Why Homestead Goats Are Easier Than Cows And Better Than Chickens
I’m sure many of us remember hearing at one time or another that a goat will eat just about anything. A fellow I once knew told me you can never trust a goat around farm equipment because they will eat the tires.
At the time, I had no experience with the horned garbage disposals, and so I bought it lock, stock and barrel. I’m sure I’m not the only one.
Until I took a job on a friend’s farm years ago after graduating high school, the only experience I had with a goat was a neighbor’s expensive European breed that did nothing but stink and spit at me. Needless to say, goats had a long way to go to endear themselves to me. I had always liked pastured hogs better. And the idea of raising animals that would eat the stuffing out of my tractor seat or the antenna off my car was anything but appealing.
I had it all wrong. I have never seen a goat eat anything beyond grasses, shrubs, vegetables, some odd plants here and there and feed pellets. Yes, the John Deere and Farmall still have their tires.
Today, I recommend goats to anyone looking for a relatively low-maintenance animal to raise for meat or milk. They are much easier than cattle and provide much more meat than a chicken.
Getting Started
Before you commit to raising a new animal, do your homework and be sure this is something that is feasible for you and your family. Goats do much better on pasture than they will in a pen, so you should have some acreage available. Also, decide what you want to raise – meat goats or milk breeds. With a meat goat, you can get away with entirely raising them on pasture. On the other hand, you likely will have to supplement a dairy goat (at least in my experience) to get an excellent-quality milk and high production amount. Most homesteaders raise goats for meat, so that is what I will focus on here.
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Typically, breeds of goats are not expensive. You can even once in a while get a few for free. Since there are more breeds out there than rocks on a country road, I encourage you to research what breed would be best for you and your farm or homestead.
Fences and Pasture
Goats, like most farm animals, require fencing. They may not eat the paint off a combine, but they sure will eat up your vegetable garden. Fencing also will help protect them. The most common predator you will have to deal with is Mr. Wile E. Coyote. Dogs help, as does keeping the coyote population in check. For that I recommend Mr. Two-Two-Three (if you don’t follow, a .223 rifle).
Goats do very well on pasture. I have found you can raise them right alongside your pastured pigs and free-ranged (or chicken tractored) poultry. Goats tend to keep weeds and shrubs in check that other animals won’t eat.
Feed, Shelter, Water
If you are raising a goat strictly for meat, you can fully pasture them and get away with little to no supplemental feed. In the winter, be prepared to supplement as necessary in colder climates. Hay rich in alfalfa is a good option. While on pasture, rotational grazing should be a standard practice on any lot over an acre in size. Moving the goats to another area of pasture every few days is important if you want to avoid damaging your land and top soil due to overgrazing. Also, be sure to give your goats plenty of access to water and shade in the summer heat and shelter in winter.
Breeding
Breeding your goats for continuous meat production is quite simple and nowhere near as stressful as cattle calving season. Selecting does (females) and buck (males) for breeding is an important task. Only the bucks with the best features should be used for breeding. The rest of any male kids should be castrated to improve meat quality. Castration usually takes place a few days after birth.
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Now, I know not everyone castrates buck kids, but if you want improved meat quality I recommend it. Breeder bucks tend to have a very musky smell and I have found it to impact the meat flavor.
After a buck has mated a doe, gestation is around 150 days. The doe will usually give birth to twins and I have seen several triplets dropped as well. Goats are hardy critters and usually do not need any special attention during birth. If they share a pasture with pigs, it is prudent to separate the goats and hogs until the newborn kids are at least a week old.
I have just scratched the surface when it comes to raising goats. I am sure that you will find that raising meat goats on pasture is almost as easy as pastured pork. Goat meat is lean, high in protein and when cooked properly it is incredibly delicious. If you haven’t thought of adding goats, I encourage you to do so!
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7 Reasons Your Homestead Needs Goats – Not Cows
Written by: Savannah H. How-To 0 Print This Article
There are few animals quite as synonymous to farm life as the dairy cow. For most people looking for a self-sufficient life on some land, the first two kinds of livestock that come to mind are chickens and cows. This makes sense since both eggs and milk are a big staple for many families. However, there are a lot of downsides to adding large livestock like a cow to your property.
