The Alpine goat is a goat breed native to the Alps and one of the world’s most famous goat breeds. It is medium in size and characterized by a suede coat. In addition, this breed is known for being an excellent milk carrier that establishes itself well for breeding. Artificial insemination plays a decisive role in this type of goat. This is the first French goat breed in number, with 140,000 goats in the milk register.
Alpine Goat Physical Features
The Alpine goat is a medium to large breed of domestic goat known for its excellent milking ability. They do not have fixed colors or markings (although some brands are discriminatory). They have horns, a straight profile, and erect ears.
This breed originated in the French Alps. Mature specimens weigh around 61 kilograms (about 135 pounds) and are around 76 centimeters (30 inches) tall at the shoulder. Alpine goats can be white or gray, brown or black. Alpine goats are heavy milkers. Milk can be turned into butter, cheese, soap, ice cream, or any other dairy product normally made from cow’s milk. They are often used for commercial dairy production, as well as for the production of farm dairy goats.
Origin of Alpine Goat
André Sanson cites the so-called “Alpine chamois” goat as a variety of what he called the “European goat breed,” a name adopted by Diffloth in 1911. According to Samson, the cradle of this European breed is the Alpine massif, where the species has valued its ability to use steep pastures inaccessible to sheep. Diffloth, in 1911, cites Switzerland as a country where goat farming is “practiced with care” and where it is the subject of a “selection directed at conformation and dairy aptitudes.”
Switzerland seems to be, therefore, a breeding ground for different varieties: the Blanche de Gessenay or Saanen and the Chamoisée des Alpes, mainly, whose dairy skills are the most developed, as well as the Toggenburg Goat, to which the Goat is added. Black-necked Valais, described by Diffloth as a “high mountain goat, notable for its robustness”.
Starting in 1910 and 1920, the dairy qualities of the Alpine goat were observed by farmers throughout France, who began to integrate them into their herds. The breed was made official in 1930 with the creation of its herd book under the breed name Alpine chamois. Its expansion accelerated after the Second World War and gradually conquered the central-western part of France, with selection efforts that allowed it to increase its production level regularly. With 55% of the goat population, it is France’s most widespread goat breed.
Characteristics
The coat of this kind of goat exists under different color patterns: the suede coat is the most common because it is particularly fixed in the herds of the selection base; it is relatively homogeneous, fawn with black tips and dorsal lines. But within the population, the coat patterns can be very varied, pure white or mealy, with more or less extensive variegation and pigmentation in brown, fawn, gray, black, or red.
The size is medium. The female weighs between 50 and 80 kilograms, and the male between 80 and 100 kilograms. Its proportions resemble a dairy animal: skinny, with dry limbs, a high chest, and a wide and slightly sloping pelvis. The udders are voluminous and well attached. The teats are suitable for both manual and mechanical milking. They are facing forward and are substantially parallel.
Abilities
The alpine goat has excellent dairy skills. It produces an average of 780 liters of milk per lactation, but the best ones usually exceed 1000 liters per lactation. It also has good levels, with a protein level of 32.4 g / kg and a butter level of 37.3 g / kg. It withstands the temperature differences of mountain pastures, and its rigid hulls allow it to adapt to the concrete floors of intensive livestock farming and the pebbles of mountain paths.
Alpine Goat Farming
The Alpine Goat has established itself in intensive goat milk production systems. It spends most of its time feeding a ration in which concentrated foods play an important role. It adapts very well to this type of driving and improves this portion with very high milk production. In its region of origin, however, it continues to be farmed more extensively, valuing pasture lands in summer pastures for its meat.
Milk Production
Known for its milk, the Alpine goat is famous for its rich dairy products. It is very popular in the dairy industry for its docile temperament, high-quality milk production, and long lactation. Alpine milk has a relatively low-fat content, with an average fat percentage of 3.4%. It is higher in sugar than cow’s milk, but it balances itself in the amount of protein.
Alpine goat’s milk has 2.3 grams of protein per 250 ml, while cow’s milk has 3.4. A higher protein count is not always good, as it contains more calories with higher fat content. Compared to Saanen goat milk, it is higher in all nutritional aspects except fat content, making it a much healthier option.
Alpine goats and Saanen and Toggenburg goats are among the main milk producers. They are distinguished from the other two by their low-fat content value, which could be a direct correlation between the weight of the animal and its usual environment. However, the weight of the Nubian goat is similar to that of the Alpine goat at maturity, but it produces less milk, which contains a higher proportion of fat, than that of the Alpine goat.
The periods of greatest milk production occur after four to six weeks of delivery. The optimal weight at which a goat produces optimal milk production is at least 130 pounds. For the alpine goat, that number is greater than 135 pounds, producing 2,134 pounds of milk per lactation. Good nutrition, proper milking procedures, reproductive management, and disease control are also factors that contribute to the milk production of the Alpine goat.
