The Best Goats to Raise in Missouri

Goats are popularly kept by small farm holders in America and the goat population, according to the USDA-NASS data of 2006, is estimated at around 3 million.Most of these goats are kept in the South and southeastern states.Texas is the highest producer, while Missourim at number six, has an estimated goat population of 81,000, according to the USDA data of 2006. Missouri farms are small, as around 85 percent of farms are less than 500 Acres, as reported by 1992 USDA data, These small farms are suitable for rearing some goat breeds that do quite well.

  1. Nigerian Dwarfs

    • Nigerian dwarfs thrive in almost all climates, thus they can be comfortably raised in Missouri. These dairy goats produce excellent quality milk with high butterfat content. Nigerian dwarfs are miniature, intelligent, friendly and hardy with medium erect ears. Most of these goats have blue or brown eyes and come in many color combinations and patterns. A farmer can comfortably keep many Nigerian dwarfs in the small farms typically found in Missouri, as they don̵7;t require a lot of room, due to their diminutive size. They are kept as pets as they are docile with an easy temperament, that makes them endearing to both children and adults.

    Nubian Goats

    • Nubian goats are dual-purpose animals kept both for meat and milk purposes. They produce large quantities of milk that has more butterfat and proteins in comparison with other dairy breeds. Missouri experiences hot summers and cold winters, thus Nubian goats are ideal for Missouri, since they can survive in both hot and cold climates. These goats also have longer breeding periods, making it possible for the herd to increase within a short time period. Nubian goats are heavier and bigger in size, making them suitable for meat production. They are more stubborn compared to other dairy goats, and make distinctive sound to attract attention.

    Alpine

    • Alpine goats are hardy animals that adjust and thrive in most climatic conditions such as the ones in Missouri. The American alpines are a cross-breed between the American and French breeds and are versatile dairy goats that produce large volumes of milk. Alpine milk is used in making cheese due to the high protein and butter content. Alpines produce large quantities of milk when fed well on dry hay and pasture. They are also friendly and come in many striking colors, including brown and white.

    Boer Goats

    • Boers are large-framed meat goats that originated from South Africa. Boers are heavily muscled and mostly have a white body with a reddish brown head or a brown body with a white stripe. However, Boers can be cross-bred with dairy breeds to produce multiple- colored kids. These goats are hardy, easy to handle and survive extreme weathers. Most of the small farms in Missouri might not have large quantities of pasture, since they also keep cattle, but Boers are goats that can still survive well on poor pastures and brush and feed on berry bushes, elm, ragwort, gorse, cottonwood and other weeds.