Goats eat grass, hay, grain, oats, corn, and alfalfa. Although many cartoons depict goats eating tin cans, they in fact do not. Goats are curious animals and will sniff and nibble new things, especially shirt tails, rubber boots and hats. They will, however, eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, carrots and grapes. A benefit to having goats is that they also eat weeds and other vegetation that cows and horses ignore. Goats will eat thistle and poison ivy. Drinking milk from a goat that has consistently eaten poison ivy is thought to build up immunity against the ill effects of poison ivy.
Typically, a doe lives 11-12 years, a buck lives 8-10 years and wethers can live up to 16 years.
After breeding, a doe or nanny will give birth in five months or approximately 150 days. Typically, goats produce twins, but singles and triplets are not uncommon.
Farmers use goats primarily for milk, cheese and meat. Dairy goats provide milk that is used for human consumption. More people in the world drink goat's milk than cow's milk. Goat's milk is similar in nutritional value to cow's milk, but it has smaller fat globules and therefore is easier for some people to digest. It also does not require homogenization. Additionally, goat's milk is lower in cholesterol and higher in calcium, iron, phosphorus and vitamins A and B than cow's milk.
Goat's milk can be used in a number of ways. Not only is it good to drink, the milk can be used for cooking and baking. Butter can be made after separating the cream. Many types of cheeses can be made from goat's milk. A soft goat cheese, called chevre, can be substituted in any recipe calling for cream cheese.Mozzarella and ricotta cheese can also be made with goat's milk, as well as yogurt and ice cream. Additionally, goat's milk is used to make creamy and natural soap.
Did you know? Nearly 63% of red meat consumed world-wide is goat meat? Chevon orcabrito is a low fat, good tasting alternative to chicken or fish. Additionally, the texture of goat meat differs from other meats and is more easily digested. The taste is a mild veal-like flavor.
Red Barn Farm is home to three different breeds of goats: Nubian, La Mancha and Alpine. These breeds are dairy breeds. Nubian goats, those with long, floppy ears, are a larger breed of goat and can produce an average of 3 quarts (6 pounds) of milk each day, but some have been known to give up to 1 1⁄2 gallons. La Mancha goats are unique in that they have very tiny ears. They are calm and are more gentle than other breeds of goats. They have a straight nose and are a small breed. Alpine goats are a medium-large breed and have erect ears. They can be any color except solid white and light brown with white markings. Like Nubian goats, Alpine goats are a popular dairy breed because they can produce a significant amount of milk.
