Saanen goats are a special breed that come all the way from Europe. They are a unique type of goat that has a rich and diverse history. What are they used for? What are some good breeding tips and how should they be raised?
The answers to these questions differ from breed to breed, which is what makes them special, after all. Before you decide to buy a dairy goat, look at what the Saanen goat has to offer. Once you have made up your mind and done your research, you will also know how to look after your new goat.
Saanen Goat Uses
You could call the Saanen goat the best of the best. Their average milk yield is about 838 kg. in a lactation of 264 days. Their milk has a minimum of 3.2% fat and 2.7% protein.Their milk is used for the usual dairy products including milk, cheese, yoghurt, ice cream and sometimes even soap. Their milk is rich in nutrients and is known for having many health benefits. It has all the usual benefits of typical goat milk that has made the milk so popular. Goat milk is surprisingly close to human milk in its enzymatic composition which means that we get more out of it. The health benefits are astonishing, which makes it no surprise that there is a rise in the demand for goat milk. If you are contemplating buying a goat, you need to ask yourself what these goats will do for you: if you want a goat for show, for meat or for dairy. The Saanen goat is the perfect dairy goat because of its productivity. This would be a good place to start dairy goat farming.
Saanen Goat Characteristics
They are rugged, vigorous animals that are full of energy and need plenty of space to roam about.
Does are very feminine and they should never have coarse hair. Their hair tends to be short and fine, although fringes along the spine and thighs are not uncommon. Saanens are either white or light cream; spots on the skin are not a problem but spots on the fur is not ideal.
Their fair skin and hair means that they do not do well in hot climates. They are extremely sensitive to sunlight and will perform better in cooler climates. If you buy one of these goats, the provision of shade is absolutely vital.
Their ears should always be straight, alert and preferably pointing forward. Their faces are usually straight or dished, it does not matter. A Roman nose or tendency towards a Roman nose is not a good thing and is generally looked down on.
Saanens are bred all around the world, so this has led to a few sub-breeds that have formed over the years. A true Saanen goat will always be white or light cream with few to no spots on the fur.
Saanen Goat Price
As with most purebred goats in America, Saanen goat kids can cost between $100-$300. This price can differ between breeders and mature goats will cost a lot more. It is always important to remember that goats do not do well on their own. They need companionship since they are herd animals by nature. Treating a goat like a pet will be harmful for their development. You can give them love and affection, but ultimately, they are still farm animals.
It is always best to buy two goats to start off with. If you are new to goat farming and want a herd, it is still best to start off with two or three goats. A larger herd will be more difficult to handle if you do not have a lot of experience. Starting off small will give you the necessary expertise to handle a larger herd of your own later. It might also be less expensive to breed your own herd, adding as you need.
Saanens are not particularly prone to illness, but they do need to be vaccinated against the common viruses. Before you buy your goat, consult your vet to find out which vaccines and deworming schedules you need to follow and how much they will cost. It would also be helpful to come up with a feeding schedule too.
Breeding Saanen Goats
Saanen Goat Breeders
Saanen Goat Shelter Needs
Saanen Goats for Sale: Where can I buy Saanen goats in the USA?
Here are a couple of places where you can buy a certified Saanen goat.
Saanen goat associations: What are the major Saanen goat associations in the USA?
- The ADGA
Saanen goats for meat and milk: Can they produce both? How much meat and milk can they produce?
Any goat can be harvested for meat, but that doesn’t mean that they should. Saanen goats are famous for their large quantities of milk. Other than that, they can make great pets and show animals.
Saanen goats can produce up to 3 gallons of milk daily with a butterfat content of 3%.
ADGA Saanen Goat Show
Wrapping Up
Saanen goats are one of the best dairy breeds in the world. They are renowned for their sweet temper and impressive productivity. Breeding may be a little tricky, but with time you will gain the necessary experience to handle the delicate process. You may want a goat for a variety of different reasons, but a Saanen will provide you with high-quality milk or be an excellent show goat. They are one of the best breeds available.
- Saanen goat faq’S
What traits was the Saanen dairy goat developed for?
A key characteristic of the Saanen goat is their high yield of milk and have set many records in milk production. They are also one of the largest dairy goat breeds, which explains their high milk production and are a hardy goat for the rugged Alpine terrain.
How much milk does a Saanen goat produce a year?
Saanen goat does are capable of bringing in 2545 pounds of milk a year. The butterfat content should be around 3% to 4%.
How much does a Saanen doe goat weigh?
At a minimum, your Saanen doe should weigh 135 pounds but may reach more than 155 pounds.
When do Saanen goats go into heat?
Saanen goats have a specific breeding season which falls somewhere in late summer through early winter, though sometimes goats breed outside this time. This breeding season may last 18 to 21 days. The does will usually be in heat for a few hours to a few days.
How big do Saanen goats get?
The largest of the dairy breeds, Saanen does are at least 30 inches tall and 135 pounds, while the bucks are 32 inches tall and 160 pounds or more.
Where are Saanen goats from?
Saanen goats hail from the Swiss valley by the same name.
How to recognize Saanen goats:
Unlike some other breeds of goats, Saanen goats should only be light-colored, with coats between white and cream. They are also recognizable by size, being among the largest dairy breeds.
How much do Saanen goats weight?
Depending on age, gender, and breeding, Saanen does should weigh at least 135 pounds and bucks should weigh at least 160 pounds are more.
How much does a Saanen doe goat cost?
The cost of a Saanen doe when purchased as a purebred kid will run you about $300 for the higher qualities of goats. The cost will vary a lot between breeders, and also depends on the age of the animal and if that particular goat is well-bred and a good candidate for breeding.
I have a saane goat, I deworm her and followed the directions, she is really sick now , won’t eat,is this normal? I will call the vet and have her looked at. She was fine yesterday. But I just went check on her and she is not doing good.
Nice research report, please correct the yeild of milk by saanen goats are 1 gallon or 3 liters per goat. very informative report. thx