Kiko goats are primarily raised to produce meat. This breed is suitable for meat goat farming because it’s one of the best goats in the world. Demand for the Kiko goats determines its population.
The Kiko goat is a new breed developed in the 1970’s from the feral goats of New Zealand. We selected this breed because they have a reputation for being easy to care for, vigorous, and producing high quality meat. Kiko goats are known for being good mothers and capable foragers.
The Kiko is an aggressive forager, capable of thriving under feed deprivation. The Kiko was developed in New Zealand to create a more muscular and productive indigenous goat. They have been in the United States only since about 1995.
Kiko goats are exceptional meat goats. They produce vigorous, fast-growing kids that reliably raise to weaning due to excellent maternal instincts, and require little producer input, supplemental feed, or medical care.
The Kiko is a breed of meat goat originating from New Zealand. Kiko comes from the Māori word for meat. They were selected for twinning, growth rate and constitution.
Kiko goats are a hardy, large meat breed. Since they are disease and parasite resistant they often live over the life expectancy of eight to 12 years.
Kiko goats might be the ones you need if you want to raise a meat goat with rapid kid growth, superb maternal nature, and improved carcass yield.
Are Kiko goats better than Boer goats?
Kikos are hardier than Boer goats. Data from a 2004 Tennessee State University study indicated that Kikos may be more parasite-resistant and have fewer foot-rot problems than other breeds. Kikos weaned more pounds of kid per doe compared with Boer goats. However, Boer goats are preferred by buyers.
Kiko bucks are aggressive breeders. Kiko genetics crossed with Boer goats provide fast-growing kids that can reach market weight in four months without creep feeding. The Kiko needs minimal intervention from owners.
Data from a 2004 Tennessee State University study indicated that Kikos may be more parasite-resistant and have fewer foot-rot problems than other breeds. In that study, Kikos weaned more pounds of kid per doe compared with Boer goats. However, Boer goats are preferred by buyers at sale barns.
“Kiko” means “meat” in Maori. Kikos produce fast-growing kids that reliably raise to weaning due excellent maternal instincts. They require little input, supplemental feed or medical care. The Kiko originated from New Zealand.
Kikos produce more pounds of kid per doe at weaning than Boer goats, although Boer goats are more in demand. While Kikos are primarily meat goats, many people milk them and find the milk delicious. Kiko prices range from $300 for a doe to $1500 for a registered buck. DNA testing costs $50 per test.
How can you tell a Kiko goat?
The Kiko goat was developed in New Zealand. It is used for meat production. Bucks weigh 275 pounds. Does weigh 125 pounds. Kikos are aggressive foragers. They thrive in low feed conditions. Kiko goats came to the U.S. in 1995. Goats can live on pasture alone. Kikos cost $300 to $1500. The female costs more. Kikos are white or cream. Some are black. Kikos have erect ears. They live 8 to 12 years. The Kiko is used for meat production. It is crossed with dairy breeds. This produces fast-growing goats.
A doe costs $300 to $350. The female costs more than the male. Kikos are relatively large goats. Most are white. Both sexes usually have horns. Bucks have prominent horns. The goal was survivability and growth rate. Kikos have good mothering ability. They produce twins often.
Are Kiko goats parasite resistant?
The Kiko goat breed was first developed in New Zealand in the year 1970. The parent breeds were bred to obtain a goat that can mature quickly, does not require much care, and produces large carcasses. Thousands of local feral goats were bred with imported dairy goats to create the Kiki breed. Kiki goats are meaty, parasite resistant, disease resistant, and fast growing animals. No special diet, feed or extra care is required with kidding. In 1986, the Kiko goat breed faced the toughest survival test. In 1990, these goats were first imported to the United States.
Kiko goats are relatively large in size and stocky, with straight profiles and medium-length, drooping ears. Most are white in color, although they can be almost any color. They are mainly raised for commercial meat production and are often crossed with dairy or other meat breeds to produce hardy, fast-growing goats. Bucks weigh around 275 pounds while does average 125 pounds.
Kiko goats show great parasite and disease resistance allowing them to thrive in difficult climates where other goats cannot. They have adapted well to a wide range of landscapes all over the world. Kiko does are excellent mothers with good milk production and high twinning rates.
In 2004 a study at the University of Tennessee indicated that Kikos may be more parasite resistant than other breeds and have fewer hoof rot problems. This is important since treating hoof rot can be expensive and time consuming. Kiko goats are relatively low maintenance and survive well on rough forage making them cost effective.
Looking for a hardy meat goat? The Kiko is a great forager requiring little extra care. Kikos originated in the 1980s when Garrick and Anne Batten in New Zealand crossbred feral goats with imported dairy bucks. They came to the United States in the 1990s primarily as a meat goat. Their name Kiko comes from the Maori word for meat.