So You Want To Get Goats

So you think you want to gets goats? But what does that mean? Have you considered everything that goes into having goats? The time, the money, the experience you have or will have with goats? What do you want to do with these goats? Do you plan on breeding, or just having pets? There are so many other questions and things to consider, so lets go over the topics one by one and seen if we can help you figure out if goats are right for you.

Breeds Of Goats

So there are different types of goats, with different breeds in each type.

The main types of goats are Dairy Goats, Meat Goats, Fiber Goats, and Pack Goats.

For ou farm we focus on Dairy Goats, so we will go over the Dairy Breeds

Breeds Recognized By ADGA ( American Dairy Goat Association)

Alpine, LaMancha, Nigerian Dwarf, Nubian, Oberhasli, Saanen, Sable, and Toggenburg

Breeds Recognized By AGS ( American Goat Society)

Alpine, LaMancha, Nigerian Dwarf, Nubian, Oberhasli, Pygmy, Saanen, Sable, and Toggenburg

Breeds Recognized By MDGA ( Miniature Dairy Goat Association)

Mini-Alpine, Mini-LaMancha, Mini- Guernsey, Nigerian Dwarf, Mini- Nubian, Mini-Oberhasli, Mini-Saanen, Mini-Sable, Mini-Toggenburg

What Sex of Goats Do You Want/Need, & How Many?

What sex of goats you want/need and how many is dependent upon what purpose you have for your intended goats. Here we will explore/explain the different purposes of goats.

Pets: Many people have goats as pets. Goats make wonderful pets for many reasons, they are sweet, loving creatures that are very intelligent. If interested in goats as pets the best option for many people would be wethers. Wethers are castrated males. Wethers can be some of the most friendly goats and you don't have to deal with the hormones does have or the smell that comes with bucks. Even as pets, goats are a herd animal and do better in groups, so 2-3 is recommended.

Breeding/Milking Stock: Many other people are interested in goats because of their milking ability. This leads to becoming a breeder as you will have to breed in order for does to produce kids and milk. The decision to become a breeder should not be taken lightly as their are many things that go into being a breeder. If you do decide that you want to be a breeder, start small with 2-3 does and 1-2 bucks/wethers.

Show Stock: Many people who breed also want show stock. Goats are also great for showing through 4H and FFA programs and also for individual breeders. Show stock come from breeding/milking stock and ideally you would want an animal that is able to be productive in the milk pail and the show ring.