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Saanen
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The Saanen dairy goat originated in Switzerland, in the Saanen Valley. Saanen does are heavy milk producers and usually yield 3-4 percent milk fat. It is medium to large in size, weighing approximately 65kg with rugged bone and plenty of vigor. Saanens are white or light cream in color. Ears should be erect and alertly carried, preferably pointing forward. The face should be straight or dished. The breed is sensitive to excessive sunlight and performs best in cooler conditions. The provision of shade is essential and tan skin is preferable.
Toggenburg
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The Toggenburg is a Swiss dairy goat from Toggenburg Valley of Switzerland. They are also credited as being the oldest known dairy goat breed. This breed is medium size, sturdy, vigorous, and alert in appearance. Slightly smaller than the other Alpine breeds. Does weight is 55kg. Colour is solid varying from light fawn to dark chocolate with no preference for any shade. Distinct white markings and varying degrees of cream markings are acceptable. The ears are erect and carried forward. Facial lines may be dished or straight, never roman. Toggenburgs perform best in cooler conditions. They are noted for their excellent udder development and high milk production, and have an average fat test of 3.7 percent.
Alpine
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Alpine is a breed of goat that originated in the Alps. There are varieties of Alpine namely French Alpine and British Alpine. No distinct colour has been established, and it may range from pure white through shades of fawn, grey, brown, black, red, bluff, piebald, or various shadings or combinations of these colours. Both sexes are generally short haired, but bucks usually have a roach of long hair along the spine. The beard of males is also quite pronounced. The ears in the Alpine should be of medium size, fine textured, and preferably erect. Mature females weigh not less than 60 kg. Males weigh not less than 75 kg. Alpine females are excellent milkers and usually have large, well-shaped udders with well-placed teats of desirable shape. These are hardy, adaptable animals that thrive in any climate while maintaining good health and excellent production.
Angora
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The Angora goat originated in the district of Angora in Asia Minor. Angora stock was distributed to different countries. The most valuable characteristic of the Angora as compared to other goats is the value of the mohair that is clipped. The average goat shears approximately 2.4 kg of mohair per shearing and are usually sheared twice a year. They produce a fiber with a staple length of between 12 and 15cm. The mohair is very similar to wool in chemical composition but differs from wool in that it is has a much smoother surface and very thin, smooth scale. Consequently, mohair lacks the felting properties of wool. Mohair is very similar to coarse wool in the size of fiber. It is a strong fiber that is elastic, has considerable luster, and takes dye very well. Mohair has been considered very valuable as an upholstering material for the making of covering materials where strength, beauty, and durability are desired. The market valuation of mohair fluctuates more than does that of wool, but, in general, satisfactory prices are obtained for the clip. During depressed times, the market has favored fine hair and because fine hair is normally shorn from young goats, selection for fertility has also become increasingly important. Both sexes are horned. The bucks usually have a pronounced spiral horns, whereas, the horn of the female is comparatively short, much smaller, and has only a very slight tendency to spiral. The Angora goat is a small animal as compared to sheep, common goats, or milk goats. Mature bucks weigh from 80 to 100 kg but do not reach their maximum weight until after five years of age. Does weight ranges from 30 to 50 kg. The Angora goat is not as prolific as other goats and twins are not the usual birth.
Boer
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The Boer is an improved indigenous South African breed with some infusion of European, Angora and Indian goat breeding many years ago. The Boer goat is primarily a meat goat. It is a horned breed with lop ears and showing a variety of color patterns. The Boer goat is being used very effectively in South Africa in combination with cattle due to its browsing ability and limited impact on the grass cover. The mature Boer male weighs between 110-135 kg and Boer females between 90 and 100 kg. Performance records for this breed indicate exceptional individuals are capable of average daily gains over 200 g/day in feedlot. More standard performance would be 150-170 g/day. A kidding rate of 200% is common for this breed. Puberty is reached early, ususally about 6 months for the males and 10-12 months for the females.
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