So in light of my efforts not being wasted (well, I guess if it was even just for me they were wasted right? It helped me chose), I thought I'd share with you my research to help you decide which breed you'd love to have on your farm!
Before you get goats, you have to ask yourself some questions;
1. Do I have time to milk goats, usually twice a day about 12 hours apart?
2. Do I have room to keep goats? They are companion animals, so you'll need at least 2! They'll need plenty of room to run and play not to mention somewhere to sleep.
3. Can you provide shelter for them from weather?
4. Am I willing to clean up after them on a regular basis?
Those are the obvious questions...if you answered yes to all of those, then a few more to consider;
1. How much milk do I want?
2. Does butterfat % matter to me? (Creamy, creamy!)
3. Does goat size matter, or looks?
After you get goats, then you have to think about;
1. How am I going to breed them to continue to get milk? (You could get your own bucks, but you'll want at least two, they are companion animals, or you could pay a stud fee to another breeder.)
2. Does organic feed matter or is run of the mill feed okay?
3. Do you want to disbud (stop horns from growing) on your goats? If so, who's going to disbud your kids after your goats have been bred? You could learn yourself, or hire someone.
4. Shots, do you want them? Hoof maintenance? LOTS of details in their care!!!
Now for the breeds...
Alpine
The Alpine, also known as "French Alpine", originated in the Alps. They are medium to large goats with upright ears. Alpines are hardy, adaptable, friendly disposition, and come in a variety of colors and patterns. Their milk has an average butterfat of about 3.5%. Alpines probably vary the most when it comes to milk taste. They really do vary from breeder to breeder. The majority though, give really nice tasting milk. Alpines are no-nonsense milkers, and are very steady producers. Milk averages vary, but a good Alpine should give at least 1 gallon per day. Really good Alpines will give 2 to 3 gallons per day.
Alpines are seasonal breeders.
LaMancha
The LaMancha is a medium sized breed, developed in the USA from goats of Spanish origin. They have an excellent dairy temperament and are all-around sturdy, friendly, naturally healthy animals. LaManchas can come in a variety of colors and patterns. Their milk has an average butterfat of about 4.2%. La Manchas give large quantities of sweet tasting milk. Most does average 1-2 gallons per day. Calm, steady does, if you don't mind the ears (or lack of them).
LaManchas have tiny ears which come in two types: "gopher ears", which are little "sweet rolls"; and "elf ears", which are little hooked ears less than 2 inches long.
LaManchas are seasonal breeders.
Nigerian Dwarf Goat
The Nigerian is a miniature dairy goat of West African origin with upright ears. They are bred to have the length of body and structure, in proportion, of a full sized dairy goat. They come in a variety of colors and patterns. Nigerians can also produce a surprising amount of milk for their size, does can give from 2 cups, to 3/4 a gallon per day, but their small teats can sometimes be difficult to milk because they are fairly tiny. Their milk has an average butterfat of about 6.1%, sometimes up to 10%! So, this stuff is really creamy!!!
Nigerians breed year round.
Nubian
The Nubian, also know as "Anglo-Nubians" is a large, proud, and graceful goat with long pendulous ears and a "Roman nose". They were developed in England by crossing British goats with bucks of African and Indian origin. They are not heavy producers, 1 gallon is pretty average for a fairly decent doe, average is around 3/4 a gallon, and the milk has an average butterfat of about 4.6%, and sweet tasting. Nubians come in a variety of colors and patterns. They are very vocal, so if you have close neighbors, they might annoy them. They are very popular but not quite as hardy as some other breeds
Nubians are usually seasonal breeders but sometimes may breed year round.
Oberhasli
The Oberhasli, sometimes called "Swiss Alpine", are a medium sized breed. Their coloring is known as "Chamoisee" which is bay in color with distinctive and specific black markings. Does may sometimes be black but chamoisee is preferred. These are sweet, mellow goats that are easy to milk. Their milk has an average butterfat of about 3.6%. Two gallons per day is considered normal for many breeders, and three gallons isn't uncommon. They do have the trademark, Swiss "goaty" flavor. Strong tasting. If you're going to buy one, try her milk first.
Oberhaslis are seasonal breeders.
Saanen (or Sable)
Sannen
Sable
The Saanen goat originated in Switzerland. They are white, large in size with upright ears. Saanens are the largest standard dairy goats. Saanens are heavy milk producers, but there milk is lower in butterfat than some of the other dairy breeds. Their milk has an average butterfat of about 3.5%, which means their milk is a little like 2% from the store, a bit bland and watery. 2-3 gallons per day is not uncommon, although most will average 1 1/2 gallons per day.
Note: Saanens must be white. If a Saanen is born with color (which sometimes happens) they are called "Sables".
Saanens are seasonal breeders
Toggenburg
The Toggenburg is a Swiss breed credited as being the oldest known dairy goat breed. They are medium in size with upright ears. "Togg" coloring is varying from a light fawn to dark chocolate, with distinctive and specific white markings. These does are impressive milkers, giving 2 gallons or more each day while remaining steady in production Their milk has an average butterfat of about 3.3%. This breed was originally developed to provide milk for cheese production and so their milk can sometimes have the strong Swiss goat flavor, similar to the Oberhasli's.
Toggs are seasonal breeders.
A few other breeds of goats, not to be confused as dairy goats, bred more for their meat, as pets, or for their fiber include:
Boer
Kiko
Spanish
Brush (also called Briar, Hill, Wood, or Native)
Tennessee Fainting Goat
Pygmy
Cross breeds (Commonly a dairy goat bred with a boer for meat)
Angora
Pygora (pygmy/angora cross)
Kinders (pygmy/Nubian cross)
I hope that help you decide what breeds to choose! After we establish our Nigerians, I'm thinking we are going to try some Alpines or LaManchas. Nubians are too noisy for our neighbors and I'm not a fan of goaty tasting milk from the Toggs and Obers. But I'd prefer more creamy milk than the Saanens give. I'm thinking Alpine. Not sure if I like the tiny ears of a LaManacha.
Happy hunting. (Not literally of course, I mean, you're looking for a dairy goat. And they are penned in. Totally unfair to hunt them penned in...you know what I meant.)
Teresa
(All these images are results of Bing.com search and have the original photo web location tagged. Simply click on image to enlarge image with original web location.)
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