American Red

American Red is a name used in the United States for red-coated meat goats, usually within breeder associations or private herd programs rather than as a long-established international breed. Lines may include Boer, Kalahari Red, Savanna, Spanish, or other meat-goat influence, so animals can differ in frame, ear set, horn shape, and exact shade, from copper to dark mahogany. The common theme is a pigmented, red meat goat with good muscling, maternal ability, and range usefulness.

In working herds, color should follow function rather than replace it. Sound legs, parasite tolerance, kidding ease, teat structure, and growth on available forage are better indicators of value than a matching coat. Red goats can fit brush-control and meat programs where selection is based on health and growth rather than color alone. Anyone buying breeding stock should ask what association or herd book is being used, what breeds contributed to the line, and whether performance records support the asking price.

Colors: Belted, Black, Black and White, Brown, Brown and White, Buckskin, Chamoisee, Cou Blanc, Cou Clair, Cream, Fawn, Gold, Moonspotted, Pinto, Red, Red and White, Reddish-Brown, Roan, Spotted, Sundgau, Swiss Marked, Tan, White