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Alliance
Nutrition Goat Guide
Click here for a printable version of the
Goat Guide
 Goats,
important domestic animals in many parts of the world, have served
mankind for ages. They provide substance in the form of food and
clothing. These hardy ruminants can exist in harsh environments in
which other livestock species would perish. Goats grow and
reproduce under extreme conditions from rugged mountain areas
where winters are bitter cold to desert regions where it is hot
and dry, and water and forage are sparse.
Opportunities with Goats
Goat meat is the preferred food for growing ethnic groups in North
America. Since the demand for goat meat has outpaced domestic
production, a substantial portion of the goat meat consumed in the
US is imported. Goat milk is favored by health enthusiasts as well
as some cheese makers. The rising demand for goat meat, milk, and
cheese offers commercial goat production opportunities.
Goats are adaptable and easy to raise. Sophisticated facilities
are not a necessity. Adequate space with pasture or browse is
preferred.
Goat Selection
The type of goat selected depends on desired
purpose ? hobby, show, or commercial production of meat, milk, or
mohair/cashmere. The choice will influence feeding and management
decisions. Table 1 lists goat breeds common in the U.S. Regardless
of purpose, basic selection criteria for any goat purchase should
include good health (bright, clear eyes, alert, cud chewing, no
nasal secretions, normal feces, etc.) and sound conformation (no
deformities, good leg and hoof structure, etc.). Goats should be
structurally correct and well muscled with style and balance, and
they should possess the desired genetic ability for meat or milk
production. For those who desire to purchase goats for show,
consult with knowledgeable individuals for assistance in selection
based on breed preferences and desirable physical characteristics.
Good genetics are important for show and commercial production
animals. Keep in mind, size is not a reliable, primary indicator
of a ?good? goat.
|
Table 1
Common Goat Breeds in the US |
|
Breeds |
Body
Structure |
Color |
Hair |
Ears |
Face |
|
DAIRY |
|
Saanen
(origin
Switzerland) |
Medium-large, rugged bone structure
Doe: 30"
height, 110-198 lb)
Buck:
176-264 lb |
White or
light cream |
Short and
fine. A fringe over spine and thighs may be present. |
Medium
size, erect, preferably pointing forward |
Straight or
dished |
|
Toggenburg
(origin
Switzerland) |
Small-medium, sturdy
Doe: 25"
height, 120 lb
Buck: 160
lb |
Light fawn
to dark chocolate with white ears and lower legs, two white
stripes on face, sides of tail are white |
Short,
shaggier coat compared to other breeds |
Medium
size, erect, carried forward |
Straight or
dished |
|
Nubian
(origin
Orient) |
Medium-large, graceful
Doe: 30"
height, 130 lb
Buck: 175
lb |
Any color
or pattern |
Short,
glossy |
Long,
drooping, bell-shaped, extend ½" beyond mussel |
Distinctive
convex facial profile (Roman nose) |
|
Alpine
(French,
British, Rock, and Swiss Alpine goats; French is most popular
in US) |
Medium-large
Doe: 30"
height, 130-198 lb
Buck:
176-220 lb |
Any color
except solid white or light brown with white markings |
Medium to
short |
Erect |
Straight or
dished |
|
La Mancha
(Developed in the US from Swiss breeds and short-eared Spanish
breeds) |
Small-medium
Doe: 28"
height, 130 lb
Buck: 160
lb |
Any color
or combination of colors |
Short,
glossy |
Very short
or absent external ear flap.
Gopher ear
variety has 1" ear flap.
Elf ear
variety had 2" ear flap |
Straight |
|
Oberhasli
(origin
Switzerland)
|
Medium
Doe: 125 lb
Buck: 160
lb |
Chamois
(bay-colored) with a black dorsal strip, udder, belly, and
black below the knees. The head should be nearly black with
two black stripes down the face to a black muzzle |
Short |
Erect |
Straight |
|
MEAT |
|
Boer
(origin
South Africa) |
Large,
thick
Doe:
200-225 lb
Buck: up to
300 lb
Preferred
market goat weight: 70-90 lb |
White body
with dark cherry red neck and head with blaze face is most
widely recognized and preferred |
Short |
Long,
pedulous |
Gently
curved (convex) |
|
Spanish
(not
specific breed) |
Compact,
varies |
Varies |
Varies |
Varies |
Varies |
|
MOHAIR |
|
Angora |
Small
Doe: 70-110
lb
Buck:
180-225 lb |
White |
Long
(ringlet or flat and wavy) |
Long,
drooping |
Thin,
straight or slightly dished |
|
HOBBY |
|
Pygmy |
Very small,
compact
16-23"
height, 40-70 lb |
can be caramel
pattern, agouti pattern or a black pattern |
Varies |
Medium,
erect |
Slightly
dished |
Ensure goats have access to clean,
fresh water and forage at all times. Goat Power Mineral should be
offered free-choice at all times. Goat Power products contain
copper. Do not feed to sheep or other copper sensitive species.
Angora and Pygmy goats have been reported to be sensitive to
copper supplementation. |
