Looking The Goat In The Mouth

Tamsin Cooper examines traits to look for when buying dairy goats.

- Tamsin Cooper

When I started out in dairy, I realized my lack of specialized knowledge was a disadvantage when it came to choosing the right kind of goat. I knew goat care from volunteering at a shelter, but was a complete novice when it came to production. New smallholders frequently start with the wrong choices, and regret not having known at the time what they later learn through experience. Thorough research helps, as well as learning from the mistakes of others.

Yield isn’t everything

Many new goat owners plump for commercial breeds as they hear they are the best milkers. Breed doesn’t guarantee the best goat, as animals bred for commercial conditions do not adapt as well to the smallholder environment. Hardy, local breeds will always be the most resistant to disease, and have better longevity and resilience. As genetic variety is now so low in milk breeds of Swiss origin, like British Alpine and Saanen, crossbreeding is a good way to regenerate healthy, adaptable animals, especially if you can find lines that include traditional ancestors, such as Golden Guernsey and English landrace.

Stock clearance

Buying excess stock from a dairy farm can have pros and cons. If they are selling off older animals as yield is no longer optimum, they will probably still produce enough for smallholder needs, and you will acquire experienced animals that are used to handling and a milking routine. On the other hand, the mature goats will need to adapt to a new and very different environment, and this may affect their health and production. In addition, the farm may sell off animals that are problematic due to health, behaviour or body conformation. It may just be that her udder shape doesn’t suit machine milking, but I have seen goats sold by farms that really should be retired on health grounds.

Nice lines