Kiko Goat: Characteristics, Facts & Breed Information

The Kiko goat is a beautiful meat goat breed originated from New Zealand. Their Kiko name comes from the Maori word, which means meat. You can identify these goats through their large size bodies with colors that are usually white, but they can also have other colors. Keep reading to learn more about them.

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.

About the exportation of these goats from the United States. They were exported in the year 1990s.

Origin

The Kiko goats originated in New Zealand, where they are usually used for meat production.

Kiko Goat Characteristics

• They are large-sized goats.
• They are beautiful goats.
• Their bodies are stocky and muscular.
• They have medium ears that are a bit down.
• They have horns.
• Their horns are large that twist.
• Their colors are usually white, but they can also have other colors.
• Their adult bucks average height is around 30-37 inches, while for their adult does they are around 26-30 inches.
• Their adult bucks average weight is around 275 pounds, while for their adult does they are around 125 pounds.
• Their hardiness is good.
• They can adapt to different types of climates and environments.
• They can gain weight without supplementary feeding.
• They are excellent foragers.
• Their temperament is usually active, docile, alert but calm, and easy going.

Facts

• They can be domesticated.
• They originated in New Zealand.
• Their Kiko name comes from the Maori word, which means meat.
• They are mainly raised for meat production.
• Their meat tastes delicious.
• They are parasite resistance goats.
• They have a long breeding season.
• They can breed year-round.
• They have less health problems.
• Their kids are fast growers.
• Their gestation period is 150 days.
• Their lifespan is 8-12 years.
• Their usual diets are hays, grasses, plants, grains, weeds, and shrubs.
• Their lactation period is 5 months.
• Their milk production per day is 1.5 liters of milk.
• Their milk fat content 3-5%.
• Their milk quality is also good.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• They are good for meat production.
• They don’t need supplementary foods to eat. Enough food is just okay with them.
• They don’t need too much medical attention.
• They are good mothers to their children.
• They are excellent foragers.
• They can adapt to different types of climates and environments.
• They can gain weight faster, just like Boer goats.

Cons

• They are not good for milk production.
• They are not easy to handle due to their large size.
• They have some attitudes of being in the wild.

Uses

The Kiko goat is a meat-type goat breed, which means they are usually used for meat production.

Breed Profile Information

Breed Name	Kiko Goat
Other Name	None
Breed Purpose	Meat Production
Uses	Meat and Milk
Size	Large
Height	Adult Bucks 30-37 inches, Adult Does 26-30 inches
Weight	Adult Bucks 275 pounds, Adult Does 125 pounds
Horns	Yes
Climate Tolerance	All Climates
Colors	Mainly White, But They Can Also Have Other Colors
Life Expectancy	8-12 years
Temperament	Active, Docile, Alert But Calm, and Easy Going.
Good for Stall Fed	Yes
Milk Production Per Day	1.5 liters/day
Milk Fat Content	3-5%
Rarity	Common
Country/Place of Origin	New Zealand

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.

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 only good for their meat. But if you cross-bred them to the other dairy goats out there, maybe there is a possibility that they can produce a good amount of milk and be a good milk producer.

What are Kiko goats used for? Kiko goats are used for meat production. This is where they are good at with.

Are Kiko goats good pets? They can also be good pets, but it’s not recommended keeping them as pets because they are mainly raised for livestock.

Are Kiko goats good for meat? Yes, Kiko goats are also good for meat, just like the Boer goats. In fact, they can get a lot of weight in a reasonable amount of time without having supplementary feeding.

Do Kiko goats have horns? Yes, Kiko goats have horns. Their horns are usually large that twist.

How long do Kiko goats live? 8-12 years.

Where do Kiko goats come from? Kiko goats come from New Zealand.

How big are Kiko goats? 26-37 inches in height, with a weight around 125-275 pounds.

How much is a Kiko goat? $300-$1500 per goat.