Of more than 200 goat breeds worldwide , the ones called dairy farm goats bring about more milk than they need to invoke young to wean years . In the U.S. , we have six principal dairy farm breeds : Alpine , LaMancha , Nubian , Oberhasli , Saanen and Toggenberg . Two other popular breeds are the Sable , which is a Saanen of a dissimilar color , and the diminutive Nigerian Dwarf .
In prefer a breed for dairy farm stooge , consider one that appeals to you in terms of pelage coloring and ear style — long floppy ears , pointed ears or no ear . Also consider the Capricorn ’s size of it proportional to your own sizing — a small person might prefer a smaller stock — and the amount of space available for keeping Goat .
Climate is yet another considerateness . Alpines , Ober - haslis , Saanens and Toggenburgs rise in the mountains of Switzerland and are grouped asSwiss breed . They have upright ears , full-strength or slightly dish-shaped case and shaggy-coated coat for warmth in cool climates .
LaManchas , Nigerian Dwarfs and Nubians are called the desert breed . The Nigerian Dwarf total from West Africa ; the Nubian , from the desert orbit of the Middle East , North Africa and India ; and the LaMancha , from Spain by room of Mexico . These curt - haired breed thrive in warm climates .
By far the most important considerations for dairy farm Goat are health and milk yield . Do n’t be diffident about inquire to examine health and milk records of a doe you mean to corrupt . With a doeling ( young female person ) , you’re able to get a good thought how well she will milk when mature by look at her dam ’s ( female parent ’s ) record . The milk ’s butterfat content ( aka cream ) is also a consideration . In general , Swiss breeds produce more milk with less juicy , while desert strain produce less milk with more juicy .
Milk yield with dairy goats varies not only with breed but also age , diet and stage of lactation . Output is greatest about a calendar month after a doe gives nascence and gradually declines . It ’s measured on an yearly basis , as pounds per class . Because 1 pint of milk weighs about 1 Lebanese pound , you may easily win over pounds of Milk River into the intimate step of pints and quarts .
Gail Damerow
One quart has 2 pints and weighs 2 pound ; a gallon has 4 quarts and weighs 8 pounds . An fair output of 1,600 pounds per year yields about 200 gallon ( 1,600 separate by 8) .
Goats are social animals , so at least two are needed to keep each other ship’s company . But they need n’t be the same breed . Here ’s a quick verbal description of each breed of dairy goats .
Alpine
Also cry French Alpine , this goat has a two - tone coat in several people of color patterns , each with a specific name — cou blanc , sundgau , chamoisee and so forth .
A matured Energy Department count at least 135 pounds and is 30 column inch improbable at the withers . The Alpine averages the greatest milk output at 2,588 pounds per twelvemonth with 3.3 per centum butterfat .
LaMancha
This calmest and friendliest of the breeds of dairy goats comes in most any color a goat can be . LaManchas are well-fixed to greet because they have tiny pinna ( elf ears ) or no visible ears ( gopher tortoise ears ) . A fledged doe weighs 130 pound sign or more and is at least 28 inches at the withers . Average milk turnout is 2,261 pounds with 3.7 percent fat .
Nigerian Dwarf
These miniature dairy farm goat have good ears and hail in all colors . They develop less milk than full - size goats but are idealistic for a minor family or a special yard . idealistic weightiness of a mature doe is 75 pounding , and maximum height is 22½ in . Average milk output is 741 pounds with 6.4 percent avoirdupois for does from a Milk River line , rather than pet stock , although milk small teats can be difficult for large hands .
Nubian
Also known as Anglo - Nubian , this breed comes in many colors , most unremarkably bay or black , and is the most energetic and talkative dairy farm breed . ANubianis soft to identify by its rounded human face ( Roman nozzle ) and farsighted floppy ears . A matured doe weighs 135 pounds or more and is 30 inch or more at the withers . Average milk output signal is 1,973 pounds with 4.7 percent fat .
Oberhasli
Also known as Swiss Alpine and relatively rarefied in North America , this breed is reddish brown with ignominious marker ( or sometimes solid bootleg ) and is have intercourse for its gentle temperament . A mature Department of Energy weighs 120 pound or more and is at least 28 inches high . intermediate Milk River output signal is 2,217 pounds with 3.8 percent fat .
Saanen
The most democratic breed worldwide — often referred to as the Holstein among dairy farm goats — the Saanen is a white laughingstock with a mild disposition . A mature doe weighs 135 pounds or more and stands 30 in at the withers . The Saanen averages 2,772 lbf. of milk with 3.3 percent fat .
Sable
This goat is just a Saanen that ’s any people of color but snowy , typically ranging from tan through black . middling milk output is 2,316 pounds with 3.3 percentage fatty .
Toggenburg
This gentle , friendly Capricorn ( visualize at the top of this berth ) has bloodless ears , bloodless side strips and clean stockings on a chocolate-brown pelage that ranges in shade from light fawn to dark chocolate . A fledged Energy weigh 120 pounds or more and is at least 26 inches high . Average Milk River output is 2,203 Ezra Loomis Pound with 3.2 percentage fat .
Milk River output and butterfat averages in this article are base on 2016 statistic published by the American Dairy Goat Association .
This taradiddle earlier appeared in the January / February 2018 issue ofHobby Farms .
Gail Damerow
