Saanen Goat – Origin, Characteristics, Price, Facts

The Saanen goat originated from Saanen Valley of Switzerland. They are the largest among all the dairy goat breeds. They are mainly raised for commercial milk production like jamunapari and alpine goat.

A female Saanen goat produces about 3.8 liters milk daily. Nowadays, Saanen goats are being raised throughout the world.

In United States this breed is one of the best and preferred dairy goat mainly for their consistency in producing large amounts of milk in accordance with their sturdiness, easy keepability and ability to tolerate environmental changes.

The main benefits of raising Saanen goat is that, their care and management is very easy (even a child can take care of them) and they produces milk highly.

Why Are Saanen Goats Very Popular?

Saanen goats are very popular for numerous reasons. They are great for milk production, and this is the main reason of their high popularity. Their milk is creamy and delicious.

Saanen goats are easy to take care of and they are friendly animals. They are also very popular for their white coats and gentle nature. They can adapt themselves well to different climatic conditions and environments.

Origin and History

As the name suggests, the Saanen goat comes from the Saanen Valley in Switzerland. People have been raising them for their milk since ancient times. And they are one of the oldest domesticated goat breeds in the world.

Farmers in the Saanen Valley, Switzerland carefully selected and bred these goats for their high milk production and also for their adaptability to mountainous terrain. The breed spread to other parts of Europe and eventually to other continents over time.

Today, the Saanen goats are found all over the world. And they are highly valued for their excellent milk production capability and friendly temperament.

saanen goat, saanen goats, goat, goats, milk goat breed, dairy goat breed

Characteristics

Mainly Saanen goats are of white colored. But sometimes biscuit colored goats can also be seen.There may have some black spots in the nose, ears and udder of this goat. The ears are straight to upwards.

Generally they have no horns, but some goats have horns. They have small sized legs and udder is of very big size. They have long sized neck. Their whole body is covered with small sized hair.

The produces milk highly among all the dairy goat breeds. They can adopt themselves with the weather of any region of the world. They love to stay under shade and can’t tolerate sunlight highly.

An adult male Saanen goat weights about 70-90 kg and an adult female goat weights about 60-70 kg. On an average a female goat produces about 3.8 liters milk daily. Their milk contain about 3.5% fat. And this milk is very suitable for preparing all types of dairy or milk products.

Housing Requirements

Arranging a good, secure and comfortable housing system is very important for raising Saanen goats. Because these love to stay in shady place and can’t tolerate heavy sunlight. A good house also protects them from all types of predators, adverse conditions and all types of diseases.

Ensure that their house is clean and well-ventilated to keep the goats healthy. Keep enough space inside the house for each goat so that they can move around comfortably. They also need a fenced area outside where they can graze on grass and play. Make the fence strong and secure enough to keep the goats safe from predators.

Dietary Requirements

As Saanen goats are highly milk productive so, they need some extra protein and energy with their regular feed. Along with fresh and good food always provide them fresh and clean water regularly. See what to feed goats. Remember, feeding these goats is very important for getting good production.

Reproduction/Breeding

Saanen goats are naturally very good breeders. They typically breed every year. And each time produce one or a pair of kids. Just keep good ratio of male and females in your farm, and your goats will do their job.

After successful mating, the does remain pregnant for 5 months. Take extra care of breeding bucks and pregnant does.

saanen goat, saanen goats, goat, goats, milk goat breed, dairy goat breed
Photo: Serendipity Dairy Goats

Monitor Their Health

Keeping these goats healthy is very important for their well-being and productivity. Perform regular veterinary check-ups are to detect and prevent diseases and illnesses. Provide them a clean and comfortable living environment.

Ensure proper nutrition (including a balanced diet and access to clean water) and always monitor for signs of illness (such as changes in behavior or appetite). Practice good hygiene for keeping your goats healthy (such as keeping their living area clean and trimming their hooves regularly).

Caring

It is very easy to raise Saanen goat. They don’t need any special and extra care. You can raise them with your other animal easily. Even a child can raise and take care of them easily. But taking some extra care and management will increase their health and production.

