Are Alpine goats friendly?

Yes, most of the Alpine goats friendly. The goats are docile and mild-tempered, as usual, highly curious. Although sometimes independent and strong-willed. 

Alpine goats originated in France. Known for their long lactation and producing large quantities of high-quality milk. Alpine goats can be seen in various color patterns. Often called them by French names.

Alpine goats are large animals, generally weighs around 130 to 160 pounds. The mature Alpine buck weighs around 160 pounds and height of 32 inches at withers. The mature Alpine doe weighs around 135 pounds and height of 30 inches at withers.

How much is an Alpine goat?

The Alpine goat is famous for its high-quality milk, long lactation, and docile temperament. Alpine goat milk has a low-fat percent of 3.4% and a protein of 2.3 g per 250 ml. A much healthier choice based on their nutrient content and fat proportion.

The friendly nature of Alpine goats and high milk production makes you want them on your farm. Goats are like any other livestock, once you get them, you need to raise and breed them. The Alpine Does from a good breeder costs you between $150 to $350. A purebred Alpine does cost you at the higher end. But still, these goats are worth their money.

Once you get your Alpine goats to the farm, you can’t mix the new batch with old ones. Quarantine the new batch for a few weeks, just to check they do not carry any diseases from the breeder.

Also managing the feed for the new batch of goats is crucial. The Alpine goats are not of high maintenance, but they require a simple goat shed and a proper feed. Goats love grazing, giving access to the live pasture is a better option. Also feeding them with alfalfa and some natural goat supplements.

How long do Alpine goats live?

Alpine goats live 8 to 12 years. A well maintained Alpine goat under closed enclosures can live up to 12 years. Usually, the goat’s productivity reduces as they get old. As Alpine goats are milk goats, the milk production will reduce by age.

The Alpine goat’s peak milk production is after four to six weeks of kidding. The Alpine produces around 2000 pounds of milk per lactation. The weight of the goat also contributes to the amount of milk production. The 130 pounds of goat produces less milk when compared to 135 pounds of Alpine goat.

The longevity of Alpine goats depends on two factors:

• The Housing condition: A well-ventilated goat house. FAr away from the noisy areas.
• Feed and water

Read more on How to Build a Goat house?

How many babies do Alpine goats have?

Alpine goats give birth to twins in every pregnancy. Some times 3 kids can be expected.

What is the name of an Alpine goat?

The Alpine goats are dated to 12000 to 15000 years back. The goats are descended from the Persian goats from the middle east. The Persian goats are called as “Pashang” goats. The present-day Alpine goats are from the descendent of Pashang goat is Bezoar goat.

The Bezoar goat or Alpine goat are found in the Alps mountains of Europe. The goats survived and adapted to the steep mountain slopes. Most of the Voyager’s basic source in food was Alpine goat. They were a source of meat and milk. The Alpine goat moved around the world with the Voyagers.

The Alpine started to adjust and settle in different parts of the world and now being called by different names. The French Alpine, Rock Alpines, Swiss Alpines, and American Alpines.

Do Alpine goats have horns?

Alpine goats have semi-curved horns. As the Alpine are docile and friendly, nothing to worry about their horns. The aggressiveness in Alpine is not seen. Though some precautions need to be taken when the kids are near bucks.

Are Alpine goats good for meat?

Alpines are dairy breeds. They are suitable for milk production. But when they are crossed with Boer goats they produce good meat breeds.

What do you feed Alpine goats?

Alpine goats are dairy goats, so the feed should be suitable for their milk production, their growth, and kid production also. Some of the feeding tips for Alpine goats are

• Enough protein, vitamins, and minerals are to be given in the feed for maintaining the health of the goat.
• The kids should be given good energy for the growth and mature goats require enough feed to maintain their body weight.
• Does do require extra feed during pregnancy and lactation periods.
• Digestible fiber is required for the dairy goats in their diet. Avoid too much grain, not healthy for their digestion.
• A good amount of hay, and feed separately the mineral salt.

Feeding the Alpine goat kids

Kids are naturally susceptible to diseases. But if it drinks the colostrum within 15 min of their birth, it will improve their immune system. The first milk from the mother is crucial for kids survival.

The colostrum offers protection against the disease-producing organisms enter the mouth and digestive tract. If the mother is not feeding the kid. Wash the udder of the Doe with warm water. Hand milk half a cup of colostrum and feed the kid within 15 minutes of birth. Store the colostrum for later feedings in the refrigerator.

Milk feeding schedule for the kids

Age	Amount of milk	Times to feed per day
1 to 3 days	4 ounces (1/2 cup)	4 or 5
4 to 14 days	8 to 12 ounces	3 or 4
2 weeks to 3 months	16 ounces	2 or 3
3 to 4 months	16 ounces	2