1. Overview of Dairy Goats
Created by Nicki Schaefer
GA Ag Ed Curriculum Office
To accompany the Georgia Agriculture Education Curriculum
Lesson
July 2002

2. Fun Dairy Goat Facts Female goat: doe Male goat: buck
Young goats: kids
Lifespan: 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

3. 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.

4. Breeds of Dairy Goats

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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!