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Dairy goats are unique animals. Thanks to them, you can be healthy, well-fed and dressed. You don’t need to look far for an example, just remember the book “The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe”, beloved by many in childhood. After all, it was thanks to the goats that the main character was able to survive on a desert island.
Currently, goat’s milk is valued much higher than cow’s. It contains a lot of proteins and nutrients. It is worth noting that the cost of goat’s milk is much lower than cow’s milk, and the return on it is much higher. That is why goat breeding is a fairly profitable business in the modern world.
If you decide to go into home goat breeding, but do not know what breed to start building your farm with, we will help you with this. In this article, we will look at the most productive breeds of dairy goats. And you will be able to make the right choice when buying breeding animals.
Saanen breed
For the first time, these animals were bred in distant Switzerland, in the Saanental valley. Currently, this variety is considered one of the most common in Europe.
Saanen dairy goats are considered the largest among their many tribesmen. The height of the female varies from 75 to 85 centimeters. Weight can reach 90 kilograms.
Animals are usually polled, have a strong body structure. Fur color is white. There may be black spots on the udder and ears. Animals are distinguished by great endurance and fertility.
An interesting fact is that the world record for milk yield belongs to this particular breed – 3507 liters. The average milk yield from one female is about 600 liters per year. Fat content of milk, about 4%.
Important! In order for the milk to be odorless, it is recommended that when kept in a stall, goats should be kept as far away from females as possible.
The price of breeding animals of this breed can reach $ 500. Sales are carried out mainly from private farms.
Toggenburg breed
Representatives of this breed were bred in Switzerland as a result of selection. In their small homeland, animals are kept mainly in stalls.
Goats of the Toggenburg breed perfectly acclimatize to almost any conditions, but are very demanding on the diet. Therefore, in order for the milk to be odorless, it is worth choosing the feed very carefully.
The coat color of animals is mostly brown, but on the muzzle there are two white stripes running parallel to each other. Representatives of this breed are usually polled, only males sometimes have horns.
The physique of goats is strong, a long neck and a slightly elongated muzzle stand out noticeably. The growth of females is about 70 centimeters, with a weight of about 50 kilograms.
Of the advantages of the Toggenburg breed, one can note good fertility (there are rarely less than two kids in a litter) and a decent quality of wool and meat.
Milk productivity is also at a high level, after the first lambing you can get about 500 liters of milk. In the future, the milk yield bar can rise to 1000 liters. The fat content of milk is about 3,5%.
It is worth noting that in Russia, this breed is not widespread, so it is unlikely that you will be able to buy purebred animals.
Alpine breed
The birthplace of these animals is also Switzerland, but the final selection was carried out in France and England. Goats of this species are unpretentious to feed and to the conditions of detention. Representatives of this breed can perfectly climb trees, eating juicy foliage.
It is worth noting the nature of these artiodactyls. In a large herd, alpine goats always occupy a leading position, while they are infinitely loyal and obedient to their master.
The color of this dairy goat breed is quite variegated. The classic is the presence of a white head and neck, brown body and black croup. Animals have small heads and long necks.
The growth of goats is about 75 centimeters, with a weight of 60 kilograms. Females are characterized by multiple pregnancy. During the year, each female can bring about 1200 liters of milk. At the same time, the fat content of products is about 5%.
Alpine dairy goats are quite common in our country. Therefore, the question of where to buy breeding animals is not acute. The price of a dairy female is approximately 20 rubles.
Russian white breed
It was bred as a result of selection on the territory of Russia. Representatives of this species usually have a monochromatic coat. Goats are distinguished by a strong, but at the same time quite proportional physique.
The growth of females is about 80 centimeters, weight is about 50 kilograms. Dairy goats of this breed may be polled, but the presence of horns is also possible.
Productivity for the lactation period varies from 500 to 800 liters. The fat content of milk is from 4 to 5%. The population in Russia is more than 1 individuals. You can buy breeding animals without much difficulty, the price is from 000 rubles.
Gorky breed
It was bred on the territory of our country as a result of crossing Russian and Saanen varieties. Among the domestic representatives of the dairy direction, this breed is rightfully considered one of the best.
Goats look quite graceful, the body structure is strong. The growth of adults is about 70 centimeters, weight is about 50 kilograms. Animals can be both horned and polled. Ears protruding forward.
The color is usually white, about 10% down is present in the coat. In terms of their productivity, Gorky goats are unique. With rather high milk productivity – from 450 liters during lactation, goats are suppliers of meat and wool.
It is worth noting that the animals are perfectly adapted to harsh winter conditions. In addition, they are unpretentious to feed. For females of this breed, multiple pregnancy is typical.
Representatives of this species are considered ideal for home breeding. Curiously, milk has a fat content of about 4 percent and is absolutely odorless.
Breeding animals are sold through specialized stores and private breeders. Price from 6000 rubles.
Megrelian breed
Animals were bred in the west of Georgia. Of the features, it can be noted that the breed is ideal for stall keeping. Goats can be freely grazing from early spring to late autumn. They find food without problems even on grasslands that have been damaged.
Representatives of the Megrelian variety have excellent immunity. Therefore, if you want to improve the health of your young, cross your females with goats of the Mingrelian breed.
The growth of animals is about 60 centimeters, weight is about 40 kilograms. The color can be gray, brown or white. Among all artiodactyls, Megrelian goats are distinguished by the lowest fecundity.. In each litter, there is usually one kid. The animal’s head is crowned with S-shaped horns.
The lactation period usually lasts six months. Compared to previous breeds, milk yields look rather modest. About 300 liters of milk. Although, if you keep the goats on enhanced nutrition, this bar can be raised to 700 liters.
The milk of these goats is quite dense and has about 4% fat content. Thanks to these qualities, it is ideal for making various cheeses.
The breed is not very common in Russia, so there is no need to talk about the cost. Domestic farmers prefer more productive varieties of the goat tribe. Although, in some farms, it may be possible to buy Megrelian goats.
Remember that goat’s milk is very useful for the body and helps to heal from many diseases. Therefore, if you decide to go into animal husbandry, start by raising goats. This will allow you to get the maximum net profit at minimal cost.
