Raising Alpine Goats

Raising Alpine Goats

Raising Alpine Goats

Raising Alpine goats—a hardy, versatile, and high-producing dairy breed—is an excellent choice for homesteaders, small farms, or anyone seeking fresh milk, cheese, and a reliable, adaptable livestock partner. Originating from the French Alps, these goats are known for their intelligence, friendly disposition, and impressive milk output with good butterfat content.

1. Know the Breed

• Origin: French Alps (adapted to mountainous, variable climates)

• Size:

  • Does: 135–150+ lbs, 30+ inches tall

  • Bucks: 170–200+ lbs

• Milk Production: 2,000–2,500+ lbs (≈240–300 gallons) per lactation (10 months)

• Milk Quality: 3.3–3.7% butterfat—excellent for cheese, yogurt, and drinking

• Temperament: Alert, curious, friendly, and social

• Lifespan: 12–15 years

• Colors: Wide range (white, black, brown, gray, pied)—no set color standard in the U.S.

✅ Alpine goats are non-seasonal breeders in some lines, meaning they can kid year-round—ideal for continuous milk supply.

2. Why Choose Alpine Goats?

• High milk yield with good volume (more than Nubians, less butterfat than LaManchas)

• Cold- and heat-tolerant due to mountain heritage

• Excellent foragers and adaptable to varied terrain

• Intelligent and trainable—great for 4-H or family farms

• Long lactation periods with proper management

3. Housing & Shelter Requirements

Alpines are active and need sturdy, dry, well-ventilated housing.

• Shelter Size: 15–20 sq ft per goat indoors

• Features:

  • Draft-free but well-ventilated (high windows or open eaves)

  • Raised or well-bedded floor (straw or wood shavings)

  • Protection from rain, wind, snow, and summer sun

• Bedding: Keep dry—dampness leads to hoof rot and respiratory issues

• Space Outdoors: Minimum 250–300 sq ft per goat in a dry lot; more with pasture

❄️ In cold climates: Provide windbreaks and insulated walls—but never use heat lamps (fire risk).

4. Fencing

Alpines are agile climbers and jumpers—secure fencing is essential.

• Height: 5 feet minimum

• Material:

  • Woven wire (2"x4" openings)

  • Cattle panels (for temporary pens)

  • Electric fencing (as a top or perimeter deterrent)

• Avoid: Barbed wire or loose netting—they can get tangled

🔒 Ensure gates latch securely—Alpines are clever and may learn to open simple latches!

5. Nutrition & Feeding

As browsers, Alpines thrive on variety.

• Hay: High-quality grass or legume hay (alfalfa for lactating does)

• Pasture/Browse: Rotate grazing areas to reduce parasites; offer brush, leaves, and safe weeds

• Grain: Supplement during late pregnancy, lactation, or winter (1/2–2 lbs/day depending on milk output)

• Minerals: Loose goat-specific minerals with copper (never sheep minerals)

• Water: Clean, fresh water at all times—lactating does drink 3–5 gallons/day

💧 Tip: Warm water in winter encourages drinking and supports milk production.

6. Health Management

Alpines are generally robust but require routine care:

• Vaccinations: CD&T (Clostridium perfringens C & D + Tetanus) annually; kids at 6–8 weeks

• Deworming: Use FAMACHA eye scoring, fecal tests, and rotational grazing—avoid overuse of chemical dewormers

• Hoof Trimming: Every 6–8 weeks (more often in wet climates)

• Mastitis Checks: Monitor udder health during milking

• Quarantine: Isolate new goats for 2–4 weeks before introducing to the herd

7. Milking & Dairy Management

• Start milking after kidding (day 1–3)

• Milking frequency: Twice daily (12 hours apart) for maximum yield

• Hygiene: Clean udder, sanitized hands/equipment, quick cooling of milk

• Lactation length: 9–10 months; allow 2–3 months dry period before next kidding

• Kids: Can be dam-raised or bottle-fed—bottle-raising often creates tamer goats

🧀 Alpine milk is ideal for cheese—its balanced butterfat and protein make excellent mozzarella, feta, and aged varieties.

8. Breeding & Kidding

• Breeding age: Does at 7–10 months (when 75–80% of adult weight)

• Buck selection: Choose for temperament, udder quality, and disease-free status (CAE, CL, Johnes)

• Gestation: ~150 days

• Kidding: Usually easy; twins/triplets common

• Post-kidding care: Ensure kids get colostrum within 2–4 hours

📝 Register with the American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA) to track lineage and improve herd quality.

9. Special Considerations

• Social animals: Never keep alone—minimum of 2 goats

• Mental stimulation: Provide climbing structures, toys, or varied terrain

• Predator protection: Secure shelter at night; consider guardian dogs in rural areas

• Noise level: More vocal than some breeds—consider neighbors if in suburban areas

10. Getting Started

1. Buy from reputable breeders (ask for health testing and registration)

2. Prepare infrastructure (shelter, fencing, feeders) before arrival

3. Start with 1–2 does (add a buck later or use AI/borrowing services)

4. Learn milking techniques (practice before kidding season)

5. Join ADGA or local goat clubs for support and resources

Alpine goats combine productivity, resilience, and personality—making them one of the most popular dairy breeds worldwide. With proper care, they’ll reward you with rich milk, playful antics, and years of loyal companionship on your self-sufficient journey.

🐐 "Milk with purpose—Alpines deliver volume, versatility, and vitality."

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