selective focus photography of white goat

Productive Parameters in Goat Farming

Goat farming (caprine livestock) stands out for its robustness and its ability to generate multiple products (milk, meat, fiber, hides), even in challenging environments

ANIMAL PRODUCTION

7/22/20259 min read

Goat farming (caprine livestock) stands out for its robustness and its ability to generate multiple products (milk, meat, fiber, hides), even in challenging environments (1, 2). For producers and students, it's crucial to understand the zootechnical parameters that measure their performance. Below are the main indicators related to growth, reproduction, milk, and meat production, with comparisons to sheep and cattle. We'll also discuss advantages and challenges based on the production system and provide examples of regional data.

Weight Gain and Feed Conversion

Daily Weight Gain (DWG): Under good conditions, goat kids can gain around 100–200 g/day. For example, a DWG of ≈175 g is recommended in the initial rearing stages for replacement females (3). In intensive systems with optimal feeding, some studies report values over 200 g/day during the first 3 months (4). As they grow, DWG gradually decreases. These rates are lower than in heavy sheep breeds; for instance, in Assaf dairy sheep, weaning weight is reached faster, although with good management, goats can exceed 200 g/day.
Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR): Goats generally show moderate efficiency. With high-quality feed, the feed-to-gain conversion can range from 4.5–7 kg of DM (dry matter) per kg of live weight gained, or even worse if it's grain-based (up to ~7:1) (5). In intensive practice, it's usually quantified as kg feed/kg weight. Good nutrition and management (avoiding stress and parasites) are crucial for optimizing it.
Body Growth: A typical birth weight is 2–4 kg, reaching 10–15 kg at weaning (~2 months) with adequate DWG. For example, a goat kid can reach ~24 kg by first kidding (18–20 months) in dual-purpose breeds (6). In contrast, a lamb might be born slightly heavier and reach a higher weaning weight under similar conditions.

Key Reproductive Parameters

Age at First Kidding: Female goats mature sexually early (puberty ≈7–10 months) (7), but they are usually bred when they reach ~60–75% of adult weight. Therefore, the age at first kidding is around 12–16 months in well-managed systems (7, 8). In traditional breeds, like the Spanish "Cabra de las Mesetas," this indicator is ~12 months (8). In comparison, in dairy sheep like Assaf, the first lambing occurs at ~15 months (9), and in dairy cows, it's typically around 24–36 months (depending on the region).
Kidding Interval: An optimal interval between births is about 285–365 days (≈10–12 months) (8, 10), practically achieving 1–1.5 kiddings per year. For example, in the Cabra de las Mesetas, it's 365 days (8), while in Assaf sheep, it's ~285 days (10). A shorter interval increases annual productivity but requires continuous good nutrition. In extensive systems, the interval can actually be extended if nutrition or adequate conditions are lacking (11).
Prolificacy (Kids per Kidding): Goats typically have 1–2 offspring per kidding on average. Typical prolificacy values are ~1.2–1.8 kids/female (12); the Mesetas breed reports ~1.4 (12). In dairy sheep (Assaf), it's slightly higher (≈1.8 offspring per lambing) (10). In bovines, it's almost always 1 calf (0.95–1.0), with occasional twinning (<1%). Multiple births in goats are promoted with good pre-breeding feeding (flushing).
Seasonality: Many traditional goat breeds are seasonal (estrus in autumn/winter). However, there are breeds (Boer, Spanish) and crosses that can reproduce year-round under good management (13). In comparison, sheep are usually more seasonal, and cows typically don't have a fixed breeding season.

Milk Production

Milk Yield: Production varies enormously depending on the breed and management. Highly specialized goats (e.g., Saanen, Alpine) reach 800–1,000 L per typical lactation (≅300 days) (14). In France, average Saanen yields ~994 kg in ~321 days (14), Alpine ~933 kg in 307 days (15). Other dual-purpose or Creole breeds have lower yields (400–600 L). In Assaf dairy sheep, it's around 400 kg in ~180 days (16). Dairy cows (Holstein) yield 6,000–10,000 L/year (305-day lactation), much higher.
Lactation Length: Goats can typically lactate between 180 and 300 days before drying off. In dairy breeds, ~240–300 days is common. In dairy sheep (~180 days) and in cows, it's standardized at 305 days.
Milk Composition: Goat milk has ~3–4% fat and ~3% protein, similar to or slightly higher than cow's milk. Its fat has a special structure: it contains smaller, easily emulsified globules (17). In fact, "the fat content of goat's milk exceeds that of cow's milk, with compositions similar to human milk in emulsion" (17), which facilitates digestibility and nutrient absorption. In comparison, sheep's milk is usually richer (e.g., Assaf ~6.65% fat, 5.4% protein) (16). Lactose and total solids in goats are ~4–5%, comparable to cattle.
Other Zootechnical Parameters: In addition to the above, birth weight (≈3–4 kg), weaning weight (~10–15 kg), and weaning age (~2 months) are measured. The weaning-to-first-estrus interval is usually short if body condition is good.

