Goats are one of the most versatile and useful animals for humans. They can provide milk, meat, fiber, and companionship. They can also adapt to different climates and terrains. Some goat breeds are especially tall and impressive, reaching over 90 cm (35 inches) in height at the withers. Here are six common tall goat breeds that you might want to know more about.
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1. Alpine Goat
The Alpine goat is a dairy goat breed that originated in France. They are one of the most widely distributed goat breeds in the world and can thrive in various environments. Alpine goats have a straight or dished face and upright ears. They can have various coat colors and patterns but usually have a black stripe along the back and belly. They can reach up to 85 cm (33 inches) in height at the withers and weigh up to 75 kg (165 lbs).
2. Anglo-Nubian Goat
The Anglo-Nubian goat is a crossbreed of Indian and African goats that was developed in England in the 19th century. They are known for their long, pendulous ears and Roman nose. They are also one of the largest and heaviest dairy goat breeds, reaching up to 100 cm (39 inches) in height at the withers and weighing up to 120 kg (265 lbs). They have a short, glossy coat that can be any color or combination of colors. They are adaptable to hot climates and produce rich, high-fat milk.
3. Angora Goat
The Angora goat is a fiber goat breed that originated in Turkey. They are famous for their long, curly hair called mohair, which is used for making textiles. Angora goats have a small body size and a refined appearance. They have a white coat, but some may have colored spots or patches. They can reach up to 76 cm (30 inches) in height at the withers and weigh up to 50 kg (110 lbs). They are sensitive to cold and wet weather and need regular shearing and grooming.
4. Boer Goat
The Boer goat is a meat goat breed that originated in South Africa. They are one of the most popular goat breeds for meat production because of their fast growth rate, high fertility, and good carcass quality. Boer goats have a stocky and muscular body with a distinctive brown head and white body. They can have horns or be polled. They can reach up to 86 cm (34 inches) in height at the withers and weigh up to 140 kg (310 lbs). They are hardy and adaptable to various climates and terrains.
5. Jamunapari Goat
The Jamunapari goat is a dairy goat breed that originated in India. They are also known as Jamnapari or Jamunapari. They are one of the largest and tallest goat breeds in the world, reaching up to 107 cm (42 inches) in height at the withers and weighing up to 120 kg (265 lbs). They have a long, flat face with large, twisted horns and long, drooping ears. They have a short, fine coat that can be white, black, brown, or spotted. They are highly productive and yield large quantities of milk with high butterfat content.
6. Kalahari Red Goat
The Kalahari Red goat is a meat goat breed that originated in South Africa. They are named after the Kalahari Desert where they were developed. They are similar to the Boer goat but have a red coat that helps them blend in with the desert environment. They can reach up to 89 cm (35 inches) in height at the withers and weigh up to 115 kg (254 lbs). They have strong horns and long ears. They are resilient and resistant to diseases and parasites.
7. Kiko Goat
The Kiko goat is a meat goat breed that originated in New Zealand. They are derived from feral goats that were crossed with dairy goats in the 1980s. The name Kiko means “meat” or “flesh” in Maori. Kiko goats have a medium to large body size with a sturdy frame. They can have various coat colors and patterns but usually have a white or cream base color. They can reach up to 91 cm (36 inches) in height at the withers and weigh up to 100 kg (220 lbs). They are hardy and efficient feeders that can thrive on low-quality forage.
8. Rove Goat
The Rove goat is a dairy goat breed that originated in France. They are also known as Rove des Garrigues or Rove de Provence. They are one of the oldest goat breeds in France and have been raised since ancient times. Rove goats have a distinctive appearance with long, twisted horns that can reach up to 1 meter (3 feet) in length. They have a black or brown coat with a silver-gray undercoat. They can reach up to 90 cm (35 inches) in height at the withers and weigh up to 90 kg (198 lbs). They are adaptable to harsh conditions and produce aromatic milk with high-fat content.
9. Saanen Goat
The Saanen goat is another dairy goat breed that originated in Switzerland. They are the largest of the Swiss breeds and have a white or cream coat. They have a straight or dished face and erect ears. They can reach up to 90 cm (35 inches) in height at the withers and weigh up to 80 kg (198 lbs). Saanen goats are known for their high milk production and calm temperament. They are also adaptable to different climates and management systems.
10. Savanna Goat
The Savanna goat is a meat goat breed that originated in South Africa. They are also known as Boer goats or white Boer goats. They have a white coat with dark skin pigmentation that protects them from the sun. They have a convex face and long, drooping ears. They can reach up to 80 cm (31 inches) in height at the withers and weigh up to 100 kg (220 lbs). Savanna goats are hardy and resistant to diseases and parasites. They have a fast growth rate and high fertility.
