Goat milk is becoming more popular because it has less lactose than cow’s milk, making it easier for people with lactose intolerance to digest. Goat milk is also packed with nutrients and is super versatile. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a bit of fresh goat cheese on a salad or sandwich? One of my favorite recipes to make when I’m feeling a little fancy is goat cheese, bacon, and caramelized onion tarts. Yum!
If you’re thinking about raising goats for milk, the breed you choose will make all the difference. You want goats that not only produce a lot of milk but also have a high-fat content for creamier products like butter, cheese, and even ice cream.
Alpine
The Alpine goat comes from the French Alps, and it’s a great choice if you’re after a heavy milk producer. These goats typically give between one and two gallons of milk a day, with about 3.5% fat content. That higher fat makes their milk perfect for things like cheese, butter, and even homemade ice cream.
LaMancha
LaMancha goats are not only fantastic milk producers, but they’ve also got sweet personalities. Originally from Spain, they’ve adapted well to the U.S. and have become a favorite for many homesteaders. Their milk has a rich 4.2% fat content, and they’re known for their small, almost non-existent ears, which give them a unique look.
Nubian
Nubian goats are another excellent choice, especially if you want high-fat milk. Their milk is rich, with a fat content of around 5%, making it great for producing creamy dairy products. While they produce slightly less milk, around 0.5 to 1.5 gallons per day, they make up for it by being able to produce milk year-round. These large goats, with their distinctive floppy ears, are also sometimes raised for meat due to their size.
Saanen
The Saanen goat is the largest of the dairy breeds, with males weighing over 200 pounds. They can produce around a gallon of milk per day, with a lower fat content of 2.5% to 3%. While their milk might not be as creamy as others, these goats are easy to manage, friendly, and great as pets. They can even be used for meat production if that’s something you’re interested in.
Toggenburg
The Toggenburg is one of the oldest dairy goat breeds, dating back to the 1600s. These goats are sturdy and reliable milkers, though their milk has a lower fat content of around 3.3%. What they lack in fat, they make up for in consistency, as they’re great year-round producers. Plus, they’re hardy and do well in various climates, making them a good option if you’re thinking about crossbreeding for meat as well.
Oberhasli
Oberhasli goats are known for their sweet and gentle nature, which makes them great for smaller farms or even urban settings. They produce 0.5 to 1.5 gallons of milk daily, with about 3.6% fat. Their milk isn’t as creamy as some other breeds, but it has a distinct sweetness to it. One thing to note is that they can be a bit strong-headed, so many farmers choose to dehorn them early on.
Nigerian Dwarf
The Nigerian Dwarf goat is a popular choice for those with less space but still wanting rich, delicious milk. These smaller goats only produce a couple of pints a day, but with a butterfat content of 6.1%, their milk is incredibly rich and ideal for making creamy cheeses. Nigerian Dwarfs are easy to care for, come in a variety of colors, and make great pets since they’re friendly and even leash-trainable.
Sable
Sable goats are closely related to the Saanen breed, but they come in darker colors thanks to recessive genes. They produce milk with 3% to 4% fat and can weigh up to 145 pounds. They’re relatively easy to manage, and their unique coloring makes them a favorite for people who like their goats to stand out in a herd.
Guernsey
The Guernsey goat, often known as the Golden Guernsey due to its striking golden color, is one of the smaller dairy goat breeds. They produce around 3.16 kg of milk daily with about 3.72% fat. While they’re not as common in the U.S. due to import restrictions, they’re highly prized in other parts of the world for their unique coloring and solid milk production.
Anglo-Nubian
The Anglo-Nubian is a cross between Nubian and British goat breeds, developed for both milk and meat. These goats are known for their adaptability to hot climates and produce high-fat milk with about 4% to 5% butterfat. Although they don’t give as much milk as other dairy breeds, the rich milk they produce makes them a solid choice if you’re looking to make products like cheese or yogurt.
Jamunapari
The Jamunapari goat is native to India and is considered one of the best dual-purpose breeds for both milk and meat. These goats can produce about 1 to 1.5 gallons of milk per day, with an average butterfat content of around 4%. They’re known for their tall stature and striking appearance, often with long, pendulous ears. Their milk is rich and creamy, making it great for various dairy products.
Murciana-Granadina
Originating from Spain, the Murciana-Granadina breed is highly prized for both its high-quality milk and its hardiness in dry climates. These goats can produce up to 1 gallon of milk per day, with a fat content of about 5.5%. Their milk is rich, making it ideal for cheese production, and the breed is known for being easy to handle and low-maintenance.
