Kiko Goat: Characteristics, Uses & Best 23 Facts

The Kiko goat is a beautiful breed of goat from New Zealand. The ‘kiko’ is a Maori word which means flesh or meat. And the Kiko goat is mainly kept as a meat goat breed.

The breed was developed by Garrick and Anne Batten of Nelson in the northern South Island in the 1980s. They cross-bred local feral goats with imported dairy goat bucks of the Anglo Nubian, Toggenburg and Saanen breeds.

The Kiko goats were exported to the United States in the 1990s. There is a breed association of this goat named ‘The American Kiko Goat Association (AKGA). Read more information about this goat breed below.

Physical Characteristics of Kiko Goat

The Kiko goats are relatively large in size. Most of the goats are of white color, although they can be in almost any color. Both bucks and does usually have horns, but a fully grown Kiko buck have prominent horns.

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On average a Kiko buck weights up to 80 kg and a doe weights up to 55 kg. Photo form Wikipedia.

Uses

Kiko goat is among the good meat goat breeds. It is mainly raised for meat production. The breed is also suitable for commercial meat goat farming business.

Special Considerations

The Kiko goats are excellent meat goats. The are usually lower priced than the Boer goat, but higher than other meat goat breeds. They are also noted for their greater parasite resistance, rapid growth rate of kids, superior maternal instincts and improved carcass yield.

They suffer less by common health issues and they are excellent foragers. The Kiko goats are very active and hardy, and they have a high feed conversion rate. And they can gain weight easily without the need to greatly increase feed under the right conditions.

Like some other goat breeds, the Kiko goat will also eat about anything they find in front of them. However, review full breed profile of the Kiko goat in the following table.

Breed NameKiko
Other NameNone
Breed PurposeMeat
Breed SizeLarge
BuckUp to 80 kg
DoeUp to 55 kg
HornsYes
Climate ToleranceAll Climates (very cold hardy)
Coat ColorMany, but mainly White
Good for Stall FedYes
RarityCommon
Country/Place of OriginNew Zealand

Kiko Goat Facts

Here are the best Kiko goat facts.

  1. Kiko goats are named after the Maori word for “meat.”
  2. The breed was developed in the 1980s by crossbreeding feral goats with dairy goats, Boer goats, and other meat breeds.
  3. Kiko goats are known for their hardiness and adaptability. They are able to thrive in a wide variety of climates and terrains, from hot and dry to cold and wet.
  4. Kiko goats have a strong maternal instinct and are excellent mothers. They are able to give birth to and raise multiple kids at once.
  5. Kiko goats are a meat breed, and their meat is known for its lean and flavorful qualities.
  6. Kiko goats have a long breeding season, which means that they can be bred year-round.
  7. Kiko goats are generally docile and friendly, making them easy to handle and care for.
  8. Kiko goats have a distinctive appearance, with long, curved horns and a wide, muscular frame.
  9. Kiko goats are excellent climbers and are able to navigate rocky and steep terrain with ease.
  10. Kiko goats are known for their high fertility rates and can produce multiple litters of kids each year.
  11. Kiko goats are resistant to many common goat diseases, including parasites and foot rot.
  12. Kiko goats are relatively low-maintenance and require minimal grooming and attention.
  13. Kiko goats are able to survive on a diet of rough forage, making them a cost-effective breed for farmers.
  14. Kiko goats are often used for brush control and land management, as they are able to graze on a wide variety of plants.
  15. Kiko goats are a popular breed for meat production, with their meat prized for its tenderness and flavor.
  16. Kiko goats are used in crossbreeding programs to improve the hardiness and adaptability of other goat breeds.
  17. Kiko goats are able to produce high-quality milk, although they are primarily bred for meat production.
  18. Kiko goats are able to withstand extreme weather conditions, including heat, cold, and drought.
  19. Kiko goats are known for their friendly and sociable personalities, and they are often kept as pets or companion animals.
  20. Kiko goats are relatively easy to breed and can be bred naturally or through artificial insemination.
  21. Kiko goats are known for their high-quality hides, which are often used for leather production.
  22. Kiko goats are able to thrive in both rural and urban environments, making them a versatile breed for small farms and homesteads.
  23. Kiko goats are a hardy and resilient breed that is well-suited to a wide range of farming and ranching operations.

