Selection criteria for Kiko meat goats
By An Peischel, PhD ©2026
An important criterion when selecting goats is to identify pro- ducers utilizing goats under the same production management strategy as you are in the process of planning. It is advisable to visit the ranch/farm, talk with the producer and see the goats in action. Match your environmental and nutritional constraints and target mar- keting goals.
Selection decisions are based upon environmental adaptation, pedigree and progeny data, breeding values and performance, carcass data analysis, heritability and repeat- ability of traits along with genetic prediction(s) and the use of the sire summaries.
An Peischel
Heritability is the expression of a trait in a population that is in- fluenced by breeding values and phe- notypic values. Breeding value(s) is related to an individuals value as a genetic parent and phenotypic value(s) is the measured level of per- formance for a specific trait within an individual.
The major maternal (doe) traits
are fertility, milkability, maintenance efficiency (body condition score maintenance), motherability, freedom from dystocia (kidding problems) and disposition. Major paternal (buck) traits are efficiency of gain, rate of gain, meat quality and carcass yield. The production characteristic traits selected have to be carefully chosen based upon criteria for production management in meat goats. The criteria are: 1) Adaptability to climatic, environmental and native vegetation
conditions. 2) The reproductive efficiency of the individuals within the mob and the mob as a unit. 3) Growth rate of offspring at weaning, 8 months and 15 months
of age. 4) Carcass merit – quality grade and yield. Adaptability
In selecting for environmental adaptation, select both females and males based as closely as possible, on natural selection. It is a hard criterion at times because it can have negative effects on the growth rate in the kids, which eventually affects maturity, both on- set of puberty and weight gain throughout their productive life. Therefore, intensive rangeland (pastureland) and brush man- agement is needed to be sure that the young growing animals are re- ceiving quality protein and energy from the native vegetation. Selection for the desired traits is encouraged by using diversified grazing/browsing management practices. Nutrition plays a major role in the goats’ ability to produce in a stressful environment and to encourage the expression of genetic potential. It is less stressful on all involved (man, livestock and land) to work in harmony with mother nature. Environmental adaptation
May 2026 | Goat Rancher 29
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