The Appenzell goat is a dairy goat breed mainly raised for milk production. The breed originates from the Appenzell region of Switzerland. It was named after it’s origin place.
The Appenzell goat is also known by some other names such as French: Chèvre d’Appenzell, German: Appenzellerziege. It is a pretty old breed of goat and documentation of the breed goes back more than 100 years.
A goat-breeder’s association was formed in Innerrhoden in February 1902 named the Ziegenzuchtgenossenschaft Appenzell. Another association was formed in Ausserrhoden in 1914 named the Ziegenzuchtgenossenschaft Urnäsch.
The Schweizerischer Ziegenzuchtverband, the Swiss federation of cantonal goat breeders’ associations, runs a conservation and recovery project for the Appenzell goat which includes financial support for breeders and a controlled breeding programme.
Conservation status of this goat breed was listed as “endangered-maintained” by the FAO in 2007. This goat breed represented about 4.2 percent of the total registered Swiss goat population of about 70,000 animal in 2005.
Appenzell goat is a rare breed today. However, review more information about the Appenzell goat breed below.
Appenzell Goat Characteristics
Appenzell goats are medium sized animal. It is pure white in color with mid-length hair, and has a powerful, harmoniously built body.
These goats have similarities with the Saanen goat, but their body is somewhat broader than that of Saanen goat and therefore somewhat smaller.
Bucks and does are usually hornless. Average height of the bucks is about 80 cm, and about 75 cm for the does.
Average body weight of the bucks is about 65 kg, and the does weight about 45 kg. Info from ansi.okstate.edu & photo from Wikipedia.
Uses
It is a dairy goat breed. And it is mainly raised for milk production.
Special Considerations
The Appenzell goats are very hardy and strong animal. The does are excellent milk producers. The does on average produce about 700-800 kg of milk per lactation. Their lactation period is about 270 days.
Milk of these goats contain about 2.9 percent fat content, and about 2.7 percent protein. Review full breed profile of this breed in the following table.
| Breed Name | Appenzell |
| Other Name | French: Chèvre d’Appenzell German: Appenzellerziege |
| Breed Purpose | Milk |
| Breed Size | Medium |
| Buck | About 65 kg |
| Doe | About 45 kg |
| Horns | No |
| Climate Tolerance | All Climates |
| Coat Color | White |
| Good for Stall Fed | Not Sure |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Country/Place of Origin | Switzerland |
