Читать книгу Raising Goats For Dummies - Cheryl K. Smith - Страница 77

The Kiko goat is a newer breed that was created in New Zealand purely as a meat goat. Kikos are most often white with long, scimitar-like horns and medium ears that stick out sideways. They can gain substantial weight without supplemental feeding, which is a big plus for producers. If you have substantial range for these goats, they may be even more economical than Boers.

The name Kiko means “meat for consumption” in the Maori language. This unique breed came out of a government-funded project intended to thin out the native goat population. Once captured, some of the native goats were crossbred with milk and fiber goats with the intent of developing hardy goats that grew fast and produced a lot of meat.

Kikos came into the United States in the 1990s and were found to be superior to the Boer goat in terms of hardiness and adaptability. Their hooves have to be trimmed less frequently than other goats, they kid easily, and the does are good mothers. These traits make them perfect for a life on the range.

Kiko goats and offspring from crosses with other meat goats can be registered with the International Kiko Goat Association. They officially recognize a Boer/Kiko cross called the American Meatmaker. The American Kiko Goat Association (AKGA) allows some crossbreed registration, but the sire must always be a purebred Kiko.