This is one of the most widely distributed goat in the world, with each country having at least one herd somewhere. These goats are popular and are used extensively.
Why is that? What do you need to do to look after your own Toggenburg goat? How do raise and breed them? What kind of shelter do they need?
All these are important questions which will be answered in this comprehensive guide. By the time you have finished reading this information, you should be able to effectively look after your own Toggenburg goat. What more do you need?
Toggenburg Goat Uses
Maybe you want to enter them into shows and see what can be won. There are particular breeds for each use. Before you buy a goat, you need to make sure that they are suited for your purpose.
Toggenburg goats are used for their milk since they are productive dairy goats. If you want to switch over to goat milk and use your own goats, then this might be the breed for you.
A typical Toggenburg goat can yield up to 740 kg. of milk per lactation. Their milk has a minimum fact content of 3.56% and a minimum protein content of 2.9%.
Their milk is flavorful and delicious, a favorite around the world. Their milk can be used to make all sorts of dairy products such as milk, butter, ice cream and others.
Thanks to their high productivity, this is one of the most sought after breeds available around the whole world.
Toggenburg Goat Origins
Toggenburg Goat Characteristics
They have soft short/medium hair that lies flat for the most part. Tassels are not an uncommon feature. Their fur is solid varying from light fawn to dark chocolate. There is no preference for any shade.
Toggenburg goats do have distinct facial markings, such as white ears with a dark spot in the middle, two white stripes down the gave from the muzzle to the eyes.
The hind legs are white from hocks to hooves while the forelegs are white from the knees downward. A dark band below the knee is acceptable. Bucks are also known for having a pronounced beard.
It is OK if the markings are cream instead of white, but that is not the best indication. Their ears are always erect and alert while their facial features may be dished or straight, but never Roman.
It is good to remember that this breed performs better in cooler weather. These goats tend to be a little more high-strung than other goats.
Toggenburg Goat Prices
Buying a goat can be quite expensive, especially if you want to buy a pedigree goat. True, it is worth it when you consider all the benefits that you get from a goat with good breeding.
When you buy a Toggenburg goat, you can be sure that you will be receiving quality goat milk for a long time. That is why it is worth shopping around before you settle on one breeder.
Kids are generally cheaper than mature goats. Bucks are also more expensive. Usually pedigree kids cost up to $300 although this might differ from region to region.
Before you buy your goat, you need to work out a price plan for the other things that you will need. It would be helpful to consult your local vet about the cost of vaccinations and deworming medication.
Goats usually eat hay and need a few grains or alfalfa pellets for variety. If you are planning on building a fence, you will need to include the cost of building materials to your budget.
Your goat will need a simple housing structure to shelter them from the elements. It does not need to be anything elaborate, but it does need to protect them from the outside.
There are a few costs that come along with buying a good goat, but it will be worth it.
Raising Toggenburg Goats
They do tend to be quite stubborn, so you must be willing to fight them on a few issues. If they want to eat your flowers, they will try their best to get to the flowers. You need to build a sturdy fence and maintain it.
If you are new to raising Toggenburg goats, or any goats, it would be in your best interests to befriend a fellow goat herder. There is a wisdom that comes from experience that would be extremely useful to you.
If you plan on eventually selling the milk, you need to have a vet on speed dial. All dairy goats need a clean bill of health before you can sell the milk.
Toggenburg Goat Breeders
Some breeders will take the goat to the vet to be tested for various diseases. If a breeder does not do this, it is alright if you ask them to do it before you make the purchase.
- check
- check
- check
- check
Breeding Toggenburg Goats
Your doe will start showing signs of being in heat, and this is your window. These windows do not last very long, so you have to pay attention for the signs.
Usually, the doe will become a little more temperamental. There will be some sort of discharge and your doe will have a swollen rear end. If she wags her tail a lot, then you can be sure that she is in heat or is about to start.
If she shows interest in bucks or urinates in front of bucks, then you know your doe is in heat.
Toggenburg Goat Shelters
Goats need to be kept dry, so make sure that there are no leaks in the structure. Be on guard for leaks and always make sure that your goats have somewhere dry to sleep.
The structure needs to be ventilated without being drafty, since a well-ventilated space prevents many different diseases. Goats are hygienic creatures, so their pen will need to be cleaned daily.
Your Toggenburg goat will thrive in a clean environment. If you plan on selling your goat milk, then the shelter will need to meet specific requirements.
Goats are easy to milk, but they do not like loud noises or distractions when you are milking them. It is better to keep the goats away from other animals when you milk them.
Loud noises are also detrimental to the milking process. That is why it would be better to build the shelter away from roads or any factories. When you build the shelter, be sure to give your goats some form of bedding and change it regularly.
Bedding is especially important if your doe is about to give birth because she needs to be as comfortable as possible when she gives birth.
Toggenburg Goat Farming
The Toggenburg dairy breed is native to the Toggenburg Valley in Switzerland. Toggenburgs made their way to the US in the early 1900’s. They have a distinct facial pattern, and are known to be the oldest dairy breed.
Raising Toggenburg goats: Pros & cons
Toggenburg goats care: Top tips
- Toggenburgs can be stubborn. If you don’t want them getting into your flowers, build a sturdy space to keep your plants separated from them.
- If this is your first time having a Toggenburg, consult someone who has the experience, or a goat herder. Knowledge is key with this breed.
- Have a vertrinarian check your Toggenburg goat regularly.
- If you want to breed them, separated the kids from the adults quickly.
- They should have their hooves trimmed about 4 times a year.
Toggenburg goats for sale: Where can I buy Toggenburg goats in the USA?
Here a couple of places where you can buy a certified, trained Toggenburg goat.
Toggenburg goat associations: What are the major toggenburg goat associations in the USA?
- The ADGA
- The National Toggenburg Club
Breeding Toggenburg Goats
Wrapping Up
Toggenburg goats are among the best dairy goats in the world. They are also one of the oldest dairy breeds, even though they were only recognized internationally long after the breed had been established.
These goats are friendly but stubborn, so you will need to keep this in mind before you buy one. Breeding your Toggenburg can be tricky, but once you know what to look for.
Once your doe has given birth, it will only be a matter of time before she is producing high-quality milk for you and your family to enjoy.
- Toggenburg goat FAQs
How much milk does a Toggenburg goat produce?
Over a year, Toggenburg goats will produce anywhere between 1050 to 4460 pounds of milk. On average, that’s about 6 pounds a day!
What is a Toggenburg goat?
Toggenburg goats are another breed of Alpine goat from the Swiss valley of Obertoggenburg. Some people believe this to be the oldest known dairy goat breed.
How long do Toggenburg goats live?
Toggenburgs are slightly shorter-lived than other dairy goat breeds, living on average between 8 to 12 years.
What is the origin of the Toggenburg goat?
Toggenburg goats have their origin in the Obertoggenburg valley in Switzerland. They are one of the oldest known dairy breeds in the world.
How much milk does a Toggenburg goat produce a day?
The average Toggenburg doe will produce an average of 6 pounds of milk a day over a year, but that number varies depending on the season and if the doe is lactating or resting.
What are Toggenburg goats used for?
Toggenburg goats are mainly used for dairy production because of their high milk production, but also may be good for meat production.
How much does a Toggenburg goat cost?
The cost pf a Toggenburg goat will vary greatly depending on when, where and what you buy. Bucks are more expensive than does, and quality will bring the cost up, especially with a pedigree. Kids are cheaper than mature goats. Generally speaking, expect around $300 for a well-bred kid.