  • Always feed your goat fresh and good quality food which has proper nutrition value and enriched with all necessary feed ingredients.
  • Milking process of your goat should done twice a day.
  • Try to make a fence around your farm area and always keep the goats inside the farm.
  • Ensure sufficient supply of fresh air and light inside their house.
  • Clean the house and used equipment of goat regularly.
  • Always keep the house dry.
  • Keep the male goats separated from the female.
  • Take some extra care of the pregnant goats, breeding bucks and kids.
  • Provide them sufficient fresh and clean water.
  • If needed call a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Behavior/Temperament

Saanen goats are known for their friendly behavior and gentle temperament. They are usually calm in nature and are very easy to handle. They are great for beginners with limited experience in goat farming business. Saanen is such a goat breed which is generally peaceful and rarely aggressive.

Lifespan

Average lifespan of Saanen goats typically vary between 10 and 12 years, although some may live longer with proper care.

Uses

Main purpose of these goats is milk production. They are known for their high milk yield and are often kept on dairy farms for this reason. Their milk is creamy and nutritious, and is suitable for drinking or for making cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products.

Along with milk production, these goats can also be raised for their meat. Although raising these goats for meat is less common due to their smaller size (compared to meat-specific breeds).

Some people also prefer these goats for raising as pets, mainly for their friendly temperament and adaptability to various conditions.

saanen goat, saanen goats, goat, goats, milk goat breed, dairy goat breed

Popularity And Price

Saanen goats are very popular among the dairy goat farmers and breeders throughout the world. They are very popular mainly for their high milk production and gentle temperament. Their exact price can vary depending on numerous factors. Please visit some existing farms in your area to learn more about current pricing.

Pros and Cons of Saanen Goat

Like many other goat breeds, these goats also have some advantages and disadvantages. Here are some pros and cons of Saanen goats:

Pros:

  • High milk production
  • Also good for meat production
  • Gentle temperament
  • Adaptability to various conditions
  • Highly sociable
  • Good conformation

Cons:

  • Prone to health issues
  • High feed requirements
  • Potential for overbreeding
  • Vulnerability to predators
  • Limited meat production compared to meat goat breeds

Review full breed profile of the Saanen goat in the following table.

Breed NameSaanen
Other NameNone
Breed PurposeMilk
Breed SizeMedium to Large
BuckAbout 70-90 kg
DoeAbout 60-70 kg
HornsNo
Climate ToleranceAll Climates
Coat ColorWhite
Good for Stall FedYes
RarityCommon
Country/Place of OriginSwitzerland

Interesting Facts

Saanen goats are a popular dairy breed known for their high milk production and gentle temperament. Here are some interesting facts about Saanen goats:

  1. Saanen goats originated in the Saanen Valley of Switzerland. They were developed for their milk production.
  2. They are medium to large-sized goats with short, white hair and upright ears. They have a straight nose, a broad forehead, and a long, straight back. Both males and females have horns that are typically curved upward.
  3. These goats are known for their high milk production, producing an average of 3-4 liters of milk per day. Some Saanen goats can produce up to 5 liters of milk per day. Their milk has a high butterfat content and is ideal for making cheese and other dairy products.
  4. They are also known for their gentle and docile temperament, making them a popular choice for dairy farmers and homesteaders. They are easy to handle and generally get along well with other animals.
  5. They are adaptable to a wide range of climates and environments. They can thrive in hot and humid conditions as well as cold and dry climates.
  6. Average lifespan of Saanen goats typically vary between 10 and 12 years (although some may live longer with proper care).
  7. It is one of the most popular dairy breeds in the world.
  8. Milk of these goats is high in butterfat and protein. And the milk is ideal for making cheese and other dairy products. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D.
  9. These goats are excellent breeders and can breed year-round, with a gestation period of around 150 days. They typically give birth to 2-3 kids per litter.
  10. These goats require proper herd management to maintain their health and productivity.
  11. They are pretty popular in livestock shows and competitions.
  12. Milk of these goats is used to make a variety of cheeses, including cheddar, feta, and goat cheese.
  13. Their meat is also edible and can be used in a variety of dishes.
saanen goat, saanen goats, goat, goats, milk goat breed, dairy goat breed

