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Goat Breed Prints
By, Nancy Knigga
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Dairy Goat Breed Basics -
In The Kid Pen
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OUR FARM MOTTO: "IT'S NOT YOUR, NOR IS IT MINE, IT'S JUST ONE-N-UDDERS!"
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While there are many breeds of goats, only a few specific breeds merit recognition by the
American Dairy Goat Association.
Dairy Goats, generally, can be
easily identified by determining which group they belong to; either the EAR, or the COLOR groups. |
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The Ear Group:
You can easily tell the breeds from this group apart, primarily, by the shape
& size of the ears. They come in a variety of color combinations and/or patterns.
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Alpine
Named
after their area of their origin, in the Swiss Alps region of France, these alert and graceful
animals are the only breed, with erect ears, that sports one of eight
specific color patterns.
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It is these specific color pattern
traits that give the Alpine Goat a distinction, and individuality, from that of its Swiss cousins identified in the color group.
Adult
bucks stand around 32-36 inches, and weigh about 170-200
pounds. The females are slightly smaller, averaging 30-34
inches in height; and weighing from 135-170 pounds.
They
are hardy and adaptable animals that can thrive in any climate
and maintain good health and excellent production. They
are usually affectionate towards their owners, but may be
aggressive with other goats.
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LaMancha
The
Lamancha Breed is the only TRUE
AMERICAN
Goat, originating from the state of Oregon. The breed was developed from a type of "short-eared" goat found throughout Spain. |
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Noted for excellent temperament, these hardy animals are said to produce, even under the most extreme of hardships. The breed is easily recognizable by the size, or absence, of its ears, which
are classified in two groups, Gopher
or Elf.
Only the Bucks with gopher-shaped ears can be registered. However, the Does can be registered with either ear-type.
Mature bucks stand 34-36 inches and weigh 175-200 pounds on the average. Adult Does measure 32-36 inches, weighing in at 135-175 pounds. |
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Nigerian Dwarf
Dispite the misnomer "Dwarf", their bodies are well balanced in proportion to their size. They are considered a rare breed and
are listed with the
American Minor Breeds Conservancy. |
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These even tempered animals, of West African origin, have erect ears, and are often described as, identical to that of the Swiss breeds, only on a much smaller scale.The average height for a Nigerian Dwarf Buck is between 18 to 23 inches; while adult Does measure in between 17
and 22 inches. They are touted as being easy to handle because their stature, weighing in at an average of 75# when mature. |
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Nubian
Originating
from the Anglo-Nubian Goat of the British Isles. The
Nubian is easily recognized by it's Roman Nose and pendulant, or
floppy, ears.
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They
are large, graceful animals of mixed Asian, African, and
European genetics, and come in many striking color
variations. The most popular and unique are the spotted
ones. Noted
for their multiple births, it is not unusual to see a doe with
3, or more kids each freshening. But, they are more noted
for high butterfat content in their milk, weighing 4% or
more. An average doe will easily produce 6-9 pounds of
fluid milk daily.
The
skeletal and muscle structure of the Nubian is ideal for meat
production. Many Meat Goat Breeders will incorporate Nubians into
their breeding program. Nubian-Boer crosses are the
mainstay of the meat goat industry here in the United States.
Mature Bucks measure 32-34 inches and weigh an average of 170-225 pounds. The Mature Does will stand from 30-32 inches, and weigh 135-185 pounds.
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The Color Group:
While goats in this group have several physical features in
common, each breed has it's own unique color trait or pattern.
Descending
from native goats originating from specific regions of Switzerland,
these color specific, erect-eared goats were imported into the United
States during late 1800's and early 1900's.
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Oberhasli
This Swiss Breed goat, of medium size, is distinguished by its color and markings, ranging from a deep bay, reddish brown, or chamoise bodies, with black accents on the face, belly, ears, lower legs, and dorsal stripe from the head to the tail. |
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Bred
primarily for milk, the average doe produces a moderate
amount ranging from 880-2000 pounds per lactation; with a fat content that is slightly higher than cow's milk.
In 1980 the Oberhasli was given its own herd book and included as a specific breed of Swiss origin. Before the breed characteristics were officially recognized, they were considered as Alpines, of a specific color.
Mature
Does stand 32"-34" in height, and weigh an average of
135-170 pounds. The Bucks, or males stand between
34"-36", and weigh 170-200 pounds.
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Saanen
This all white goat is a large, strong, rugged breed. It's origins stem
from the Saanen Valley, in southwest Switzerland; with
origins directly linked to the wild goat of that region. |
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They
have the distinction of being known as the Holstein of the goat
world. The heavy-producing Saanen can average 1975-2000
pounds of milk annually, with a 3-4% butterfat ratio. Saanens
are distinguished by their solid white to cream coloring.
Because of this light coloring, they are sensitive to sunlight,
and perform better in cooler climates.
Mature
bucks stand 34-36 inches and weigh 175-225 pounds on the
average. The adult does measure 32-34 inches, weighing in
at 145-175 pounds.
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Toggenburg
Known as the
oldest of the dairy goat breeds, originating
from the Toggenburg Valley of Switzerland, at Obertoggenburg.
Toggs, as they are nicknamed, are a medium-sized goat, slightly smaller than the Alpine, yet a sturdy breed, with excellent udder construction and high milk producing traits. |
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Their
distinct "fawn-gray" color, with white markings, make
it easily distinguishable from the other "erect-earred"
breeds. Both bucks and does have beards and wattles. Mature
bucks stand 34-38 inches and weigh 150-200 pounds on the
average. The adult does measure 30-32 inches, weighing in
at 145-175 pounds. |
Want to learn more?
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In addition to the information presented on our website, we suggest you contact your local cooperative extension office, community library, or the American Dairy Goat Association, of which I am a proud to be a Lifetime Member. |
We Hope
You Enjoy Your Visit! |