DAIRY GOATS
Alpine
– Alpines don’t do well in wet climates, though modern breeding is improving their hardiness.
– Can be any color except white or light brown with white markings.
– Seasonal breeder, usually from August to December. A doe will be in heat every 18-21 days and can stay in heat from a few hours to a few days. Gestation for most does is about 150 days (about 5 months).
– Does average 30″ and weigh 135 lbs.
– Average 1+ gallon of milk per day; 3.3% butterfat; 2.9% protein; longer than average lactation cycle. They can produce for around 284 days. They are the top dairy goat breed for milk production.
La Mancha
– One of the best dairy goats with high butterfat. Known for small ears.
– Seasonal breeder, usually from August to December. A doe will be in heat every 18-21 days and can stay in heat from a few hours to a few days. Gestation for most does is about 150 days (about 5 months).
– Does average 28″ and 130 lbs.
– Average 1+ gallons of milk per day; 3.7% butterfat; 3.2% protein. Can produce for 2 years without having to be bred again.
Oberhasli*
– Shades of brown with black markings. Does can be black. They are gentle and friendly.
– Alpine breeds don’t do well in wet climates, though modern breeding is improving their hardiness.
– Seasonal breeder, usually from August to December. A doe will be in heat every 18-21 days and can stay in heat from a few hours to a few days. Gestation for most does is about 150 days (about 5 months).
– Does average 28″ and weigh around 120 lbs.
– 3.8% butterfat; 3.0% protein. They tend to produce for around 284 days.
Nubian
– Large ears and Roman nose. Primarily a dairy goat, but also dual-purpose. High butterfat and protein, but do not produce as much milk as other breeds. They are gentle and friendly, but I’ve read they are not as naturally healthy as other milk goat breeds.
– Some Nubians can be bred year round, but they are usually a seasonal breeder (from August to December). A doe will be in heat every 18-21 days and can stay in heat from a few hours to a few days. Gestation for most does is about 150 days (about 5 months).
– Does average 30″ and weigh 135 lbs.
– Average of 1+ gallon of milk per day; 4.7% butterfat; 3.8% protein. They tend to produce for around 180 – 200 days.
Kinder
– A recently developed breed that crossed a nubian with a pygmy, creating a dual-purpose goat.
– Does average 26′ and weigh around 120 lbs.
– Average 2 quarts per day; 7% butterfat. They tend to produce for around 284 days.
Saanen (Sable is the colored version of Saanen)
– A calm dairy goat with high volume and wonderful quality of milk. Saanens are all white, sometimes with a few spots. Colored Saanens are now recognized as their own breed: Sables.
– Seasonal breeder, usually from August to December. A doe will be in heat every 18-21 days and can stay in heat from a few hours to a few days. Gestation for most does is about 150 days (about 5 months).
– Being the largest of the dairy goats, Saanen and Sable average 30″ in height and weigh around 135 lb.
– 1.5 gallons of milk per day; 3.3% butterfat; 2.9% protein. They tend to produce for around 250 – 300 days.
Toggenburg
– Can be rather nervous. Shades of brown with white or cream face and lower legs. They have average milk production.
– Seasonal breeder, usually from August to December. A doe will be in heat every 18-21 days and can stay in heat from a few hours to a few days. Gestation for most does is about 150 days (about 5 months).
– Medium size dairy goat, with does standing about 26″ and weighing 120 lbs.
– 3.1% butterfat; 2.8% protein. They tend to produce for around 284 days.
Nigerian Dwarf
– Small, colorful dairy goat that produces a very high butterfat milk. Most are kept as pets. Can have blue eyes.
– Bree year-round. A doe will be in heat every 18-21 days and can stay in heat from a few hours to a few days. Gestation for most does is about 150 days (about 5 months).
– Does average about 22″ and weigh 25-35 lbs.
– 1-2 quarts per day; 6.2% butterfat; 4.4% protein. They tend to produce for around 300 days.
Pygmy
– Small goat, mainly kept for pets, but were originally used for meat and some dairy.
– Bree year-round. A doe will be in heat every 18-21 days and can stay in heat from a few hours to a few days. Gestation for most does is about 150 days (about 5 months).
MEAT GOATS
There are a many breeds of meat goats, and really, any goat can be used for meat production. Below are just a few that are easier to find (depending on your area).
Boer
– Boer is strictly a meat goat, or a pet, or to control brush around your property. They produce only enough milk for their kids, and dry up sooner than dairy breeds. Boer crossed with a dairy goat can be hit or miss. It’s said to have wonderful milk, but the lactation period is still shorter than a full dairy goat.
– Bree year-round. A doe will be in heat every 18-21 days and can stay in heat from a few hours to a few days. Gestation for most does is about 150 days (about 5 months).
– Males can reach 300 lbs.
Savannah
– A new breed from South Africa, the Savannah has been developed to be hardy and low maintenance. Can tolerate a variety of climates.
– Does average 125 to 200 lbs and males average 200 to 250 lbs.
Spanish
– Low maintenance, but not the friendliest of goats. They just as soon be left alone to eat their way through the brush growing in the hills. They are hardy and can tolerate a variety of climates.
– Spanish is a purebred goat, but many Spanish goats have been crossed with other meat goats, threatening the survival of pure Spanish populations.
– Year-round breeder. A doe will be in heat every 18-21 days and can stay in heat from a few hours to a few days. Gestation for most does is about 150 days (about 5 months).
– Vary in size from 50 lbs to 200 lbs
Nubian
– Nubian’s are a good dual-purpose goat, producing high quality milk and a good amount of meat.
– Some Nubians can be bred year round, but they are usually a seasonal breeder (from August to December). A doe will be in heat every 18-21 days and can stay in heat from a few hours to a few days. Gestation for most does is about 150 days (about 5 months).
– Males can reach 175 lbs.
Kiko
– A new breed that was developed in New Zealand. It can tolerate a variety of climates and are low maintenance.
– Bree year-round. A doe will be in heat every 18-21 days and can stay in heat from a few hours to a few days. Gestation for most does is about 150 days (about 5 months).
– Does average 100 to 150 lbs; males can reach 300 lbs.
BRUSH GOATS
The best goats for clearing brush tend to be a cross between meat and dairy goat breeds that are hardy and resistant to parasites. Wethers are a favorite because there is no danger of temperament change during breeding season, and they won’t damage their udders in rough terrain.
You’ll want to choose small, medium, and large size goats. Small goats (pygmy or nigerian dwarf) will better reach the low growing branches, and the taller goats will reach the higher growth (as high as 7′).
Also, choose horn-less goats. Horns can get caught in brush and fences while the goats are out being goats.
Shows in NW Oregon
Roseburg Goat Show – June
Maple Creek Farm PNW 