How to choose the best goat breed?
Which goat is best for goat farming for you is dependent on your purpose in raising goats. Goats are raised for a variety of reasons, from dairy and meat to leather and landscaping. Out of the hundreds of goat breeds in the world, choosing the correct goat breed for you may be a tough task.
If you are goat farming for commercial purposes, then consider if you are raising them primarily for meat or for milk. Some goat breeds are best for meat, some for milk, and some are good for both.
Which Goat is Best for Goat Farming?
The best goat breeds for meat
- Boer goats
Boer goats are one of the most popular goat breeds for commercial goat farming. They are very profitable because they can grow up to 300 pounds. They also have an incredible fertility rate, so they breed fast. These goats come in a variety of colors, including black, red, brown or white. They can live up to 12-20 years. Boer goats are docile, disease resistant and mature in 90 days. They are also ideal for dry and hot climates.
2. Spanish goats
Boer goats are very good for meat. But they have high feed needs. So in comparison, Spanish goats are a good option if you are looking for low-maintenance goats. They also reproduce pretty well. Their breeding pattern is sustained throughout the year. This breed is called Spanish goats because they were initially bred in Spain and then brought to the United States via Mexico.
You can recognize a Spanish goat easily from its long and twisted horns. However, Spanish goats are widely replaced by Boer goats in modern times. These goats are not so large and comparatively harder to manage than Boers.
Spanish goats are good not only for meat but are perfect for landscaping and brush clearing. If you plan on raising Spanish goats, you can also profit by renting them for clearing land.
3. Kiko goats
Kiko goats are low maintenance too. They are known for thriving in harsh environments with little food and water. But they can also grow large quickly like Boer goats.
This breed produces good milk as well as quality meat. So if you are looking for a versatile animal for both purposes, this may be the best breed for you. Kiko goats are also good for eating rough terrain and brush clearing. Since they are low maintenance, they are more economical than Boers.
If you are a beginner in goat farming, Kiko goats may be the best option for you.
4. Kalahari goats
Kalahari goats are beautiful creatures that have tender and succulent meat. They are ideal for farming in hot temperatures. Kalahari is a very reliable breed and has a good immune system. They have a consistent breeding pattern and can be bred easily.
The Best Goats for Milk
The best goats for milk production should be based on the quality and volume of milk they produce. They should have a good feed conversion rate as well as low maintenance if you want to see a good profit.
- Alpine goats
Alpine goats are good for producing milk as they have a good volume; they can give up to two gallons of milk a day. Its milk has a high fat content, so it is perfect for making ice cream, butter and cheese for those who are lactose intolerant.
These goats can live from 8-12 years. Alpine goats are family-oriented animals with strong maternal instincts, so it’s not a good idea to separate them from their kids. But if your primary purpose of goat farming is for milk, then Alpines are the best for you.
2. Nubian goats
Nubian goats are another excellent breed for milking. They don’t produce as much milk as Alpines, but they can manage about one and a half gallons a day. The fat content in milk is high, too, so it can be used for making butter and cheese.
Nubian goats breed very fast, even twins or triplets at a time. Nubians are versatile and good for both milk and meat, so they are a sensible addition to your farm.
3. Toggenburg goats
Toggenburg goats are one of the oldest known breeds in the world. They have large bodies with comparatively small heads and full beards. Their milk, however, is low in fat and better for drinking than for making dairy products. They have a long gestation period of 179 days. Toggenburg goats are not very easy to manage and are not recommended for beginners, but they are versatile and can be raised for both milk and meat.
4. Nigerian Dwarf Goats
As the name suggests, these goats are not very big, only about half the size of a regular goat. But they are good for farmers who have less space.
Nigerian Dwarf goats produce only about two pints of milk a day, but their milk is high in butterfat and is much more creamy and tastier than other breeds. They also make good pets and can live for up to 15 years.
Which Goat is Best for Goat Farming: Summary
If you are goat farming for commercial purposes, then the Boer goat is best for meat, and Alpine goats are best for milk production. If you are looking for a versatile goat that is good for both milk and meat, then Kiko goats may be best. The best goat breed for you will be based on for what purpose you are goat farming, the space available, your experience and how much you are willing to maintain them.
Also read: Can I get a loan for goat farming?
*All pics are taken from Unsplash.com
