Goats are a staple for many small-scale farmers and homesteaders due to their ease of management and versatility. With numerous breeds to choose from, selecting the right one can be overwhelming. In reality, different breeds excel in either milk or meat production, making it crucial to identify the most suitable breed for your needs. This article delves into the top goat breeds for both milk and meat production, providing valuable insights for anyone looking to maximize their output.
Goat Breeds for Milk
Goat milk stands out from other types due to its lower lactose content, making it easier to digest for those with Lactose Intolerance. As a result, demand has reached an all-time high. The popularity of goat milk is further boosted by the delightful taste and versatility of goat cheese in salads or as a sandwich topping.
When selecting goats for milk production, high-yielding breeds that can produce large quantities are favored. A higher fat content in the milk is also desirable.
Here’s a rundown of some well-known goat breeds renowned for their milk-producing capabilities.
Alpine
Captured through the lens of Gary Crossey, the majestic French Alpine goats hail from the picturesque French Alps. As a result, they’re often referred to by this moniker. Interestingly, these goats are capable of producing 1-2 gallons of milk per cycle, with an impressive average fat content of 3.5%. This rich and creamy milk is then utilized to craft a variety of dairy delights, including the likes of butter, cheese, and ice cream.
LaMancha
LaMancha goats possess a unique combination of desirable traits, including their amiable nature and versatility as milk producers. Hailing from Spain but now raised in America, these gentle creatures boast a distinct personality that sets them apart. One of their most notable characteristics is the relatively low fat content of their milk, which stands at 4.2% concentration. Furthermore, LaMancha goats are distinguished by their small or absent ears, adding to their endearing charm.
Nubian
Nubian goats originated in England during the 1920s-1930s, and since then, they’ve become a popular choice among goat breeders. What sets them apart is their remarkable fat content – an impressive 5% – which allows them to produce a significant amount of milk daily. On average, Nubian goats can yield between .5 to 1.5 gallons of milk per day, although this might not be the highest production rate compared to other dairy goat breeds.
One of the notable advantages of these goats is their ability to maintain consistent milk production throughout the year. Additionally, their size and meatiness make them a versatile breed that can also be used for meat production. Physically, Nubian goats are characterized by their long, floppy ears, making them one of the more visually distinctive dairy goat breeds.
Saanen
As the largest dairy breed, Saanen goats boast impressive physical characteristics, with males capable of reaching weights exceeding 200 pounds. Their milk production is equally remarkable, with a daily yield of up to one gallon, comprising 2.5-3% fat content. While they are renowned for their dairy prowess, Saanen goats also make suitable pets and can be used for meat production, offering a versatile and valuable addition to any agricultural endeavor.
As primarily domesticated animals, they thrive in controlled environments, where their unique characteristics can be leveraged for maximum benefit.
Toggenburg
The Toggenburg goat breed has a rich history, dating back to the 1600s when it was first introduced. One of its distinctive features is its straight face and impressive beard, while its coat can range in color from light brown to dark brown with white markings. Additionally, Toggenburg goats often display flaps of skin on their necks. In terms of milk production, the breed yields a product with a relatively low fat content of 3.3%.
Despite this, the Toggenburg goat is known for its exceptional breeding capabilities, which allows it to produce milk regularly. Its hardiness also makes it an attractive choice for cross-breeding with meat-producing goat breeds.
Oberhasli
Oberhasli goats, originating from Switzerland, boast a unique characteristic – their milk contains only 3.6% fat and is less creamy compared to other breeds. While they may not produce milk year-round, these goats can yield a substantial daily output of .5 to 1.5 gallons. Moreover, the milk has a naturally sweet flavor profile. Despite their smaller stature, making them an excellent fit for urban farmers or those with limited space, Oberhasli goats possess charming personalities.
However, they also have the potential to cause some destruction, prompting many owners to remove their horns at a young age.
Nigerian Dwarf
Nigerian Dwarf goats, as depicted in Trisha Shears’ photograph, possess unique characteristics that make them ideal for producing milk at home. Standing roughly half the size of average goats, these diminutive creatures yield a modest two pints of rich 6.1% butterfat milk daily, making their produce highly sought after. The breed’s African origins are also reflected in its vibrant color palette, with most individuals not exceeding 23 inches in height and many having undergone horn removal.
