Among meat goats, Savanna goats are distinctive for scoring top marks in the reproductive category. They’re highly fertile, produce lots of milk and are naturally good mothers while maintaining good muscularity and hardiness. This article will go over the common traits of Savanna goats as well as what makes them different from their Boer goat cousins.
Table of contents
History of the Savanna goat
Originating from South Africa, Savannah goats are believed to be descended from indigenous goats through natural selection belonging to the Khosa people from the Eastern Cape.
They were first recognized as a distinct breed in South Africa in 1993 and were then brought to North America in 1994 by Jurgen Schulz, who imported large numbers of exotic animals (including the Savannah goat). They were then sold from Schulz’s ranch and distributed to other producers who continued to develop the breed into what it is today in the United States.
Savanna Goat Photo Credit: Thank you to Blue Stone Goats of Poynette, Wis., for permission to use this photo. You can learn more about the farm here.
Savannah goat characteristics
Learn more about this meat goat breed:
Colors and coat
Savannah goats are known for their nearly all pure white coat that is short-haired cashmere and thick, along with their thick pliable skins. Uniquely, their skin, noses, horns, and hooves are black to protect them from extensive sun exposure and damage.
Occasionally, Savannah goats will have red heads.
Size
Savanna goats are large and well-muscled which makes them ideal for meat production.
Bucks can weigh anywhere from 200 to 300 pounds.
Horns
Savanna goats have black horns that grow backward from the crown of the head.
Head
This breed has a strong jaws and lop-style ears that fall alongside the face. Black skin shows around the nose.
Temperament
Savannah goats are generally docile and mild-mannered and are known for being extremely motherly to their babies. Also complementary to those maternal traits are great milk production, high twinning rate, and a highly fertile breed.
Hardiness
Savannah goats are considered to be a hardy breed and easy keepers, attributed to their disease and parasite resistance, along with strong legs and hooves. Typically they require little intervention.
Due to the breeding program of the original South African breeders, Savannas also perform well in a variety of less than optimal conditions, including warmer climates with strong ultra-violet rays.
The breed also originated in harsh brush country, which has contributed to their ability to maintain a good growth rate with little or no additional feed.
Savanna vs. the Boer goat breed
Often the Savanna goats are mistakenly referred to as white Boer goats. While the breeds are have quite a few similarities such as the lop ears and stocky body there are some key differences too.
Namely, Savanna goat milk production is higher and they are generally more maternal in nature. They are also hardier and more resistant to parasites and diseases than Boers because of the environment in which they were raised, the savanna.
Savannah goat uses
Savanna goats are excellent meat goats due to their large frames and high muscular development.
Where to buy Savannah goats
The American Meat Goat Registry has a breed directory where you can search for breeders specializing in Savannah goats. You can also consult the Goat Rancher magazine directory which is organized by state.
- American Meat Goat Registry
- Goat Rancher magazine Savanna goat breeder listings
References:
- North American Savannah Association, History in South Africa, History in North America, Origin & Development, Breed Characteristics
- USDA Goats Extension, Savanna Goats
Related Posts:
LEAVE A COMMENT
Comments