An Introduction to Goat Breeds

By Laura Childs
Published on March 15, 2012
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Covering everything from selecting a goat breed to how to make goat cheese, “The Joy of Keeping Goats” by Laura Childs is perfect for anyone interested in learning more about these multi-purpose animal companions.
Covering everything from selecting a goat breed to how to make goat cheese, “The Joy of Keeping Goats” by Laura Childs is perfect for anyone interested in learning more about these multi-purpose animal companions.
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Purebred French Alpine Doe, Popular Hill Muscat Champion
Purebred French Alpine Doe, Popular Hill Muscat Champion
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Purebred LaMancha Doe, Dancing Diane
Purebred LaMancha Doe, Dancing Diane
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Purebred Nubian Doe, Poplar Hill Fairfax Ruby
Purebred Nubian Doe, Poplar Hill Fairfax Ruby
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Purebred Saanen, Violet Vale Age of Discovery
Purebred Saanen, Violet Vale Age of Discovery
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Purebred Toggenburg Doe, GCH Poplar Hill Boulder Crystal
Purebred Toggenburg Doe, GCH Poplar Hill Boulder Crystal
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Purebred Kiko Buck, Penn Acres Huckleberry
Purebred Kiko Buck, Penn Acres Huckleberry
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Purebred Boer Buck, CSB Ruger Reloaded Ennobled
Purebred Boer Buck, CSB Ruger Reloaded Ennobled
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Purebred Savanna Buck, 4C BV07F
Purebred Savanna Buck, 4C BV07F
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Purebred Nigerian Dwarf, Hidden Hollow Wysteria
Purebred Nigerian Dwarf, Hidden Hollow Wysteria
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Angora
Angora
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Purebred African Pygmy, Monterey Bay Equestrian Center
Purebred African Pygmy, Monterey Bay Equestrian Center

Bringing a goat into your life will lead to endless delight at their antics and a wealth of opportunities to turn a profit. Whether you’re interested in a productive dairy goat or one that produces luxurious cashmere, selecting the right goat breed for your needs is paramount. The Joy of Keeping Goats: The Ultimate Guide to Dairy and Meat Goats (Skyhorse Publishing, Inc., 2011) by Laura Childs is an indispensible tool in researching these charming and lucrative animals. This excerpt is taken from Chapter 4, “Introduction to the Breeds.”

Dairy Goat Breeds

Of the six common dairy goats, the Swiss breeds (Alpine, Oberhasli, Saanen, Toggenburg) are the hardiest for colder climates. The remaining two (LaMancha and Nubian) are genetically equipped to handle extremely warm and dry climates but may be kept in the north with proper care.

The majority of dairy goats in this country are managed much the same as dairy cows. They require milking twice daily and have a 305-day lactation cycle. This allows a 60-day dry period used by the doe to centralize her energy into the growing fetus and to replenish her body’s store of nutrients. When a doe has her kid (freshens), it is common practice to remove the kids and raise them separately from their mothers.

Alpine

The Alpine is one of the larger dairy goats and a popular breed for commercial dairies. Discovered in Switzerland, the Alpine breed gained quick favor across Europe. Alpines match the Saanens in milk quantity.

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