The native goat of Jamaica is a conglomeration of breeds, similar in look and background to the brush in our area and further south. Alpines and Toggenburgs were imported to the island when there was interest in dairying. Nubians were brought from England to improve meat production. In recent years, Jamaica has jumped onto the Boer goat bandwagon. They, too, recognize the potential of this growthy South African breed for improving meat production.
Goats roam freely in villages and alongside roadways.
The goats come home at night out of habit and for a little bit of dry feed. There is a joke that goats look both ways before crossing the pedestrian walk, while cows don't budge and present a real hazard to motorists. Thievery is a big problem with goats. One farm had two expensive Boer billies stolen from inside a barn. On farms, goats are kept in fence pastures.