Alpine Goat: Characteristics, Facts & Breed Information
The alpine goats (or French alpine goats) are medium to large size goats that we usually use to produce milk every day. Normally, these goats are capable of giving large amounts of milk. That’s why they are also considered by many goat farmers and goat keepers as one of the best milking goat breeds out there. Keep reading to learn more about them.
History
From the past, this breed of goats can be found in France, where they live in the mountainous area of the alps mountain. Alps mountain is one of the famous mountain ranges in Europe where the weather conditions are always cold. By selecting and developing them throughout the years, alpine goats size has now improved, their production has also improved, and their colors also improved where they have additional colors and color patterns that are unique to their most common colors just like the combination of brown, white, and black.
Way back in 1922, this goat breed was imported to the United States, where it was developed for breeding purposes. This initiative helped introduce another goat breed in the United States, where it was developed to become our own American alpine goat breed.
Origin
Alpine goats originated in the French Alps where they lived there from the past before they were brought or imported to the United States in order to make them better goats and to breed them.
Alpine Goat Characteristics
- Alpine goats are a medium to large sized goat breed.
- They have short to medium body hair.
- Wattles are common to them.
- They have different types of colors and color combinations.
- Their ears are erect and have a straight profile with a body that looks strong.
- The height of the adult bucks is 32 inches, while the adult does is 30 inches.
- The weight of the adult bucks is 170 pounds, while the adult does is 135 pounds.
- They have the ability to adapt to different types of weather conditions.
- They are good for producing milk.
- Their temperament is usually friendly, easygoing, and curious.
Facts
- They originated from the French Alps.
- They can be domesticated.
- They are one of the best milk producing goats out there.
- They can produce 2 gallons of milk per day.
- Their milk tastes good.
- Their milk has a relatively low fat content, with an average fat percentage of 3.4 percent, which makes a good choice for making milk or dairy products.
- They have a longer lactation period that can last up to 2 years.
- Milk yield per lactation is around 2,266 pounds of milk on average.
- Most alpine bucks always have beards.
- Alpine goats are well adapted to cold weather and mountainous climates.
- Their color patterns have names. Examples are: Cou Blanc (coo blanc), Cou Clair (coo clair), Cou Noir (coo nwah), Sundgau (sundgow), Pied, Chamoisee (shamwahzay), Two-tone Chamoisee and Broken Chamoisee.
- Their life expectancy is 15-18 years.
- Breeding season for alpine goats is in the month of July-January.
- The gestation period for female alpine goats is 145-155 days.
- They usually have twin kids, but singles and triplets are also common.
- Their habitat from the past is the mountain range of the French Alps, where the weather is always cold.
- They can also be used as pack goats because of their larger body.
- Their diet is usually hays, plants, grasses, leaves and grains.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- They are very friendly.
- They produce more milk than ordinary goats because of their larger size.
- They can adapt to different types of weather conditions.
- Mother alpine goats are always very protective of their offspring.
- Early Maturity.
- They have a longer life.
- Hardiness.
- They have a long lactation period.
- They can be used as pack animals.
Cons
- They are very energetic goats.
- They have the ability to escape fences.
- They need a large amount of food.
- If the mother alpine goats see you being aggressive to their offspring. They immediately protect them against you.
Uses
The alpine goat is a dairy goat, which means it usually used for their milk. But you can also use them for their meat if you want.
Breed Profile Information
| Breed Name | Alpine Goat |
| Other Name | French Alpine Goat |
| Breed Purpose | Milk Production |
| Uses | Meat and Milk |
| Size | Medium to Large |
| Height | Adult Bucks 32 inches, Adult Does 30 inches |
| Weight | Adult bucks 170 pounds, Adult Does 135 pounds |
| Horns | Yes |
| Climate Tolerance | All Climates, But They Prefer Cold Weather |
| Colors | Too Many |
| Life Expectancy | 15-18 years |
| Temperament | Friendly, Easygoing, and Curious |
| Good for Stall Fed | Yes |
| Milk Production Per Day | 2 gallons/day |
| Milk Fat Content | 3.4% |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | France |
Final Thoughts
Are you looking for dairy goats? Alpine goats are one of the best options to choose from because they also have very good milking ability. If you want to buy them, you can buy them at the price of $150-$500 for unregistered alpine goats and for registered alpine goats you can buy them at the price of $250-$500.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much is an alpine goat? Alpine goat cost around $150-$500 for unregistered ones and for registered ones it cost around $250-$500.
What is the purpose of alpine goats? Alpine goats’ purpose is for their milk. They are known to provide large amounts of it and keep the quality at its best.
What are alpine goats called? Alpine goats have many breeds to be called. They are called French alpine goats, British alpine goats, Rock alpines and American alpine goats.
How much milk does an alpine goat produce per day? Alpine goat can produce 2 gallons of milk per day.
How long does an alpine goat live? Alpine goat can live for 15-18 years.
