Choosing which type of goats to get always seem like such a minor decision. But after six months, it is all too late. Your goats is either costing you way more than you imagined or they are thriving. Most often, it has to do with choosing the correct breed based off how you intend to use them. You might want to fill a milk pail each day, put on some quick weight to head to butcher, or maintain a manageable, happy little herd in your back yard.
Milk: Dairy goats are the focus of much attention… But they’re not all created equal; in fact, their variety of output and other traits is far wider than many realize. While some produce large amounts of milk, others has richer milk that’s better suited to making cheese. This chart compares lines where the amount of butterfat is consistent, which is what you want depending on your purpose. It also helps if you are trying to decide between a line that needs regular grain and one that can maintain production without extra feed. Calmer temperaments also appear here, which is helpful if you plan to milk by hand with out much trouble.
How to Choose the Right Goat Breed
On the other hand, when it comes to meat breeds, their logic is more about good carcass yield and fast growth. Where they are really an asset is in their ability to deal with heat and parasites without constant human intervention. That’s where crossing your hardy meat breed with a heavy one will often result in the best of both worlds, which you can easily see in the comparison section. Often, people who has never raised meat goats before will pick largest of the bunch. They may not understand that the tough, smaller ones can be finished as well or even better than large ones on less feed.
The fiber goats are in their own category. They provide a profit not through milk or meat but the actualy coat itself. That means they needs more careful nutrition and shelter. This is one reason fiber goats often go to someone who likes extra effort or has a ready market for the fiber. The chart compares different types of fiber and their yields so you can decide if the extra management are worth it for you.
Finally, when it comes down to space (miniatures and pets are forgotten). Not only do they come in a small package but they’re also easy to manage and confine… Though they’ll still amaze you with how much milk their little bodies can produce each day. This is where that temperament column on the chart really shines since many of these guys will be going home to first time owners or kids. Social and mellow go a long way towards making this goat ownership thing work better than an escape artist who challenges your fence every chance she gets.
Lots of folks goof on the math with climate matching. What does well in cool mountain air might fare poorly in a hot, humid lowland where parasites abound. The chart tells you which line tolerates heat, cold or wet weather without added medicine and/or shelter. Why? Because reducing hidden costs of having the wrong animal in the wrong place save money.
Then the whole thing is pulled together on a single page with the grid at the bottom. You no longer have to search different pages for information. You can read temperament notes next to weight range and production number all side by side. Once folks narrow down to two or three breeds, this is where they come back to.
Before looking at any specific animal, look at what you have and what you want. The correct breed for you is the one that suits both your existing conditions and the amount of work you’re willing to put in.