Have you ever considered owning dairy goats for pets? These farm fun animals make great pets and are versatile too. Dairy goats and dairy production is one of the most historical, versatile and efficient forms of livestock production throughout the world. They are known for their milk production efficiencies. Their milk offers health benefits. Most owners of dairy goats will tell you that no animal is more cute and friendly than a dairy goat! Two goat breeds include: the Alpine goats and Saanen goats. Each of these dairy goats show distinct characteristics, differences and commonalities.
The Alpine goats originated in the Alps. The term "French Alpine" and "Alpine" are used synonymously. The female and male goats are mostly short-haired. The males, (bucks), show a long-haired beard with long hair usually along its spine too. Both sexes have a straight face with medium sized and fine textured ears. These goats are hearty, curious, friendly, and adaptable animals. They can thrive in most any climate while remaining healthy and maintaining excellent milk production. Alpines produce high volumes of milk. These goats do not have a distinct color but may range in colors from pure white to varying or combining shades of gray, brown, black, red, buff, fawn, and more.
The Saanen goats originated in the Saanen Valley of Switzerland. Saanen female goats, (does), produce heavy amounts of milk. These goats are medium to large in size weighing approximately 145 pounds. They have tough bones and can show pep in their personality. Their temperament is mostly calm and mild mannered. Saanen goats are, generally, easy for children to handle and are popular in showmanship classes due to their calm nature. They are white or light cream in color and have spots on their skin. Breeders are known to refer to these goats as, "living marshmallows". Their hair is generally short, with some having just a fringe of hair over their spine or thighs. They have a straight face with ears standing erect and pointing forward. Saanen goats is sensitive to excessive sunlight. They perform much better in shady or cooler conditions.
What do the Alpine goats and Saanen goats have in common? Both of them provide the milk used in various homemade skin care products such as natural: goat milk soap, goat milk lotion, and much, much more! These homemade skin care products are healthful and nourishing for dry skin, dry itchy skin, oily skin, dry flaky skin, and more! Goats milk soap even helps with acne relief.
Raising goats may not always be easy but with the proper goat care, dairy goats can be wonderful animals. Not only are they cute and friendly, they help to provide a multitude of healthful and nourishing homemade skin care products!
