Information on Raising Goats for Milk
Goats raised for their milk are called dairy goats. Meat goats also produce milk but not to the same levels as dairy goats. Goat's milk is an alternative to cow's milk, similar in nutrition and taste. Goat's milk does have a different odor, but as long as the goats and milk are clean, this is not objectionable.
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Types
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There are hundreds of varieties of dairy goats in the world. Only a few are actively used in the United States; chief among them are the Toggenburg, Saanen, Nubian and Alpine breeds.
Milk Production
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Dairy goats do not produce milk year round. Production occurs for 10 months. A good doe will give between 2 and 2.5 qts. per day on average. Production is usually equivalent to eight to 10 times the doe's weight, making it dependent upon the breed and size of the goat as well as her diet and overall health.
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Milking
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Goats should be kept clean and removed from the herd to a clean location for milking. The doe is more passive if she can feed on something during milking. Following milking, she is returned to the herd. Does should be milked at least once every day while they are producing.
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