Kiko Goats: Breed Profile

Kiko goats were developed in New Zealand by crossing feral goats with dairy breeds and selecting for hardiness and growth with little care. The name means meat in Maori. They are usually white and arrived in the United States in the 1990s.

Purpose

Kikos are raised for meat and valued for hardiness, parasite resistance and kidding ease.

Where the breed stands today

The breed is common among pasture-based producers, with an association and shows.

What to look for in a Kiko project animal

Look for a sturdy, well-muscled body, correct legs and a calm temperament. Have a knowledgeable adult, a breeder or your veterinarian look the animal over before you buy, and compare more than one seller.

Showing Kiko at 4-H and FFA

Meat goats are judged on muscling, structure and finish in market classes, and on breeding soundness in breeding classes. Rules differ by fair, so read your show book before you commit.

Pros

• Hardy and parasite resistant
• Good for low-input projects
• Growing show presence
• Market goat classes and the premium sale give meat goats a clear path through the show.
• Goats are smaller and cheaper to keep than cattle, which helps beginners.

Cons

• Muscling can look different from Boer-type show goats
• Fewer classes than Boer
• Competition against Boer crosses
• Internal parasites, especially the barber pole worm, are a constant management issue.
• Goats escape through weak fencing and need secure housing.

Caring for your project

Plan for regular feeding, hoof trimming, parasite checks and exercise. Keep a record book from the first day, and write down feed, health care and costs, because judges and buyers both ask about them.

Getting started

A good first step is to visit a show in your area and watch the classes for your species. Talk with exhibitors, the superintendent and your club advisor about what they look for, and ask whether the show has a class for Kiko. Many students find a mentor this way, and a mentor can save you from the most expensive beginner mistakes.

Planning your budget

Add up the purchase price, feed, bedding, veterinary care, entry fees, travel and equipment before you commit. Ask your advisor what a typical project costs in your county, and plan for the chance that the animal will not qualify for the sale. A realistic budget keeps the project fun for the student and fair to the family.

Show-day tips

Arrive early so the animal and the exhibitor can settle before the class. Check the show book for the class name, age limits and check-in time, and bring your paperwork, feed, water and cleaning supplies. Judges notice calm, well-prepared exhibitors, so keep the animal clean, stay quiet in the ring and answer questions honestly. Afterward, ask the judge for feedback, because a few minutes of advice can shape next year's project.

Learning from the ring

Win or lose, every class teaches something. Write down what the judge said, compare notes with other exhibitors and talk with your advisor about one thing to improve before the next show. Students who treat each show as practice usually improve fastest, and they tend to enjoy the project more.

Questions to ask a breeder

• Are the animal and her parents registered, and can I see the papers?
• How old is she, and what has she been fed?
• How has the herd been managed for internal parasites?
• How has she been handled, and what is her temperament?
• Is she eligible for the classes and sale at my show?

Bottom line

Kikos are a rugged option, best if your show has a Kiko class.

To see how the contests work, read How Breeding Classes and Market Classes Work. Suppliers, vets and feed stores near you are listed at agriculture.directory. For a lighter look at fair life, farm.fm has Google Search for “Farm Petting Zoo Near Me” Leads to Goat That Eats Every Complaint, and the Livestock Conservancy tracks the status of rare breeds.