Breed Profile Information
| Breed Name | Kiko Goat |
| Other Name | None |
| Breed Purpose | Meat Production |
| Uses | Meat and Milk |
| Size | Large |
How big do wild Kikos get?
Kikos are large framed goats. Males can weigh up to 200 pounds and does can weigh up to 125 pounds. When you think of raising meat goats, you may picture the big, beefed up Boer goats.
What does a Kiko goat look like?
Kikos are generally white, although colored Kiko goats can be registered, and usually they grow a long, flowing coat in cold climates. Bucks have substantial, sweeping horns with a gentle twist. Kiko bucks weigh 250-300 pounds, while does weigh 100-150 pounds. They have a medium frame and compact, muscular bodies.
How much does a Kiko Buck weigh?
Kiko bucks weigh 250-300 pounds, while does weigh 100-150 pounds. They have a medium frame and compact, muscular bodies. While Kiko kids are born an average size, they gain weight and size very quickly with little or no supplemental food.
How many different kinds of Kiko goats are there?
As of now, there is only the one variety of Kiko goat, but given how successful that breed has proven to be, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise to see these animals branch out in the years to come. One of the reasons that Kiko goats have become so popular so quickly is because they’re a low-maintenance breed.
How much does a Kiko goat weigh?
Bucks weigh around 275 pounds while does average around 125 pounds.
What color are kikos?
Kikos come in a variety of colors, but they are most often white with long coats. They sport beautiful long horns that twist outward.
Why do goats cross with kikos?
Many meat goat farmers enjoy the hardiness and mothering abilities of the Kiko because they favor a hands-off approach. But crossing Boer goats, and dairy goats, with Kikos, is also a way to get the best of both worlds.
How long does it take for a kiko to breed?
Kikos are polyestrous animals, meaning they can breed year-round. Once bred, 155 days later a Kiko kid is born. Not surprisingly, the Kiko can often be expected to give birth to twins or triplets (though this is not typical in the first year of maturity).
Why is the kiko breed so popular?
The word “Kiko” is derived from the Maori word meaning meat or flesh. And the breed was favored due to its hardiness and ability to thrive under extreme conditions.
What is the best goat meat breed?
So if you’re looking for a hands-off meat breed, the Kiko is your first choice. With this reliable breed, you’re sure to have worry-free kidding seasons and hardy healthy winters with your goats.
What do kikos eat?
Like most goat breeds, Kikos prefer to browse (rather than graze) and they get their nutrition from weeds, tree bark, leaves, and of course grasses. If there isn’t a healthy mix of grasses and legumes in your pasture, Kikos will need supplemental feed, hay, and grain.
History and Development
The Kiko goat is a recent breed developed by Garrick and Anna Batten during the 1980s. In 1978 the breeding process began. About 20 heavy and stocky feral females were bred with dairy farm bucks The outcome was sturdy, hardy, and stout kids.
Meat Production
They excel as great meat goats because of their hardiness, rapid growth rate (mainly seen in kids), and increased parasite resistance. They have a lower price than the Boer goats but cost more than several other meat goat breeds.
Milk Production
Despite being a meat goat, the Kiko produces a good amount of milk, though only during the 5-month lactation period per kid. They produce sufficient milk to raise multiple kids since these goats have medium-sized teats and a well-rounded udder.
Kidding
The hardy females do not require much assistance during kidding, having a gestation period of about 150 days. Most of them deliver twins, while some even produce triplets.
Interesting Facts
The crosses of the Kiko and Boer goats are called Genemaster, registered by the National Kiko Goat Registry (NKR).
History
The breed of these goats was developed in the year 1980s by Garrick and Anne Batten in New Zealand. They are a cross-breed of local feral goats from the imported dairy bucks of the Anglo Nubian, Toggenburg, and Saanen goat breeds.
Origin
The Kiko goats originated in New Zealand, where they are usually used for meat production.
Uses
The Kiko goat is a meat-type goat breed, which means they are usually used for meat production.
Final Thoughts
Are you looking for another meat goat breed to choose from? Kiko goats can also be your option. They are also excellent for meat production, just like Boer goats. If you are interested in these goats, and you want to buy them, they can cost you around $300-$1500 per goat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do Kiko goats get? 26-37 inches in height, with a weight around 125-275 pounds.
How big is a Kiko goat?
How big is a Kiko goat?#N#Kiko goats are a larger breed of meat goat with a buck’s average weight being 170-176 pounds and a doe’s average weight being 110-120 pounds. They are not milk goats which means they are not good milkers.
Where did Kiko goats originate?
Kiko goats are meat goats that originated in New Zealand. They were first created in the late 1970s and through four generations of controlled breeding, many large improvements in size and performance had been achieved. Finally, in the mid-1990s, a large portion of the goats were brought to America.
Why should you get a Kiko?