What’s more, Nigerian Dwarf goats are renowned for their friendly nature, often welcoming human interaction and even responding to training, allowing them to be walked on a leash like a dog. Perhaps most significantly, however, is the breed’s exceptional fertility, making them prolific milk producers.
Sable
Sable goats are an intriguing variation of the esteemed Saanen breed. Characterized by their robust milk production, which typically falls within a 3-4% fat range, these animals offer a unique set of qualities. Physically, Sable goats tend to weigh around 145 pounds, with females reaching approximately 30 inches in height and males slightly taller at 32 inches. One of the breed’s most distinctive features is its prominent ears, complemented by a sparse, thin coat of hair.
Some Sable goat variations display an array of dark coloring patterns, resulting from recessive genetic traits. This unique characteristic has become a major draw for many enthusiasts, as it sets them apart from their Saanen counterparts. In instances where the coloring is lighter, the goat would more likely be classified as a Saanen.
Guernsey
Photographed by Rebecca Siegel, the majestic Guernsey goat, also known as the Olden Guernsey, boasts a stunning golden coat that’s characteristic of its breed. As one of the smallest medium-sized dairy goats, this remarkable animal is notable for its milk production, yielding an average of 3.16 kilograms with a fat content of 3.72%. It’s worth noting that importing Golden Guernsey goats into the United States is prohibited by law.
Goat Breeds for Meat
While many may overlook goat meat as a staple in American cuisine, its global popularity as a nutritious source of sustenance is undeniable. Goat meat, boasting a caloric profile similar to that of chicken, offers a healthy and flavorful alternative for dinner enthusiasts.
One of the greatest advantages of goat meat lies in its ability to remain moist and tender when prepared correctly. However, this delicacy can quickly become dry and unappetizing if not handled with care.
Given its versatility and nutritional value, it’s no surprise that various breeds are utilized for meat production purposes. Among the most popular breeds used for goat meat are those listed below.
Spanish
The origins of the Spanish goat lie in Spain itself, where they were later introduced to Mexico before being brought to the United States. Known for their adaptability, these goats thrive in various climates and require relatively little maintenance. A valuable trait for a breed primarily raised for meat, Spanish goats can successfully breed outside of the traditional breeding season.
While they gained popularity as a meat-producing breed in the 1980s, they are also referred to by other names – wood goats, brush goats, briar goats, hill goats, and scrub goats.
Boer
The majestic Boer male can reach an impressive size of 300 pounds, making them a highly sought-after breed for meat production. Their robust physique and remarkable fertility are two additional advantages that contribute to their popularity. Interestingly, Australia is the world’s leading exporter of goat meat, with Boer goats being a key part of this industry.
Although they have become a staple in Australian farming, these magnificent creatures actually originated from South Africa in the early 1900s.
Rangeland
The Australian Buchers’ Guild’s photograph highlights a significant fact about the goat meat industry: 90% of it originates from Rangeland goats, specifically those bred and raised in Australia. These animals are prized for their tall stature, broad physique, and short hair. This breed excels at thriving in arid environments, where they reproduce well despite dry conditions, making them a low-maintenance option.
Furthermore, Rangeland goats are highly sought after as breeding stock, particularly when paired with Boers, another popular breed used primarily for meat production.
Kalahari
In the arid landscapes of South Africa, the Kalahari goat thrives, its rugged nature honed by generations of adaptation to scorching temperatures and parched conditions. This remarkable breed has been cultivated for its unique characteristics: exceptional tenderness, leaner meat, and an impressive resistance to diseases and parasites endemic to the region. With a breeding cycle that knows no bounds, Kalahari goats consistently produce three kids every two years.
As its name suggests, the Kalahari Red is distinguished by its rich, reddish-brown coat – a natural camouflage that allows it to blend seamlessly into its surroundings. Standing tall and long, this breed can be crossed with larger breeds to further enhance its meatiness.
Kiko
The Kiko goat is a relatively recent breed, having been developed in New Zealand during the 1980s. Its creation was driven by a desire to produce an adaptable meat goat, which was achieved through selective breeding of feral goats with Anglo-Nubian, Saanen, and Toggenburg breeds. This resulted in animals that are remarkably low-maintenance and capable of thriving in a wide range of conditions.
