About Us
The Southern Vermont Dairy Goat Association is an educational organization dedicated to the promotion of the dairy goat. Since our beginning in 1945, our educational seminars, annual goat show and club newsletter have provided excellent learning opportunities for anyone interested in dairy goats.
Meetings and events are held April through November at our club home in Marlboro, Vermont on Route 9 about 14 miles west of Brattleboro. Membership in our association is open to everyone. Consider joining today!
FAQs About Dairy Goats
Q: What are the different breeds of dairy goats?
A:There are eight officially recognized breeds – Alpine, LaMancha, Nigerian Dwarf, Nubian, Oberhasli, Toggenburg, Saanen and Sable. African Pygmy goats are not considered a dairy goat.
Q: What do all the different goat terms mean?
A: A female goat is called a doe; a male goat is a buck; the young are called kids; and a castrated male is a wether.
Q: How long does a goat live?
A: The life span of a goat is usually eight to twelve years.
Q: What do goats eat?
A: Goats are browsers and prefer trees, shrub and brush over pasture plants. They are generally fed a good quality hay and a commercially prepared grain ration.
Q: Can I own just one goat?
A: Goats are herd animals and do not like to be alone. You will want to have at least two to keep each other company.
Q: What kind of housing do I need?
A:Goats do not require elaborate housing. At the least, they need a three-sided shelter that is dry, well-ventilated, and draft free.
Q: Do I need a lot of land to keep a goat?
A: No. Goats do not require a large pasture and can be raised in a relatively small area. A fenced yard adjacent to their shelter is adequate.
Q: How does goat milk differ from cow milk?
A: Goat milk is whiter than cow milk and has smaller fat particles which makes it easier to digest for humans. It should not taste any different than cow milk if it is properly handled and stored.
Q: How much milk does a goat produce?
A: Milk production varies but a good doe in her prime should produce at least a gallon a day at the height of her lactation curve.
Q: Are goats friendly and safe around children?
A: Goats that are bottle fed from birth are extremely tame and will crave human interaction. A goat that is properly treated can make a wonderful pet.
Q: How can I learn more about dairy goats?
A: Join the SVDGA and attend one of our educational days which teach new goat owners how to care for this wonderful animal!
If you have more questions or problems about dairy goats, you may contact Eva Grochocki at: www.evasgoats@yahoo.com or phone her at (603) 786-9205.