Best Tips for Raising Saanen Goats

Raising Saanen goats can be a fulfilling and profitable venture for farmers and homesteaders. Saanen goats are known for their high milk production, docile temperament, and adaptability to different climates. However, raising Saanen goats requires proper care, nutrition, and management. Here are some tips for raising Saanen goats:

  1. Saanen is a dairy goat breed and it is known for it’s high milk production. When selecting Saanen goats, choose healthy and well-bred animals with good milk production records.
  2. Provide proper nutrition to your goats by offering them high-quality hay, grains, and minerals. Their food should be well-balanced and meet the nutritional requirements of lactating goats.
  3. Ensure your goats have access to clean and fresh water at all times. They should have access to water troughs or buckets and clean their watering pots regularly.
  4. Provide a clean, secure and dry shelter for your goats. Ensure the shelter is well-ventilated and free from drafts.
  5. Vaccinate your goats timely to protect them from common diseases and health problems. Consult with your veterinarian to determine which vaccines are necessary for your goats.
  6. Practice good hygiene by keeping your goats’ housing system clean and free from manure and urine. Regularly clean and disinfect the housing to prevent the spread of diseases.
  7. Maintain proper hoof care by trimming your goats’ hooves regularly. Hoof trimming should be done every six to eight weeks to prevent foot problems.
  8. Implement a parasite control program for your goats to prevent internal and external parasites. Consult with your veterinarian to determine which deworming and parasite control products are safe and effective for your goats.
  9. Practice proper breeding management by selecting healthy and well-bred bucks and does.
  10. Monitor your goats’ milk production regularly. This will help you detect any changes in milk quality or production and take appropriate measures to address them.
  11. Provide adequate exercise for your goats by allowing them to graze.
  12. Maintain a clean milking environment by keeping the milking area and equipment clean and disinfected. This will help to prevent milk contamination and improve milk quality.
  13. Seek veterinary care when necessary to address any health issues or concerns. Perform regular health check-ups and preventive care to keep your goats healthy and productive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

People ask many questions about Saanen goats. Here we are trying to list the most common questions about this dairy goat breed, and trying to answer them. Hope you will find your answer. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.

Is Saanen goat farming profitable?

Yes, raising Saanen goats is definitely a profitable business. But you have to ensure availability of enough green feeds and good marketing facilities.

How much milk does a Saanen goat produce?

Generally, a Saanen goat can produce up to 3 liters of milk daily. And between 700 and 900 liters of milk in a lactation period of 280-300 days.

Which goat is known as queen of milk?

Saanen goat is called the queen of milk. Generally, a Saanen doe can produce up to 3 liters of milk daily.

What are Saanen goats used for?

Saanen is a dairy goat breed and it is used mainly for milk production purpose. These goats are known for their hardiness, high milk production, and also for their calm and sweet nature.

How big is a Saanen goat?

The Saanen doe can reach around or up to 70 kg body weight, and a buck can reach around or up to 90 kg live body weight.

Which goat gives highest milk?

Saanen does gives highest milk.

Are Saanen goats loud?

No, Saanens are not loud. They are extremely quiet.

How old do Saanen goats live?

Average lifespan of a Saanen goat is around or up to 10 years, or even more.

Are Saanen goats good for meat?

The Saanen goats are very good and used for milk production. And they are often used for meat production in some areas.

Is Saanen a pure breed?

Yes, Saanen is a purebred goat breed.

Do Saanen goats have horns?

Yes, some of the Saanens have horns.

How many kids do Saanen goats have per kidding?

Generally, a Saanen doe produce one or two kids per kidding.

What do Saanen goats eat?

Saanens are just like many other domestic goat breeds and they eat everything what other goat breeds eat. But as it is a dairy goat breed, so try to provide them with enough green feeds.

Are Saanen goats small?

No, Saanens are considered as a medium to large goat.

What are the main characteristics of Saanen goats?

The Saanen is a typical dairy-type animal, it has a dished or straight facial line and a wedge-shaped body. Saanens are of medium height when compared with the other Alpine breeds in Australia. Does weigh at least 64 kg.

1 thought on “Saanen Goat – Origin, Characteristics, Price, Facts”

  1. i m interested to buy saanen goats. how can i buy it abroad and import to Pakistan. what will be the cast after reaching to Pakistan

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top