Looking to raise goats for meat? These breeds are known for size, growth rate, and feed efficiency.
Introduction
Did you know that goat meat is the most widely consumed red meat in the world? While it may be less common on dinner tables in the U.S., it’s a staple in cuisines across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. It’s lean, flavorful, and lower in fat and cholesterol than beef or pork—making it a smart (and sustainable) protein choice.
Goats are one of the most efficient, low-maintenance livestock options for small farms and homesteads. Whether you’re raising them for your own freezer or for profit, choosing the right breed makes all the difference in how much meat you get and how quickly you get it.
In this post, we’ll cover the best goat breeds for meat production—including fast growers, hardy foragers, and dual-purpose options.
Top Meat Goat Breeds
🐐 1. Boer Goat
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Size: Large (200–300 lbs mature weight)
- Temperament: Calm, easy to manage
- Notes: Most popular meat breed in the U.S.; high carcass yield and efficient feed conversion
🐏 2. Kiko Goat
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Size: Medium to large
- Temperament: Independent, low maintenance
- Notes: Bred for hardiness and parasite resistance; great for pasture-based systems
🌿 3. Spanish Goat
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Size: Medium
- Temperament: Active, great foragers
- Notes: Ideal for low-input systems and brush control; naturally hardy
🌾 4. Myotonic (Fainting Goat)
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Size: Medium
- Temperament: Docile and easy to handle
- Notes: Known for heavy muscling; popular for smaller-scale meat operations
🐐 5. Savanna Goat
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Size: Large
- Temperament: Hardy and alert
- Notes: Originally from South Africa; excellent growth and adaptability
⚖️ 6. Nubian (Dual-Purpose)
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Size: Large
- Temperament: Vocal, friendly
- Notes: Often used for both milk and meat; higher butterfat in milk and good meat frame
What to Consider When Choosing a Meat Goat Breed
- Climate Adaptability – Some breeds handle heat, cold, or humidity better
- Feed Efficiency – Breeds like Boer convert feed to meat more efficiently
- Parasite Resistance – Kiko and Spanish goats shine in this area
- Temperament & Handling – Myotonics are very calm, while Spanish goats are more flighty
- Purpose – Are you raising for bulk meat, dual-purpose, or land clearing?
Quick Comparison Table
| Breed | Growth Rate | Size | Key Trait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boer | Fast | Large | High carcass yield |
| Kiko | Fast | Medium | Parasite resistant |
| Spanish | Moderate | Medium | Great foragers |
| Myotonic | Moderate | Medium | Heavily muscled, docile |
| Savanna | Fast | Large | Heat hardy and durable |
| Nubian | Moderate | Large | Dual-purpose (milk + meat) |
What’s Next?
🎁 Grab our list of 100 money making ideas for your homestead, and start making your goats pay for their own hay!
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