The European Union approved this week the PGI Goat of Extremadura which will be the first IGP of goat meat in Spain. In this way, it also becomes the first IGP for goat meat in the entire country while Portugal already has 5 IGPs for this type of meat.
With this new seal that we are going to find in the markets soon, “Cabrito de Extremadura” distinguishes meat from kids born in Extremadura. These must be raised and slaughtered in the territory of the autonomous community of Extremadura. Regarding breeds, the following breeds are recognized for this PGI: verata, retinta, florida, malagueña. Murcian-Granada, Andalusian white, mountain, Payoya or their crosses.
The Extremadura goat and its two categories
With this new IGP there will be two differentiated categories. On the one hand, the so-called Suckling Goat from Extremadura. In this category, in addition to being one of the breeds described above, suckling animals only feed on mother's milk. It is important to highlight that these are raised extensively or semi-extensively in the Extremadura pastures. In this case, the carcasses of the kids should not exceed 6 kg.
On the other hand, the other category corresponds to the Cabrito de Extremadura. These kids are the offspring of mothers who are in the pasture on an extensive or semi-extensive basis. In this case and being from the breeds authorized by the PGI, they are fed with milk and cereals and legumes until they are weaned. After weaning, they continue feeding with cereals, legumes and forage. The slaughter in this category is done at three months of age and with a maximum weight of 9 Kg.
Both types of meat are very tender and very juicy and have an excellent texture. It also has a moderate infiltration of fat in the case of the Extremadura goat.
