What breed suits us the best?

[Wannabee]

Here is the deal: Wife was gung-ho for a while on a dairy goat. Now she has almost completley backed away from the idea, but she knows that the kids and I still want a dairy goat, so she is willing to give in. Wife really wants the goats for the meat, and thinks that will be easier in case we really don't feel like milking the goat twice a day. We don't care about breed, registration, etc, we won't be showing them until my daughter is about 5 years older....

That said, this is what I am thinking. 2 Alpine/Boer crosses to be used for producing babies and milk goats. A Boer buck to be used to produce 75% Boers for meat....does this sound like the right plan?

We want milk and meat, so what is the best way to get it??

Thanks again for answering more ignorant questions - I just want all the facts before I make my first purchase....

[KSALguy]

yes it does, Nubian is also a good mix, get the best boer buck you can to breed to your percents and you will have it made
as to the milking you dont have to milk them all the time, just leave the kidds on them, when you want milk separate the kidds over night and then in the morning before you let her out milk her dry then let the kids be with her the rest of the day. that way especially if you have a few nannys to milk like this you will have plenty of milk for you and the you dont have to bottle feed and no milk is waisted

[Trisha-MN]

Gotta make my plug - check out Kinder goats. Although we've cut our herd of Kinders way down we still have about 6 does and several doelings & bucks. They just are such nice goats that we keep a few around.

[ozark_jewels]

Good plan. I will say though that the Boer/Alpines I have had, are less meaty than the Boer crosses with other breeds of dairy goats. My Boer/Saanens, Boer/Oberhasli's, Boer/Lamanchas and Boer/Nubians have all been meatier than the Boer/Alpines. But if you like Alpines....by all means, go for it!!