Kiko Goat

Looks how to spot one

Short to thick coat, smooth supple skin

Kiko goats have a coat that varies with the environment, from short and smooth to quite thick. Their skin is smooth and supple, with darker pigmentation preferred but not required. They are medium to large framed, stocky, and muscular, with a strong head, well muscled shoulders and loin, and a broad rump. Ears are moderate in length, not too pendulous nor too erect, and they often have thick, outward-curving horns.43

Personality what they are like

Kiko goats are calm, docile and easy going. They are active and alert but not aggressive, and they do not engage in hostile behaviour toward other animals. They are brave but not obstinate, and they prefer to be left alone. When used to human contact, they become friendly, trainable and amenable.32

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Kiko goats need plenty of room to roam and forage. They are avid browsers and require a large area with good fencing to prevent them from wandering. They thrive on pasture with varied foliage and do well in a wide range of climates.23

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Kiko goats are very low maintenance. They require minimal veterinary care, rarely need hoof trimming or deworming compared to other breeds, and are highly parasite tolerant. Routine health checks are still recommended. They need sturdy fencing and protection from predators.23

Home where they are happiest

Kiko goats are hardy and adaptable to many climates, from New Zealand hill country to North America and the Caribbean. They need a large, well fenced area with plenty of forage. They are efficient foragers and can survive on pasture alone, but supplementary hay and feed may be given. They do best in warm, wet climates.32

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Kiko goats are efficient foragers and browsers. Their diet consists mainly of pasture grasses, legumes, and browse. They can be supplemented with high quality hay, legume grasses, silage, and pelleted feed. They require less supplemental feeding than many other goat breeds.23

Company who they like around

Kiko goats are social animals that do well in herds. They are compatible with other livestock and are not aggressive. They bond quickly with their young and are excellent mothers. They are independent and require little human assistance, but they can become friendly and trainable with regular handling.32

The story where it all began

The Kiko goat was developed in New Zealand in the 1970s and 1980s by Garrick and Anne Batten. They cross bred hardy feral goats with imported dairy bucks of the Anglo Nubian, Saanen and Toggenburg breeds. The goal was to create a meat goat that could thrive in the harsh hill country with minimal care. Selection was based solely on growth rate and survivability. The name 'Kiko' comes from the Maori word for meat. The breed was first imported to North America in 1991 and has since become popular among hobby keepers for its low maintenance, docile temperament and hardiness.156

Recognised by the official bits

Canadian Meat Goat Association

The Kiko is recognised as a standardized meat goat breed in Canada, with official breed standards published by the CMGA.7