Andy Montoya
Raising goats for cheese can be a rewarding pursuit, but it's important to do your research first. Before you start, consider the time and management effort required, as well as the cost of purchasing and keeping goats. You'll need to provide adequate nutrition and veterinary care, and ensure you comply with local regulations. Milking goats is a time-consuming process that requires specific equipment and knowledge of the cheese-making process. It's also important to train your goats to tolerate being milked. If you're committed to the idea, connect with experienced goat farmers, research breeds, and plan for the space and resources required.
Characteristics of Raising Goats for Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Goats | Check local zoning and homeowner regulations to determine the number of goats you can legally own |
| Goat Breed | Nigerian, Nubian, Alpine, Guernsey, LaMancha, Nigerian Dwarf, Oberhasli |
| Goat Gender | Two does (females) or a doe and a wether (castrated male) |
| Breeding | Stagger breeding to produce milk year-round |
| Goat Milk Uses | Cheese, yogurt, ice cream, soap, butter, lotions |
| Veterinary Care | Find a veterinarian that understands goat medicine or an experienced goat keeper |
| Fencing | Goats are skilled at climbing over, under, or through fences |
| Goat Kid Management | Decide whether to dam raise or bottle raise; separate kids from does for at least 8 hours to collect milk |
| Milking | Clean the goat's udder and teat before milking; milk twice per day, 12 hours apart |
| Goat Nutrition | Quality hay or pasture and a grain supplement of 16-18% crude protein |
| Compliance | Follow state and federal regulations for food safety and work with local authorities |
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What You'll Learn
- Choosing a goat breed: Consider butterfat content, birth ease, and protein content
- Local laws: Check zoning and regulations for owning goats
- Goat-keeping: Prepare for the time, space, and cost of goat-keeping
- Milking: Learn the milking process, including preparation and frequency
- Health: Find a veterinarian or goat keeper with medical expertise
Choosing a goat breed: Consider butterfat content, birth ease, and protein content
When choosing a goat breed, there are several factors to consider, including butterfat content, birth ease, and protein content.
Goats' milk is often used to make cheese, and the butterfat content of the milk will impact the cheese's quality. Nigerian dwarf goats, for instance, produce milk with a very high butterfat content, which can reach 8 to 10 percent toward the end of lactation. In comparison, other breeds typically have a butterfat content of around 3.5 to 6 percent. Dwarf goats are also known for their high-butterfat milk, which is ideal for cheesemaking.
The birth ease of the goat breed is another important consideration. Nigerian dwarf goats are not only known for their high-quality milk but also for their small size and ease of giving birth. This breed typically weighs between 30 and 50 pounds, making the birthing process less challenging.
Protein content is another key factor when selecting a goat breed for cheesemaking. Goats require a diet rich in protein to support milk production. A good grain supplement should provide 16 to 18 percent crude protein, with a daily intake of about 2.5 to 3 percent of the doe's body weight. The higher the protein content in the milk, the more cheese you can produce. Nigerian dwarf goats' milk, for example, is noted for its high protein content, allowing for greater cheese yields.
Other goat breeds to consider for cheesemaking include Alpine goats, Guernsey goats, LaMancha goats, Nubian goats, and Oberhasli goats. Each breed has unique characteristics that may align with your specific needs and preferences. Additionally, when selecting a breed, it is advisable to choose a breeder close to your location. This ensures that the goats are already adapted to your local climate, and you can also observe the environment in which they were raised.
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Local laws: Check zoning and regulations for owning goats
Local laws vary depending on your location, so it is important to check the zoning rules and regulations for owning goats in your specific area. In the United States, each state and locality has its own regulations for farming and livestock, which include the keeping of goats. For example, in Fort Worth, Texas, there is a requirement of 5,000 square feet of space for each animal when raising livestock such as goats. Additionally, only six to eight goats can be supported on one acre of land in Texas due to their browsing habits and high plant consumption.
To determine the specific regulations that apply to you, start by contacting or checking the website of your local zoning board or office. They will be able to inform you about your property's zoning designation, such as whether it is zoned as ""residential" or "agricultural." Your local zoning board may then direct you to a separate state or city agency that can provide more specific information on the types of animals allowed and any restrictions on their use. For instance, in Michigan, the relevant department is called the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, while in California, it varies by city, with San Diego publishing extensive guides for those interested in starting goat farms.
It is also important to consider any local laws and regulations regarding the sale of goat products, such as cheese. Commercial dairies or anyone producing food for the public must follow state and federal regulations to ensure food safety and wholesomeness. This includes complying with licensing requirements and working with local authorities, such as the dairy inspector and dairy foods division, to understand the legal parameters around the handling of milk and cheese production.
In addition to legal considerations, it is worth noting that goats can be noisy and produce strong smells, which may cause issues with neighbors. Therefore, it is advisable to be mindful of potential nuisances and take steps to mitigate any negative impacts on those living nearby.
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Goat-keeping: Prepare for the time, space, and cost of goat-keeping
Goat-keeping is a rewarding but time-consuming and costly endeavour. Before you begin, it's important to consider the time, space, and financial commitments involved.
Time-wise, you should be prepared to spend a significant amount of time each day tending to your goats. Milking a goat, for instance, can take up to 15 minutes per doe, and this process needs to be repeated twice a day, 12 hours apart. In addition, you'll need to spend time preparing the milk, cleaning equipment, and ensuring your goats are healthy and well-fed. Goats are social creatures and require attention and care, so be sure to factor in time for general maintenance and care beyond just milking.
