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

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

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.

Breeds of Dairy Goats

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!