Saanen goat
Physical features
Their coat is short and fine, although a fringe over the spine and thighs is not unusual. Hair is white to creamy white in color.
Saanen goats can have erect ears and straight or dished faces. Roman noses are considered undesirable in breed standards.
The mature female stands at least 30 inches at the withers (top of the shoulder blades) and weighs 135 pounds or more. Males stand approximately 32 inches tall and weigh 160 pounds or more.
Range and Habitat
Range – This breed was developed in Switzerland. They are now maintained as domestic animals.
Habitat – domestic pastures
Diet: Herbivore
Wild – grasses and grains
Zoo – grain, hay, and browse
Lifespan
Wild – Average 8 to 12 years, with a maximum of 30 years
Zoo – Average 8 to 12 years, with a maximum of 30 years
Reproduction
Sexual maturity = 3 to 12 months of age
Breeding season = Late summer to early winter
The cycle of a doe lasts 18 to 21 days. Estrus lasts 12 to 48 hours. Gestation lasts 148 to 156 days and usually results in twins, but single kids or even triplets are common.
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.
Conservation: Not Evaluated
Major threats: none at this time
Interpretive Information
Saanens are one of the largest and calmest of the dairy breeds. They tend to be great as family pets and do well in showmanship classes due to their mild temperament. Many breeders have been known to refer to them as “living marshmallows”.
Saanen goats produce the most milk on average but tend to have lower butterfat content, normally 2.5%-3.5%.
They originated in the Saanen valley of Switzerland. In 1893, several thousand Saanen goats were taken from the valley and spread throughout Europe. Between 1904 and the 1930’s approximately 150 were imported to the United States from Switzerland.
Because of their light coloring, they are susceptible to sunburn and perform best in cooler conditions.
References
Belanger, Jerome D., Storey’s Guide to Raising Dairy Goats. Pownal, VT: Storey, 2001. Print.
Hathaway, Margaret. Living with Goats: Everything You Need to Know to Raise Your Own Backyard Herd. Guilford, CT: Lyons, 2010. Print.
Jaudas, Ulrich, Fritz W. Kohler and Matthew M. Vriends. The New Goat Handbook: Housing, Care, Feeding, Sickness, and Breeding: With a Special Chapter on Using the Milk, Meat, and Hair. New York: Barron’s, 1989.Print.
Mileski, A. (2004). Capra hircus. Retrieved December 13, 2004, from the Animal Diversity Web site: http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Capra_hircus.html
Saanen Dairy Goats. (2013). Retrieved April 29, 2014 from the Dairy Goat Journal Website: http://www.dairygoatjournal.com/goats/saanen/
Updated December 2014