Kikos are one of the most well-tempered goat breeds I have ever met. They are also curious, sociable, and love people. Ours each have their own personalities and favorite foods.
Where do kikos come from?
Kikos originate from New Zealand and are a very hardy goat. They have a high fertility rate and they grow fast. Kikos originated in a wet climate so they can handle what comes with the dampness (meaning they are more parasite resistant). Unfortunately, they do not pack on meat quite as fast as the Boer goats do. Some are all white but you can easily get patterned goats (like we sell) as well.
Where did boer goats come from?
Boer goats were imported to America from South Africa in 1993. They have lean meat and build it up fast. Unfortunately, they have a downside. Coming from Africa they are not made for wet climates and they are more susceptible to getting worms. Most Boer goats have a brown head with a white body but you can get patterned ones too.
Do goats get sick?
They are very hardy goats, low-maintenance, and do not get sick often. Even Pheobe had almost no parasites when we had her checked because of her eye color. We have little to no problems doing things the natural way which makes it the best way.
Is a kiko a good goat?
Both breeds are great but Kikos are low-maintenance and well-tempered. People often buy Kiko does to breed with their Boer bucks which results in a parasite resistant, meat packing on, hybrid goat.
What is a Kiko goat?
Kiko Goat Overview. The name “Kiko” is derived from a Maori word meaning “flesh” or “meat.”. That should give you all the information you need when determining what these animals are most often raised for. This is a relatively new breed, only cropping up in the 1980s. It was created by goat farmers named Garrick and Anne Batten, ...
How Much Do Kiko Goats Cost?
The cost of a Kiko goat will vary depending on the pedigree that you’re paying for. On the high end, you can expect to pay over $1,500 for a pedigreed buck.
Why are Kiko goats so popular?
One of the reasons that Kiko goats have become so popular so quickly is because they’re a low-maintenance breed. You won’t need to provide much in terms of food or healthcare, provided that you give them plenty of space to roam and forage.
How many kids can a Kiko goat have?
They make wonderful decorations, though. Kiko goats grow rapidly and can produce two kids per year. This lets you quickly develop a hearty herd, and the kids will contribute to the bottom line in no time at all, as they rapidly reach their weaning weight.
How high can goats stand on a fence?
Still, a trustworthy fence is much more reliable than a rich and varied diet. That fence needs to be high too. These goats can stand up to 6 feet high on their back legs, so they can easily clear a low fence — and they will, too, if they feel that there’s something worthwhile on the other side.
What color are kikos?
Most Kikos are either white or cream colored, although you’ll find darker ones out there as well (in fact, darker-hued Kikos are becoming increasingly more common).
Where do Kiko goats come from?
This breed, imported from New Zealand, has started to be favored by farmers and ranchers in the United States. This is due to the fact that they’re easy to care for, have long and productive lives, ...
What is the color of a Kiko goat?
As for their physical appearance, Kiko goats are relatively large breeds and are primarily white , but they can come in many different colors. The Boer goat typically has a white body with a red/brownish head.
Where are Kiko goats from?
Kiko Goat Farming. The Kiko goat was created in 1980 by cross-breeding feral goats with imported dairy goats. They’re native to New Zealand and were imported in the US in 1992. Unlike pygmy goats, Kiko’s are primarily used for meat and dairy reproduction.
What is the difference between a Kiko goat and a Boer goat?
Kiko goats vs other breeds: Kiko vs Boer goats. Kiko goat is a meat goat breed that originated in New Zealand while the Boer is a meat goat breed that originated in South Africa. Below are the differences between these two breeds.
What breed of goats are in New Zealand?
They bred thousands of feral goats with imported dairy goats, and reserved the fastest-growing, most disease- and parasite-resistant, meatiest goats, generation after generation.
Why are kikos so popular?
Kikos are still somewhat overshadowed by Boers in the meat goat marketplace, but this breed is rapidly increasing in popularity due to its ease of management and durability.
How much water does a Kiko goat drink?
Kiko goats can drink up to 10 liters of water in a day. They need to have access to fresh water daily to ensure they stay hydrated and healthy.
What is the biggest challenge in raising Kiko goats?
The biggest challenge in raising Kiko goats is that they have been bred to be resourceful, independent foragers.
How big is a 14 month old goat?
Goat sizes vary quite a bit. The smallest adult goat I found is Ivy, a Pygora in Rice Lake, Minnesota. At 14 months she stood 14.5 inches at the withers and weighed just 16 pounds. The 2018 All Pakistan Heavy-Weight Champion, an Amritsari named Mastana, weighed over 520 pounds and qualifies as the largest goat breed.
How big do packgoats get?
The American Goat Society sets a minimum size for this breed at 135 pounds and 30” for does and 160 pounds and 32” for bucks. That’s a minimum. Dwite Sharp of Paradise Ranch Packgoats regularly breeds Saanens that reach 290 pounds and 40”.