One of the key advantages of the Kiko goat is its impressive set of characteristics, which include its larger size, exceptional mothering abilities, increased milk production, lean meat profile, and robust hoof health. These traits make it an attractive option for farmers and breeders alike.
Nubian
A dual-purpose breed, Nubian goats excel in both milk and meat production. Male Nubians can reach impressive weights of up to 175 pounds, making them a popular choice for meat production. In fact, their size is often leveraged by farmers who mate them with Boer goats to create even larger animals specifically suited for meat consumption.
Myotonic
Myotonic goats, affectionately known as fainting goats, have gained fame for their unique reaction to excitement or fear – a fleeting paralysis that can last up to 20 seconds. This hereditary condition, Myotonia Congenita, causes the voluntary muscles to contract, resulting in an apparent ‘fainting’ episode when they lose balance. However, rest assured that these goats remain fully conscious throughout. Their distinctive trait has made them a subject of interest and admiration.
Historically, Myotonic goats were used for meat production, but their numbers have dwindled due to conservation efforts. The Livestock Conservancy initially listed the breed as ‘threatened’, although they are now recovering. This decline is partly attributed to the shift away from traditional meat goat breeding. Physiologically, Myotonic goats can grow up to 25 inches tall and weigh around 174 pounds, making them one of the smaller breeds of meat goats.
Their distinguishing feature lies in their eyes, which protrude from their head. Interestingly, the ‘fainting’ condition is recessive and not passed on to crossbreeds. Moreover, purebred Myotonics are rarely crossed with other breeds because these crosses tend to lose desirable traits like friendliness, affection, and ease of management.
Black Bengal
In Bangladesh, 25 million Black Bengal goats thrive, providing a vital source of income for many people. Despite being a relatively poor country, the nation’s farmers have learned to extract every possible benefit from these hardy animals. With their ability to produce milk and meat, as well as their ease of care and feeding, it’s no wonder that Black Bengals are a popular choice for rural communities. In fact, with a safe place by a food source, they can even thrive on natural grazing.
One of the key benefits of these goats is their reproductive prowess – females can give birth to two to three kids twice a year, with breeding typically starting around 15 months of age. This high fertility rate allows farmers to generate a steady income from milk sales, as well as meat and hides.
In Bangladesh’s more affluent regions, the focus tends to be on selling milk, while in poorer areas, the primary products are often the goat’s meat and hide – with a single animal capable of producing up to 11 kilograms of meat at a time and its coat weighing around 20 kilograms. The Black Bengal goat itself is a compact, lean creature with a dark coloration, short stature, and small to medium-sized horns. Its ears sit atop its head, giving it a distinctive appearance.
While the breed is most commonly associated with Bangladesh, they can also be found in neighboring regions such as West Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
Verata
The Verata goat is a distinct breed characterized by its peculiarly twisted horns, primarily found in Vera, Spain. With approximately 17,000 individuals currently residing in the country, these goats are renowned for their resilience and robustness. Capable of thriving in diverse climates, they also boast ease of management for farmers, as they instinctively locate food sources and adapt well to new environments.
While smaller than some breeds, measuring around 7-10 centimeters in height and weighing approximately 70 kilograms, the Verata goat is notable for its dark coat (black or brown) and the fact that up to 40% of does exhibit beards. Under optimal conditions, these goats can breed prolifically, yielding three kids every two years. When utilized for milk production, a doe can expect to lactate for around 175 days, generating approximately 150 liters in this time.
In the context of meat production, kids typically reach maturity at around 45 days old.
Conclusion
While goats are often associated with their charming and affable nature, they also offer several practical benefits. Their milk is renowned for being easier to digest, while the meat is leaner than many other livestock options. Additionally, goat products tend to possess a unique flavor profile that can be leveraged in a variety of culinary applications.
One notable aspect of goats is their remarkable diversity, with numerous breeds catering to different purposes.
Dairy goats, for instance, are bred to produce copious amounts of milk throughout the year, often boasting high-fat content to facilitate the creation of richer dairy products.
Conversely, meat-producing goats are typically larger and more prolific breeders, yielding greater quantities of meat with each animal. This focus on maximizing meat production can significantly impact a farmer’s overall output.
Identifying the most suitable goat breed for your specific needs is crucial to achieving success in your farming endeavors. By recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of different breeds, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions about which goats to prioritize on your farm.
