
Also called “brush goats,” goats of this breed became U.S. feral goats that were imported by Spanish explorers and sailors as a meat source. They had to survive
undomesticated and harsh environments. The trend for smaller, more agile goats
with smaller udders was an essential natural selection criterion to survive the rocky, thorny, and fallow environments of Texas and Oklahoma in order to make them excellent range animals. Spanish goats have been crossbred for many years especially in Southwestern states. They are very hardy and can survive under adverse climatic conditions. Spanish goats are non-seasonal breeders and under proper management can produce three kid-crops in two years. On average, a mature buck may weigh up to 200 lbs. and a mature doe, up to 130 lbs. Until recently, these goats were used primarily to clear brush, but now their demand is growing as more producers breed them with improved imported goats that produce a better and more adaptable quality meat goat.
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