Oberhasli goat

Physical features

• The Oberhasli coat color is generally light tan to deep reddish brown (chamiosee) with black points. Oberhasli can also be black in color as a result of recessive genes. However black bucks cannot be registered according to breed standards.

• Oberhasli goats have erect ears and straight faces.

• The mature female stands at least 28 inches at the withers (top of the shoulder blades) and weighs 120 pounds or more. Males stand approximately 30 inches tall and weigh 150 pounds or more.

Diet: Herbivore

• Wild – Grasses and grains

• Zoo – Grain, hay, browse

Reproduction

• Sexual maturity = 3 to 12 months of age; Breeding season = Late summer to early winter

• The cycle of a doe lasts 18 to 23 days. Estrus lasts 12 to 48 hours. Gestation lasts 148 to 156 days and usually results in twins or triplets, however 1-4 kids can occur.

• Bucks smell to tell if the doe is in estrus by the behavior known as “flehmen.” They extend their neck and head into the air and curl up their upper lip.

Interpretive Information

• The breed originated in the Canton of Berne in Switzerland. They were first imported to the United States in the early 1900’s but these original goats were crossed with other breeds and the pure line was lost in the United States. It wasn’t until 1936 that purebreds were established and maintained.

• Oberhasli does can produce on average 1,600 pounds of milk per year with 3.6% butterfat content.

• The breed was known as Swiss Alpine until 1977 when the name was officially changed to Oberhasli.

• Oberhasli were not a recognized breed by the American Dairy Goat Association until the 1960’s.

• Many goat packers prefer Oberhasli because of their sturdy conformation and fearless manner.

• There are relatively few Oberhasli goats registered in the United States and even fewer in commercial herds.

Updated December 2004