Episode 81 - Goat Breeds for Homesteaders
Goat Breeds for Homesteaders
Introduction
- Why Goats?
- Goats are versatile animals that can provide meat, milk, and fibre.
- They are relatively low-maintenance and adaptable, making them a popular choice for homesteaders.
- Overview of the three main categories of goat breeds: meat, milk, and fibre.
Meat Goat Breeds
- Purpose: Raised primarily for their meat, these breeds are typically hardy and efficient converters of feed into body mass.
- Boer (bow-uh or bor)
- Pros:
- Fast-growing, large, and heavy-muscled.
- High-quality meat production.
- Easy to manage and generally docile.
- Good feed-to-meat conversion rate.
- Cons:
- Can be prone to health issues if not well-managed (e.g., parasites).
- More expensive initial purchase cost.
- Requires good fencing due to their strength and curiosity.
- Kiko (kee-ko)
- Pros:
- Extremely hardy and low-maintenance.
- Resistant to parasites and diseases.
- Good foragers, can thrive on rough terrain.
- Cons:
- Slower growth compared to Boer goats.
- Meat yield may be lower in comparison to larger breeds.
- Can be more independent, which may be challenging for beginners.
- Rangeland
- Pros:
- Highly adaptable and resilient to harsh environments.
- Low maintenance with excellent foraging ability.
- Can thrive in extensive, low-input systems, ideal for beginner homesteaders.
- Cons:
- Generally smaller than Boer or Kiko, so less meat yield.
- Can be wilder in temperament and harder to manage in confined spaces.
- May require more time to acclimate to different climates.
Milk Goat Breeds
- Purpose: Primarily kept for their high milk production, with some breeds also having dual-purpose qualities.
- British Alpine
- Pros:
- Excellent milk production.
- Hardy and adaptable to different climates.
- Good for mixed-flock operations.
- Cons:
- Lower butterfat content compared to other dairy breeds.
- Can be more independent and aloof.
- More attention may be required to their nutrition for optimal milk production.
- Saanen
- Pros:
- One of the highest milk producers.
- Calm and gentle demeanor.
- Good choice for family farms due to their obedience.
- Cons:
- Milk has a lower butterfat content.
- Sensitive to heat, so may require additional cooling in hot climates.
- Large size can be intimidating for beginners.
Fibre Goat Breeds
- Purpose: These goats are primarily raised for their fibre, which can be used to produce high-quality wool or cashmere.
- Angora
- Pros:
- Produces high-quality mohair fibre.
- Mohair is valuable and in demand.
- Can be dual-purpose for both fibre and meat.
- Cons:
- High maintenance: Require regular shearing and more grooming than other breeds.
- Susceptible to parasites, so health management is key.
- Not as hardy as other breeds, more prone to illness in harsh climates.
- Cashmere
- Pros:
- Produces luxury cashmere fibre.
- Hardy and adaptable to different environments.
- Typically less maintenance than Angoras.
- Cons:
- Fiber yield is lower per goat compared to Angoras.
- Cashmere goats can be more independent and less docile.
- Need specialised knowledge to harvest and process cashmere properly.
Dual-Purpose Goat Breeds
- Purpose: Some breeds can provide both meat and milk, offering versatility for homesteaders.
- Anglo-Nubian
- Pros:
- High butterfat content in milk (great for cheese and cream).
- Dual-purpose: Can also provide meat.
- Friendly and social personality.
- Cons:
- Loud and vocal, which may be a concern for neighbours.
- Prone to health issues in wet or cold climates.
- Require good fencing, as they can be escape artists.
- Toggenburg
- Pros:
- Good milk production with decent butterfat content.
- Adaptable and hardy in various climates.
- Cons:
- Milk production is lower than top milk breeds.
- Can be more aloof than other dairy breeds.
- Not as large as Boer or Kiko for meat production.
- Nigerian Dwarf
- Pros:
- Excellent milk for its size, with high butterfat content.
- Small, manageable size for beginners.
- Friendly, easygoing personality.
- Cons:
- Lower milk yield due to small size.
- Not suitable for large meat production.
- Can be escape artists if fencing isn’t secure.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Goat Breed
- Homestead Goals: Do you want milk, meat, fibre, or a combination of these?
- Climate: Some breeds are more suited to hot or cold climates.
- Space Available: Larger breeds need more room to roam.
- Experience Level: Some breeds are better for beginners, while others require more hands-on care.
- Budget: Consider initial costs, as well as long-term care and maintenance.
Conclusion
- Balancing Needs with Practicality: Encourage new homesteaders to evaluate their needs and goals before choosing a goat breed.
- Starting Small: For first-timers, starting with a dual-purpose or easy-to-manage breed may be the best choice.
- Continued Learning: Keeping goats is a rewarding experience that requires ongoing care, learning, and patience.