Nigerian Dwarf Goats for Sale
Nigerian Dwarf Goat Registration
Toggenburg
& Nigerian Dwarf Crosses for Sale
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Dwarf Bucks for Stud Service
General
Nigerian Dwarf Goat Information
General
Toggenburg Goat Information
Farm
and Health Books for Sale
A good book, Storey's
Guide to Dairy Goats, is available at our sister site, Health Treasures.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT TOGGENBURG GOATS
The Toggenburg Goat
Toggenburg goats are from the Toggenburg Valley of Switzerland at Obertoggenburg. They are the oldest known dairy goat breed with a herd book started in Switzerland in the 1600s. A popular breed, they have been exported throughout the world and arrived in the United States in 1893. Toggs, as they are nicknamed, perform best in cooler climates especially in mountainous areas.
Breed Characteristics
Toggenburg's
are medium size, sturdy, robust, vigorous, spirited, alert and friendly. Slightly
smaller than other Alpine breeds such as the Saanen, does weigh at least 120 pounds
and bucks weigh at least 160 pounds. Does are 26 inches at the withers and bucks
are 28 inches. The fur of the Toggenburg is silky. It can be any length with the
males usually having longer fur than the females. They have a shaggier coat than
most other dairy goats. The ears are erect and carried forward. Facial lines may
be dished or straight, never roman. They may be horned or polled. They are well
proportioned with strong backline straight to the hips.
Breed Coloring
The Toggenburg's color is typically Swiss with solid varying from light fawn to dark chocolate with no preference for any shade. They have distinct white markings: white ears with a dark spot in middle; two white stripes down the face from above each eye to the muzzle; hind legs white from hocks to hooves; forelegs white from knees downward with a dark line below the knee acceptable; a white triangle on either side of the tail. Accepted coloring varies slightly in different countries.
Breeding and Milk
Toggenburg goats breed in the fall. The gestation period is 145 to 153 days (about 5 months). Togs have few problems when giving birth. Does can be bred at 7-8 months of age if they have reached a mature size. Some breeders wait until they are 1 year or older. Usually only one kid is born for a first time mother. But after that does usually have several kids at a time even four. Toggenburgs are excellent mothers.
Does have excellent udder development and good milk production with an average fat level of 3.5 percent and 2.8% protein. The average milk from a doe is 1968-2303 pounds a year which averages to 5.4-6.3 pounds a day if milked for 365 days. The average lactation period for a Toggenburg goat is 257 days. Toggenburg does yield more milk if they are allowed to free range.
Bucklings
can be fertile at as young as 7 weeks of age. Bucks are able to be used for service
as young as 3 months and are definitely ready by 7 or 8 months.
Caring for Goats
Goats should be housed in clean pens with no dampness, drafts and pests like flies or rodents. They need fencing to keep them in and to keep away predators. Their housing needs to have ventilation for good health. For only a few goats some owners use a large dog house or two. Housing should be clean with fresh hay or straw for bedding. Tree stumps, large rocks or cable spools are good toys for goats.
Hooves should be trimmed about every 4-8 weeks. A properly trimmed hoof should look like a kid goat's foot. Vaccinations for tetanus and types C&D centermost are the most common ones given. Check with your local vet. Worming is done several times a year. Your vet can suggest special supplements (selenium), other immunizations, type of wormer and worming schedule for your herd based on your area.
Most
goat owners feed a 12% - 18% protein goat feed or dairy ration. It must not contain
urea as this is toxic to goats. Give less grain if good pasture and browse are
available. Plenty of hay or pasture should always be provided. Fresh water in
clean containers should always be available.
Nationwide Average Cost
Average cost for breeding stock is between $200 and $500. Champion pedigrees, milk production recorded animals, and unusual coloring at higher prices. Pet quality stock costs less with wethers (neutered males) available for $50 to $100.