Content
Goat breeding is one of the oldest branches of animal husbandry. Today there are over 200 breeds of these animals. Goats are mainly bred for products such as milk, wool or fluff. Meat goat farming in Russia is relatively poorly developed. At the same time, goat meat has excellent taste. It is no less tasty than lamb, but contains much less fat. In addition, in Central Asia and Siberia there are coarse-haired meat goat breeds that produce meat, milk, and wool. However, their productivity is not very high.
Characteristics of meat breeds
The main goal of breeding such animals is to obtain a significant amount of high-quality meat. There are a number of signs by which you can recognize the meat direction of an animal.
- The udder is small and located high. Milk yields from meat goats are small. There is only enough milk to feed the young. The lactation period is short;
- Large belly;
- Barrel-shaped body with rounded sides.
This description can be used to describe almost any meat breed. The meat of such goats is very tender and juicy in taste, without any aftertaste or unpleasant odor. Goat meat has long been considered a dietary meat with a medicinal effect.It is especially useful for people suffering from gastrointestinal, cardiovascular diseases, and blood diseases. Let's look at the most popular breeds of meat-type goats.
The most popular meat goats
Boer
An unusually beautiful and unusual in appearance South African breed. Looking from the photo is a charming hook-nosed muzzle with a somewhat arrogant expression and unusually intelligent eyes. Farmers - immigrants from Europe - crossed the best native goats with meat goats imported from Europe. Since South African farmers were called Boers, the newly bred breed received the appropriate name.
Meat Boer goats has low fat content, tasty and very soft. Animals of the Boer breed not only have tasty meat, but also strong skins and good quality wool. The animals are relatively small, but very powerful. They have well-developed muscles, a powerful back and a strong chest. The weight of goats reaches 135 kg, goats - 100 kg. The main color of Boer goats is white, but there are brownish-reddish spots on the head, chest and neck. Like the Nubian breed, the ears are large and drooping. There are small neat horns.
The characteristics of this breed are as follows. Goats have a gentle, affectionate character. A goat bears offspring three times in 2 years. The weight of a newborn goat is about 4 kilograms. Kids grow and develop very quickly, gaining up to a quarter of a kilogram per day. South African goats are gentle and caring mothers. Animals have good immunity and excellent health.
Kiko
The homeland of these beauties is New Zealand. "Kiko" means "meat" in the Polynesian Maori language. So everything is natural.The breed was obtained by crossing the best European meat goats with Polynesian wild dairy goats.
The weight of goats and kiko goats is from 60 to 70 kg. Greater weight is rare. Pregnancy in goats is multiple. A goat brings 2-3 kids per lamb. The babies, despite their small size, are distinguished by good immunity and significant weight gain. Goats have little milk, but it is quite enough to feed the kids.
The animals are distinguished by their dense build; their color is most often brown, but there are also colored animals. Goats have long beards and large horns. The ears are large and drooping. Thick fur helps animals feel comfortable on cool mountain pastures.
Kiko meat goats are incredibly loving mothers. They take such touching care of their offspring that it can only evoke respect and admiration.
Animals cope well with all the hardships associated with an unfavorable climate. If we talk about the Russian climate, then farmers in Siberia and other regions with an unfavorable climate can breed such beauties. The breed is very popular among American, New Zealand and Australian farmers.
Greek
As they say, you can’t erase a word from a song. The homeland of these animals is the ancient Greek land. There are many color options. Brown, white and black goats are equally likely to be born. The head is small, slightly flattened, the neck is long. The horns are large and give small animals a majestic appearance.Thanks to strong, elastic hooves, goats feel quite comfortable on the mountainous slopes of Greece, covered with stones.
The udder of goats is round and compact. Livestock farmers can admire photographs of Greek goats for a long time. The entire appearance of the animal - beautiful and slightly awkward - is reminiscent of the ancient Greek deity, the goat-footed Pan, the patron saint of shepherds and domestic animals, protecting herds from snakes and wolves.
The weight of adult goats is 60 kg. The lactation period is short. The weight of milk per year from one goat is only 100 kg. Despite the small amount, the milk is incredibly tasty and rich in fat. Used to prepare the famous Greek cheese and butter. Milk is used both independently and mixed with sheep's milk. But the main product obtained from Greek goats is meat. It is very beautiful, pink in color, juicy and incredibly pleasant to the taste. There is absolutely no smell.
The advantage of this breed is its absolute unpretentiousness to feed and living conditions. The animals are content with the merest food and are not averse to eating garlic and young branches of coniferous trees. Animals are popular in Greece, especially on the island of Crete.
Black Anatolian
This breed is common in Russia, among fans of meat goat breeding. Goats are most often black, black and brown. Gray individuals are less common. Anatolians are a combination breed. They are bred for meat, fluff and wool. Both male and female goats are characterized by a beard and peculiar “earrings”. Goats have little milk, but there is enough to feed the kids. Animals tolerate temperature changes well.However, the hair of Anatolian goats requires care, as it quickly mats and absorbs foreign odors like a sponge.
These are unusually healthy animals with excellent immunity. They thrive in harsh climates. Neither cold nor unfavorable ecology bothers them. They are quite comfortable even in the Siberian expanses.
Nubian
Another combined breed of goats for meat and dairy production. The owners of these animals are guaranteed a supply of tasty meat and rich, nutritious milk. The goats are large (about 60 kg), the weight of record-breaking males reaches 100 kg. Milk yield increases from one lambing to the next. Females give birth twice a year. Multiple pregnancy. For one lambing, a goat produces 2-3 kids. The video shows these unusual animals well.
The Nubians also have serious disadvantages. For example, they suffer more than other breeds from blood-sucking insects. They are also unsuitable for commercial farms. Having a somewhat capricious character, goats do not tolerate proximity to other domestic animals.
Conclusion
It is quite possible that over time, meat goat farming will take root in Russia: after all, it is very profitable! With proper management of animals, raising meat goats can become very profitable.
