There are different large goat breeds to choose from if you want to add some variety to your herd, whether you’re raising them for their milk or meat.
In this guide, we’ll cover the different types of large goat breeds, how they were developed, and the best attributes of each one so that you can make an informed decision when it comes time to purchase your next animal!
1. American LaMancha Goat
One of the most popular large goat breeds is the American LaMancha. LaManchas are known for their long, floppy ears, which are up to six inches long. They’re also one of the most docile and easy-to-handle goat breeds.
American LaManchas are excellent milkers, producing up to four gallons of milk daily. The American LaManchaan perfect read choice if you’re looking for large goat breeds that are easy to handle and produce a lot of milk. The breed originated in California in 1954 when two Nubian goats were crossed with a Saanen.
The first LaMancha was born in 1962 at the Ideal Ranch, where they’re still bred today. In 1967, the name LaMancha was chosen because it sounded like a lama and resembled an alpaca or llama.
Today, LaManchas have been exported worldwide and continue to grow in popularity as a dairy goat breed due to their gentle nature and high production rates.
2. Anglo Nubian Goat
The Anglo-Nubian goat is a large, sturdy breed that originates from England. They are known for their long, floppy ears and Roman noses. Anglo-Nubians are friendly and intelligent, making them great pets.
They are also very curious and need plenty of space to explore. The Anglo-Nubian is a great choice if you want large goat breeds that will make you smile! These happy goats are solid and healthy animals with personalities to match.
Though they might be gentle giants at home, they can become wild in unfamiliar territory. Fencing and containment are necessary if you live where predators roam.
3. Alpine Goat
Alpine goats are very popular large goat breeds. They are known for their striking appearance and their milk production. Alpine goats are strong and hardy, making them great for dairy and meat production.
They are also very friendly and make great pets, and Alpine goats are an excellent choice for large goat breeds that are both beautiful and productive. These friendly animals will produce plenty of high-quality milk while being extremely easy to care for.
And because they are so docile, they make excellent pets as well! Alpines can be white or black, with long hair around their necks.
Their coats are typically black with white patches or white with black patches on their chest, back, and rump. It’s not uncommon for Alpines to have horns, but horned females (called jennies) can sometimes grow antlers, too!
4. Angora Goat
Angora goats are an excellent option for large goat breeds. These goats are known for their long, silky fiber, which can be used to make clothing and other items. Angora goats are also very docile, making them easy to handle.
Plus, they’re relatively low-maintenance when it comes to caring. They require minimal shearing (about once every three years) and have few natural predators. Another upside?
They produce about 6 pounds of wool per year! No wonder these friendly creatures were first domesticated in Turkey over 2000 years ago. Today, only about 200 breeding Angoras are left in the United States.
5. Beetal Goat
The Beetal goat is a dairy goat breed popular in Pakistan and India. They are large goats, with bucks weighing up to 240 pounds and 200 pounds. Beetal is a dual-purpose breed, meaning it is used for both milk and meat production.
They are known for being good milkers, with some producing up to 2 gallons of milk per day. The milk is high in fat and protein, making it perfect for making butter, cheese, and other dairy products.
If you need large goat breeds that can provide you with plenty of milk, the Beetal is a great option!
6. Boer Goat
The Boer goats are large goat breeds popular for their milk and meat production. This hardy breed originated in South Africa and was brought to the United States in the early 1990s.
Boer goats are known for their muscular build, large horns, and distinctive white coloring with red or brown markings.
They can produce as much as one gallon of milk per day. If you live in an area where you can raise dairy goats, the Boer goat might be your best choice because they thrive on pasture land. Many people grow them for show purposes as well.
One disadvantage of raising this breed is that it has been linked to higher instances of the disease brucellosis than other breeds.
To prevent this from becoming a problem, Boer goat owners must test their animals regularly and vaccinate them against brucellosis every six months after they reach three years old.
7. Damascus Goat
The Damascus goat is a popular domestic breed that originated in Syria. Its large size, brown and white fur, and long horns characterize it. Damascus goats are known for their milk production and are often used as dairy animals in many parts of the world.
In addition to their milk, Damascus goats also produce meat and fiber, which can be used for various purposes. They were introduced to the United States in 1998 but have yet to catch on as one of the more popular breeds due to some health issues. Nevertheless, Damascus goats are still raised in various countries today.
8. Jamnapari Goat
The Jamnapari goats are a large domestic goat breed that is popular in India. It is known for its beautiful coat, which is often white with black markings. Jamnapari goats are known for their high milk production, and they are also good meat goats.
They are a hardy breed and can adapt to different climates; if you need a large breed of beautiful and productive goats, the Jamnapari goat is a great choice! These goats have many qualities that make them desirable, including high milk production and good meat animals.
In addition, these animals can adapt to different climates quickly, making them a very versatile breed of goat.
9. Kalahari Goat
Kalahari are an excellent option when picking large goat breeds. The Kalahari is a South African breed known for being hardy and docile. They are excellent browsers and can thrive in arid conditions.
While they are well-suited to hot climates, they can also do well in cooler temperatures. If you’re interested in raising goats for meat, the Kalahari is a good option, as they are known for being good producers of lean beef.
There are two types of Kalahari Goats: hairless and woolly. A hairless goat will have spots on its skin, and a woolly Kalahari will be covered with a heavy wool coat. These animals might not be the best choice if you want to produce milk from your goats.
10. Kamori Goat
If you’re looking for large goat breeds, the Kamori is an excellent option. They are a popular choice for dairy goats, as they produce high quantities of milk.
Kamori goats are also friendly and easy to handle, making them a good choice for beginners. They are native to Pakistan and have been exported to many other countries, including the United States.
11. Kiko Goat
The Kiko goat is an excellent option for large goat breeds. Kiko goats are a medium to large-sized breed that originated in New Zealand. They are known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in various climates.
The Kiko will eat almost anything, including weeds and old hay. They have an average lifespan of 15 years. The average weight range for a fully grown male is 140-190 pounds, while females weigh an average of 130-150 pounds at maturity.
Like many other breeds, there are color variations from black to brown with white markings on the head or feet. These goats come in two varieties: horned and polled (meaning they have horns or no horns).
12. Rove Goat
The Rove Goat is an excellent option if you’re looking for large goat breeds. Rove Goats are a dual-purpose breed suitable for milk and meat production.
They’re also known for being gentle and easy to handle, making them an excellent choice for first-time goat owners.
It’s not uncommon for their coats to be solid white or brown with black spots on their head. Because of their smaller size, they typically have a more delicate build with small ears that often have tufts of hair at the tips.
The only downside to this breed is that they can’t tolerate cold weather very well, so it’s essential to keep them indoors during winter.
