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Many goat ranchers have not heard of the Kiko Goat or are not as familiar with the breed as they are with Boer Goats. As my mother said "a little history is always appreciated:"
'The appropriately named Kiko goat was purpose-bred in New Zealand for meat production - the Maori word "kiko" meaning flesh or meat. The primary characteristic of the Kiko goat is its hardiness and its ability to achieve substantial weight gains when run under natural conditions without supplemental feeding. The Kiko goat is an aggressive forager and exhibits the ability to carry a heavy parasite load.
Today the Kiko goat is not as heavily boned as some breeds, consequently they exhibit a lean body, but produce a high ratio of meat to animal weight, which results in higher percentage yields in sales than some other animals and breeds.'
Here at Dry Creek Ranch the results from crossing any breed of goat with the Kiko goat is astounding. With minimal work the Kiko goat gains sufficient weight to make them profitable at the market. For those wanting to become involved in the commercial meat goat production this is the premier cross. We used the Kiko goats in a pasture that needed major maintenance and since then have become avid lovers of this breed.
Minor work and major love has made us continue the full blood line of Kiko Goats. |