Dairy Goat Management

Abstract

Statistically significant published research into the nutritional and breeding management, behavior, and economics of milk production of dairy goats is sparse. Goat numbers in affluent Central Europe have declined greatly since World War II. In Mediterranean, African, Asian, and South American countries, dairy goats have considerable economic importance. New interest in dairy goats is developing in affluent societies because of special health and nutritive value attached to goat milk and goat milk products. The annual production of goat milk in the US is estimated at 350 million kg. Formulae and tables of nutrient requirements, sample feed rations, and land requirements for dairy goats are presented. Estimates of production costs and comparative economic advantages between cattle and goats are discussed. Salient work concerning breeding management of dairy goats is reviewed. © 1978, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.