Spanish goats

[AmyB]

For the exact same reasons, I have been researching Kiko Alpine crosses. The thing with Kikos is there doesn't seem to be much breed standards. Some are tall, others really short, etc. However they are supposed to be more self reliant, good mothers, and some bloodlines could really add some height and muscle mass. I really liked my ibex theory to accomplish this, but since that can't be done in my state, this is the next best option. I just really like using Alpines as the foundation. Good luck, and keep us posted if you do it!

The Kiko was developed in NZ for a performance goat. I suspect the shorter ones that you have seen are crosses, possibly with Boers. Do a breed search for NZ bred stock and you will see good height on them. Myself I intend to breed to as pure a NZ line as I can find/afford. Using Alpine and/or Boer doelings. I dont want a big herd, maybe 4 does to start, they can reproduce plenty fast. But it gives me a better base to select from.

There is a Kiko herd in NW Or that has some very big bucks, long and tall. I like the weighing and measuring that has been happening at the rondys. I think this can help every herd to select their breeders. I will be measuring my breeders.

I like what I have read about the Spanish Goats, but, as was mentioned they have been developed in warmer climes, as was the Boer, so if I get some Boers to start with I will replace the Boer does with crosses as soon as I can. Here in MI it is just too cold for warm clime animals. We have had around -15 a number of times this winter, it is -6 this morning, with 3-4' of snow. I am looking for some Boer crosses now rather then pure Boer doelings. I know of Alpine and Saanens in our area and they do well. I also like their height and lengths.

Boers get a very thick fluffy coat when it gets cold, so I wouldn't count them out. If I were the kind of person who slaughters their goats, I'd make rugs out of wethers in their first winter, because that is the softest most warm fur you ever saw, and, being white, it's lovely.

The thing that is hard on Boers is actually damp, as they're not that resistant to worms.