Overview of Dairy Goats

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Overview of Dairy Goats

• Created by Nicki Schaefer

GA Ag Ed Curriculum Office To accompany the
Georgia Agriculture Education Curriculum Lesson
01.432-8.1 July 2002
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Fun Dairy Goat Facts

• Female goat doe
• Male goat buck
• Young goats kids
• Lifespan 8-12 years
• Dairy Goats are seasonal breeders, usually
  breeding late summer to early winter
• Twins are most common
• On a worldwide basis, more people drink goat milk
  than any other type of milk

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Fun Dairy Goat Facts (cont.)

• A doe will milk her young for approximately 10
  months after birth.
• Doe milk has a more easily digestible fat and
  protein content therefore it is good for the
  young and the sick.
• Dairy goats seldom thrive if tethered.
• Goat milk is used to make cheese, butter, ice
  cream, yogurt, candy, soap and other body
  products.

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Breeds of Dairy Goats
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Alpine

• Originated in the Alps
• No distinct color range from pure white to black
  
• Ears should be of medium size, fine textured, and
  preferably erect
• Hardy and adaptable animals they thrive in
  almost any climate
• Also known as the French-Alpine

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LaMancha

• Originated in Oregon
• Excellent dairy temperament
• All-around sturdy animal
• Known for high butterfat
• Two types of ear the gopher ear and the elf ear
  
• No distinct color hair is short, fine, and
  glossy

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Nubian

• Developed in England
• All-purpose goat useful for meat, milk, and hide
  
• Less milk production but high butterfat content
• Sustains well in hot conditions
• Known for being relatively large, proud, and
  graceful
• Long ears, Roman nose, and always short-haired
• Black, red or tan plus white are the most common
  color combinations

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Oberhasli

• Originated in Switzerland
• Medium size
• Vigorous and alert
• Color (chamois) light to deep red with black
  about the muzzle, forehead, eyes, ears, legs
  below hock, and black dorsal stripe
• Straight face

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Saanen

• Originated in Switzerland medium to large size
• Rugged bone and plenty of vigor
• White or light cream in color, although white is
  preferred
• Sensitive to excessive sunlight
• Performs best in cooler conditions shade is
  essential

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Toggenburg

• Originated from Toggenburg Valley in Switzerland
• Credited as the oldest known dairy goat breed
• Medium size, sturdy, vigorous, and alert
• Hair is short or medium length, soft, fine, and
  flat lying
• Color varies from light fawn to dark
• Ears erect and carried forward
• Perform best in cooler conditions
• Noted udder development and high milk production

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Fun Activity with Goat Milk

• Making Cajeta (Mexican Carmel Candy)
• - Ingredients
• 3 quarts goat milk
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 cups sugar
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• - Directions
• Dissolve baking soda and cornstarch into 1 cup
  milk. Stir well to dissolve any lumps. Add rest
  of milk and add sugar. Bring mixture to boil,
  stirring constantly while cooking. Cook until the
  mixture is thick and looks like caramel sauce.
  Pour into jars, cool, and refrigerate. This
  makes a great topping for ice cream and makes a
  delicious apple dip!