Dairy Goat Breeds
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There are a number of options to consider when determining what kind of goats you would like to have. For small spaces, most people enjoy raising dairy goats because they require little space, produce a large amount of milk for the size of animal and are easier to milk and care for than cattle. In general, full sized does will typically weigh about 125 pounds and the dwarf breeds weigh up to 85 pounds.
There are over 200 species of goats, but 6 breeds dominate the list for those used for milking: Alpines, Oberhaslis, Saanens, Toggenburgs, La Manchas and Nubians. The first four breeds listed are well-suited to cooler climates since their origins can be traced to Swiss mountain regions. La Manchas and Nubians hail from tropical and desert climates where it's warmer, and they supposedly tolerate hot summer conditions better than the Swiss breeds, but variations in tolerances have been observed within the breeds. Alpines may be more affected by heat than Nubians, but because they are generally such large producers, a drop in production as a result of heat often still yields more pounds of milk from an Alpine than a Nubian.
There are over 200 species of goats, but 6 breeds dominate the list for those used for milking: Alpines, Oberhaslis, Saanens, Toggenburgs, La Manchas and Nubians. The first four breeds listed are well-suited to cooler climates since their origins can be traced to Swiss mountain regions. La Manchas and Nubians hail from tropical and desert climates where it's warmer, and they supposedly tolerate hot summer conditions better than the Swiss breeds, but variations in tolerances have been observed within the breeds. Alpines may be more affected by heat than Nubians, but because they are generally such large producers, a drop in production as a result of heat often still yields more pounds of milk from an Alpine than a Nubian.
Nubian Doe
Nubians are the most popular breed in America. They can be any color or color pattern, but they are easily recognized by their long, droopy ears and Roman nose. The Nubian is often compared to the Jersey of the cow world. The average Nubian produces less milk that the average goat of any other breed, but the average butter fat content in their milk is one of the highest with the exception of the Nigerian dwarf goat. This makes their milk very sweet and rich. Nubians generally tolerate heat well, need slightly less water than Swiss goat breeds. Nubians have a tendency to be more vocal than many other goat breeds.
Saanens are the second most popular goat behind Nubians. This is a pure white goat with erect ears and a "dished" face . They are a Swiss breed, large and have a high average milk production. These goats frequent producers of goat cheeses you see in grocery stores, as well as Toggenburgs, or Toggs, which produce a slightly lower yield than Alpines. Sometimes these breeds will often lend a stronger, more "goaty" flavor to the milk and cheese.
Saanens are the second most popular goat behind Nubians. This is a pure white goat with erect ears and a "dished" face . They are a Swiss breed, large and have a high average milk production. These goats frequent producers of goat cheeses you see in grocery stores, as well as Toggenburgs, or Toggs, which produce a slightly lower yield than Alpines. Sometimes these breeds will often lend a stronger, more "goaty" flavor to the milk and cheese.
Alpine Doe
French Alpines originated in the Alps. Their color ranges greatly, from black to white, and often with several colors and shades. They are excellent producers, with the highest annual average milk production of any breed and have just a slightly lower fat content than Nubians. All adult Alpines have beards - including the does and pointed ears. In general, Alpines tend to be more intelligent than Nubians, but of course there are always exceptions.
Oberhasli was originally called a Swiss Alpine and their name was changed in 1978. Their milk production is about the same as the Nubian.
Pygmy goats are smaller versions of standard sized goats. Available in a variety of breeds and can be good milk producers, especially relative to their smaller size.
The Nigerian Dwarf was originally bred for the Biosphere 2 space-colony model and is of particular interest to backyarders. One goat gave 6.3 pounds of milk and another had 11.3 percent butterfat. Many have good sized teats and are milked as easily.
The African Pygmy is often referred to as simply "Pygmy". Some of these goats can produce up to a half gallon of milk per day, but there lactation period is shorter (4 to 6 months instead of 10 months). Pygmy goats can also be more susceptible to predation.
Oberhasli was originally called a Swiss Alpine and their name was changed in 1978. Their milk production is about the same as the Nubian.
Pygmy goats are smaller versions of standard sized goats. Available in a variety of breeds and can be good milk producers, especially relative to their smaller size.
The Nigerian Dwarf was originally bred for the Biosphere 2 space-colony model and is of particular interest to backyarders. One goat gave 6.3 pounds of milk and another had 11.3 percent butterfat. Many have good sized teats and are milked as easily.
The African Pygmy is often referred to as simply "Pygmy". Some of these goats can produce up to a half gallon of milk per day, but there lactation period is shorter (4 to 6 months instead of 10 months). Pygmy goats can also be more susceptible to predation.
