goatboy1973
True BYH Addict
After reading a few articles about the Spanish Meat Goat which is on the American Livestock Breed Conservancy or ALBC list of critical or endangered breeds of livestock, I found a man who was willing to sell me an 18 month old Spanish buck. He represents the Sawyer strain of the Spanish goat. This goat was supposed to be a very hardy breed of goat. The breeder told me that this particular buck came right off a ranch in Texas (This is where a great deal of the Spanish goats are concentrated). I thought the man who sold me the buck was exaggerating a lot when he was explaining just how low maintenance these goats are. I thought he was full of hot air because how could a goat from such a hot dry climate survive in E. Tennessee where the Summers are so humid and Springs are so cold and rainy. I thought I might be in for a lot of hoof problems and worm problems, boy was I wrong!!! The Spring of 2012 was the rainiest on record and most of my goats needed a little hoof care except for my new Spanish herdsire. He is now about 3 yrs old and has only needed 3 dewormings and 2 hoof trims. Even some of my toughest Kikos were limping a bit because of hoof rot/ scald. Needless to say, most of my herd now is at least 50% Spanish. I have ordered a small herd of Spanish goats from the famous Koy Ranch in Eldorado, TX. I am on the March 2014 waiting list. Not only am I raising a very hardy breed of goat, but I am helping to preserve an endangered breed of animal. If you are looking for a breed of goat to raise, give the Spanish some consideration. Spanish goats are known for their twins and trips.
