Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Having a purebred allows you to make predictions about the goat based on years of know-
ledge about the breed's behavior and milk production. Each individual is unique, and being
purebred is not a guarantee, but purchasing a purebred goat provides some certainty that the
goat will perform as expected. You can make predictions regarding adult size, temperament,
reproduction, health, and vigor of a purebred goat. Some breeds are more prone to specific ill-
nesses or physical flaws. Some breeds are can be bred year-round, such as the Nigerian
Dwarf, and others breed seasonally. If your goats are all of one breed, you will be able to pre-
dict the adult size of any offspring.
In many cases, you will be able to get a better price for a purebred goat if you decide to sell it
or its purebred offspring. If you want to show your goats, they must be purebred and have pa-
pers to prove it. Showing your goats advertises your farm and the quality of your goats, and
this can be profitable when other goat keepers seek to purchase them for their own herds. If
you want to make money from stud fees by keeping a buck or two for breeding, a purebred
buck will bring higher fees, and one with some success in the show ring will bring even more.
On the other hand, starting your herd with purebred goats will be more expensive than starting
with goats that are not purebred. If your immediate goal is providing milk for your family and
learning to keep and milk goats, a goat of mixed breed will serve your purpose well. These
goats are generally referred to as grades. A grade can give great milk, be highly productive,
and make a wonderful pet. Many dairy herds are made up of mixed-breed goats, and some-
times this is deliberate. As with many species, mixed breed animals often display “hybrid vig-
or” — they are healthier and stronger on average than purebred animals.
Selecting and buying your goats
After you have learned something about each breed's strengths and weaknesses, milk and
meat production, milk composition, fiber, size, appearance, and temperament, you can begin
looking for your own goats. You probably will recognize some breeds, such as the Saanen, the
Nigerian Dwarf, and the LaMancha, on sight because of their distinct physical traits. Begin by
seeking out goat herds living and breeding in your immediate area. Visit several of them, and
get to know the ranchers and breeders who may later become part of your support network.
As you explore resources and interact with breeders and sellers, keep a notebook handy and
take notes. Question goat keepers about their experiences with their goats, and ask them why
they prefer one breed to another.
When you are ready to purchase a goat, there are several places to look:
