Goats have been used as a source of meat and milk for thousands of years. With approximately 300 goat breeds all over the world, choosing the right breed for your farming technique and experience is important. Some factors to consider include your climate and environment, the purpose for raising (milk or meat), and how much space you have available. Not only do goats provide milk and meat, but they can also be used for fiber, they are inexpensive to keep, and they produce a great fertilizer for farmland - manure. Goats can be classified by size, colour, and purpose. Below are some common goat breeds that are used for milk or meat production.
Saanen
The Saanen is a friendly and calm breed of goat. They are a dairy producer but, are also commonly used for meat. The breed supplies an average of 1.5 gallons of milk a day, but high producing goats can produce up to 2-3 gallons daily. Their milk will generally contain 2.5% to 3.5% fat which is a lower butterfat content compared to most breeds. They are a large breed that need a lot of space to relax. Females are roughly 30 inches in height and weigh approximately 61kg. Males are 32 inches in height and weigh approximately 77kg.
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Two white Saanen goats
Nigerian Dwarf
The Nigerian Dwarf originated in Africa. Males stand no taller than 23.5 inches and females no more than 57cm, both weighing approximately 34kg. The breed is extremely friendly and is referred to as dwarf due to their milk supply and size. They can only produce a couple of pints of milk a day and it contains some of the highest butterfat content, approximately 6.1%. Their milk is extremely desirable and is ideal for making cheese and cream.
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Two Nigerian Dwarf goats, one white female and one brown, tan, and white male
Alpine
The Alpine is a known as a dependable and easy to manage goat breed. They produce an average of 1 gallon of milk per day, but high producers can produce 7.5 to 11 litres daily. The Alpine’s milk is said to differ from breeder to breeder and they are said to be one of the highest producing milkers. Their milk has an average fat content of 3.5%, and is used to make butter, cheese, and ice cream. The Alpine is considered a medium sized goat that can adapt and thrive in various climates. Males are approximately 81 cm tall and 77 kg and females are approximately 76 cm tall and weigh 61 kg. They have high nutritional needs and diets that need to be well managed.
Nubian
The Nubian goat breed produces milk and is commonly used for meat production as well. They produce an average of 3.75 litres a day, but high producers can produce up to 7.5 litres daily. Though they aren’t one the highest milk producers, their milk contains 5% fat content, which makes it good for cheese and soaps. It produces milk all year round and is a playful breed. They are recognized for their long floppy ears and larger body. Males can be over 89 cm tall and weigh 79 kg, while females can be over 76 cms and weigh roughly 61 kg.
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Two brown and white Nubian goats
Spanish
The Spanish goat is a relatively low maintenance breed that can handle a variety of climates and environments. They are raised for meat and are found in almost all parts of the world. They are the most sought-after goat meat after the Boer and have a newfound purpose of controlling invasive brush plants. Males can weigh between 90 kg-115 kg, and females can weigh between 45 kg-68 kg. They are moderate sized and have a medium growth rate.
Boer
The Boer goat was first bred in South Africa and were selected due to their body shape, high growth rate, and fertility. They are known for their ability to survive in various environmental conditions including dessert-like conditions, and the females are known for their mothering ability. The Boer is bred for its lean meat and is ready to slaughter in about 90 days. Males are roughly 90 kg-154 kg and females are roughly 86 kg-104 kg.
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A herd of Boer goats, one standing in the foreground is white with a brown head and horns
Kiko
The Kiko is a large-framed, hardy breed that can thrive under poor conditions. They are strictly meat producing goats and have very muscular bodies. They are a very hardy breed that can gain a substantial amount of weight. They are an aggressive forager that can survive under harsh conditions and are low maintenance. Females make excellent mothers, and their kids grow quickly. An adult Kiko male can reach 136 kg.
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White Kiko goat with horns
Savanna
The Savanna is one of the most popular meat breeds in Africa, as well as most of the world. They are a muscular breed that is highly adaptable to various weather conditions. They have a cashmere undercoat that helps them stay warm in the colder months. The Savanna has a good growth rate and has an early to medium maturity. They are large and muscular, with a female weighing 56 kg-90 kg and a male weighing 90 kg-114 kg. The females are also known to be excellent mothers.
Other popular goat breeds for milk production include the LaMancha and the Sable. For meat production the Angora is also popular. Before choosing a goat breed to raise, be sure to consider what the goat’s main purpose will be and all the other factors that were previously listed, to ensure you are raising the correct breed for your needs.