farm. Natural breeding is highly recommended, but artificial breeding, like insemination or embryo transplant, can be practiced but not in the entire life of the doe (female goat); said doe can also experience natural breeding. Cloning is strictly prohibited on halal-compliant goat farms.

There are two types of feeding: the use of roughage and concentrate. Roughage is grasses, legumes, and plantation refuse such as pineapple tops and peels, sugar cane tops, etc. Roughage can be fed to goats. The concentrate is formulated by mixing different grains, vitamins, minerals, and animal protein. Feeding of halal goats is identical to conventional goat raising with a few exceptions as follows: The use of animal protein derived from non-halal animal sources in concentrate formulated feeds such as bone meal, meat meal, and blood meal is prohibited. Even if the animal protein is from a halal animal like cattle, if it is not slaughtered according to Islamic rites, the said animal is considered prohibited (haram) in Islam. Halal-certified meat and bone meal from Australia is available, though. Blood meal from any origin is prohibited in Islam. An animal that has consumed haram-laden feed is termed Al-Jalalah or impure. Such an animal can be cleansed or the meat turns into halal provided the following conditions are met: 1) said impure animal or Al Jalalah should be put in “Al Istibra” or withdrawal or Halal Veterinary Quarantine for seven to ten days for goat (large ruminants, 40 days, and birds, only 3 days) before slaughter; 2) during the said period, the animal must be fed its natural diet like grasses and legumes before slaughter. Complete confinement or intensive management (zero-grazing) of goat for the entire life of the goat is not recommended on halal-compliant goat farms as it violates animal welfare in Islam. Periodic grazing must be practiced as in the extensive type of goat husbandry.

The use of a hot iron or electric cautery is highly discouraged. The best alternative is to use caustic soda or a stick for dehorning a newly born kid. Ear or neck tags can be used. Castration is strictly prohibited in Islam as it violates animal welfare in Islam. Dispose of excess bucks (male goats) for slaughter and buy as additional stocks.