There are livestock breeds that perform well, and then there are breeds that completely redefine what is possible. The Kalahari Red Goat belongs firmly in the second category.
Originating from South Africa, the Kalahari Red is widely regarded as one of the hardiest and most disease- and parasite-resistant goat breeds in the world. My personal experience farming and slaughtering Kalahari Reds in South Africa left a lasting impression. Beyond their resilience, the eating experience is nothing short of heavenly. The meat is exceptionally lean, richly flavoured, and consistently tender, making it highly attractive for both local consumption and premium markets.
What truly sets the Kalahari Red apart is its remarkable ability to thrive under harsh conditions while maintaining outstanding productivity. These goats are perfectly adapted to semi-arid environments, much like those found across large parts of Nigeria. Even with minimal input, they deliver high performance, showing strong fertility, high birth rates, and excellent mothering ability. Unlike many breeds that decline with age, Kalahari Reds continue breeding efficiently for longer, even outperforming their close cousin, the Boer goat, in longevity.
In terms of size and yield, the numbers speak for themselves. A mature Kalahari Red buck can weigh up to 120kg, while does can reach about 75kg. They boast an impressive meat-to-bone ratio, with low fat cover and a boneless meat yield of approximately 62 to 64 percent of hot carcass weight. Kidding occurs conveniently three times in two years, most often producing twins and, in some cases, triplets. This combination of size, fertility, and carcass quality makes the breed exceptionally attractive for commercial meat production.
When these figures are compared with the average weights of most indigenous goats in Nigeria—bucks ranging between 35 to 50kg and does between 25 to 35kg, the opportunity becomes clear. The deliberate introduction and crossbreeding of the Kalahari Red into Nigeria’s genetic pool could be transformational. Such a move would not only uplift live and carcass weights but also improve disease and parasite resistance, strengthening the overall resilience and productivity of local breeds.
At Lifters Farms & Resort, Abeokuta, we are taking a bold step by introducing this magnificent breed into our flock. Our vision goes beyond farming for today; it is about building a stronger genetic foundation for Nigeria’s livestock sector tomorrow. The Kalahari Red Goat represents progress, profitability, and sustainability rolled into one.
If you are interested in learning more or exploring opportunities around this breed, feel free to reach out. Together, we can improve the genetic architecture of our livestock and unlock a new chapter in Nigerian animal agriculture.
Babatunde Agbeniga PhD