First off, a cow is a very big animal with a mind of its own. Many a new homesteader coming from a city environment has never been close to a cow, let alone handling one one-on-one. While most family dairy cows are generally amiable and sweet, they still can have their bad days. Being able to handle an 800-pound Bessie safely for you and the cow is a skill that you should learn from an experienced person. Some people never end up feeling comfortable around such a large animal, and that is OK. Thankfully, there is an alternative to cows:
dairy goats.
Why Dairy Goats?
Dairy goats are an amazing alternative to dairy cows. In fact, some longtime cow owners who’ve switched to goats often state that they wish they would have done so sooner. Here are a few reasons why dairy goats are perfect for those wanting a self-sufficient life.
1. They Are Much Easier to Handle
Goats are far smaller than a cow, meaning they are easy to handle and less intimidating for those who aren’t accustomed to working with livestock. The largest dairy goat will hardly be over 150 pounds, even for a very large breed like the Nubian.
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2. They Eat Less
This can be a huge benefit for many people. A cow eats a ton of food, to say the least. Not only does this mean you may be spending quite a bit, but you will also have two other potential issues: first off, finding enough hay in your area and secondly, storing it. Even a pair or trio of does of the standard breeds will eat less than a cow.
3. They Are Easier on Land
Naturally, the heavier the animal, the more damage it will do to your land. Goats are lighter and have small hooves that are fairly soft. Goats rarely trample and kill grass if given enough space. Also, since goats only defecate in tiny round balls, you don’t have to worry as much about giant cow pats damaging grass.
4. They Are Amazing Weeders
Goats are naturally a browsing species — meaning they love their shrubs, twigs, leaves and forage. Therefore, you can keep using your dairy goats to clear out overgrown or undeveloped pieces of land. Goats are so amazing at that task that there are actually companies that hire out herds of goats to clear shrubbery, weeds and other brush.
5. They Produce Less Milk
This might not seem like a benefit at first, but it actually can be for a small family or individual. Did you know that the average Jersey cow in her prime can produce a whopping 6-plus gallons of milk a day? Impressive, but what is your family going to do with all that milk? Goats produce less milk, anywhere from 1-2 gallons depending on breed. If you are a single person or a couple, this is more than enough. You could even look into mini dairy goats.
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6. The Milk is Delicious
Unfortunately, there is bit of a stigma about goat milk being disgusting tasting. Of course, it is individual preference; however, I once didn’t like it. I had only tasted store-bought pasteurized goat milk in the past and thought it was pretty nasty. After I was convinced to try out fresh, raw milk, I was astounded at how delicious it was. I highly recommend those of you who think you don’t like goat milk to try fresh, raw milk.
Also, if you or someone in your family has stomach issues with milk, you’ll be happy to know that goat milk is much gentler on the stomach. Especially for children. You can read more about that here.
7. They are Fun!
If you have yet to experience the joy of hanging out with goats, you are going to be surprised at how friendly, playful and personable they are. Goats are quite dog-like in behavior and really enjoy being around people. They are incredibly intelligent, sometimes to a fault, and dairy goats are easily trained to jump up to their stanchion for milking at the same times every day.
Also, despite their playfulness, goats are generally aware of people and are gentle around children. Even small children can safely enjoy their goats, with supervision, of course. Parents worried about the size of the cow around their young ones will feel much better about the smaller stature and awareness of a goat.
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7 Dairy Goat Breeds Homesteaders Simply Love
Written by: JD Lara How-To 6 Comments Print This Article
Image source: Moonmeadow.wordpress.com
If you love milk and dairy, keeping goats on your homestead can provide you and your family the self-sufficiency you desire.
Although dairy goats provide less milk than cows, they’re a lot cheaper and require much less space, feed and grazing area than their bovine counterparts. Goats are the better choice for a small or urban homestead. They’re easy to handle, even for a woman or a child. And because of their friendly demeanor and sweet, intelligent personalities, they can bring a lot of fun, mirth and affection into the family farm.
There are more than 200 different species of goats, each with varying sizes, colors, temperaments and benefit to humans. A dairy goat is one that produces far more milk than necessary in nursing her young.
Seven of the most common dairy breeds in the United States are the Alpine, Anglo-Nubian, La Mancha, Nigerian Dwarf, Oberhasli, Saanen and Toggenburg.
The Alpine, Oberhasli, Saanen and Toggenburg are the shaggier breeds, originating from Europe. Anglo-Nubians, La Manchas and Nigerian Dwarves are dessert or tropical species which are best suited for warmer climates. When choosing dairy goats, you’ll have to consider a few things:
• Whether you want them for milk production alone or also for meat and fiber. Also, whether you want them for fun and companionship as pets.
