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What are Some Goat Breeds?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

There are a number of different goat breeds, many of which have purposes which overlap. As a general rule, goats are kept for milk, meat, or hair, and some are also kept as companions and work animals. All goat breeds share the traits of being very hardy, curious, and intelligent, and they can be very interesting animals to have around, whatever one's use for them might be.

Goats appear to be among the oldest of domesticated animals, with many goat breeds coming from Africa and Central Europe. Along with sheep, goats formed the cornerstone of early human farming, and although goats have been domesticated for thousands of years, they can go feral very readily. If released into the wild, goats typically go wild within a generation, which can be a serious problem, as introduced goats can cause substantial environmental damage.

A young goat.
A young goat.

Several goat breeds have been developed specifically for the purpose of dairy. One of the most famous dairy goat breeds is the Nubian, characterized by large, floppy ears, a gentle personality, and milk with unusually high butterfat, which makes cheese of a very high quality. Other dairy breeds include Saanens, Toggenburgs, La Manchas, and Oberhaslis. Many of these goat breeds are shown in competition and there are very specific breed standards for people who wish to show.

Cashmere goats are prized for their soft, fine wool.
Cashmere goats are prized for their soft, fine wool.

The most well known meat breed is probably the Boer goat, and the Kalahari red is another well known meat breed. Dairy goats can also be kept for their meat, with some breeders slaughtering kids to keep their population of male goats under control. Hair goats include both cashmere and angora goats, which have been crossed with other breeds to produce a number of varieties like American Cashmere Goats. These goats are sheared for their especially soft, useful hair.

Some breeds of goats are raised for their milk.
Some breeds of goats are raised for their milk.

The pygmy goat is used for companionship in many areas, although these goats also produce useful meat and milk. Many goat breeds are also used as working animals, to pull light carts or plows and to control unwanted plants. Institutions around the world have taken to hiring roving crews of goat “mowers,” who keep plants under control in an environmentally friendly way, and goats are also used to trim plants along roadsides. Because goats will eat a wide range of plants, they are ideally suited to this purpose, as they will gleefully clip everything in sight until led away to a new location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular dairy goat breeds?

The most popular dairy goat breeds include the Saanen, known for its high milk yield and calm temperament, and the Nubian, which produces milk with high butterfat content. The LaMancha, with its distinctive short ear pinnae, and the Alpine, valued for its adaptability and steady milk production, are also favored by dairy farmers.

Which goat breeds are best for meat production?

For meat production, the Boer goat is a standout breed, originating from South Africa and recognized for its fast growth rate and high-quality meat. The Kiko, from New Zealand, is also prized for its hardiness and ability to thrive in various conditions, making it an excellent choice for meat producers.

Are there any goat breeds that are particularly good for fiber production?

Yes, the Angora and Cashmere goats are renowned for their fiber production. The Angora goat produces mohair, a lustrous and smooth fiber, while the Cashmere goat is valued for its soft, warm, and luxurious cashmere wool. Both fibers are highly sought after in the textile industry for their quality and comfort.

What are some miniature goat breeds and their characteristics?

Miniature goat breeds include the Nigerian Dwarf and the Pygmy. The Nigerian Dwarf is a small, colorful dairy breed known for its high-quality milk with high butterfat content. The Pygmy goat is compact and muscular, often kept as a pet or for meat production due to its friendly nature and manageable size.

Can you name a few hardy goat breeds suitable for harsh climates?

Hardy goat breeds suitable for harsh climates include the Spanish goat, which is well-adapted to arid environments, and the Icelandic goat, which can withstand cold climates. The Myotonic or Tennessee Fainting goat is also known for its resilience and is characterized by its unique myotonia congenita, a condition that causes temporary stiffening when startled.

What are some rare or less common goat breeds?

Rare or less common goat breeds include the Arapawa goat from New Zealand, known for its small size and unique color patterns, and the Girgentana goat from Sicily, with distinctive spiral horns and a low population count. The San Clemente Island goat, originally from California, is another rare breed with a small gene pool and conservation efforts in place.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

minombre

In the rugged, rocky Mediterranean landscape goats do rather well. They can climb and find food in places where cows would not be able to get to. The landscape used to be rather void of vegetation in many areas because goats would eat everything in sight. Now it seems that those areas are much greener. Does it mean that there are fewer goats?

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    • A young goat.
      By: Gerhard Seybert
      A young goat.
    • Cashmere goats are prized for their soft, fine wool.
      By: PerfectLazybones
      Cashmere goats are prized for their soft, fine wool.
    • Some breeds of goats are raised for their milk.
      By: Andrey Kuzmin
      Some breeds of goats are raised for their milk.