Meat Goat Blog

Spanish Goat Genetic Conservation Efforts

Lately there has been a surge in organizations, like the SVF, that are trying to preserve the embryos and semen of endangered species like Spanish goats. Their goal is to ensure that the unique genetics of each breed are not lost. We applaud their interest in preserving these precious breeds. Making efforts to protect rare breeds is very important and we appreciate their dedication. However, we have our own all natural approach for protecting these animals.

Spanish goats are characterized by their ability to survive and adapt to any environment. That is what makes them worth preserving! Spanish goats are not "endangered" because they are weak or incapable of surviving the rigors of daily life, but, on the contrary, because they are often crossed with other breeds so they can improve the weaknesses of the other animals.

While we use a small portion of our herd to cross with a Kiko buck, we focus heavily on preserving Spanish genetics the natural way - by breeding them and then letting them cope with the elements on their own.

Many breeders right now are being forced to sell their herds for slaughter because of the drought. But when spring hits and the rain returns, Spanish goats will be in high demand. When people start breeding and increasing their herd sizes the Spanish goats will be more protected than ever!

A Special Thanks - Leslie Edmundson; Spanish Goat Association

We would like to express our genuine appreciation to Leslie Edmundson at the Spanish Goat Association. Leslie puts in countless uncompensated hours of hard work and dedication to helping preserve the Spanish Goats and facilitate the operations of the association.

Since the association is composed of a voluntary membership without dues paying members, Leslie’s activities are essential to maintaining the association and its continued operations. We would encourage you to send Leslie an e-mail thanking her for her efforts and urging her to continue with the operation. She does a GREAT job!  spanishbreeders@gmail.com

Like Mother Like Son

For many years in a row, we have been amazed how this doe's kids always share her unique coloration patterns.

Spanish Goats: The Positive Alternative to Boers

Like many beginning goat ranchers, we started in the business with some Boer goats that someone was selling in a herd dispersal. We were very exicited by the size and build of these goats and expected to make gobs of money in no time. Then, by first hand experience, we began to learn that there is much more to goats that just size and appearance.

First our goats began to fall over dead, for no aparent reason. After very little research, we figured out that they were wormy. Eventhough we wanted healthy animals that needed minimal maintenance, worming goats a couple times a year didn't seem like that big a deal. WRONG!!! Just to keep them from being REALLY run down, we had to worm at least once a month.

Then we saw their mothering abilities. We had to pull more kids than we could count! But once we got them out, they would just walk off and leave them. Kidding season is supposed to end with you owning more goats than when it began. Not with Boers. We were extremely lucky if the few singles they did raise made up for the number of does and kids that died at birth.

After a couple years of this, we decided it was time to get new goats. We played around with lots of breeds until we settled on Spanish. The Spanish goats were hardy, healthy, and raised twins without help. The only issue we had was getting the kids tagged before they were too fast to catch. Over the next few years we sold off the Boers. To this day we are thrilled to have made the change! Spanish goats are truly the positive alternative to Boers.

The Intelligence of Spanish Goats

    As we sorted our Spanish doelings for the first time last week, we were surprised by how easily they maneuvered the system of pens. When we have worked other breeds of goats in the past (boers) it has taken them as many as 10-15 runs by the wide open alley before they understood the "maze". With our Spanish doelings, 90% of them found their way through with no troublethe first try. The other 10% learned from their first trip through and had no difficulty the second time. Once again the superior mind of the Spanish goat is exemplified.

Spanish Kiko Cross

The Spanish Kiko cross is the meat goat cross we recommend. It's the best meat goat cross in the world as far as we are concerned! Nuff said.

If you'd like to know more about Spanish/Kiko crosses, check out our post: What is a Spanish/Kiko Cross Goat?