• What you plan to do with the milk: drinking it, or making cheese, butter, ice cream and yogurt, or soap and lotions.
• Your local climate.
• How much space, time, money and effort you’re willing to invest in caring for them.
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Remember that each doe will produce her own amount and quality of milk. Some can put out more than a gallon a day, while others will yield only half as much — or even less. It depends on several factors, not solely on breed: her health, how long she’s been lactating, her age, milking stock or line, and diet. Even the taste of her milk will vary, based on what she eats. Some lesser-known milkers produce far more than the more popular ones, while others that are not recognized for high butterfat content end up producing richer, creamier milk. There is far more variation among nanny goats of the same breed than there is between one breed and another.
But most does will produce substantial amounts of milk, often more than a gallon per day. A healthy nanny lactates 9 to 10 months a year, with milk production peaking at 8 weeks after she kids and continuing for about 3 months. Lactation then begins to decline until it’s down to about just a quart a day. Two months before the next kidding, the milk dries up.
1. Alpine
Alpines, or French Alpines, are medium-sized hardy goats that originated in the French Alps. They have dish faces, erect ears and range from white to gray or brown and black colors. If you have a large family, these girls can meet your need as they’re known to be steady, reliable milkers. According to CountrysideMag.com, the Alpine averages the highest annual milk output of any breed, producing about 2,000 pounds per year. It has, however, the lowest levels of fat among all kinds of milk – including cow’s and human’s. Protein in Alpine milk is high, and compared to the popular Saanen goat milk, it is higher in all nutritional aspects except for fat – which makes it a much healthier choice.
Alpines are friendly, adaptable and useful around the farm. In Europe, neutered males (wethers) are often used as pack animals.
2. Anglo-Nubians
Nubians are a large, graceful breed that were developed in Britain with mixes from the Middle East and North Africa. They have long floppy ears (which make them adorable as kids — they almost look like puppies) and high Roman noses. They come in many colors, often black or bay. Because of their heritage, they can tolerate very hot climates and have a longer breeding period than others.
Nubian milk is rich and creamy, with a high butterfat content averaging 4-5 percent — which makes it sought after by cheese and ice cream makers. Because of their size, Nubians also make wonderful meat goats.
They can be notoriously vociferous, though. They cry a lot when separated from their young or from the rest of the herd, and their constant bleating when in heat can reach annoying – almost scandalous – levels. (This can get embarrassing to neighbors, so unless you have the acreage or neighbors who don’t mind the noise, it’s definitely a factor to consider.)
3. La Mancha
Originally from Oregon, La Manchas are the only American breed developed entirely in the United States. They are medium-sized and are very easy to identify because of their small ears that are almost invisible. They have either gopher ears – tiny and rounded – or elf ears, smaller than 2 inches. La Manchas produce milk that is sweet and high in butterfat, averaging 3.9 to 4.5 percent. They are known to have the calmest and sweetest of dispositions among the standard dairy breeds, so they can double as pets. La Manchas come in any color or combination.
4. Nigerian Dwarf
Although they’re a miniature breed, Nigerian Dwarves produce surprising amounts of milk. At less than just 2 feet tall, does are able to churn out up to half a gallon a day. Moreover, their milk is richer, creamier and sweeter due to the high butterfat – averaging at 6 to 10 percent. And because of their small stature and trainability, Nigerian Dwarves are so much easier to manage. Does and wethers especially do well with children.
Dwarves can breed all year round, so if you have 2 does and stagger their breeding schedules, you can have a steady supply of milk all year round.
5. Oberhasli
Although a modern American breed of dairy goats, Obers, like the Alpines, have origins in Switzerland. They’re the least common among the standard dairy breeds. They are medium-sized and come in a distinct bay or mid-brown (chamoisee) color with black markings on their faces, backs, belly, tails and lower limbs.
They were originally classified as Alpines but eventually came to be known as a breed of their own. They have a mild temperament and are easy to work with at milking time.
6. Saanen
The most popular breed worldwide, Saanens are the largest of the standard dairy goats. They are white or off-white, with perky ears and an extremely gentle personality. Their closest cousins, the Sables, are exactly like them except for the color which is anything but solid white. Saanens produce great quantities of milk, with the ability to churn out 1-2 gallons per day. Often referred to as the Holstein of dairy goats, they are a favorite among commercial dairies. They are not particularly known for their butterfat content, though. Compared to the richer, creamier milk of the Nubians and Dwarves, Saanen milk might taste bland and watery. If you want to use your milk for soap-making, Saanens would make a good choice.
