Holly's Homestead — Goats
Meat Goats
Capra aegagrus hircus · Meat breed (e.g. Boer)
DIFFICULTY Easy–moderate
TYPE Livestock, kept for meat
PRODUCTIVE LIFE Processed 6–14 months depending on target
TYPE Livestock, kept for meat
PRODUCTIVE LIFE Processed 6–14 months depending on target
Space
3–4m² shelter, 150m²+ browsing area per goat
Diet
Pasture/browse + hay, less supplementary feed than dairy types
Water
Constant fresh access
Temperament
Generally calmer than dairy breeds
Lifespan
10–12 years if kept beyond meat age
01Lower input than dairy goats
Meat breeds are generally hardier and need less intensive feeding and handling than dairy goats — no milking routine, and they thrive on browse with comparatively little grain.
02Housing & setup
Shelter
Dry, draft-free shelter, similar to dairy goats but a simpler setup is fine.
Fencing
Sturdy fencing at least 1.2m high — meat breeds are usually less escape-prone than dairy types but still capable.
Bedding
Straw, changed regularly.
03Daily care
- Provide good browse and pasture as the main feed base.
- Supplement with hay over winter or in poor pasture conditions.
- Trim hooves periodically.
- Keep in groups of at least two or three — goats are herd animals.
04Health & problems
- Worms — monitor and manage as part of routine care.
- Bloat — introduce rich feed gradually.
- Predator risk to kids — secure paddocks, especially at kidding time.
- Escaping — check fencing regularly, though less prone to it than dairy breeds.
05Production & harvest
Processing age
6–14 months depending on breed and desired size.
Yield
Roughly 40–50% of live weight as dressed meat, breed and condition dependent.
Method
On-farm or licensed processor, as with other meat livestock.
Storage
Fresh in the fridge a few days; freezes well for months.
06Compatibility & considerations
Good with
Other goats (herd animals)Land needing weed/scrub controlAvoid keeping with
Being kept aloneUnsecured toxic plants nearbyNote
Excellent for clearing weedy or scrubby land as part of the production cycle — a genuinely useful dual role.