Spanish Goat: Characteristics, Facts & Breed Information

The Spanish goat (also known as brush goat or scrub goat) is a medium to large-sized breed of goats, that came originally from Spain via Mexico to the USA. These goats are mainly used for meat production and for brush-clearing purposes.

That’s why they are one of the most popular in the United States for the people, who want meat, and who want to remove undesirable plants from their lands. Keep reading to learn more about them.

History

At the beginning of 1500s, Spanish explorers brought their native goats to the Caribbean Islands and in the areas that would later become the United States and Mexico.

These foundation stocks were undifferentiated to the Mediterranean type of goats that were common in Spain at the time, but no longer exist. This adds genetic and historic importance to the Spanish goat breeds that evolved in the new world today.

As of today, these goats are widely found in the United States, but due to the amount of crossbreeding. Their population gets threatened, which is why their breed is on the watch list of the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.

Origin

Spanish goats originated in Spain, where they are usually used for meat production and for brush-clearing purposes.

Spanish Goat Characteristics

• They are medium to large-sized goats.
• They are beautiful goats.
• Their bodies are compact and solid.
• They have long horns that are distinctively twisted.
• They have large ears that are held horizontally forward next to the head.
• They have straight and concave faces.
• They have a wide variety of color variations that can be found in goats.
• They have small udders and teats.
• They are very hardy goats.
• The average height of their adult bucks and adult does is around 17-25 inches.
• The average weight of their adult bucks is around 200-250 pounds, while for their adult does they around 100-150 pounds.
• They can adapt to different types of climates and environments.
• Their temperament is usually active, curious, wary, but docile when socialized.

Facts

• They originated in Spain.
• Purebred Spanish goats in the United States are estimated to be only more than 8000 goats.
• They are the first goat breed kept in the United States.
• Aside from their names Spanish goats, brush goats, and scrub goats, they are also called by other people as wood goats, briar goats, and hill goats.
• Their gestation period is 155 days.
• They always produce twins or triplets each time they give birth.
• Their lifespan is 6-7 years only.
• Their milk production per day is 1.3 liters of milk.
• Their milk fat content is 5%.
• They can breed year-round and maybe bred up to three times in two years.
• Their usual diets are hays, grasses, plants, grains, weeds, and shrubs.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• They are efficient for brush-clearing.
• They are good for meat production.
• Their meat tastes savory.
• Their hardiness is good.
• Their fertility rate is good.
• They have a high resistance towards parasites and diseases.
• They can adapt to different types of climates and environments.
• They can breed year-round.
• They always produce twins or triples each time they give birth.

Cons

• They don’t produce a lot of milk.
• They are not easy to handle because of their activeness.
• They have a short lifespan.

Uses

The Spanish goats are mainly used for meat production, and for brush-clearing purposes.

Breed Profile Information

Breed Name	Spanish Goat
Other Name	Brush Goat, Scrub Goat, Wood Goat, Briar Goat, and Hill Goat
Breed Purpose	Meat and Brush Clearing
Uses	Meat, Brush Clearing, and Milk.
Size	Medium to Large
Height	Adult Bucks and Adult Does Height is around 17-25 inches
Weight	Adult Bucks 200-250 pounds, Adult Does 100-150 pounds
Horns	Yes
Climate Tolerance	All Climates
Colors	Many Colors
Life Expectancy	6-7 years
Temperament	Active, Curious, Wary, But Docile When Socialized
Good for Stall Fed	Not Sure
Milk Production Per Day	1.3 liters
Milk Fat Content	5%
Rarity	Common
Country/Place of Origin	Spain

Final Thoughts

The Spanish goats are a breed of goats that are good for meat production and for brush-clearing purposes. If you want to buy these goats, you can buy them at the average price of $300-$350 per goat. But their price may change depending on the situation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are Spanish goats used for? The Spanish goats are mainly used for meat production and for brush-clearing purposes. This is where they are good at with.

How big do Spanish goats get? The Spanish goats can get a height of 17-25 inches, with a weight of 100-250 pounds.

How much does a Spanish goat cost? The Spanish goats can cost around $300-$350 per goat.

Are Spanish goats low maintenance? Yes, Spanish goats are low maintenance goats. Thanks to their hardiness and their ability to survive to different types of climates and environments.

How many babies do Spanish goats have? Spanish goats can normally have 2-3 babies each time they give birth.

Are Spanish goats good for milk? Spanish goats are not good for milk. They are only good for meat production and for brush-clearing purposes.