BREED INFORMATION*
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Alpine
Considered one of the Swiss breeds but its origin is believed to be mainly Swiss and French influence. The Alpine is medium to large in size and is considered a good milker with long lactations. A good doe can easily produce 3 or more litres of milk per day over a 10 month lactation. It is a very popular breed and is adaptable to any climate. The Alpine breed has many varieties and therefore can be of almost any color or combination of colors.
Nigerian Dwarf
The Nigerian Dwarf is a miniature dairy goat of West African origin. Nigerian Dwarf goats are enjoying a rise in popularity due to their small size, colorful markings and dairy characteristics. Their small stature means they do not require as much space or feed as their larger dairy goat counterparts and their gentle and friendly personalities make them good companion pets. The milk is also higher in butterfat and has a sweeter taste. Nigerians are easy to handle; even for small children.
Nubian
This goat was developed in England mainly as a dual purpose animal, i.e. for milk and meat. English Swiss type does were crossed with bucks from Eastern countries such as India, Egypt and Ethiopia. Any color or combination of colors is acceptable and the breed is characterized by its Roman nose and long, wide pendulous ears. The Nubian is the most popular breed in North America today and multiple births of 3 and 4 kids are common. The Nubian is also more heat tolerant and less cold tolerant than Swiss breeds which may have something to do with its pendulous ears. They tend to be more out of season breeders than Swiss and therefore provide winter milk more easily. They are also favored by buyers who purchase for meat because of their meatier carcass. Milk production is a little less than Swiss breeds but a good Nubien doe can average 2.5 litres per day over a 10 month lactation.
Oberhasli
The Oberhasli is a Swiss dairy goat. This breed is of medium size, vigorous and alert in appearance. Its color is chamois. Does may be black but chamois is preferred. Chamois is described as: Bay - ranging from light to a deep red bay with the later most desirable. A few white hairs through the coat and about the ears are permitted. Markings are to be: two black stripes down the face from above each eye to a black muzzle; forehead nearly all black, black stripes from the base of each ear coming to a point just back of the poll and continuing along the neck and back as a dorsal stripe to the tail; a black belly and udder; black legs below the knees and hocks; ears black inside and bay outside; bucks often have more black on the head than does, black whiskers, and black hair along the shoulders and lower chest with a mantle of black along the back; bucks frequently have more white hairs through the coat than does.
Pygmy
The Pygmy Goat is hardy, alert and animated, good-natured and gregarious; a docile, responsive pet, a cooperative provider of milk, and an ecologically effective browser. The Pygmy goat is an asset in a wide variety of settings, and can adapt to virtually all climates.
Saanen
SAANENS derived their name from the SAANEN valley in the south of Canton Berne, Switzerland. In 1893 several thousand head were taken out of the valley and spread throughout Europe. Between 1904 and the 1930's approximately 150 SAANENS were imported into the United States from Switzerland. Later importations came in via England. Today they have spread throughout the United States as one of the preferred dairy goats primarily because of their consistency in producing large quantities of milk in conjunction with their sturdiness, easy keepability and capacity to tolerate environmental change.
Since 1904 the Saanen has been one of the most popular breeds of dairy goats in America. Some are drawn by the pleasing aesthetics of a pasture of uniformly white animals. Some are drawn to Saanens by their large size, vitality, herd compatibility and their “eager to please” temperament. The largest part of their popularity, however, is due to their milking ability.
Since 1904 the Saanen has been one of the most popular breeds of dairy goats in America. Some are drawn by the pleasing aesthetics of a pasture of uniformly white animals. Some are drawn to Saanens by their large size, vitality, herd compatibility and their “eager to please” temperament. The largest part of their popularity, however, is due to their milking ability.
* Information on this page was taken from The National Pygmy Goat Association website (http://www.npga-pygmy.com/default.asp), The Nigerian Dwarf Assoication website (http://www.ndga.org/about.html), The Dairy Goat Handbook website (http://members.toast.net/dawog/Goats/DairyGoatFactBook.htm) and The National Saanan Breeders Association (http://nationalsaanenbreeders.com/)