Dairy Goats

Dairy goats, like meat goats, are great for smaller operations. It is feasible to make a profit with even a small number of animals, however any milking operation is going to take quite a bit of commitment and work. Dairy is a much more labor intensive operation than meat goats since animals will need to be milked multiple times a day, bred, weaned, and worked. 

Dairy Goat Breeds

Nutrition

Dairy goats can be on pasture but will need supplemental nutrition as production of large quantities of milk requires a lot of nutrients. Make sure to speak with your veterinarian about what to feed and how much is suitable for your dairy goat based on what stage they are in (pregnant, milking, dry, growing).

Facilities

All other facilities for dairy goats is similar to any sheep or goat operation, however this production method will need somewhere specific to milk goats and to kid. It is important to have easy access to milking equipment and make this process comfortable for both goat and person. You will need a milking stand, this can be purchased or built. 

Milking

Milking should be done at least one or two times a day. Dairy goats can typically be milked for 280 or so days from the day of kidding.  The amount and quality of the milk is dictated heavily by the nutrition, but also by the goats genetics. Breeds will vary widely, but many of the larger breeds can produce 3 to 5 quarts of milk each day. 

Marketing

Goats milk cannot be sold for human consumption in Florida without being pasteurized at a commercial facility. One who chooses to raise dairy goats typically does so for milk for their own family, and it is still best to pasteurize that product before consuming. Goat milk can also be used to produce cheeses, yogurts, soaps, and other products. Some of these processed products can be sold without a permit. Make sure to look into any rules or regulations before you choose this production type if you'd like make money.