Saanen Goats

What Is The Saanen Goat Used For?

Of the different breeds, the Saanen dairy goat is the most widely distributed dairy goat in the world and is valued for its abundant milk production, hardiness, and calm, sweet nature. Pure white in color, Saanens are also one of the largest breeds of dairy goats. Due to their high milk production, they are often dubbed the “Holsteins” of the dairy goat world.

Typical Behavior & Temperament

Saanens are often described as being sweet, caring, and friendly. They have a calm nature and will get along with the rest of their herd. They will also get along with, and may even form a bond, with other farm animals and yard animals. They can also form bonds with human owners, too. Goats are pack animals: if they don’t have a pack of goats, they will adopt other animals and even humans as members of their group.

Advantages of Saanen Dairy Goats:

• They are among the top milk producers! Can give 4-5 Litres of milk per day
• Boast of high feed conversion Ration (FCR)
• They have a docile temperament hence easy to raise
• These girls are top achievers in cold climates such as winter!
• Hardy and resistant to many goat diseases and infections
• Have high reproductive efficiency! Most give birth to twins or triplets!
• They’re super-strong making them super-pack goats!
• Adapts well for either open-grazing or stall-feeding

Saanen Goat Shelter Needs

Goats are used to roughing it – they are hardy animals – but if you want to have a happy goat then you need to give them someplace to rest, especially Saanen goats with their fair skin. They need a dry, warm place to sleep with room to exercise. If you live in a warm climate, you need to make sure that they have a lot of shade.

Their skin is sensitive to the sunlight and it would not be a good idea to let them roam about without somewhere to shelter from the sun.

If you want to become a licensed dairy, there are very specific requirements that you will have to adhere to. If you just want to produce milk for personal use, then a simple shelter will be enough. Experienced breeders recommend at least 15 square feet of space per goat in the shelter. You will also need to fence them in if you do not want them to roam around your property.

Make sure that you provide the goats with plenty of clean bedding. Goats prefer hygienic conditions, so you will have to clean the shelter daily. Make sure that it is not too drafty for them and that there are no leaks that could cause them to become wet. They also need to feel safe and secure for optimal milking conditions, so do not build the shelter near a busy or noisy area.

Breeding the Saanen Goat

Saanen does reach sexual maturity at about 6 months of age, however, they should not be bred until they reach at least 9 months. While Saanens may be able to breed year-round, they tend to be more apt to breed in the fall.

If your doe is bred, you can expect to have kids in about 150 days. If you are using your Saanen for milk, any babies will need to be bottle-fed and removed from the doe.

What Is The Saanen Used For?

Of the different breeds, the Saanen dairy goat is the most widely distributed dairy goat in the world and is valued for its abundant milk production, hardiness, and calm, sweet nature. Pure white in color, Saanens are also one of the largest breeds of dairy goats. Due to their high milk production, they are often dubbed the “Holsteins” of the dairy goat world.

Typical Behavior & Temperament

Saanens are often described as being sweet, caring, and friendly. They have a calm nature and will get along with the rest of their herd. They will also get along with, and may even form a bond, with other farm animals and yard animals. They can also form bonds with human owners, too. Goats are pack animals: if they don’t have a pack of goats, they will adopt other animals and even humans as members of their group.

Advantages of Saanen Dairy Goat:

• They are among the top milk producers! Can give 4-5 Litres of milk per day
• Boast of high feed conversion Ration (FCR)
• They have a docile temperament hence easy to raise
• These girls are top achievers in cold climates such as winter!
• Hardy and resistant to many goat diseases and infections
• Have high reproductive efficiency! Most give birth to twins or triplets!
• They’re super-strong making them super-pack goats!
• Adapts well for either open-grazing or stall-feeding

Saanen Goat Shelter Needs

Goats are used to roughing it – they are hardy animals – but if you want to have a happy goat then you need to give them someplace to rest, especially Saanen goats with their fair skin. They need a dry, warm place to sleep with room to exercise. If you live in a warm climate, you need to make sure that they have a lot of shade.

Their skin is sensitive to the sunlight and it would not be a good idea to let them roam about without somewhere to shelter from the sun.

If you want to become a licensed dairy, there are very specific requirements that you will have to adhere to. If you just want to produce milk for personal use, then a simple shelter will be enough. Experienced breeders recommend at least 15 square feet of space per goat in the shelter. You will also need to fence them in if you do not want them to roam around your property.

Make sure that you provide the goats with plenty of clean bedding. Goats prefer hygienic conditions, so you will have to clean the shelter daily. Make sure that it is not too drafty for them and that there are no leaks that could cause them to become wet. They also need to feel safe and secure for optimal milking conditions, so do not build the shelter near a busy or noisy area.

Breeding the Saanen Goat

Saanen does reach sexual maturity at about 6 months of age, however, they should not be bred until they reach at least 9 months. While Saanens may be able to breed year-round, they tend to be more apt to breed in the fall.

If your doe is bred, you can expect to have kids in about 150 days. If you are using your Saanen for milk, any babies will need to be bottle-fed and removed from the doe.