Space is another important consideration. Goats are known for their agility and escapist tendencies, so a secure and spacious enclosure is crucial. Ensure your fencing is robust and escape-proof to prevent your goats from wandering off or causing damage to neighbouring properties. If you plan to keep multiple goats, allow for sufficient space for them to roam and explore within their enclosure.
The cost of keeping goats can vary depending on several factors, including the breed and number of goats, your location, and the type of equipment you need. The purchase price of a goat can range from $75 to $500 or more, depending on factors such as breed and registration status. You'll also need to budget for food, housing, equipment (such as milking stands and buckets), and veterinary care. Keep in mind that the cost of keeping goats can quickly add up, especially if you're planning to keep a larger herd or intend to sell dairy products.
In addition to these considerations, it's essential to research local laws and regulations regarding goat-keeping. Check with your local zoning and homeowner regulations to ensure you are permitted to keep goats in your area, and be aware of any restrictions on the number of goats you can have. If you intend to sell dairy products, familiarise yourself with state and federal regulations regarding food safety and production standards.
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Milking: Learn the milking process, including preparation and frequency
Milking goats can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation and knowledge, it can become a great experience. Before you begin milking, you must establish a sequence of events that the goat is familiar with. This includes everything from the time of day you milk to the type of gloves you wear. Goats are creatures of habit, and consistency is key.
When you are ready to milk, bring the goat to the milk stand and secure her. It is common to feed the goat while she is on the stand, and this can include a mixture of grain, alfalfa pellets, and sunflower seeds. Next, wash the teats of the goat to prevent manure, dirt, germs, and hair from getting into the milk. Use a seamless container to catch the milk, as anything with seams or rivets can collect bacteria.
If it is your goat's first time being milked, she may respond with anxiety or absolute refusal. It is recommended to have someone strong with you to help hold the goat's back legs to restrict her movement. It is important to remain patient and persistent, and over time, the goat will learn that being milked is not a threat to her safety.
The frequency of milking goats can vary. Commercial dairies that produce food for the public, for example, require milking goats twice a day, every day. On the other hand, some people choose to milk goats for their household use, which may be less frequent. Additionally, the breed of goat you choose can impact the frequency of milking, as different breeds have different levels of milk production. For example, Nubians, a popular breed for milking, produce between two to three gallons of milk a day, while Alpines produce upwards of about 2 quarts per day.
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Health: Find a veterinarian or goat keeper with medical expertise
When raising goats for cheese, it is important to have access to a veterinarian or goat keeper with medical expertise. Not all veterinarians understand goat medicine, so it is crucial to find one with experience treating small ruminants, which include goats, sheep, camelids (llamas and alpacas), and cervids (deer and elk).
- Contact your local or state Cooperative Extension Service or the State Veterinary Medical Association office. They can provide information on veterinarians who specialize in small ruminants.
- Reach out to nearby goat and sheep producers or regional goat-producer associations for recommendations. Experienced goat keepers may not have formal veterinary training, but they can offer valuable advice and assistance in case your goats need medical attention.
- Consult the American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners (AASRP). They maintain a directory of small ruminant veterinarians on their website, www.aasrp.org. This list includes veterinarians who are members of the association.
- Look for veterinarians who are members of organizations like the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The AVMA website also provides information on finding a veterinarian in your area.
- Consider the specific health needs of your goats. For example, some veterinarians offer services such as specialty bloodwork, thoracic and abdominal ultrasounds, and hospitalization for more complex medical cases.
- Be aware of the regional variations in goat health problems. Veterinarians who work with small ruminants have noted that the types of health issues they encounter can differ depending on the region.
- If you are producing cheese for commercial purposes, ensure you comply with state and federal regulations. Work with local dairy inspectors and dairy food divisions to understand the legal requirements for producing and selling cheese made from goat milk.
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Frequently asked questions
Raising goats for cheese can be a fun hobby for the whole family, and it can also be a lucrative business venture. Goat milk has long been a staple product for people with allergies, and there is a growing demand for goat milk products such as cheese, soap, and lotion.
There are several breeds that are suitable for dairy, including Nigerian Dwarf goats, Alpine goats, Guernsey goats, LaMancha goats, Nubian goats, and Oberhasli goats.
It is important to check with your local zoning and homeowner regulations to ensure that raising goats is permitted. You should also consider the time and management effort required for milking goats, as it needs to be done twice a day, 12 hours apart. Additionally, seek advice from a veterinarian or an experienced goat keeper to ensure you can provide adequate medical care for your goats.
First, you need to train your goats to tolerate being milked as it does not come naturally to them. Next, pre-clean the goat's udder with warm soapy water or an udder wash to minimize debris from dropping into the milk. Then, use a milk stand to elevate the goat to a comfortable height for milking. Finally, milk the goat by hand or with special equipment, ensuring to strip three squirts from each teat into a strip cup to check for abnormalities.
It is important to maintain a low somatic cell count in the goat's milk, as a high count can impact the cheese-making process. Additionally, separate the kids from their mothers at least 8 hours before milking to ensure you get your share of milk. Finally, check your state's laws governing wholesome food production to ensure that your cheese-making process complies with all relevant regulations.
