Which breed would you reccomend? (Dairy Goats)

[Sunny & the 5 egg layers]

We are a family of four and go through about 3 gallons of milk a week. I would also like some leftover milk for making yogurt, cheese, ice cream ect. I was wondering what breed you guys would reccomend for our family? I would also like to use the goats as harness goats and pull wagons/carts.

I would like a breed that is the following:

-Big enough to pull a cart/wagon
-Supplies our family with enough milk and some left over
-Has easy births
-Easy to handle (not too big)
-Are a good first-time goat
-Easy Milker

Thank you in advance!

 

[freemotion]

A goat needs to be about three years old before pulling a cart, and you don't want your lactating does working, so you might consider getting a doe and a wether right off the bat. Nubians are big and strong....and loud, but I love my talkers! I have two mixed breed does with a strong Nubian influence and both are big, sturdy, and vocalize their opinions and requests and complain to the management on a regular basis.

 

[Stacykins]

I know I don't have goats yet, but I bet a dwarf Nigerian doe from good milking lines would fit everything you need except for the cart pulling unless you have a small cart.

 

[Chaty]

I have milked the smaller type goats and I have switched to the larger type goat as they give more for the same amount of feed. I have Nubians, La Manchas, Saanens and Alpines. I love all of them and most are loud and talkitive but that is their way. Especially when in heat. I like the larger type as there isnt as many problems birthing or milking as the smaller were harder on my back milking them. I think its just what you would like to have. Saanens and La Manchas seem to be more laidback but some would disagree on this. Just check the goat and also try milking her before you buy it and taste the milk also.

 

[kstaven]

If you are going to be pulling carts and packing you will want the bone and muscle structure to do this along with a more laid back manner. Alpine, Sable, or Saanen. In a hot sunny climate take the Saanen off that list. Extreme sun exposure and light skin does not work well in a working animal.

 

[Queen Mum]

I think Alpines and Obers are good. Nubians are the noisiest breed (they talk.) All goats talk really, but some are quieter than others. But cross or mixed breeds would be your best bet. Because they would be cheaper and you are likely to find bigger goats. People tend to buy goats when they are little and cute and then want to get rid of them when they realize that they grow for a couple years and get alot bigger than expected.

Also you can get the best of each breeds characteristics. Look around and see what you can find in your area.

I have a very big alpine doe who gives me a little over half a gallon per milking. I got her because she was a beautiful "little bottle baby" and then grew and grew and grew. She can pull quite a load on a cart. Her kids are ober/alpine mix, exotic looking and very big.

You can start with the goats when they are very young and have them grow into your family. My older doe came with her kids and I was glad to have a more experienced mama doe to start with. It helped me in learning good goat behavior.

Get a goat that is docile and gentle. Start with one and work your way up to two. That should meet your needs. The reason for two is you can stagger breeding so you have year round milking.

Fias Co. website has tons of information of milking and milk stand plans.

Sara
Queen Mum

 

[zzGypsy]

Lamanchas are full size, mild mannered, very sociable goats with excellent milk productcion capacity. they're not designed as draft goats, but I've got a weather I'm training for cart and he'll do fine. I'll be starting my buck for cart as well and they'll be pulling as a pair. as a breed, they're very sociable and easy to handle, mine love to hang out for a scratch. they're not particularly takative or loud (although any empty goat can sure let you know it's dinner time).

whatever goat you get, check on the individual's milk production and make sure they've got good hand-milking teats. production can vary widely, our kinder is 1 qt / day and our lamanchas are between 1/2 and 2 gal per day. production quantity will vary with the goat's age and how long they've been in production, and it's best to dry them off when you re-breed so you might eventually need 2 goats - one to be in production while the other is bred.

you might also look at Kinders - they're a multi-purpose breed with reasonable milk production, medium sized, nice temperaments, and a bit heavier bodied than most of the dairy breeds.

 

[wooliewabbits]

Toggenburgs ,Sannens,or Alpines.

Toggs are VERY easy milkers. Toggs and Alps have good sized teats. Sannens not so much.

That's why Mom milks Lanie.

 

[willow_top_farm]

My vote is for Saanens. Generally quiet, and great milk production. I have to respectfully disagree with the lack of teat size. I've seen Saanen's with HUGE teats/udders , so much so that I wondered if they were part of a carnival side show!!! One of my does was providing over a gallon a day of milk in her first freshening!!

 

[Pumpkinpup]

Of what I have been around, I would say a good cross of perhaps nubian and something else to improve the milk yield. My nubian buck is a huge boy, plenty large enough to pull a cart without issue and all my goats are sweet natured and people loving. They are good milkers but some saanen or perhaps alpine in the mix would improve the overall milk production. I have found them a easy to handle breed and they are pleasant to be around. As others have stated, they are vocal but I find that part of their charm. A mix will most likely be more hardy than any cross breed as well.