The answer depends on region, market demand, and production goals (meat, milk, fibre, or hides), but here’s a breakdown:
Goat Production
Strengths
Meat demand: Goat meat (chevon) is popular in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. It is lean and healthy and often preferred for cultural/religious reasons.
Milk products: Goat milk is easier to digest than cow’s milk and has growing niche markets in health-conscious and lactose-sensitive consumers.
Adaptability: Goats thrive in harsher, arid, and mountainous environments where sheep or cattle struggle.
Low input: Requires less feed per unit of weight and can browse shrubs and rough vegetation.
Weaknesses
Lower fleece value: Goat hair (except cashmere and Angora breeds) is less profitable than sheep wool.
Management challenges: Goats are more curious, escape-prone, and susceptible to some diseases.
Sheep Production
Strengths
Meat demand: Sheep meat (mutton/lamb) is widely consumed globally, especially in the Middle East, Europe, and Oceania.
Wool: Sheep wool has historically been a valuable product, though demand has declined in favour of synthetics. Fine wool (Merino) still commands high prices.
Milk products: Sheep milk is richer in fat and protein than goat milk, and is used in premium cheeses.
Weaknesses
Feed needs: Sheep generally require better pastures than goats.
Climate limits: Less hardy in arid, brushy lands compared to goats.
Business Viability
In arid or marginal lands, goats are usually more profitable because they survive with less input and have a strong demand for meat and milk.
In temperate regions with good pasture, sheep can be more lucrative, especially when meat is combined with wool and dairy markets.
Globally, goat production is growing faster due to increasing demand for goat meat and milk, especially in developing countries and niche health-conscious markets.
Sheep remain dominant in regions like Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Europe, where wool and lamb exports are highly profitable.
It seems that if there is a market for goat meat in that area, it would be more cost-effective and economical than sheep because it requires less feed to produce.