Meat
Saanen
B tier
Saanen goats from the Swiss Saanen valley are the Holsteins of the dairy-goat world: large, white, high-yielding milkers used in commercial dairies globally. Meat is a by-product of kids not retained for milking and of cull does. Saanen kid is pale and mild—sometimes compared to young veal in delicacy when milk-fed. Mature dairy carcasses are rangy and best for mince, stews, and long braises. Volume of Saanen-derived meat tracks dairy industry kid disposal patterns.
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History
Swiss breeders refined white high-yielding goats of the Saanen valley.
Imports established Saanens as a leading American dairy breed.
Commercial dairy expansion increased surplus Saanen kid meat supply.
Some dairies partnered with meat markets to better use male kids.