Welcome to my goat farming blog! Raising goats can be a rewarding experience, especially if you’re interested in producing your own food or even starting a small business. But as a beginner, you might have a lot of questions about goat weight and growth.
How long does it take for a goat to reach market weight? How do you put weight on a market goat fast? What is the market weight for a goat? These are all important questions that I’ll be answering in this comprehensive guide. So, let’s dive right in!
How long does it take for a goat to reach market weight?
First off, it’s important to note that the time it takes for a goat to reach market weight can vary depending on their breed and type. For example, kids (goats under a year of age) are often slaughtered when they reach 3 to 5 months of age and weigh between 25 to 50 pounds.
Boer-type meat goats can reach 50 pounds in as little as three months, while dairy-type meat goats may take 3-5 months to reach the same weight.
As for mature goats, a Boer buck can weigh between 240 and 300 pounds, while a mature doe can weigh between 200 and 225 pounds. Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines and that individual goats can have different growth rates.
When it comes to daily weight gains, baby goats can gain anywhere from 1/3 to 1/2 lb. daily from kidding to weaning at three months. Of course, this can vary depending on factors such as diet, exercise, and overall health.
How long does it take for a goat to reach full size?
A goat will typically reach its full size or height by around 1-2 years of age. However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t necessarily mean that they have reached their full weight or maturity. Goats can continue to gain weight and develop for several more years, but their height will usually remain the same.
What is the market weight for a goat?
The market weight for a goat can vary depending on several factors, such as the breed and the type of market. However, on average, a market goat will weigh between 80-120 pounds. It’s important to check with your local market or processor to determine their specific weight requirements.
Here’s a table comparing the market weight of the top 5 popular meat goat breeds:
| Breed | Market Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|
| Boer | 225-300 |
| Kiko | 110-275 |
| Spanish | 125-200 |
| Myotonic | 125-200 |
| Tennessee Fainting | 75-150 |
Keep in mind that these are general ranges and that individual goats within each breed can vary in weight. Additionally, factors such as diet, exercise, and overall health can also impact growth rate and weight.
How much weight does a goat gain per day?
Again, the amount of weight that goat gains per day can vary depending on several factors, such as breed, sex, and management practices. On average, a goat will gain around 0.25-0.5 pounds per day.
Here’s a table comparing the average daily weight gain of popular goat breeds:
| Breed | Average Daily Weight Gain (lbs) |
|---|---|
| Boer | 0.3-0.5 |
| Kiko | 0.2-0.4 |
| Spanish | 0.2-0.4 |
| Myotonic | 0.2-0.4 |
| Alpine | 0.2-0.3 |
Again, keep in mind that these are general ranges and that individual goats within each breed can vary in their daily weight gain. Additionally, various factors such as diet, exercise, and overall health can also impact goats’ growth rate and weight gain.
How do you put weight on a market goat fast?
If you’re looking to put weight on a market goat quickly, there are several things you can do.
First, make sure that they have access to high-quality feed and clean water at all times. You may also want to consider feeding them additional supplements, such as grain or hay, to help boost their weight gain.
Specifically, feeding them grains such as corn and oats is the easiest and quickest way to help them gain weight because of the high carbohydrate content.
Additionally, it’s important to make sure that they are getting enough exercise and not being overfed, which can lead to health problems.
Conclusion
As with any farming practice, it’s important to remember that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to goat weight and growth. Different breeds and individuals may have different growth rates, and management practices can play a big role in how quickly goats reach market weight.
However, by paying attention to the factors outlined in this guide, you can help ensure that your goats are growing and developing in a healthy way.
Thank you for reading, and happy goat farming!
Sarah Lane has been a farm wife since 2010 and mother of two children for nearly as long. She and her husband, Jonathan, live on a small farm in Texas where they raise dairy goats and beef cattle as well as chickens for eggs and meat. In addition to growing their own hay, straw and garden produce, the Lane family works with other nearby farms to source organic grain from which they make artisan bread sold at local farmer’s market.
