Hey there! Did you know that you could make up to $22 in profit per goat per day as a dairy goat breeds farmer? That’s a total of $6248 per year! With the growing demand for goat milk, dairy goats are becoming more popular than ever.
But with so many goat breeds to choose from, which one is the best fit for you? Let’s explore the top dairy goat breeds and what makes them so special. Get ready to learn all about these amazing animals and how they can help you earn some serious cash!
Table of Contents
Most Popular Dairy Goat Breeds
1. Alpine Goat
Originating from the French Alps, Alpine goats are hardy and adaptable animals known for their excellent milk production. According to 2019 DHIR data, Alpine goats have an average milk production of 2,715 pounds per lactation, with a milk fat content of 3.3% and milk protein content of 2.9%. These medium-sized goats are known for their adaptability to various climates, making them a popular choice for small farms.
2. LaMancha Goat
LaMancha goats are easily recognizable by their small, almost nonexistent ears. They have an average milk production of 2,298 pounds per lactation, with a milk fat content of 3.7% and milk protein content of 3.2%. LaMancha goats are known for their friendly and docile temperament, making them a great choice for families with children or those new to goat farming.
Read more: Alpine vs La Mancha Goats: Which Breed is Best for Milk Production?
3. Nubian Goat
Nubian goats are large, with distinctive long ears and a Roman nose. They produce high-quality milk with the highest butterfat content among the top breeds, making it ideal for cheese and soap production. Good Nubian goats can produce up to 2 gallons of milk per day, while average ones produce around a gallon. However, they can be quite loud, which may be a consideration for those living in close proximity to neighbors.
4. Saanen Goat
Saanen goats are known for their high milk production and gentle temperament. They are large, white goats that are often considered the “Holstein” of the goat world due to their impressive milk production capabilities. Saanen goats are a popular choice for commercial dairy operations but can also be a great addition to small farms.
5. Nigerian Dwarf Goat
Nigerian Dwarf goats are small, friendly, and easy to handle, making them a popular choice for families and those with limited space. Despite their small size, they produce a surprising amount of milk with a high butterfat content, making it ideal for cheese and yogurt production. Nigerian Dwarf goats are also known for their playful and entertaining personalities, making them a joy to have around.
What Goat Produces the Most Milk?
The Alpine and Saanen goat breeds are known for being among the highest milk-producing dairy goat breeds. According to the table, the average milk production of an Alpine goat is 2,715 pounds (approximately 1,231 liters) per lactation, while Saanen goats produce an average of 2,702 pounds (approximately 1,227 liters) per lactation.
However, it’s important to note that individual goats can vary in their milk production, and various factors such as genetics, nutrition, and management practices can all affect milk production. Additionally, other goat breeds not listed in the table may have higher milk production than those listed.
| Breed | Milk production Average (pounds) | Lactation Range (pounds) | Milk fat (%) | Milk protein (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Source: 2019 DHIR data. |
||||
| Alpine | 2,715 | 750-5,720 | 3.3 | 2.9 |
| LaMancha | 2,298 | 830-4,120 | 3.7 | 3.2 |
| Nigerian Dwarf | 795 | 220-2,110 | 6.4 | 4.4 |
| Nubian | 2,018 | 510-3,840 | 4.9 | 3.8 |
| Oberhasli | 1,995 | 1,120-3,050 | 3.7 | 3.0 |
| Saanen | 2,702 | 920-4,870 | 3.3 | 2.9 |
| Sable | 2,385 | 1,540-3,120 | 3.3 | 2.9 |
| Toggenburg | 2,237 | 1,090-3,840 | 3.1 | 2.9 |
How to Choose Dairy Goat Breed?
If you’re considering starting a dairy farm, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right breed of cow for milk production. With so many breeds to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Here are some of the factors to consider when choosing a dairy breed for your farm.
- Milk Production
The primary reason for starting a dairy farm is to produce milk. Therefore, milk production should be the most important factor to consider when choosing a dairy breed. Some breeds are known for their high milk production, while others are better suited for meat production. For example, Jersey cows are known for producing high-quality milk with a high butterfat content, while Holstein cows are known for their high milk production. - Climate
Another important factor to consider is the climate in which you’ll be raising your cows. Some breeds are better suited for colder climates, while others are better suited for warmer climates. For example, Brown Swiss cows are known for their ability to tolerate cold weather, while Guernsey cows are better suited for warmer climates. - Feed
The type of feed you plan to give your cows is also an important factor to consider. Some breeds are better suited for grazing on pasture, while others require a more specialized diet. For example, Ayrshire cows are known for their ability to graze on pasture, while Holstein cows require a more specialized diet. - Size of Your Farm
The size of your farm is also an important factor to consider when choosing a dairy breed. Some breeds require more space than others, and some are better suited for smaller farms. For example, Jersey cows are smaller in size and require less space than Holstein cows. - Your Goals
Finally, it’s important to consider your goals for your dairy farm. Are you looking to produce high-quality milk for cheese production, or are you looking to produce milk for commercial sale? Your goals will help you determine which breed is best suited for your needs.
My Personal Experience with Dairy Goats
Choosing the right goat among the dairy goat breeds for my farm required careful consideration and research. I wanted a breed that was known for producing high-quality milk, could tolerate the cold weather, graze on pasture, and was smaller in size for my small farm.
After doing some research, I decided that Saanen goats would be the best fit. They are known for their high milk production and butterfat content, hardiness, ability to graze on pasture, and smaller size.
By taking into account these factors and my goals of producing high-quality milk for cheese making, I made an informed decision that has helped me succeed in my dairy farming endeavors.
Conclusion
When selecting the best dairy goat breed for your farm or homestead, consider factors such as milk production, milk fat content, temperament, and adaptability to your environment. Each of the top 5 breeds mentioned above has its own unique characteristics and advantages, so take the time to research and choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences. Happy goat farming!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top dairy goat breeds?
The top dairy goat breeds include Saanen, Nubian, Alpine, LaMancha, Toggenburg, Nigerian Dwarf, and Nubian.
Which breed produces the most milk?
The Alpine and Saanen breed is known for producing the most milk, with an average of 2,000 to 3,000 pounds of milk per year.
Which breed has the highest butterfat content in their milk?
The Nigerian breed is known for having the highest butterfat content in their milk, which makes it ideal for making cheese and other dairy products.
Which breed is best for small-scale farming?
The Nigerian Dwarf breed is a popular choice for small-scale farming, as they are smaller in size but still produce a good amount of milk.
Which breed is most docile and easy to handle?
The LaMancha breed is known for being docile and easy to handle, which makes them a great choice for first-time dairy goat farmers.
How many goats should I start with as a beginner?
It’s recommended to start with two or three goats as a beginner, so they can keep each other company, and you can learn how to care for them without feeling overwhelmed.
What kind of housing do dairy goats need?
Dairy goats need a shelter that protects them from the elements and provides enough space for them to move around comfortably. They also need access to fresh water and a clean, dry place to rest.
Sarah Lane has been a farm wife since 2010 and mother of two children for nearly as long. She and her husband, Jonathan, live on a small farm in Texas where they raise dairy goats and beef cattle as well as chickens for eggs and meat. In addition to growing their own hay, straw and garden produce, the Lane family works with other nearby farms to source organic grain from which they make artisan bread sold at local farmer’s market.