There are over three hundred breeds of goats around the world There are over three hundred breeds of goats around the world. The breeds covered in this unit represent the most common breeds in the United States and are recognized by the largest recognized breed organizations. Many of the breeds mentioned can be considered dual purpose breeds. For the purposes of this unit they have been placed into the category they are most commonly recognized for. Four Goat Types

Meat Breeds BOER Lop ears Red or black head, white body From South Africa, to US in 1993 Known for rapid growth, excellent carcass quality, and adaptability

Meat Goat Breeds SPANISH Descendants of goats brought to the U.S. by early New England settlers (ancestry is as mixed up as that of a mongrel dog) Almost any color, usually left horned Ears are somewhat pendulous but shorter than a Nubian’s

Meat Goat Breeds TENNESSEE MEAT GOAT “Wood leg” or “fainting goat” Many color combinations and have airplane ears (shaped like Alpine ears but not erect, instead they jut out sideways)

Meat Goat Breeds KIKO Produced in New Zealand by taking feral does that exhibited good meat conformation and breeding them with Saanen and Nubian bucks to increase their milk yield and butterfat content Similar ears to Spanish goats but are usually larger framed

Meat Goat Market Goat holds a significant meaning in the observances of many religions and are a dietary staple in many countries. In the U.S., the largest consumers of lamb are Middle Easterners, Greeks, and Hispanics.

Dairy Breed ALPINES Originated in the Alps No distinct color - ranges from pure white through shades of fawn, gray, brown, black, red, piebald, or various shadings or combinations of these colors Face is straight Good milkers Short hair Large size Rangy look

Dairy Goat Breeds LA MANCHA Originated in Oregon Short-eared goat High milk production butterfat milk Face is straight “Gopher” or “elf” ears Any color

Dairy Goat Breeds NIGERIAN DWARF Smallest of all the recognized dairy breeds Nose is straight Ears are upright Coat is soft with short to medium hair Any color or combination of colors

Dairy Goat Breeds OBERHALSI Swiss dairy goat Color is chamois (medium to grayish yellow) Does may be black but chamois is preferred

Dairy Goat Breeds SAANEN Originated in Switzerland, in the Saanen Valley Heavy milk producers and usually yield 3-4 percent milk fat White or light cream in color (white is preferred) Ears should be erect and alertly carried, preferably pointing forward Face should be straight or dished Short, fine hair Do best in cool conditions

Dairy Goat Breeds TOGGENBURG Swiss dairy goat Oldest known dairy goat breed Excellent udder development, high milk production Color is solid varying from light fawn to dark chocolate with no preference for any shade Distinct white markings on the face and legs Medium sized Erect ears

Dairy Goat Breeds NUBIAN Most common goat in the world All purpose breed – meat, milk, and hide production Not a heavy milk producer but has high average butter fat content Very long, pendulous ears that hang close to the head Always short-haired Roman nose (prominent upper part or bridge) Any solid or parti-colored coat is permitted but black, red or tan are the most common

-Produce 5 pounds of milk a day -Supply 1.8% of the worlds milk supply -Has more minerals than cow milk & is easier for elderly and children to digest

Cheese is the most common made dairy goat product in the United States. It is shipped across the world. However, most goat milk cheese is still made in Europe. Most cheeses are sold as a gourmet product. Goat Cheese

Goat Milk Pasteurized goat milk is sold in every state. About half the states allows raw goats milk sold. South Carolina as of 2005 allows the selling of raw milk. The raw milk has the benefit of enzymes that help absorption of nutrients and digestion without many illnesses associated with cow’s milk (Lactose intolerance). The primary markets for the milk are people who can not drink cow’s milk, people with ulcers and babies with failure to thrive syndrome.

Soap Soap is often a side product that dairies use their out dated or oversupply of milk to produce. The soap can have scents added but is best known as very mild and healing to damaged skin when produced in its unscented and uncolored form. Many dairies make small decoratively wrapped bars and sell them to bed & breakfast businesses as gift baskets.

Fiber Goats ANGORA Originated in the district of Angora in Asia Minor Dates back prior to early biblical history Well adapted to areas not fit for other livestock Almost totally white @ maturity Produce up to 7 pounds of mohair a year Horned with long, droopy ears Bucks weigh 125-175 pounds, does weigh between 80-90 pounds (at maturity)

Fiber Goat Breeds CASHMERE This fiber is so luxurious that the Arc of the Covenant of the Old Testament was lined and curtained with it First Cashmere goats were imported from Australia and New Zealand in the late 1980's Large demand b/c fiber is in short supply Solid colored are preferred but multicolored are used too

Fiber Market

Hobby Goat Breeds PYGMY Originated in West Africa All body colors are acceptable, the predominate coloration is a grizzled (agouti) pattern produced by the intermingling of light and dark hairs, of any color 16-23 inches tall @ the withers Horned Any color or combination Mainly used for 4H or FFA projects, research, pets, or in zoo exhibits

Hobby Goat Market