Today is day 8 of our 30 days of homesteading Q&A on the podcast where I have reached out to some of the best bloggers and podcasters in the homesteading space to answer your questions about homesteading.

Today’s question is “Considering getting a dairy goat. What breeds should I be looking at for the best quality milk?”

Answering today’s question is Lesa Wilke from Better Hens and Gardens.

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Choosing the Right Dairy Goat for Your Homestead

When thinking about adding dairy goats to a homestead, many people wonder which breed will provide the best quality milk. Choosing the right breed can make a big difference depending on your needs and preferences. Lesa from Better Hens and Gardens has a wealth of knowledge from years of experience raising goats on her farm, and she shares some valuable tips for anyone considering this exciting adventure. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.

Why Goats?

Goat milk is naturally homogenized, meaning the fat particles are evenly spread throughout the milk. This is different from cow’s milk, where you can easily separate the cream. With goats, you’re getting whole milk, which can be rich and creamy or more watery, depending on the breed. This is important because the breed you choose will determine the taste and quality of your milk. Do you want something sweet and creamy, or are you more interested in high production?

Breeds to Consider

In the U.S., there are seven main dairy goat breeds, each with its own characteristics. Some breeds are known for high butterfat content, which gives the milk a richer taste. Others produce more milk but with less fat, which can be a bit more watery in flavor. Here’s a look at some common breeds:

• Nigerian Dwarf: Known for the richest milk, Nigerian dwarfs have a butterfat content of around 6.1%. This makes their milk sweeter and perfect for making cheeses and yogurt. They’re smaller in size, which makes them easier to manage. On average, a Nigerian dwarf can produce around 100 gallons of milk per year.
• Nubians: Nubians also produce milk with a rich, sweet flavor, with butterfat content around 4.6%. They’re larger than Nigerian dwarfs and can produce around 250 gallons of milk each year.
• Other Breeds: If you’re looking for more milk but don’t mind a slightly less rich flavor, breeds like Alpines, Saanens, and Oberhaslis can be great choices. They produce larger quantities of milk with lower butterfat, making their milk more watery but still delicious.

Storey’s Guide to Raising Dairy Goats, 5th Edition: Breed Selection, Feeding, Fencing, Health Care, Dairying, Marketing

• Belanger, Jerry (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 296 Pages – 02/06/2018 (Publication Date) – Storey Publishing, LLC (Publisher)

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Last update on 2024-10-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Size Matters

One important consideration is the size of the goat. Larger breeds, like the Nubians or Alpines, will produce more milk, but they require more space and food. Smaller breeds, like the Nigerian dwarf, are easier to handle and need less food, but they also produce less milk.

Taste Testing

Before committing to a goat, it’s a good idea to taste the milk from the breed you’re interested in. Not all goat milk tastes the same, and some breeds—like Alpines—are known for having a stronger, more “goaty” flavor. It’s also important to remember that milk quality can vary from goat to goat, even within the same breed.

Health Considerations

Another key tip from Lisa is to make sure the goats you purchase come from healthy, disease-free herds. There are five major diseases that can affect goats, and bringing a sick goat into your herd can be devastating. Always ask breeders for proof that their goats are disease-free before buying.

Nigerian Dwarfs: A Great Choice for Many

One of the most popular choices today, especially for small homesteads, is the Nigerian dwarf. These goats are not only adorable and easy to care for, but they also produce the richest milk. Plus, they can be bred year-round, allowing some homesteaders to maintain a continuous milk supply.

Conclusion

Choosing the right dairy goat comes down to what you’re looking for in terms of milk production, flavor, and the size of the goat. Whether you go for a full-size breed or a smaller one like the Nigerian dwarf, it’s important to do your research, taste the milk, and ensure your goats are healthy. With the right choice, you’ll be enjoying fresh, delicious milk and a wonderful new addition to your homestead.

Check out Lesa’s Social Media pages at:

• Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BetterHensAndGardens
• Pinterest:http://www.pinterest.com/betterhens/

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