Where did the Kalahari goat come from?
The Kalahari Red, sometimes just called Kalahari, is another meat goat of South African origin. The name comes from the Kalahari Desert, which spans the borders of Botswana, South Africa, and Namibia. The most distinct visual characteristic of this goat breed is its red color. How big do Kalahari Red goats get?
How much space do goats need?
These goats need a bare minimum of 250 square feet of dry lot per goat. Goats that get exercised regularly, like pack goats and brush goats, need less space than those that stay in the pens or pasture full time.
How many goats can you add to a head of cattle?
If you plan to add goats to cattle, you can add one to two goats per head of cattle. For people with goats, who don’t have access to pastureland, it is okay to keep them in pens and provide them with hay, grain, and water. These goats need a bare minimum of 250 square feet of dry lot per goat.
How many goats per acre?
The general rule is two to 10 goats per acre of pastureland. That’s quite a spread. Bigger goats, dry pasture, less leafy or brushy growth, and higher nutritional needs, such as lactating nannies, all bring you closer to the smaller number. If you plan to add goats to cattle, you can add one to two goats per head of cattle.
What is a boer goat?
Boer. This big boy of the meat goats is recognizable by its distinctive white body and red head, although they can sometimes be fully white or red or paint. Because of their size, docility, fast growth rate, and high fertility, these goats quickly gained popularity after their introduction to the U.S. in 1993.
How tall is a Kiko goat?
When you give them extra food, they can gain extra weight to prepare for meat production. An adult Kiko goat can be 30 to 37 inches tall at withers (highest part of back at base of neck).
How many kids can a Kiko goat have?
Once a pair breed, the doe will give birth after the 155-day breeding/reproduction/gestation period. Does can have up to two kids per year, so you can grow your herd of goats quickly.
How often do kiko goats breed?
On average, they can breed twice annually. Then, you can increase milk and meat production to help earn more money. You can find a breeder to get your first male and female Kiko goat. Then, you can learn how to breed the goats yourself, or you can work with a breeder. Either way, breeding Kiko goats isn’t too difficult.
Why are kikos good for meat?
Kiko goats make great meat goats because of the hardiness of the feral goats. But the size from the Anglo-Nubians helps when it comes to milking and getting meat from the goat. Ruminant animals, they consume grasses, shrubs, woody plants, and weeds. Kikos are excellent foragers.
How long does it take for a Kiko goat to slaughter?
There is less maintenance than with other goat breeds . In addition, they reach slaughter weight quickly, typically within eight months.
What is the purpose of kiko goats?
While their primary purpose is meat production, you can get some milk from them as well. They are low maintenance and hardy. Keep reading to learn about the Kiko goat and what it takes to raise this breed. Table of Contents. Kiko goats. Purpose for raising. Raising Kiko goats.
Why are kikos so popular?
Kikos have been in the United States since the 1990s. They’re growing in popularity because of their hardiness, vigor, and uses for meat production. Primarily a meat breed, some lines can produce a decent supply of milk as well. They were bred to withstand tough conditions and can bulk up quickly.
History and Development
- The Kiko goat is a recent breed developed by Garrick and Anna Batten during the 1980s. In 1978 the breeding process began. About 20 heavy and stocky feral females were bred with dairy farm bucks The outcome was sturdy, hardy, and stout kids. The males born of productive dairy dams belonging to breeds like the Saanen, Toggenburg, and Anglo Nubian were selected. The role of t…
Meat Production
- They excel as great meat goats because of their hardiness, rapid growth rate (mainly seen in kids), and increased parasite resistance. They have a lower price than the Boer goats but cost more than several other meat goat breeds.
Milk Production
- Despite being a meat goat, the Kiko produces a good amount of milk, though only during the 5-month lactation period per kid. They produce sufficient milk to raise multiple kids since these goats have medium-sized teats and a well-rounded udder. Their milk has butterfat of about 7%, relatively low than dairy goats because of their short milking phase.
Kidding
- The hardy females do not require much assistance during kidding, having a gestation period of about 150 days. Most of them deliver twins, while some even produce triplets.
Interesting Facts
- The crosses of the Kiko and Boer goats are called Genemaster, registered by the National Kiko Goat Registry (NKR).
- A commercial Kiko doe costs around $300, while a registered buck with a good bloodline comes for about $1500.
History
Kiko Goat Characteristics
Facts
Pros and Cons
Final Thoughts
Frequently Asked Questions
- How big do Kiko goats get? 26-37 inches in height, with a weight around 125-275 pounds. Are Kiko goats friendly?Kiko goats are friendly goats, but due to their size they can sometimes be intimidating. How can you tell a Kiko goat?You can tell them based on their characteristics. Are Kiko goats good milkers?Kiko goats are not good milkers. They are ...