Meat Production

Slaughter Weight: Fattening goats (Boer breed or meat crosses) usually reach 40–50 kg at 6–8 months ("chevon"), while suckling kids (weaned at ~10 kg at 30–40 days) are raised for barbecue. The average daily gain in these intensive systems can be 150–200 g (Boer), similar to the figures given above. In breeds like Assaf (meat lambs), ~38 g/day are reported (likely under specific breeding conditions), but these are very well-fed animals under silage.
Carcass Yield: Goat carcass is typically lean and muscular. The yield (~dressing percentage) is in the order of 45–55%. For example, the Cabra de las Mesetas shows a carcass yield of ~51% (19). In sheep (Assaf), it's similar (~48%) (20). In beef cattle, it's usually higher (~55–60% in beef cows), though it varies with age and condition. Goat carcass tends to be leaner (less intramuscular fat) than ovine or bovine, which is appreciated in healthy niches.
Meat Quality: Goat meat is leaner than lamb or beef. It has more collagen, so its tenderness is lower; it is generally consumed very young (kid at 4–8 weeks) or well-marinated/cooked. These characteristics make goat meat a specific product, valued in ethnic and healthy markets.

Comparison with Sheep and Cattle

In general productive terms, goats are positioned between sheep and cattle:

Growth: Goats grow slower than many heavy sheep breeds. Under optimal conditions, a goat kid can gain >200 g/day for up to 3–4 months, a slightly slower rate than a suckling lamb under the same conditions. Cows grow much faster (700–1000 g/day in heifers).
Milk Production: As seen, a top dairy goat (~1,000 L) produces more than a sheep, but well below a Holstein cow. Goat milk has 3-4% fat, similar to cow's milk (~3.5%), while sheep's milk exceeds 6% (16).
Reproduction: Goat prolificacy (1–2 offspring) is comparable to sheep (1–2 lambs), while cattle usually have a single calf. The goat's kidding-to-kidding interval (≈1 year) is similar to sheep's and slightly shorter than conventional cattle (1 gestation/cow per year ≈330 days of gestation).
Adaptability: A great goat asset is their hardiness. Goats tolerate harsh climates (dry/hot) and poor forages better than most sheep or cattle. They have a Browse capacity (eating tall shrubs) and efficiently conserve water. They are said to be "designed" to graze a wide variety of plants, allowing them to subsist where sheep or cows would face nutritional deficits.

For a numerical summary, the following table summarizes typical ranges for each species (illustrative data):

Age 1st kidding (months)
- Goat (Caprine): ~12–16 (7, 8)
- Sheep (Ovine): ~15–18 (lecheras) (9)
- Cow (Bovine): ~24–36
Kidding interval (days)
- Goat (Caprine): ~285–365 (8, 10)
- Sheep (Ovine): ~180–300 (Assaf 285) (10)
- Cow (Bovine): ~330–365
Prolificacy (offspring/kidding)
- Goat (Caprine): 1.2–1.8 (12)
- Sheep (Ovine): 1.3–1.8 (10)
- Cow (Bovine): ≈1 (twins rare)
Milk/lactation (kg)
- Goat (Caprine): 400–1,000 (dairy breeds) (14)
- Sheep (Ovine): 200–500 (Assaf ~400) (16)
- Cow (Bovine): 6,000–10,000
Lactation length (days)
- Goat (Caprine): 180–300
- Sheep (Ovine): 150–240
- Cow (Bovine): 305 (standard)
Milk fat (%)
- Goat (Caprine): ~3–4% (17)
- Sheep (Ovine): ~6–7% (16)
- Cow (Bovine): ~3–4%
Daily gain (g/day)
- Goat (Caprine): ~100–200 (kids) (3)
- Sheep (Ovine): 150–250 (lambs)
- Cow (Bovine): 700–1,000 (calves)
Adult weight (kg)
- Goat (Caprine): 40–80 (breed dependent)
- Sheep (Ovine): 50–90 (Assaf ~75)
- Cow (Bovine): 500–700 (dairy breed)
Carcass yield (%)
- Goat (Caprine): ~45–55% (e.g., 51%) (19)
- Sheep (Ovine): ~45–50% (48% Assaf) (20)
- Cow (Bovine): ~55–60%

Production Systems: Advantages and Challenges

Goat farming is mainly developed in extensive systems in arid/semi-arid regions worldwide (22). Here, goats feed on natural pastures, shrubs, and agricultural residues. In these systems, per-animal productivity is often low (one kidding per year, modest weight) due to limited grazing (11).

