Description and characteristics of the productivity of alpine goats
Alpine goats are famous for their endurance and unpretentiousness to harsh climatic conditions. That is why this breed is suitable for both a novice farmer and a professional. Consider what other advantages and disadvantages this breed has.
Origin
The Alpine goat, as its name implies, is a rock (this explains its rapid adaptation to cold weather and severe weather conditions). They were first bred in Switzerland, and then they quickly spread to France, Italy and America. Now Alpine goats are one of the most popular breeds, which are actively bred all over the world. They are also common on the territory of Russia, Belarus, Ukraine. But France is still in the lead. There, the Alpine breed of goats occupies 98%, therefore, only 2% is accounted for by other breeds.
Description
It is difficult to give a clear description of the color of the Alpine goats, as it is quite varied. They can be either pure white, brown or black, or two-colored, and sometimes even three-colored. Their coat is short and sleek, and is more of a decoration than a product to benefit from in the future. Therefore, these goats are completely unsuitable for those farmers who pay attention to wool production.
This breed has thin but strong legs with sensitive hooves. Their muzzles are long, flat, ears are erect, horns are strong and flat. Females are not fundamentally different from males. The Alpine goat is usually taller than the female: its average height reaches 85–90 cm. For the female, the optimal height is 70–80 cm. Weight varies from 60 to 80 kg.
As for character, these goats are very unpretentious and calm animals. Due to their mountainous origin, they are easily acclimatized in any conditions. They are not afraid of frosts, they rarely have problems. They are not as dependent on human help as other breeds.
Productivity characteristics
The main advantage of this breed is their high productivity. The female produces approximately 1500 liters of milk each year. Cases were recorded when annual productivity exceeded this norm. The fat content of milk is 3.5 - 5.5%. It should be noted that the milk is of high quality. Often, parents cannot get their children to drink healthy goat's milk because they are repelled by an unpleasant smell. In this case, there is simply no such problem: the milk of alpine goats does not have an unpleasant specific smell.
The female rarely gives birth to less than two kids, even in her first goat. On average, there are up to 5 kids in a litter.
Advantages and disadvantages
The Alpine breed is not just one of the most sought-after breeds around the world. To be sure of this statement, it is worth considering in more detail its merits:
- endurance;
- adaptability to various climatic conditions;
- easy tolerance to frost;
- calm, unpretentious character;
- high milk production;
- milk is of good quality, as well as the absence of a specific smell;
- less dependent on humans than other breeds.
However, this series of advantages does not mean that the Alpine goat is easy to handle. She, too, needs the attention and care that the owner must provide. Therefore, consider some of the disadvantages of the breed:
- it is difficult and rather expensive to find a purebred individual, they are sold only in special nurseries;
- very sensitive to water quality. "Alpijka" will not touch dirty water, even if it is tormented by thirst.
Alpine goats do not need special conditions of keeping. One individual should be allocated 3-4 square meters. The only requirement is that the room is light and dry, then they will feel comfortable. Goats do not like to lie on the floor, so it is worth building special loungers.
As for the diet, in winter, goats need to be fed with hay, and in the warm season - with green food. Add chalk, mineral supplements, table salt, root vegetables and vegetables to your diet regularly. Change the water daily, this breed is especially sensitive to the state of drinking water.
Breeding
"Alpies" are very practical animals, even for beginners, because they rarely have problems with further breeding. In its first goat, a goat usually gives birth to two kids, and in subsequent ones, their number can reach five. Rarely there are problems with childbirth: females can cope with this process without the presence of a person. The mortality rate of kids of this breed is very low. Help is not needed in further feeding and raising the brood, the female copes without the intervention of the farmer.
The Alpine goat can be crossed with other breeds. "Interbreeding" almost always brings impressive results: kids are born more hardy than their parents, and are also distinguished by high productivity and interesting color.
Alpine goats are one of the most popular breeds for a reason. Due to their calm disposition and high degree of endurance, they are not highly dependent on human activities. But to get a really good percentage of productivity, you need to closely monitor compliance with all the norms of their life. If you provide them with everything you need, they will delight the owners with pleasant results.