Building a Dairy Goat Farm? Discover the Best Breeds for Your Success.
Goat milk demand has been steadily increasing over the years, especially for cheese production. So, making a goat farm is not a bad idea for livelihood. But if you make a sudden decision to make a goat farm, without proper research and planning, success will be difficult to achieve.
In dairy goat farming, one of the most important decisions you need to make is choosing the right goat breed that can meet your production goals while also adapting well to your local climate. In this article, we will explore the top dairy goat breeds that are also adaptable to your local climate.
Alpine
Alpine is a prominent goat breed in America, Kenya, France, and Australia. They are well-sought by dairy goat farmers due to their high milk-yielding capability. They adapt well to various climates, and their temperament is typically pleasant.
Below, I provide more details about the Alpine goat breed in a simple, easy-to-understandable format, so that you can compare it with other goat breeds easily.
Alpine at a glance
Weight: The minimum weight of does is 135 pounds (61kg) and the Minimum weight of bucks is 170 pounds (77kg). (their weight varies based on their geographical location)
Height: Does at least 30 inches (76 cm); and bucks at least 32 inches (81cm)
Lifespan: 8 to 12 years.
Temperament: They are typically friendly, curious, and alert. But sometimes they are independent and stubborn.
Color: Alpine goats can come in a wide variety of colors.
Lactation period: 275-305 Days.
Milk yield: Alpine average milk production varies depending on their geographical location.
In the United States, it ranges from 1.03 to 1.15 gallons (3.9 to 4.3 liters) per day, over a 275-day lactation period.
In France, Alpine’s average milk yield per day is between 0.08 to 0.88 gallons (3.03 to 3.33 liters) during the same 275-days lactation period.
Adaptability: Alpine can adapt well to both hot and cold climates. But they do not adapt well to humid and muddy conditions.
Saanen
Saanen is a large goat breed and high milk producer. Their white color resembles their gentle nature. With long lactation periods, high milk production, and a calm temperament, Saanens have become a popular choice among goat farmers, particularly in Australia, France, Kenya, and the U.S.A.
Below, I provide more details about the Saanen goat breed in a simple, easy-to-understand format, so that you can compare it with other goat breeds easily.
Saanen at a glance
Weight: In America, adults does weighs at least 135 pounds (61 kg), and adult bucks weighs at least 170 pounds (77 kg).
Height: In America, an adult does minimum height is 30 inches (76 cm) and adult bucks’ minimum height is 32 inches (81 cm).
Lifespan: The Saanen goat breed’s typical lifespan is 12 to 14 years.
Temperament: They have a calm temperament; they are easily trainable and enjoy human company.
Color: Their main color is white to light cream.
Lactation period: 264 days on average.
Milk yield: On average, Saanen goats produce about 9.47 pounds (4.3 kg) of milk per day. Besides their milk contains 3.5% to 4% butterfat.
Adaptability: Saanen goats prefer slightly colder weather. However, hot and dry climates are not suitable for them.
Note: Some of the above facts change based on geographical location, for example weight, height, lactation period, and milk yield.
Anglo Nubian
The Anglo Nubian is a multi-purpose goat breed. You can raise them for both milk and meat production. In this article on the best milk-yielding goat breeds, the Anglo Nubian stands out for its milk test, containing 4% to 5% butterfat.
You can easily recognize them by their long-hanging ears and by their loud, vocal nature. While the Anglo-Nubians prefer warmer weather, they have also adapted to various environments worldwide. This breed is commonly found in Australia, America, and Kenya.
Below, I provide more details about the Anglo Nubian goat breed in a simple, easy-to-understandable format, so that you can compare it with other goat breeds easily.
Anglo Nubian at a glance
Weight: An adult does weighs 135 pounds (61.23 kg) or more and an adult buck weighs 175 pounds (79.38 kg) or more.
Height: An adult does 32 inches (80 cm) to the withers on average and an adult bucks 36 inches (90 cm) to the withers on average.
Lifespan: Their typical lifespan is between 10 to 13 years.
Temperament: Anglo-Nubia is generally friendly and obedient. But when they need attention, they are loud/noisy.
Color: They come in various colors predominantly black, tan, and chestnut.
Lactation period: 305 days.
Milk yield: On average, 6.6 pounds (3.9 kg) per day. Besides, their milk has 4% to 5% butterfat and 3.5% protein.
Adaptability: Anglo-Nubians can adapt well to hot climates while humid weather is not suitable for them.
Note: Some of the above facts change based on geographical location, for example weight, height, lactation period, and milk yield.
Image by Dmitrij Rodionov from wikimedia
Toggenburg
The Toggenburg goat breed originated from Toggenburg, Switzerland. They hold the oldest known dairy goat breed record. Their calm and friendly nature has made them a good choice for all experienced level farmers.
Below, I provide more details about the Toggenburg goat breed in a simple, easy-to-understandable format, so that you can compare it with other goat breeds easily.
Toggenburg at a glance
Weight: Does at least 120 pounds (55 kg) and Bucks at least 150 pounds (68 kg).
Height: Does 26-30 inches (66-75 cm) and Bucks 28-33 inches (70-85 cm).
Lifespan: 8 to 12 years.
Temperament: Bold, lively, and curious.
Color: Toggenburg colors vary, but the most prominent color is light fawn to dark chocolate.
