Owning a Dairy Goat, have questions?
I own a small dairy farm so i have basic knowledge on cattle. But more specifically I’m wondering about dairy goat, because I intend on purchasing one or two very soon just for our family food supply.
Typically how long do goats lactate? If they lactate through pregnancies and births, ideally how long before birthing should the goat be dried before she freshens to ensure optimum colostrum is produced.
What is the most favorable diet to ensure both the best health for the goat and the highest quality (NOT quantity) milk. We intend to pasture with grass, I’m sure our lawns will be sufficient. Maybe alfalfa and reject fruit and veggies from our kitchen. Salt mix/block. I intend on feeding as little corn/grain as possible. So give me some input. Also what foods might be harmful? I heard cherry is poisonous.
I plan on using large cattle gates or dog panels for pen confinement. I also plan on tethering when they’re in the yards.
Please give me your input.
A really good dairy goat can milk for years without being re-bred. They typically go down in production during the short days of winter but will go back up again as soon as they days get noticeably longer, usually Feb. up here in Minnesota. A doe needs 60 days dry and will kid about 150 days or 5 months after being bred. Some goats will dry up as soon as they’re bred. Hopefully you won’t be buying one of those. If something happens and you don’t dry them off they will still produce colostrum that will be ok if not excellent in quality.
Goats are browsers like deer not grazers like cows. It’s very hard to find does that will produce well on just grass as many goats won’t really graze unless they are very hungry indeed. A good quality alfalfa hay will do fine. Goats will also need to get a good GOAT mineral. They need more copper than people used to think and much more than sheep do. My does just get a good dairy ration while they are on the milking stand and the kids get a bit while being weaned and the bucks really do need some before and during breeding season.
Large cattle gates will work for adult does but not kids. Tethering is a huge no-no. Goats are very good at hanging themselves with the tether or getting killed by dogs while tied.
You’ll also want to learn about diseases and loads of other stuff. People who are really happy with their goats usually have a mentor. Buy your goats from a breeder who is committed to their breed and proves it with either milk records, show records or linear appraisal scores. Such a breeder will have high quality animals and will almost always be willing to mentor you.
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