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Breeders of Kiko, goats should never lose sight of the driving perception of the breed’s originators in New Zealand – production above all. Any characteristic or trait which detracted from the ability of the breed or any individual animal to produce was severely penalized and the animal displaying the trait culled. The developers of the breed cared little for some of the conventional wisdom of the time regarding conformation believing that much of it was derived from ill founded beliefs regarding show sheep. Accordingly, the developers of the breed intentionally ignored the strict requirements found in the show ring preferring to concentrate on function rather than form. Today the Kiko is a clear example of what can be accomplished by considered selection and emphasis on production. Breeders in the U.S. and Canada are learning that an infusion of Kiko blood will enhance production and bring vigor to their livestock. The introduction of the Kiko goat gives the rancher the true option of a goat purpose breed for meat production with minimal management inputs. |
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Kikos grow rapidly and yield large, heavy kids. This save the rancher additional input to reach an acceptable carcass weight. The heteosis that results from crossing any breed with a Kiko is astounding. In cutting trials, Kiko/Boer cross carcasses yielded more meat than a purebred Boer, but slightly less tha a purebred Kiko. This is great news for the commercial meat goat rancher. Information by the American Kiko Goat Association |
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KIKO GOATS