7 Best Meat Goat Breeds for Your Farm

Raising meat goats can be a profitable venture with the right breed selection. The best meat goat breed for you depends on your climate, management style, and market goals. This guide covers the top meat goat breeds to help you make an informed decision.

What Makes a Good Meat Goat?

Before comparing breeds, understand what characteristics matter most:

• Growth rate: How quickly kids reach market weight
• Feed efficiency: Meat produced per pound of feed
• Carcass quality: Muscle-to-bone ratio and meat quality
• Hardiness: Disease resistance and adaptability
• Reproduction: Fertility and mothering ability
• Parasite resistance: Critical for sustainable production

1. Boer Goats

The Gold Standard for Meat Production

Boer goats are the most popular meat goat breed worldwide, and for good reason. Developed in South Africa, they’re bred specifically for meat production.

Characteristics

• Appearance: White body with distinctive red/brown head
• Size: Bucks 250-300+ lbs; Does 150-200 lbs
• Growth rate: Exceptional—kids can reach 50-80 lbs by weaning
• Temperament: Docile and easy to handle

Pros

• Fastest growth rate of any meat goat
• Excellent carcass quality
• Docile temperament
• Well-established market

Cons

• Higher purchase price
• May require more management
• Less parasite resistant than some breeds
• Can struggle in very harsh climates

Best for: Commercial meat production, show goats, crossbreeding programs

Find Boer goat breeders →

2. Kiko Goats

The Low-Maintenance Choice

Developed in New Zealand, Kiko goats were bred for hardiness and survival with minimal intervention. The name “Kiko” means “meat” in Maori.

Characteristics

• Appearance: Variable colors, often white or cream
• Size: Bucks 250-300 lbs; Does 120-150 lbs
• Growth rate: Good, slightly less than Boer
• Temperament: More independent than Boer

Pros

• Exceptional parasite resistance
• Low maintenance—thrive on neglect
• Excellent foragers
• Strong maternal instincts
• Good feet and legs

Cons

• Slightly slower growth than Boer
• Can be more flighty
• Less uniform appearance
• Smaller market recognition

Best for: Pasture-based systems, low-input farming, harsh environments

Find Kiko goat breeders →

3. Savanna Goats

The Hardy White Meat Goat

Savanna goats originated in South Africa and were developed for hardiness in harsh conditions. They’re known for their heat tolerance and disease resistance.

Characteristics

• Appearance: All white with black skin (sun protection)
• Size: Bucks 200-250 lbs; Does 125-175 lbs
• Growth rate: Good, comparable to Kiko
• Temperament: Calm and docile

Pros

• Excellent heat tolerance
• Good parasite resistance
• Strong mothering ability
• Hardy and low maintenance
• Black skin prevents sunburn

Cons

• Less available than Boer
• Slightly smaller than Boer
• Higher initial cost
• Limited breed registry options

Best for: Hot climates, pasture systems, commercial production

Find Savanna goat breeders →

4. Spanish Goats

The American Heritage Breed

Spanish goats descend from goats brought by Spanish explorers centuries ago. They developed naturally in the Americas, becoming extremely hardy and adaptable.

Characteristics

• Appearance: Variable—all colors and patterns
• Size: Bucks 150-200 lbs; Does 80-130 lbs
• Growth rate: Moderate
• Temperament: Can be wild if not handled

Pros

• Extremely hardy and adaptable
• Best parasite resistance
• Excellent browsers and brush clearers
• Low maintenance
• Historic American breed

Cons

• Slower growth rate
• Smaller carcass size
• Can be flighty if not handled
• Less uniform for market

Best for: Brush clearing, low-input systems, crossbreeding, conservation

Find Spanish goat breeders →

5. Myotonic (Fainting) Goats

The Unique Meat Breed

Myotonic goats, also called Tennessee Fainting Goats, have a genetic condition causing temporary muscle stiffness when startled. This results in a higher muscle-to-bone ratio.

Characteristics

• Appearance: Variable colors, stocky build
• Size: Bucks 150-175 lbs; Does 80-120 lbs
• Growth rate: Moderate
• Temperament: Calm due to condition

Pros

• Higher meat-to-bone ratio
• Easy to contain (don’t jump fences)
• Docile temperament
• Good mothers
• Heritage breed status

Cons

• Smaller size
• Slower growth rate
• Ethical concerns for some buyers
• Limited availability

Best for: Small farms, heritage breed conservation, specialty markets

6. TexMaster Goats

The Composite Meat Breed

TexMaster is a composite breed developed by crossing Boer and Myotonic genetics, combining the best traits of both breeds.

Characteristics

• Appearance: Usually white with colored head
• Size: Bucks 200-250 lbs; Does 125-150 lbs
• Growth rate: Good
• Temperament: Docile

Pros

• Better muscle development than Boer
• Calmer than purebred Boer
• Good carcass quality
• Easier to contain

Cons

• Less recognized than Boer
• Limited availability
• Variable characteristics
• Smaller gene pool

Best for: Commercial meat production, small farms

7. Boer Crosses

The Practical Choice

Many commercial producers use Boer crosses, combining Boer genetics with hardier breeds for the best of both worlds.

Common Crosses

• Boer x Kiko: Growth + hardiness
• Boer x Spanish: Growth + parasite resistance
• Boer x Savanna: Growth + heat tolerance

Pros

• Hybrid vigor benefits
• Balances growth with hardiness
• Often more affordable
• Practical for commercial production

Cons

• Variable offspring
• Can’t register as purebred
• Less predictable traits

Best for: Commercial production, maximizing hybrid vigor

Breed Comparison Table

Breed	Growth Rate	Hardiness	Parasite Resistance	Size	Availability
Boer	Excellent	Moderate	Moderate	Large	Common
Kiko	Good	Excellent	Excellent	Medium-Large	Good
Savanna	Good	Excellent	Good	Medium-Large	Limited
Spanish	Moderate	Excellent	Excellent	Medium	Good
Myotonic	Moderate	Good	Good	Small-Medium	Limited
TexMaster	Good	Good	Good	Medium-Large	Limited

Choosing the Right Breed

Consider Your Climate

• Hot/humid: Savanna, Spanish, or Kiko
• Cold: Spanish or Boer crosses
• Variable: Kiko or Spanish

Consider Your Management Style

• High input/intensive: Boer
• Low input/extensive: Kiko, Spanish, or Savanna
• Moderate: Boer crosses or Savanna

Consider Your Market

• Premium buyers: Purebred Boer
• Ethnic markets: Any breed with good size
• Local/direct: Personal preference matters

Getting Started

1. Research local markets: What breeds sell well in your area?
2. Assess your land: Brush-heavy or open pasture?
3. Evaluate your time: How much management can you provide?
4. Visit breeders: See different breeds in person
5. Start small: Begin with 5-10 does to learn

Conclusion

There’s no single “best” meat goat breed—the right choice depends on your specific situation. Boer goats offer the fastest growth, Kiko and Spanish provide the best hardiness, and crosses can give you the best of both worlds.

Ready to find meat goat breeders? Browse our directory to connect with farms near you.

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Want to learn more about specific breeds? Check out our breed guide for detailed information on each breed.