Raising Kiko Goats

Raising Kiko Goats

Raising Kiko Goats

Raising Kiko goats can be a rewarding venture, whether you're interested in meat production, brush clearing, or adding hardy livestock to your homestead. Known for their resilience, fast growth, and excellent foraging ability, Kiko goats are a popular choice among goat farmers—especially in varied or challenging environments. 

1. Understanding Kiko Goats

Origin: Developed in New Zealand in the 1980s from feral goats, selectively bred for meat production and hardiness.

Key Traits:

• Hardy & disease-resistant: Adapt well to diverse climates and rugged terrain.

• Excellent foragers: Reduce feed costs by browsing efficiently.

• Fast-growing kids: Reach market weight quickly.

• Low maintenance: Require less intensive management than many dairy breeds.

• Good mothers: High kidding rates and strong maternal instincts.

2. Housing & Fencing

Shelter:

• Provide a three-sided shelter or barn that protects from wind, rain, and extreme temperatures.

• Ensure dry, draft-free conditions—especially for newborns.

• Bedding: Use straw or wood shavings; keep clean to prevent parasites and disease.

Fencing:

• Kiko goats are agile and curious—secure fencing is essential.

• Use woven wire (field fencing) at least 4–5 feet high, or electric fencing with multiple strands.

• Avoid large gaps that kids can slip through or predators can enter.

3. Nutrition

Pasture & Forage:

• Kikos thrive on browse (brush, weeds, shrubs) more than grass.

• Rotate pastures to reduce parasite load and maintain forage quality.

• Provide diverse plant species—they prefer variety and select nutrient-rich plants.

Supplemental Feeding:

• Mineral supplementation is critical—offer a goat-specific loose mineral (not sheep minerals—they contain copper, which is toxic to sheep but essential for goats).

• Hay: High-quality grass or legume hay during winter or drought.

• Grain: Generally not needed unless for pregnant/lactating does or growing kids in poor pasture.

4. Health Management

Parasite Control:

• Kikos have natural resistance to internal parasites but are not immune.

• Practice FAMACHA scoring, fecal egg counts, and rotational grazing.

• Use dewormers judiciously to avoid resistance—only treat when necessary.

Vaccinations:

• Core vaccine: CD&T (Clostridium perfringens Types C & D + Tetanus).

• Follow a vet-recommended schedule based on your region.

Hoof Care:

• Trim hooves every 6–8 weeks or as needed, depending on terrain.

• Wet or soft ground increases risk of hoof rot.

Common Health Issues:

• Pneumonia (especially in young kids)

• Coccidiosis (in stressed or overcrowded kids)

• Caseous lymphadenitis (CL) – test and manage carefully

5. Breeding & Kidding

Breeding Age:

• Does: 7–10 months old and at least 60–75% of adult weight.

• Bucks: Can be fertile as early as 4–6 months, but best to wait until 12 months.

Breeding Season:

• Kikos can breed year-round, though many breed in fall for spring kidding.

• Gestation: ~150 days (5 months).

Kidding:

• Most Kiko does kid unassisted—a hallmark of the breed.

• Provide a clean, quiet area for birthing.

• Ensure kids nurse within 1–2 hours to receive colostrum.

Weaning:

• Typically at 8–12 weeks of age.

• Monitor doe condition—some may lose weight if nursing multiples long-term.

6. Predator Protection

• Use guard animals: Livestock guardian dogs (e.g., Great Pyrenees), donkeys, or llamas.

• Secure pens at night if predators (coyotes, dogs, bears) are active in your area.

• Consider motion-sensor lights or secure night pens.

7. Record Keeping

Keep records of:

• Breeding dates & expected kidding

• Vaccinations & deworming

• Weight gain (for market readiness)

• Health issues

• Pedigree (if registered)

8. Marketing & Use

• Meat production: Kiko-crosses (e.g., with Boer goats) are popular for improved muscling while retaining hardiness.

• Brush control: Rent goats for land clearing—eco-friendly alternative to chemicals or machinery.

• Registered breeding stock: High demand for purebred or percentage Kikos with good genetics.

Tips for Success

✅ Start with registered or reputable breeder stock to ensure breed traits.
✅ Avoid overfeeding—Kikos don’t need rich diets and can develop urinary calculi if overfed grain.
✅ Observe your herd daily—early detection of illness improves outcomes.
✅ Join a Kiko goat association (e.g., International Kiko Goat Association) for resources and networking.

If you’re just starting out, consider beginning with 2–3 does and a wether (castrated male) for companionship—goats are social and shouldn’t be kept alone. Add a buck later or use a neighbor’s for breeding.

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