Highlight the work of the brothers Mellano
Seek the consolidation of meat goats as a good alternative
Economic and healthy meat for Argentine consumers, and an activity that may be in the production model in marginal areas: goat production is poised for consolidation in both scenarios. It addresses the subject field in Saturday's supplement metropolitan newspaper La Nacion.
"You have to give identity to the activity in the North goats and is given to cattle in the South, and transform what is now a subsistence economy in a real economy," said Michael Mellano, president of the Argentina Goat .
Mellano drives this business for nine years, first in Formosa and now in Buenos Aires. Less than a year ago opened a genetics lab in Marcos Paz, 90 km from Capital Federal, where he works a team of biologists, veterinarians and embryologists.
"It's an art laboratory, we are doing in vitro fertilization and cloning are going to do, too," Mellano said excitedly as he toured the modern facilities along with THE NATION.
Mellano's strategy is to aim at an early stage to massively goat meat production and give it identity. Then, enter the domestic consumption and to develop pharmacological potential of these animals, as in Canada. "The next objective is to housings 15 to 18 kilos with extensive systems. You have to leave the kid of 5 kilos and disseminate a butcher attitude, "Mellano said.
Before starting to install the goat meat in the Argentine palate, Mellano said that we must work to ensure supply. In 2000 took 800 goats to market Liniers with intent to sell at least 100 per week. The demand was so intense that in one week it had sold all the animals at a rate of $ 6 a pound. Today estimates that the price would be about $ 10 per kilogram.
In Andalgalá, Catamarca, the lab did work with the municipality to improve the breed of goats in the area and train farmers. An agreement with mining companies and guarantees a market for this project. "We will provide meat and other productions," he told the mayor, Jose Perea.
As a matter of cost or health, has often been thought of alternatives to meat vaccine: the goat meets both requirements. "We're not inventing anything, we want copies of what's happening in the world with the move of meat alternatives," Mellano said.
Viviana Viviant nutritionist, told the NATION that those animals that are bred walking and eating grass (extensive systems) produce meat with less intramuscular fat and healthier.
Using extensive systems for feeding goats not only produce leaner meats, but also reduces feed costs compared to other meat alternatives. "The other alternative meats are dollarized for feed," said Mellano.
The goat also adapted to marginal areas where other animals would not survive, and have less need for water.
Genetic Bet
In the establishment of Marcos Paz, about 45 hectares, there are 900 animals including goats and sheep. Claudio Bisioli biologist, who works in human biology, is the one who sets the course. THE NATION toured the lab, days ago, at a time when the team worked to transfer embryos of Dorper sheep. In addition to goats, Mellano team ventures into genetic sheep breed butchers, from embryos and animals brought from Australia. First eggs were aspirated animal genetic value passed in a capsule of maturation, a tech incubator that maintains the pH and temperature, as if in the body of the animal.
After maturation, the next step was inseminated and pass the means of fertilization. The fertilized eggs were inseminated in the operating room to act as common sheep receiving these embryos of genetic value. "This amplifies the chances of reproduction of animals with genetic load, and that can be used prepubertal animals and have no wear and tear of pregnancy," said Bisioli.
Soon, plans to build a corral Mellano next to the operating room for animals to adapt to the environment and are less stressed at the time of fertilization. "We polishing things that make the final performance," said Mellano.
Boer, more fitness race
Michael Mellano race betting introduce Boer goats over native to improve production efficiency and cost-goat system.
"We want to increase productivity in terms of quality and quantity," Mellano said.
The Boer, larger and more muscular, are carnivorous race par excellence. From South Africa and have the ability to adapt to many climates and production systems. With its ability to conserve water (drink 40% less than ovine), resisted heat well.
Boer meat is low in fat, allowing them to compete with chicken or fish. The extract of fat is considerably lower than beef and has no cholesterol.
The Goat Association argue that the influence of Creole goats Boer changes the flavor of the meat and makes it light and tender. The cuts are similar to those of the Patagonian lamb.
These animals are born with a weight that ranges between 3 and 4 kg. The excellent growth range allowed to be between 35 and 40 kg in just six months.
