Question

[LittleRedHen]

I have plans on getting into goats this years. I have raised pygmys in the past and I have bred pygmys, delivered, etc. But I want a good goat for milking. I would like to use goat milk for suplimenting feed for my chickens and pigs plus some for human consumption. I would also like to learn to make cheese and soap.

What kind of goat would be the best? I live in Michigan and I often see Nubians, Alpines and sometimes LaMancas for sale. Once in awhile there is another breed I see. What one would work best for us? Oh and also I would like to learn to make butter too. Maybe a few goats of various breeds to get the best of all worlds??

Thanks

[circlevranch]

We have had good luck with Alpines and Saanen breds before they both were good milkers. Most of our milkers were cross bred nothing registered except our bucks. We had a couple LaMancha does but never did milk them but they always raised nice kids with plenty of milk. The key to getting high milk production is feed really good alfalfa and grass hay along with a good ration of grain. Our hay isn't consistant and it show in the milk production. Hope I've been some help and good luck finding some nice does.

[DocM]

A healthy goat would be best. Any breed will give you good milk and they all do well in any climate. Lamancha's make good cheese and aren't too large. Saanens, alpines, and nubians will give more milk. a good cross breed is a great choice for home use. For your purposes, the health of the goat would be most important. Get two, they like to be with a buddy.

[okgoatgal2]

actually, the lamancha's i've known give more milk than the nubians, but the nubians have the highest butterfat. a combo herd including a nub, manchie, and alpine would be a good start, then you can see which you prefer to have around. it's really personal preference, but i've heard so often that the toggs have strong flavored milk that i tend to not even consider them.

[LittleRedHen]

thank u all!

[ozark_jewels]

Yep, as long as its a healthy, handleable goat....you'll do fine. Doesn't even have to be a purebred. Some of my best does are crosses.
If I was going to start all over again knowing what I do now, for just myself and family....I'd go with Lamanchas.