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                                                                  EXHIBIT 23(C)
 
The Board Of Directors
Gold Kist Inc.:
 
  We consent to the reference to our firm under the captions "Selected
Consolidated Financial Data" and "Experts" and to the use of our report dated
August 29, 1997, except for Note 11 as to which the date is September 5, 1997,
with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Golden Peanut Company
and Subsidiaries (not included separately herein) in the Registration
Statement (Form S-2) and related prospectus of Gold Kist Inc. for the
registration of subordinated capital and loan certificates.
 
                                          Ernst & Young LLP
 
Atlanta, Georgia
September 24, 1997
