Kalahari Red
Kalahari Red goats are known to be adaptive even in harsh and hot environments thanks to the semi-arid climate of their origin ( Namibia, Botswana and South Africa) and their red coat serves as a means of protection against strong sunlight. This goat breed thrives under the heat of the hot desert sun and deals with humid climates like a pro.
They are also goats who are known to be naturally strong and resistant against diseases, sun and parasites. Kalahari goats are excellent food foragers, feeding on just about anything, from grains, to plants and grass.
As mentioned, Kalahari Red goats are primarily used in the meat production industry because of the tenderness of their meat. The fast growth rate of this animal also makes them suitable for commercial farming practices.
Kalahari Red does are known to have great maternal instincts who usually need no assistance for parturition. Female Kalahari Red goats have full and properly attached udders which may also attribute to the kids strong, sucking instincts. Does can also be bred all year round and can give birth around two to three times every two years. The kids of Kalahari Red goats have a very fast daily weight gain, which can reach up to 1.5 kgs every week.
The most distinct characteristic of Kalahari Red goats is their distinct red color. According to Oklahoma State University’s Department of Agricultural Science, when Kalahari Red goats have white or light shades, it is considered to be undesirable because it does not provide sufficient camouflage against predator animals.
Kalahari Red goats also have strong herding instincts for protection. Kalahari Red goats are animals that have fully pigmented skin which makes them comfortable in grazing even in the hottest weather conditions.
Kalahari Red goats have moderately-sized sloping horns and long, floppy ears. The body frame of Kalahari Red goats are similar to the South African Boer goat and they can be used as a good crossbreed to increase carcass size and hardiness. Rams are larger than does and are characterized with loose skin in the neck region. Bucks can weigh up to 115 kgs while does can weigh up to 75 kgs.
Desirable Characteristics of Kalahari Red Goats
Aside from being revered for its large meat production abilities and rapid growth rate, Kalahari Red goats are also known for the following desirable characteristics:
Utility and Production
When Kalahari Red goats are cross-bred with other breeds (for meat or dairy), they tend to exemplify the desirable characteristics of more than one breed.
Most Tender Meat
The meat of the Kalahari Red is one of the most tender meat among all the goat breeds, which makes them a popular choice for restaurant owners who are serving goat dishes.
Hardiness
As mentioned, Kalahari Reds are one of the hardiest and healthiest goat breeds. They are also easy to raise organically because the breed is very resourceful and not picky when it comes to food and surviving or grazing on pastures.
Are Kalahari Red Goats Related to a Derivative of Boer Goats?
There is a common notion that Kalahari Red goats are related or are a derivative of Boer goats mainly because they are quite similar in terms of physical appearance. However, according to the Agricultural Research Council of South Africa, the blood and genetic testing has not shown any evidence of Kalahari Red goats being developed from a particular breed.
Do Kalahari Red Goats Have a Registry?
The breed of Kalahari Red goat is fairly new to the United States and a registry doesn’t exist for this breed as of writing.
How To Care for Kalahari Red Goats
Goat owners and breeders have their own groups and forums where they can freely share information and open communication about certain goat breeds. Related science programs, citations and other community fairs and activities are also shared in said forums and associations, which make it easier for goat breeders to communicate and get support.
Feeding Kalahari Red Goats
Just like most goat breeds, Kalahari Red goats like to forage and browse. They are less likely to graze and they are quite selective to seek out the best stuff for themselves. Reds get their food and nutrition from legumes, brush, weeds, leaves, and grasses, only needing supplemental feeding if the pasture becomes sparse.
Prices of Kalahari Red Goats
The exact price of kalahari red goats may vary depending on the location, the breeder and the maturity of the goat. There are several legit websites where prospective Kalahari Red goat buyers can browse the site and its content to make the purchase process easier.