How to Raise Alpine Goats for Milk

Alpine goats are a popular species of dairy goat valued for the steady temperaments and high volume of milk production. Originating from the French Alps region of Switzerland, the Alpine goat is now found in a number of countries around the globe. Alpine goats are hardy animals that can survive in a variety of climates and make good milking goats for both experienced and novice goat owners.

Things You'll Need

  • Fenced pasture
  • Shelter
  • Feed pan
  • Water trough
  • Hay
  • Dairy goat pellets
  • Goat milk replacer
  • Bottles
  • Milking stocks
  • Udder wash
  • Milk bucket
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place your goats in a fenced pasture with a small shed or barn for protection from the elements. Alpine goats enjoy grazing throughout the day, so choose a pasture with an abundance of natural vegetation.

    • 2

      Add a feed pan and water trough to the pen and fill the trough with clean water each morning. Alpine goats need an abundant supply of fresh water to produce milk, so keeping your herd well-hydrated is necessary for proper milk production.

    • 3

      Feed your goats twice a day. Toss a few flakes of clean grass hay around the pen and fill the feed pan with dairy goat pellets at each feeding. These pellets are made of chopped and compressed grains such as wheat and corn as well as extra fats and proteins, which help increase milk production.

    • 4

      Schedule your goat herd for routine examinations with your veterinarian. Alpine goats are generally healthy, but common ailments such as parasites can infest your herd. Your veterinarian will prescribe an appropriate wormer for your herd to control the spread of parasites.

    • 5

      Breed the does when they come into season during early autumn. Does will be receptive to mating for a period of approximately 30 days and will display their receptiveness by standing in front of a buck with their tails to the side. Allow the buck to remain with the does for three or four weeks to cover the entire herd. The gestation period of an Alpine goat is 150 days.

    • 6

      Observe your herd closely at the end of the gestation period and leave the newborn kids with the does for three days to allow them to receive antibodies from the colostrum in the doe's milk. Remove the kids from the herd and hand-feed them with goat milk replacer and a bottle. It is necessary to hand-rear the kids to prevent disruption in the doe's milk production.

    • 7

      Milk each doe twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Place the goat in a set of milking stocks and wash each of the teats with udder wash. Set a milking bucket directly under the udders. Place your hand at the top of the teat closest to you and close your hand, applying steady pressure as you pull downward on the teat. Repeat the process with the opposite teat and milk the goat until her udders soften and no more milk is produced. Each Alpine goat typically produces three to five quarts of milk each day.