Feb 05, 2024

How Much Milk Can Goats Produce?

If you are interested in raising goats for their milk, you may wonder how much milk you can expect from them. The answer depends on several factors, such as the breed, the diet, the season, and the care of the goats. In this article, we will explore these factors and give you some estimates of how much milk goats produce.

Breed One of the most important factors that affect the milk production of goats is their breed. Different breeds of goats have different genetic potentials for milk production, as well as different milk composition and flavor. Some of the most popular dairy goat breeds are:

Saanen: This is the most productive dairy goat breed, originating from Switzerland. Saanen goats can produce up to 3 gallons (11.3 liters) of milk per day, with an average of 1.5 gallons (5.7 liters) per day ¹. Their milk is low in fat (3.5%) and high in protein (3.2%)².
Alpine: This is another productive dairy goat breed, also from Switzerland. Alpine goats can produce up to 2.5 gallons (9.5 liters) of milk per day, with an average of 1 gallon (3.8 liters) per day ¹. Their milk is moderate in fat (3.7%) and protein (2.9%)².
Nubian: This is a large and colorful dairy goat breed, originating from Africa and the Middle East. Nubian goats can produce up to 2 gallons (7.6 liters) of milk per day, with an average of 0.75 gallons (2.8 liters) per day ¹. Their milk is high in fat (4.6%) and protein (3.7%)², and has a distinctive sweet and creamy flavor.
LaMancha: This is a unique dairy goat breed, developed in the USA from Spanish and Nubian goats. LaMancha goats can produce up to 1.5 gallons (5.7 liters) of milk per day, with an average of 0.75 gallons (2.8 liters) per day ¹. Their milk is moderate in fat (4.2%) and protein (3.1%)², and has a mild and smooth flavor. LaMancha goats are known for their small ears, which can be either elf or gopher type.
Nigerian Dwarf: This is a miniature dairy goat breed, originating from West Africa. Nigerian Dwarf goats can produce up to 0.75 gallons (2.8 liters) of milk per day, with an average of 0.25 gallons (0.9 liters) per day ¹. Their milk is very high in fat (6.1%) and protein (4.4%)², and has a rich and sweet flavor. Nigerian Dwarf goats are very cute and friendly, and can be kept in small spaces.

Diet Another factor that affects the milk production of goats is their diet. Goats are browsers, which means they like to eat a variety of plants, such as leaves, twigs, flowers, and herbs. A good diet for goats should provide them with enough energy, protein, minerals, and vitamins to support their health and milk production. Some of the best foods for goats are:

Fresh pasture: This is the natural and preferred food for goats, as it provides them with fresh and diverse plants to browse on. Pasture can supply most of the nutritional needs of goats, as well as prevent boredom and parasites. However, pasture quality and availability can vary depending on the season and the climate, so it may not be enough for goats all year round.
Hay: This is the dried and preserved form of pasture, which can be fed to goats when fresh pasture is not available or sufficient. Hay can provide goats with fiber, energy, and some protein and minerals. However, hay quality and quantity can also vary depending on the type, cutting, storage, and feeding of the hay. The best types of hay for goats are legume hay, such as alfalfa and clover, which are high in protein and calcium, and grass hay, such as timothy and orchard, which are high in fiber and low in sugar.
Grain: This is the supplemental food for goats, which can provide them with extra energy, protein, and minerals, especially during high-demand periods, such as pregnancy, lactation, and growth. Grain can be fed to goats in the form of pellets, mixes, or whole grains, such as corn, oats, barley, and wheat. However, grain should be fed to goats in moderation, as too much grain can cause digestive problems, such as bloat, acidosis, and enterotoxemia. The general rule is to feed goats no more than 1% of their body weight in grain per day ³.
Minerals: These are the essential nutrients for goats, which can affect their health, reproduction, and milk production. Minerals can be provided to goats in the form of free-choice salt blocks, loose mineral mixes, or mineral supplements. The most important minerals for goats are calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, copper, zinc, iron, and iodine. However, mineral requirements and deficiencies can vary depending on the breed, diet, and environment of the goats, so it is advisable to consult a veterinarian or a nutritionist before feeding minerals to goats ⁴.
Water: This is the most important nutrient for goats, as it affects their hydration, digestion, and milk production. Goats need to have access to clean, fresh, and abundant water at all times, especially during hot weather and lactation. The average water intake of goats is about 1 gallon (3.8 liters) per day, but this can increase up to 4 gallons (15.1 liters) per day for lactating goats ⁵.

Season Another factor that affects the milk production of goats is the season. Goats are seasonal breeders, which means they only come into heat and breed during certain times of the year, usually in the fall and winter. The gestation period of goats is about 150 days, which means they give birth in the spring and summer. The lactation period of goats is about 10 months, which means they produce milk from the time they give birth until they are dried off before the next breeding season. Therefore, the milk production of goats follows a seasonal pattern, which can be divided into four phases:

Peak phase: This is the phase when the milk production of goats is the highest, usually lasting for 6 to 8 weeks after kidding. During this phase, goats can produce up to 3 gallons (11.3 liters) of milk per day, depending on the breed and the diet. This is the best time to collect and store the milk for future use, or to make dairy products, such as cheese and yogurt.
Plateau phase: This is the phase when the milk production of goats is stable, usually lasting for 4 to 6 months after kidding. During this phase, goats can produce about 1.5 gallons (5.7 liters) of milk per day, depending on the breed and the diet. This is the time to enjoy the fresh and nutritious milk from your goats, or to sell it to the market.
Decline phase: This is the phase when the milk production of goats starts to decrease, usually lasting for 2 to 4 months before drying off. During this phase, goats can produce about 0.75 gallons (2.8 liters) of milk per day, depending on the breed and the diet. This is the time to reduce the feed and water intake of your goats, or to breed them again for the next lactation cycle.
Dry phase: This is the phase when the milk production of goats stops completely, usually lasting for 2 to 3 months before kidding. During this phase, goats do not produce any milk, and they need to rest and prepare for the next kidding and lactation. This is the time to provide your goats with adequate nutrition and care, and to monitor their health and pregnancy.

Care The last factor that affects the milk production of goats is the care. Goats are social, intelligent, and curious animals, and they need proper care and attention to thrive and produce milk. Some of the aspects of goat care that can affect their milk production are:

Housing: Goats need a comfortable and safe shelter to protect them from the weather, predators, and parasites. The shelter should be spacious, well-ventilated, dry, and clean, and should have enough bedding, such as straw or wood shavings, to keep the goats warm and cozy. The shelter should also have enough feeders, waterers, and mineral blocks, to ensure the goats have access to food, water, and minerals at all times. The shelter should also have some toys, such as balls, tires, or ramps, to keep the goats entertained and stimulated.
Fencing: Goats need a secure and sturdy fence to keep them in and keep unwanted visitors out. The fence should be high enough, at least 4 feet (1.2 meters), to prevent the goats from jumping over it, and tight enough, with no gaps or holes, to prevent the goats from squeezing through it. The fence should also be electrified, if possible, to deter the goats from chewing or rubbing on it. The fence should also be checked and maintained regularly, to fix any damages or breaches.
Milking: Goats need a regular and gentle milking routine to maintain their milk production and quality. The milking should be done twice a day, preferably in the morning and in the evening, at the same time and place, to establish a habit and a bond with the goats. The milking should be done with clean and sanitized equipment.