Prices of Goats in South Africa

Also, you’re going to learn a few things about the types of goats in South Africa.

Breeds & Types of Goats in South Africa

There are 2 major classifications of goats in South Africa; the local breed and the exotic breed.

• The local breed consists of: West African Dwarf, Pygymy, Sahelian, Red Sokoto or Maradi goats
• The exotic breed comprises: Alpine, Boer, Saanen, Anglo-Nubian, Jamunapari, Toggenburg

Read on to know more about the different breed of goats in South Africa.

Local Breeds

1. West African Dwarf Goat

The West African Dwarf (WAD) are known for their high fertility, high twinning rates, and multiple births. As their name implies, they have stunted growth and typically have a height of 30cm to 50cm. South Africa dwarf goats are mostly found in the southern part of South Africa. The matured males weigh between 20kg to 25kg while the matured females weigh between 18kg to 22kg.

This type of goat can breed at 12 to 18 months, and often undergo multiple reproductions by frequently giving birth to twins and triplets. They are a multipurpose breed kept for several reasons, mostly for milk and meat production.

2. Pygymy Goats

They look very similar to the South Africa dwarf goats and can be easily confused. Oftentimes, they have the same height and weight but still have some differences. Pygymy goats, which are mainly kept for meat production, are studier and have shorter legs. They have smaller tits, smaller udders, and their energy production is channelled into their muscles and into their milk.

Pygymy goats are miniature domestic goats that make a great choice if you’re looking for a meat goat. They are strong and can withstand any type of climate. The goats love to feed on greens and grains. They are quite mischievous and love to have items to jump on.

3. Sahelian Goats

Sahelian goats are mostly kept for meat and skin production. They are characterised by a shallow chest, narrow body, long legs, and short croup. The adult males have an average height of 65 to 85 cm while the adult females have a height of 65 to 75 cm. Unlike the West African Dwarfs, Sahelian mostly reproduce one offspring during birth. They, however, produce two at times.

Sahelian goats do well in desert areas but are intolerant of high humidity areas; they cannot survive for too long in areas with high humidity. They can feed well on a variety of vegetation within the nomadic environment where they are usually found.

4. Red Sokoto (Maradi) Goats

The goats, which are also referred to as Sokoto red goats, are kept throughout the North. They are small in size and are considered one of the Savannah group goat. The major herd population is found in the Maradi region of Niger, which is why they are also referred to as Maradi goats.

There are 2 varieties of this breed; red coat and black coat. Both varieties are kept mostly for skin and milk production. History has it that Red Sokoto goats were once used to improve local breeds in Niger.

As they are named, the Sokoto red goats are red in colour. They are distinguishable from other breeds by their conformation and prolificacy.

Related: Poultry Feed in South Africa and Their Prices

Exotic Breeds

1. Alpine Goats

Alpine goats are popular for their milk production. They are a medium-sized dairy breed that is good for home and commercial milk production. This breed is found in a variety of colours and is usually bearded. The average weight of an adult male Alpine is 77kg while that of a female is 61kg.

These goats are more productive when they are allowed to graze freely and are given plenty of water. They attain maturity quickly and can start breeding within 4 to 6 months. The goats mostly produce twins but also have triplets and singles from time to time. These dairy goats are strong and can adapt to different climates.

2. Boer Goats

Boer goats usually have a white body with a red head and red on the neck. They are docile, have a fast growth rate, and are very fertile. The breed, which originates from South Africa, is popular for its high meat production.

They are big-sized goats that are very suitable for commercial farming because of their fast growth. Although they are also used for milk production, they are more suitable for meat production. The adult male Boer goats have an average weight of 110 to 135kg while the adult female Boer goats have an average weight of 90 to 100kg. They are strong and can adapt to various weather and climate conditions. Their meat is tasty and nutritious.

3. Saanen Goats

Saanen goats are named after their place of origin, Saanen, Switzerland. They are of medium to large size and are heavy milk producers. They are white in colour and have rugged bones. Some people refer to them as albino goats because of their appearance and because they are productive in cool and shaded conditions but highly sensitive to too much sunlight.

They are also a good choice for commercial milk production; they can produce 3 to 4 litres of milk daily.

This breed of goats doesn’t usually have horns. The adult male weighs between 70 to 90 kg while the adult female weighs between 60 to 70 kg. The milk they produce is suitable for a variety of dairy products.

Related: Prices of Rabbits in South Africa

4. Anglo-Nubian

This breed is the result of crossbreeding of British and Indian goat breeds. They are suitable for meat, milk, and skin production. It is agreed that the milk they produce has more butter and fat than many breeds. They are found in various colours and can withstand hot weather conditions.

Anglo-Nubians love the interaction with humans; they quickly attach to their owners by stroking with their necks. They are known for acting like human infants. The goats make noise to gain attention and become quiet as soon as they are served with food and water. They are intelligent and learn quickly. But they can, sometimes, be very stubborn.

5. Jamunapari (or Jamnapari) Goats

This is one of the largest breeds of goats. The breed’s origin is traced to India and got its name from Jamuna, the area where it was first introduced. They are popularly known for their long ears, which are curved downwards. The goats, which have long legs and body, are suitable for commercial milk production. They can produce up to 3 litres daily.

6. Toggenburg Goats

This is one of the oldest dairy goat breeds. The breed is believed to have originated from Switzerland. They are medium-sized and are found in various colours from solid to dark brown. A matured male Toggenburg goat weighs up to 75kg while a matured female weighs up to 55kg.

Goat Prices in South Africa

The actual prices of goats in South Africa vary based on location and time of the year among other factors.

• In Northern South Africa, in places like Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Niger, Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, and their environs, the prices range from R$ 222 to R$ 555
• In Southern South Africa, in places like Durban, Ibadan, Onitsha, Port Harcourt, and their environs, the prices range from R$ 370 to R$ 925

These prices become doubled or even tripled during festive periods, mostly Eid-el-Adha and Eid-el-Fitr celebrated by the Muslims. During these periods, the prices are found as follows.

• In the North, expect anything from R$ 370 to R$ 740
• In the South, you can obtain them from R$ 555 to R$ 1,110

Wrap Up

As you can see, the prices vary according to the location and time of the year. The weight of the goat is also a factor that affects the prices. The best time to get a goat for a cheap price is the non-festive period.

If you’d love to go into buying and selling of goats, your best bet is to buy from Northern South Africa and sell in Southern South Africa. If you’re in the North and want to go into this business, you’re better of buying from local herdsmen in the villages.

When it comes to buying goats in South Africa, it’s important to know the current market prices to ensure that you’re getting a fair deal. Below are some popular prices of goats in South Africa:

It’s worth noting that the prices of goats can vary depending on factors such as age, weight, gender, and breed. Additionally, prices may be higher or lower in certain regions due to local demand and supply.

In conclusion, the prices of goats in South Africa are competitive and vary based on different factors affecting the market. It’s important to research and compare prices before making a purchase decision to get the best deal.