Goat Breeds

Animal Science

Sheep and Goat Terms

• Sheep– Intact Male- Ram– Castrated Male-

Wether– Adult Female- Ewe– Young- Lamb

• Goats– Intact Male- Buck (Billy)– Castrated Male- Wether– Adult Female- Doe

(Nanny)– Young- Kid

Nanny and Billy are not accepted “technical” terminology, but are still heard in the small ruminant industries.

Goat Breeds

• Three main types:–Dairy–Meat• Chevon- adult goat meat• Cabrito- young goat meat

–Fiber• Mohair–Hair from Angora Goats

Alpine

• Multipurpose breed• Many different colors

and patterns accepted• Known for hardiness• Good range animals

Angora

• Used for fiber production: Mohair

• 5.3 lbs of mohair per clipping, 2 clippings per year

• Breed dates back to biblical times

• Sensitive animals, require more management

Boer

• Meat type breed• Known for meat

quality• Excellent growth• Prolific breed: 200%• Gaining in popularity

for 4H projects

La Mancha

• Dairy goat• Naturally “earless”• Developed in Oregon

with goats from Spain• Hardy dairy breed

with a high butterfat

Myotonic

• Meat breed• Breed out of season• Easy kidders• Good milkers• Also Known As:

– Tennessee Stiff-Legged Goat

– Fainting Goat• You Tube Video of Fainting

Goats

Nubian

• Developed in England• All purpose goat• Many colors and

patterns accepted• Known for heat

tolerance• Lengthened breeding

season

Pygmy

• Originated in Africa• Popular as pets• Used in petting zoos

Saanen

• Originated in Switzerland

• White is the only acceptable color

• Sensitive to heat and sunlight

• Heavy milk producers

NOTE: Other breeds in each species exist – these are the 8

most common for each species