Four requirements must be efficient for optimal dairy production. Dairy goats must be housed in specific conditions so that their milk production is not alarmed by changes. Changes in external factors can cause a decrease in milk production due to pressure on the goat to adapt to these changes. The four factors for optimal production are adequate ventilation, dry beds, uncontaminated feeder and water supply, minimal labor, and disturbance.
Like all goat milk, goat milk should be filtered and refrigerated immediately after removal from the lactating herd when intended for human consumption. The temperature at which the milk will stay best is 4.4 ° C. The milk needs to be cooled immediately so that no overgrowth of bacteria occurs. The hot bacteria grow faster and multiply so that the milk spoils. Refrigerated milk has a shelf life of approximately three to four weeks. Freezing milk increases its shelf life by about four to five weeks.
Diffusion of Breed
The Alpine breed has been successful thanks to its high production and widespread throughout France. Thus, there are significant numbers of ibex in the Loire Valley and its tributaries, in the Saone and Rhône rivers, and Poitou-Charentes. A large herd is still present in Savoie, the cradle of the breed. It is the first French breed in number, and 55% of the females registered in the milk register are alpine.
Selection in France
Caprigene France manages the breed selection system with the Saanen breed, another prevalent breed in the country. This joint breeding program brings together 1,000 farmers and 140,000 goats registered for milk registration. Its objective is to continue improving milk production, both in volume and quality, through the levels and content of alpha casein s1, which plays a fundamental role in transforming milk into cheese and, therefore, influences its performance.
Ease of milking and flow rate are also sought after. Selection is also intended to maintain the reproductive qualities of these breeds, namely their fertility, prolificacy, hardiness, and early maturity. The morphology of the animals is also taken into account.
Based on the performance recorded in the animals and their parents, the indices are calculated by INRA according to the BLUP method. These indices will allow breeders to choose their breeding animals in the best possible way. To achieve a higher level of precision for goats to be used on a large scale, the performance of their young is also recorded. Thus, every year, 100 specimens, chosen according to their parents’ performance, are subjected to the test on the offspring.
This means that their semen is collected, and artificial inseminations are performed to obtain 30 to 50 females per goat. Goats are indexed to the controlled performance of their daughters. The best of these, generally about forty, are approved and can be used on a large scale by artificial insemination. All this is thanks to the collaboration of the cooperative of artificial insemination specialized in goats. Artificial insemination is also widely used in goats, with 60,000 inseminations per year, 40% of the goats in the selection scheme.
FAQ About Alpine Goat
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Alpine goats:
What is an Alpine goat?
Alpine goats are a breed of domestic dairy goats known for their excellent milk production. They are originally from the French Alps and are now raised in many parts of the world.
What is the appearance of Alpine goats?
Alpine goats are typically medium to large and have a straight or dished face. They come in various color patterns, including solid black, pure white, and black, white, and gray combinations.
What is the average size of an Alpine goat?
Adult Alpine goats usually weigh between 135 to 155 pounds (61 to 70 kilograms) and stand about 30 to 32 inches (76 to 81 centimeters) at the withers.
What is the milk production capacity of Alpine goats?
Alpine goats are renowned for their milk production. They can produce between 2,000 and 3,000 pounds (907 to 1,361 kilograms) of milk per year. The milk they produce is of good quality and is often used to make cheese and other dairy products.
Are Alpine goats suitable for small-scale dairy farming?
Yes, Alpine goats are well-suited for small-scale dairy farming because of their reliable milk production. They are relatively easy to manage and have a friendly disposition, making them a popular choice for dairy enthusiasts.
What is the temperament of Alpine goats?
Alpine goats are known for their friendly and outgoing temperament. They are generally docile and easy to handle, making them a good choice for beginners or families.
What do Alpine goats eat?
Like other dairy goats, Alpine goats primarily feed on hay, grass, and browse diet. They may also benefit from supplemental grains and minerals to meet their nutritional needs.
What is the average lifespan of an Alpine goat?
The average lifespan of an Alpine goat is around 8 to 12 years, though some may live longer with proper care.
Are Alpine goats susceptible to common goat diseases?
Like all goats, Alpine goats can be susceptible to various diseases, including internal parasites, respiratory infections, and foot problems. Regular health checks and vaccinations can help prevent common goat diseases.
Can Alpine goats be used for meat production?
While Alpine goats are primarily known for their milk production, their meat is also considered good quality. However, they are not as commonly raised for meat as other goat breeds specifically bred for meat production.
How often do Alpine goats need to be milked?
Alpine goats must be milked twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart. Milking schedules may vary depending on the farmer’s specific needs and preferences.
Are Alpine goats suitable for cold climates?
Alpine goats are well-suited for cold climates due to their hardy nature and thick coats, which provide insulation against harsh weather conditions.
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