Lactation period: 268 days.
Milk yield: On average, Toggenburg yield 6.39 pounds (2.90 kg) of milk per day.
Adaptability: They can adapt to various weather, but cooler weather is most suitable.
Note: Some of the above facts change based on geographical location, for example weight, height, lactation period, and milk yield.
Lamancha
The Lamancha goat breed is widely recognized for their absurd tiny/no ears. They were developed in the U.S.A. by crossbreeding short-eared Spanish goats with Nubian. They have a long lactation period and decent milk production capability.
Below, I provide more details about the Lamancha goat breed in a simple, easy-to-understandable format, so that you can compare it with other goat breeds easily.
Lamancha at a glance
Weight: Does weighs at least 130 pounds (59 kg) and Bucks weighs at least 160 pounds (73 kg).
Height: Does at least 28 inches (71 cm) and Bucks at least 30 inches (76 cm)
Lifespan: 7 to 14 years.
Temperament: Lamancha have a Calm and friendly temperament, therefor they are easy to handle.
Color: They can come in various colors.
Lactation period: 305 days.
Milk-yield:4 to 8 pounds (1.81 to 3.63 kg) per day.
Adaptability: Moderate weather is suitable for Lamancha, but extreme hot or cold weather is difficult for them to adapt to.
Note: Some of the above facts can change based on geographical location, for example weight, height, lactation period, and milk yield.
Oberhasli
The Oberhasli goat breed has an eye-catching coat color (Light to deep rich, reddish bay) and a calmer disposition. On average, Oberhasli goats give roughly 2,000 pounds of milk during a lactation period.
Below, I provide more details about the Oberhasli goat breed in a simple, easy-to-understandable format, so that you can compare it with other goat breeds easily.
Oberhasli at a glance
Weight: Does 120 pounds (54.43 kg) and Bucks 150 pounds (68 kg).
Height: Does at least 28 inches (70 cm) and Bucks at least 30 inches (75 cm).
Lifespan: 9 to 12 years.
Temperament: Friendly, alert, and quiet.
Color: Light to deep rich, reddish bay.
Lactation period: 265 days on average.
Milk yield: On average, 6.2 pounds (2.8 kg) per day.
Adaptability: Oberhasli can adapt well to dry mountainous areas with hot and cold temperatures. But humid and muddy conditions are not for them.
Note: Some of the above facts can change based on geographical location, for example weight, height, lactation period, and milk yield.
Image by Ryan Somma is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Nigerian Dwarf Goat
The Nigerian Dwarf goat breed is a small-sized goat breed, bucks are 23.5 inches and does are 22.5 inches in height. But due to their small size, don’t underestimate their milk-yielding capacity.
Nigerian Dwarf Goat produces a good amount of milk over the lactation period. Besides, their milk holds the highest amount of butterfat (6% to 10%) compared to other dairy goat breeds listed in this article.
Below, I provide more details about the Nigerian Dwarf goat breed in a simple, easy-to-understandable format, so that you can compare it with other goat breeds easily.
Nigerian Dwarf at a glance
Weight: 75 pounds (35 kg) on average.
Height: Minimum height of does 17 inches (43 cm) and minimum height of bucks 17.5 inches (44.45 cm).
Lifespan: 14 to 18 years.
Temperament: Friendly and gentle.
Color: They can come in various colors.
Lactation period: 305 days approximately.
Milk yield: On average, 4 pounds (1.8 kg) per day.
Adaptability: They can adapt to most climates.
Note: Some of the above facts can change based on geographical location, for example weight, height, lactation period, and milk yield.
Sable
We have reached the end of this article. The Sable goat breeds have earned a spot in this top milk-producing goat breeds article, thanks to their good milk production. The Sabel was developed in the United States through a mix of recessive genes of sire and dam goats.
Below, I provide more details about the Sable goat breed in a simple, easy-to-understandable format, so that you can compare it with other goat breeds easily.
Sable at a glance
Weight: Does weighs 145 to 165 pounds (66 to 75 kg) and bucks weighs 170 to 200 pounds (77 to 91 kg).
Height: Does 28 to 32 inches (71 to 81 cm) and bucks 30 to 35 inches (76 to 89 cm).
Lifespan: Didn’t find any reliable info.
Temperament: Docile and friendly.
Color: Sable can come in a variety of colors.
Lactation period: Didn’t find any reliable info.
Adaptability: Medium hot and medium cold, both climates are suitable for Sable.
Note: Some of the above facts can change based on geographical location, for example weight, height, lactation period, and milk yield.
Crucial Points to keep in Mind When selecting a Dairy Goat Breed.
Before selecting a goat breed, you should consider several factors to determine which goat breed is most suitable to your specific demand and condition. For example:
- Milk yield per day/ per lactation cycle.
- Milk fat level and overall quality.
- Adaptability to your local climate.
- Ease of management and temperament.
- Breeding and lifecycle.
Choosing the right dairy goat breed is essential for the success of your farm. Each breed has its own strengths in milk production, temperament, and adaptability. So, it is important to consider factors like milk yield, butterfat content, and climate suitability when making your decision.
Whether you opt for a high-yielding Alpine or the adaptable Nigerian Dwarf, your choice should align with your farm’s specific conditions and goals. Further research and careful planning will ensure that the breed you select supports your long-term success in dairy goat farming.
