The purpose of purebred farms is to produce a specific breed and to preserve the breed quality and integrity. There are a few purebred meat type goats and a majority of them are developed in South Africa and New Zealand. Boer goats and Kalahari Red meat goats are products of South Africa. Kiko goats were developed in New Zealand. These breeds are of a meat type and have been developed to withstand environmental conditions similar to those under which they were produced.

Spanish and Myotonic goats are indigenous to the U.S. and are more adaptable to local conditions. It is my contention that in order to have successful hybrids or crossbreeds, crossing of imported breeds and local indigenous breeds should be a part of a breeding program on purebred farms to produce new and improved breeds adapted to local environments.This cross breeding may give the industry a carcass that will consistently meet consumer and wholesaler’s expectations on the domestic market.

Purebred goats are usually more expensive than commercial goats, and they are purchased to improve the quality of the herd.Purebred goats are also a potential source of income in the popular 4-H market.As goats gain in popularity, the number of 4-H goat projects, plus the interest in 4-H competition among youngsters, will increase and so will the market demand for these purebred goats.

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