Tips for Raising Kiko Goats

Here are the best tips for raising Kiko goats.

  1. Provide ample grazing space: Kiko goats are known for their foraging abilities and require ample grazing space to meet their dietary needs.
  2. Offer high-quality hay: Kiko goats need high-quality hay to supplement their grazing. Make sure to provide them with fresh hay that’s free of mold and other contaminants.
  3. Provide clean water: Kiko goats require access to clean water at all times. Make sure to provide them with fresh water daily and keep their water source clean.
  4. Offer mineral supplements: Kiko goats require minerals such as copper, selenium, and zinc to stay healthy. Offer them a mineral supplement to ensure that they’re getting the nutrients they need.
  5. Provide shelter: Kiko goats need shelter from the elements, particularly in extreme weather conditions. Provide them with a sturdy shelter that’s protected from wind, rain, and snow.
  6. Practice rotational grazing: Rotational grazing can help prevent overgrazing and promote healthy pasture growth. Rotate your goats to different grazing areas to prevent them from overeating in one spot.
  7. Keep their living area clean: Kiko goats are susceptible to parasites, so it’s important to keep their living area clean. Remove manure regularly and provide fresh bedding.
  8. Monitor their health: Kiko goats are generally healthy, but it’s important to monitor their health for signs of illness. Keep an eye out for symptoms such as diarrhea, coughing, or lethargy.
  9. Practice good biosecurity: Kiko goats can be susceptible to disease, so it’s important to practice good biosecurity measures. Limit contact with other goats and quarantine new animals before introducing them to the herd.
  10. Trim their hooves: Kiko goats’ hooves can grow too long, which can lead to discomfort and lameness. Trim their hooves regularly to keep them healthy.
  11. Provide shade: Kiko goats can overheat in hot weather, so it’s important to provide them with shade. This can be in the form of trees or a shaded area in their enclosure.
  12. Vaccinate as needed: Kiko goats may require vaccination against diseases such as tetanus and pneumonia. Consult with your veterinarian to determine which vaccines are appropriate for your goats.
  13. Offer clean and dry bedding: Kiko goats need clean and dry bedding to stay healthy. This can be in the form of straw or wood shavings.
  14. Provide a mineral block: Kiko goats can benefit from a mineral block, which can help ensure that they’re getting the nutrients they need.
  15. Offer fresh fruits and vegetables: Kiko goats enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables, which can provide them with additional nutrients and variety in their diet.
  16. Keep their living area secure: Kiko goats can be vulnerable to predators, so it’s important to keep their living area secure. This can be in the form of fencing or a covered enclosure.
  17. Wean kids at the appropriate age: Kiko goat kids should be weaned at around 3-4 months of age to ensure that they’re getting the nutrients they need and to prevent overgrazing by the mother.
  18. Provide a salt lick: Kiko goats need salt to maintain their health. Offer them a salt lick to ensure that they’re getting the appropriate amount.
  19. Practice good herd management: Kiko goats are social animals and thrive in a herd environment. Make sure to practice good herd management, such as ensuring that there’s enough space for all the goats and preventing bullying or fighting.
  20. Monitor their weight: Kiko goats can become overweight, which can lead to health problems. Monitor their weight regularly and adjust their diet and exercise as needed.
  21. Provide adequate exercise: Kiko goats need regular exercise to stay healthy and prevent obesity. Allow them ample space to run and play.
  22. Train them to be handled: Kiko goats can be trained to be handled, which can make veterinary care and management easier. Start handling them when they’re young and reward them for good behavior.
  23. Consult with a veterinarian: Finally, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian who is knowledgeable about goat care. They can provide advice on nutrition, vaccination schedules, and general health management.

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