7. Toggenburg
Toggs are the oldest known dairy breed of goats. Like the Ober, this breed originated from the Swiss Alps and was bred specifically for a strong, goaty-tasting milk – which cheese-makers love. They are acclimated and perform better in cool climates. Toggs come in light fawn to dark chocolate color, often with white ears, white stripes down the face, and white “stockings.” They produce only moderate amounts of milk, with butterfat levels on the lower side. But they are esteemed for their long, extended periods of lactation. Toggs also are a quiet and gentle breed, often curious and inquisitive. They make wonderful pets as well.
Whatever breed you end up choosing, remember that goats are herd animals that need the companionship of each other, so you have to get at least two of them. And since you’re keeping them for milk, breed them annually. They’ll reward you not just with delicious, healthful milk, but also with many years of fun and friendship. Not to mention a bunch of sweet, fuzzy little kids each year.
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5 Best Dairy Goat Breeds for the Small Farm
Dec. 02 goats, Homesteading 35 comments
Next to chickens goats are the most common animal added to a small or urban homestead. They have the ability to provide you with milk, meat and fiber depending on the breed you choose. Today I am going to focus on the 5 best dairy goat breeds for the small farm or homestead.
When choosing your breed you need to consider a few basic questions:
How much space do you have to devote to your goats?
How much milk would you like to get each day?
What are you planning on doing with the milk?
Once you know the answers to these questions you can begin looking at the different breeds and decide which would fit best with your needs.
5 Best Dairy Goat Breeds for the Small Farm
Nigerian Dwarf
The Nigerian Dwarf goat is a miniature breed, but also one that produces a lot of milk for it’s size. It is one of the top choices for those homesteading on a small piece of land. They can give from 1-2 quarts a day- which is pretty impressive considering they are only around 18 inches in height! Their milk is also one of the highest in butterfat which ranges anywhere from 6-10%. That means their milk is very creamy and makes delicious cheese, ice cream and yogurt. Because of their size they make great goats for kids as well as those in a more urban setting.
Nubian
Nubians are a medium to large sized goat with adorable cute floppy ears. They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns and have the ability to produce up to 2 gallons a day, with the average being closer to 1 gallon a day. They have one of the highest butterfat contents of the standard dairy breeds at 4-5%. If you need a lot of milk and plan on making cheeses or soaps, Nubians can’t be beat. They can be a bit loud at times, I call ours crybabies, so they might not be right for those who live in subdivisions and make sure you neighbors won’t mind before bringing them home. Nubians are my personal favorites!
Alpine
Alpines originated in France and are a steady, dependable goat. They are medium to large in size and are very consistent milk producers with one of the longest lactation cycles. They average over 1 gallon of milk per day with a 3.5% butterfat content. Alpines come in almost any color imaginable and are adaptable to almost any climate. The average size of an Alpine doe is 135 lbs.
LaMancha
LaManchas are a medium sized goat that are most easily recognized by their lack of ears! They have a friendly, easy going temperament and are very hardy animals. LaManchas are good producers with an average of 1-2 gallons per day, with a butterfat content around 4%. Personally, I like floppy ears, but I have heard many LaMancha owners say that if you give them a chance you’ll fall in love and be hooked on them forever!
Saanen
Saanens are the largest of the dairy breeds and are often considered the Holstein of the dairy goats. Saanens can produce a lot of milk- up to 3 gallons per day- with an average production closer to 1.5 gallons per day. While they do produce a lot of milk the butterfat content is low compared to some of the other breeds. At 2-3% butterfat the Saanen’s milk will not seem as creamy and will not produce as rich of cheese or yogurt. These girls are big, so you will need to make sure you have enough of a pasture for them to stretch their legs in and a fence strong enough to withstand a larger weight. Saanens are usually all white in color and very mild mannered. This is the breed we started with- on a 1 acre lot in a subdivision!
Each breed is a little bit different. If you are very short on space or only need enough milk for fresh drinking, Nigerians might be the best way to go. If you need a large quantity of milk to make yogurt, buttermilk, cheese, soap or just to feed a large family you will probably want to go with one of the standard breeds. I would also suggest looking for quality animals as opposed to the first craigslist ad you see. You will be much happier if you purchase a quality goat with a strong milk lines.
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