Kiko Goats
The name Kiko originates from a Maori word for meat, "kikokiko." As the name suggests, Kiko goats are a well known meat goat breed and are the result of careful selective breeding, originating from New Zealand in the 1980s and making their appearance in the United States in 1995. This breed was formed by cross breeding feral doe goats to established dairy breeds. Traits were carefully selected for future generations, focusing on hardiness, rapid growth and kid rearing. By crossbreeding feral goats that thrive in rough terrain and harsh conditions to high producing dairy goats, breeders were able to develop the popular performance meat breed we know today.
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The primary reasons we shifted from Boer goats to Kiko goats is their hardiness, resilience, and ability to thrive with minimal intervention. They have a much greater resistance to parasites compared to other breeds, are less susceptible to hoof problems, and have great maternal instincts. It's important to note, however, that minimal intervention is not the same as zero intervention. We do trim hooves 2-3 times per year, and we do still need to spot treat for parasites. We retain the animals that require the least amount of support, but we feel that it's irresponsible for breeders to claim that the breed requires zero animal husbandry.
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Kikos are also aggressive foragers and are able to achieve significant growth and weight gain without heavy feeding. Kikos are often used for crossbreeding in meat and dairy herds to improve growth rate, parasite- resistance, and overall hardiness.
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If you have any questions or just want to chat about the breed please reach out. We are always eager to share the knowledge we have picked up over the years from working with our own herd and hear from other breeders! Much of our stock is registered with the National Kiko Registry, you can also read more about the breed on their website.
Kikos are a performance breed, meaning there are no strict breed standards. They can come in a variety of colors ranging from solid white, black and brown and every combination in-between. Our breeding bucks, LPR Lookout Point Empire N15M1804LPR5
and DJG Bazooka Joe N20M0110DJG4 have produced some stunning coloration in our kids. While the Kiko was bred to thrive in less-than-optimal conditions, they are a docile breed with a wonderful temperament. They enjoy the company of humans and are very friendly. They also do great with other barnyard pals like our Scottish Highlands and Painted Desert Sheep.
Kikos are bred primarily for meat production, with market demand for goat meat increasing dramatically in recent years. However, they are also a great option for those looking for pets to keep overgrown pastures and weeds in check. They are a low-maintenance option with a great disposition!
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Kikos are an independent breed. They are able to conceive, carry and give birth to their kids with minimal to no intervention. Most produce twins or triplets. Their maternal instincts and high milk production support rapid growth in the offspring.
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Under our current breeding program, we have two kid crops a year - March and November. Most of our kids are reserved well in advance of the kidding season. If you are interested n our animals, please reach out, ask questions, and make your reservations early. We operate on a "first come, first serve" basis. Once reservations are filled, the remaining animals will be posted on our Facebook and For Sale page.
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Goat meat offers a lean savory flavor for only 122 calories and 2.5 grams of fat for a 3-ounce serving! Goat is sweeter than lamb but less sweet than beef and is considered one of the healthiest red meat options with a lower cholesterol content compared to beef and chicken. Goat is packed full of protein and iron with a variety of cooking techniques to suite most palates. From a hearty winter goat meat stew to grilled tenderloin, we highly recommend giving goat meat a try! Check out this cookbook for ideas on how to prepare goat meat.
Learn More
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Click here to learn more about how the Kiko breed was developed
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Click here to learn more about how companies and farmers are using goats for brush control
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New to goats? Check out Fias Co Farm - they are a treasure trove of information
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Goat diseases can be quite different than other species. While there is no replacement for a trusted vet relationship, this page can give you some ideas on when it's time to call for help and what to watch out for in your herd
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Animals don't usually plan their emergencies around human schedules, and sometimes that means your vet isn't available when you need help. This site will connect you with long time breeders to help in a pinch.