Dairy Goat Questions and Answers
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How many goats do I need?
Goats are herd animals, so you'll want at least two. The yield of the goats will be variable depending on when they kidded - with maximum production generally occurring about 8 weeks after kidding and then slowly tapper off from there. Milk production varies with the breed, age, quality, and diet of the doe. On average, a good quality dairy doe will give at least 6 lb (2.7 l) of milk per day while she is in milk. A first time milker may produce less.
It is not unusual to get milk for over 300 days a year, but whether or not you'll want to milk that many days is a personal decision. Freshening (coming into milk production) occurs at kidding.
Two lactating goats, can generally meet the needs of a family of two adults and two younger children for both milk as well as occasionally making cheese. If you have teenagers in your family, you'll likely appreciate having at least one more goat in the mix. Four goats is about the maximum size herd needed for the consumption for even a large family.
It is not unusual to get milk for over 300 days a year, but whether or not you'll want to milk that many days is a personal decision. Freshening (coming into milk production) occurs at kidding.
Two lactating goats, can generally meet the needs of a family of two adults and two younger children for both milk as well as occasionally making cheese. If you have teenagers in your family, you'll likely appreciate having at least one more goat in the mix. Four goats is about the maximum size herd needed for the consumption for even a large family.
How long do goats live?
The average life of a goat is about 12 years. However, like all animals, this number will vary depending on how hard she is worked - meaning how many times she gives birth and produces milk. Many people will retire a goat after 10 years of age, but the doe will never stop going into heat, so take care that she is not accidentally bred.
Where can I buy a goat?
Goats are available from a variety of sources.
- Goat breeders: generally the most reliable source, especially if you are looking to raise large volume producers, patriciate in show events, or improve your herd. Also, if you have health problems with your goat, you will know the source of the goat. Goat breeders can be found on the internet and you can check sources like the American Dairy Goat Association.
- Feed stores: It is not uncommon to see kid goats at feed stores, especially the Pygmy breeds. You can inquire with the store as the source of the goats.
- Auctions: Generally not the ideal place for a novice goat owner, but sometimes desperate goat owners need to reduce their herd and this is the fastest way to do it. You do sometimes find paper animals at the auctions, but be sure to check the health of the animal as best as possible before purchasing. See the below for more on what to look for in a healthy goat.
What to look for when selecting a dairy goat
1. You want a healthy goat. so look for:
3. The teats and orifices are very important. Teats that curve off in crazy directions or are small can be a pain to milk. Goats with small teats that have udders full of milk are often difficult to milk until you've milked the doe out a bit. If you somehow have a doe with small teats, milking twice a day helps with this. Teat size is genetic.
4. Temperament is helpful, although not a requirement. How you socialize, raise and interact with the goat will have a large impact on its behavior, especially if you start with a youngster.
- Check for general condition. Skinny goats can be underfed, but can also be a sign of parasites.
- The goat will undoubtedly produce excrement while you are there, it should be tight , almost dry balls, not wet or chunky - which indicates a disease or parasite.
- Check its eyes for clarity.
- Check its hooves and legs. Bad feet or poorly formed legs can often become a problem for pregnant goats. This is often related to the nutrition the goat received as either a fetus of youngster.
- Long legs are beneficial in that the doe will not be too close to the bucket while milking.
3. The teats and orifices are very important. Teats that curve off in crazy directions or are small can be a pain to milk. Goats with small teats that have udders full of milk are often difficult to milk until you've milked the doe out a bit. If you somehow have a doe with small teats, milking twice a day helps with this. Teat size is genetic.
4. Temperament is helpful, although not a requirement. How you socialize, raise and interact with the goat will have a large impact on its behavior, especially if you start with a youngster.