Advantages: Goats are very hardy and adaptable, efficiently transforming marginal forage into useful products (2). They have a short productive cycle (~1 year from birth to first kidding) and offer relatively quick income for the producer. Furthermore, in minimal family units (up to 50 goats), a rural core can be sustained.
Challenges in Extensive Systems: Careful pasture management is needed to prevent overgrazing and soil degradation (11); there are low technological investments. Animals can also become old or unproductive if there's no planned replacement. Pasture seasonality leads to seasonal variation in production (dry cows in drought, fewer liters). On the other hand, health (gastrointestinal parasites, abortions, mastitis) is complex in free-range grazing and requires attention.
In semi-intensive systems (mixed pasturing + supplementation), greater efficiency is achieved: here, pasture is complemented with grains or cultivated forages, improving nutrition. This allows for scheduled kiddings throughout the year and commercial milk production. Individual productivity increases (more offspring, more milk), but it demands technical management and some investment.
Intensive systems (total confinement) are less common in goat farming (unlike cattle). They involve significant capital (facilities, balanced feeding) and focus on industrial milk production (23). These are large herds near markets and inputs (Europe, North America). Here, with maximum technification and specialized genetics, the highest yields per goat are achieved. However, they require high investment, skilled labor, and rigorous health care. They are also more vulnerable to fluctuations in milk market and feed prices.
General Advantages: Compared to cattle/sheep, goats allow for income diversification (they can be raised even on small plots, consume vegetation not usable by cows, and their meat and milk have their own niche markets). Furthermore, they generate various products (milk for cheese, kid or goat meat, hides, fiber) (1). The return on investment is relatively quick thanks to their short cycle. In developing countries, goats are an essential source of rural livelihood.
General Challenges: Challenges include lower productive efficiency per animal (requiring more units to equal bovine production), high kid mortality if there's no intensive management, and parasite pressure (the nematode Haemonchus contortus is a serious problem). Also, market demand for goat products is seasonal and driven by ethnic traditions, requiring specific marketing strategies. Therefore, strengthening producer associations, technical extension, and supportive policies are crucial for sustainably integrating the goat sector.

Regional Examples

Mexico: The national inventory reaches ~8.7 million goats, producing about 167,000 tons of milk and 48,000 tons of meat annually (24). Mexican goat farming has three main modalities (suckling kid, fattened goat, and milk), associated with climatic regions. Subsistence systems in arid climates predominate, but there are also intensive dairy farms (Saanen, Alpine, Nubian breeds).
India: It is the world's leading producer of goat milk. Global data indicate that India produced ~2.6 million tons of goat milk (~22% of global production) (25). Additionally, its goat population (~120 million) provides meat locally. Indian breeds (e.g., Jamunapari, Beetal) are very prolific in milk (300–500 kg/lactation), though with moderate fat content.
France: Leads European goat milk production. In 2016, France had ~1.2 million dairy goats and produced over 600 million liters of milk (26, 27). The famous goat cheeses are made there (approximately 120,000 tons of cheese were produced in 2016) (27). Saanen and Alpine breeds dominate the French dairy herd, with yields of ~1,000 L/lactation (14, 15).
Brazil: Has ~9 million goats (IBGE 2009 data), and its production is heavily geared towards domestic consumption. In 2008, it produced only 136,500 tons of goat milk (less than 1% of the world's total) (28). Brazilian goat farming is mixed: in the Northeast, extensive meat production predominates, while in the Southeast, some small commercial dairies have emerged. The challenge for Brazil has been to increase efficiency and quality, combating parasites, and improving local breeds.

In summary, goat farming exhibits productive parameters intermediate between sheep and cattle, with unique advantages in adaptability and product diversification. Its success depends on a balance between health management, adequate feeding, and market access, which varies according to the production system (from subsistence to intensive) and the regional context (2, 23).

References: Cited sources indicate the values and examples presented (2, 4, 7, 8, 10, 17, 23, 24).

(1, 2, 11, 22, 23) produccion-animal.com.ar

https://www.produccion-animal.com.ar/produccion_ovina/ovina_y_caprina_curso_fav/122-curso_UNRC.pdf

(3, 6) Manual de Produccion Caprina Profesionales PDF | PDF | Precios | Producto (Negocio)

https://es.scribd.com/document/642526990/Manual-de-Produccion-Caprina-Profesionales-pdf

(4, 13, 21) Crianza de Caprinos

https://extension.psu.edu/crianza-de-caprinos

(5) Average Daily Gain -Evaluating its use in Meat Goats

https://www.tennesseemeatgoats.com/articles2/averagedailygain.html

(7) Caprinos: aspectos básicos | NC State Extension Publications

https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/caprinos-aspectos-basicos

(8, 12, 19) Raza caprina CABRA DE LAS MESETAS