Vol. 9, Issue 12, Part G (2025)

The present study was conducted to analyze the economics of live goat marketing in the Kalyana Karnataka region, specifically in Bidar and Kalaburagi districts. An ex-post facto research design was employed. Three markets were selected from each district, and from each market 10 sellers, 10 buyers/butchers, and 5 middlemen were chosen, resulting in a total sample of 60 sellers, 60 buyers/butchers, and 30 middlemen. The majority of respondents were primarily engaged in small ruminant rearing, possessed small landholdings, and had a low level of experience in goat marketing. Most butchers were middle-aged and belonged to the Muslim community. Majority of respondents traveled 21-40 km to sell goats, used specially designed vehicles for transportation, and typically sold two or fewer goats aged 4-12 months with body weights of 12-24 kg to meet domestic expenses. The lumbar score method was the most preferred and profitable approach for price fixation, followed by negotiation for final price settlement. Average body weights recorded were: young male kid (15-18 kg), young female kid (8-12 kg), adult female goat (20-30 kg), adult buck (25-35 kg), and spent/culled goat (25-30 kg). The average production cost per goat was ₹4,405.16, of which animal cost constituted the highest share (67.53%), followed by labour (20.17%), feeding (7.79%), and healthcare (2.15%). The average market cost was ₹106.33 (2.36%), with transport expenses being the major component (1.05%), followed by personal expenses (0.73%) and brokerage (0.57%). Farmers earned an average profit of ₹1,721.85 by selling goats at an average age of 13.75 months for an average price of ₹6,233.33.