Kiko Goat are known for their excellent meat production, hardiness and low maintenance. They prove to be very profitable for farmers. These goats are primarily developed from New Zealand and are ideal for healthy, productive livestock. In this article, we will read about their history, characteristics, production and benefits.
History and Origin
Kiko goats were developed in New Zealand in the 1980s by cross breeding wild goats with large dairy breeds. Kiko means meat in the Maori language. These goats are famous for their meat. The main purpose of developing them was to make the goats strong, disease resistant, and easily adaptable to any environment. After some time, they also got international recognition. These goats gradually became a favorite goat in the United States for their meat.
Scientific Classification of Kiko Goat
- Kingdom- Animalia
- Phytum- Chordata
- Class- Mammalia
- Order- Artiodactyla
- Family- Bovidae
- Genus- Capra
- Scientific Name- Capra aegagrus Hircus
Read Also- Goat Breed
Read Also- Jamunapari Goat
Read Also- Ornamental Pepper Plant
Characteristics of Kiko Goats
(i) Physical Character
- These goats are large in size, strong.
- The meat of these goats is of good quality and their hair is of white, black and brown etc. The hair is of small and medium size.
- Large horns are found in both males and females, but some goats are not found.
- Its gestation period is 155 days.
- Predator– coyotes, bears, bobcats, foxes, eagles, etc.
- They eat only herbivores in their diet.
- Their life time is 8-12 years.
- Their height is 26-37 inches.
- Their sexual maturity occurs in 12-18 months.
- Weaning age is 60-90 days.
- Their weight is 100-120 kg.
(ii) Hardiness and Disease Resistance
Kiko goats are hardy and disease resistant. They have a great ability to fight parasites which other goats do not have. Kiko goats require less maintenance and can easily survive in harsh conditions. They bring many benefits to farmers and save other expenses.
(iii) Growth Rate and Meat Production
They are known for their high quality meat. They grow very fast and also get a higher price in the market than other goats, which makes the farmers happy and plays a very important role in raising these goats. The meat of these goats is very tasty.
(iv) Temperament and Behavior
These goats are not only agile but also intelligent. They search for good fodder to eat. They prefer to graze freely rather than being tied. They are not as docile as other goats. They can be controlled if handled properly.
Advantages of Raising Kiko Goats
- Low Maintenance- These goat breeds were developed with the sole purpose of being easy to maintain so that farmers can focus on other work while getting maximum profit and comfort.
- High fertility and kidding ease- These goats have a strong maternal instinct and a high fertility rate. They often give birth to twins or triplets and require little or no assistance during calving.
- Strong Immune System– They have a very strong disease fighting ability and have immunity which makes these goats less prone to diseases, thus reducing medical costs.
- Adaptability– They can survive in a variety of climates ranging from rocky areas, dry, humid areas etc.
Kiko Goat Vs other meat Goat Breeds
- These goats are more resistant to disease than other goats.
- It requires less maintenance than other goats.
- Goats of this breed have a higher meat yield than other goats except the Boer goat.
- These goats are hardy and have fast growth whereas Spanish goats are hardy but have slower growth.
- Kiko goats offer flexibility, efficiency and a profitable balanced diet.
- These goats can live in a wider variety of climates than other goats.
Feeding and Care
These goats prefer to graze in the open rather than being confined. These goats like to eat high quality grass. They should be given other dry food along with grains. To keep them healthy, we should give them pure water. They should be fed regularly. This breed of goats is disease resistant. It requires less care.
Why Choose Kiko Goats?
If you want to reduce costs and get more profit then this goat is best for you. You can raise it easily. This goat is known for meat production. These goats are flexible and give high profit. These goats require less care.