| Meat goats are distinctively different from their dairy | | | | raise since they maintain themselves to a large |
| counterparts. Although there are some breeds that | | | | extent. However because of their remarkable |
| can be used for milk and meat production, in general | | | | qualities they tend to be priced higher than any other |
| however they are separated because of their unique | | | | breed in the meat production industry |
| characteristics. A large variety of goats fall under the | | | | The Kiko goat breed is another popular meat |
| meat category ranging from Boer goats and the | | | | production goat developed in New Zealand. The |
| Tennessee Fainting Goats to the Kiko goats and the | | | | development of this particular breed actually came |
| Spanish Goats. | | | | about as a result of an initiative taken by the local |
| In order to gauge the best quality meat it is | | | | government to control the goat population of New |
| important to be aware of the meat breed | | | | Zealand. The end result is a breed that has |
| characteristics standards. Based on these standards | | | | remarkable hardiness and meat carcass |
| you will find that only 3 of these are true breeds for | | | | characteristics. It is priced lower than the Boer but |
| meat production. The Boer most definitely tops the | | | | higher than other varieties of meat goats. |
| list along with the Kikos and the Tenessee Fainting | | | | Fainting goats is the third most popular category of |
| Goats. The Spanish on the other hand are actually | | | | meat goats. These are moderate sized animals that |
| indigenous to Southern US. A number of breeders | | | | have an average height between 17 to 25 inches and |
| have worked hard to transform this local breed into a | | | | an average weight of 150 to 165 pounds. These |
| healthy meat goat but up till now there are no breed | | | | goats are characterized by their long ears and bulgy |
| standards or registry with which to gauge the quality | | | | eyes. The improved characteristics of this particular |
| of this breed. | | | | breed are the result of much hard work and |
| The Best Meat Goats | | | | perseverance on the part of breeders. Today, the |
| Boer goats are considered to be the largest sized | | | | fainting goats are not only renowned for their own |
| meat goats anywhere in the world. It has a massive | | | | meat characteristics rather they can also be crossed |
| frame and is double muscled. It was initially developed | | | | with the Boer to develop excellent and cost |
| in South Africa specifically for the purpose of meat | | | | effective meat goats. Fainting goats are the most |
| and hardiness. However today it is bred in large | | | | economically priced of the three breeds mentioned |
| numbers in New Zealand, Australia and various other | | | | above. |
| countries. The Boer is also considered to be easy to | | | | |