Goat Breeds That Can Live on Grass

Alhough farmers feed goats different blends of grains and grass, any breed of goat can survive on the grasses and other small plants found in a pasture. Feeding the goats in this way has health benefits for the goat. The US Department of Agriculture even includes a grass-fed certification for goat meat and milk, which some consumers prefer.

  1. Dairy Goats

    • Some goats are bread for their milk-producing abilities.

      Several grass-eating breeds produce milk, which can be consumed or turned into cheese. The Anglo-Nubian is a common breed for milk in the United States, but it was first developed in England as a cross between African and Indian goat breeds. This breed doesn't produce as much milk as other goats, but the milk it does produce has a high fat content. La Mancha is a breed that originated in the United States, in Oregon, that is also known for its fatty milk.

    Meat Goats

    • Goat meat is called mutton.

      Grass-feeding isn't the preferred feeding method for meat goats, but there is a market for meat with that USDA certification. The goat breeds most commonly associated with meat production are the Boer, a large, stocky breed. These goats gain weight faster than other goats and produce more offspring. In New Zealand the Kiko breed was bred for meat production from a variety of older breeds. They were exported to the United States in the 1990s, where they also became a meat breed.

    Fiber Goats

    • Cashmere sweaters are made from goat-hair fibers.

      Some goat breeds have been developed over the years for the quality of the fiber from their hair. Angora is a common breed that originated in Asia Minor. A typical animal is sheared twice a year, and each shearing produces over five pounds of fur. A fiber known for its luxury, cashmere, comes from the cashmere breed of goat. The goats are a healthy breed and are raised all over the world.

    Pet and Specialty Goats

    • Goats also make good pets and are fixtures at petting zoos. Many breeds are raised for this use. Pygmy goats are common as pets because of their small size, and Tennessee Fainting goats are prized because of their tendency to lock up their legs when they get excited and fall over and lie stiff for a few seconds. Seekers of pet goats are more concerned about finding an animal that is easy to train and has good temperament than about milk or meat production. Goat owners who grass-feed their animals need a pasture, but as many as six goats can live on one acre of pasture.