We Get Questions. . .
Hello,
I am interested in dairy goats. Right now I only have chickens (plus the 3 cats and a dog). I am trying to decide between Nubians and La Manchas. The only goat I have ever milked is a La Mancha and I really enjoyed her. I guess I am just wondering if you have any information to help me get started and if you have goats for sale or know anyone who does.
Thank you,
Virginia
Hi Virginia,
I’ve had all 6 breeds of dairy goats and showed them all. My goat dairy in California consisted mainly of La Manchas for several reasons. Most importantly, they are calmer and quieter than any other breed. Of course there are exceptions but I ran about 60 milkers and they were predominant. All the swiss breeds (Alpine, Toggenburg, Saanen, Oberhasli) are generally more skittish and/or bossy.
Nubians are very noisy (ask ANY Nubian breeder) but they have those long ears that catches your attention. They all have the genes to milk great quantities. I would have to say that Saanens tend to milk heavier than any other breed. I had a top ten (top ten in the nation) Saanen who raised her twins, 2 alpine twins and 2 lambs all at the same time. I called her Super Mom.
If you are going to pick out a milker, make sure she is easy to milk. Don’t buy until you try! Some does have orifices that only a milking machine can milk. Some Togg milk has an off flavor (try before you buy, again). All the breeds can be a sweet, loving and wonderful addition to any family. It really depends on the individual.
I hope I have pointed out the main differences between the breeds. I’ve had hundreds and I will always love the La Manchas the best.
Gay Vines
Goat milk is a very popular source of refreshment because of its creamy taste and nutritional value, and its popularity is growing like never before. Many people are acquiring their own dairy goat or goats so they will always have a fresh supply of milk on hand. Milking a goat, like milking a cow, takes a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it you’ll be regularly squeezing out healthy and delicious milk for you and your family whenever you like. 
Today many people are familiar with the LaMancha diary goat, either by name or by their relatively unusual appearance. The history of the LaMancha dairy goat is quite obscure, with its true origins being virtually unknown. References have been made to short eared goats dating as far back as ancient Persia. Were these related to the LaMancha diary goat of today? There’s no true way to tell, but a more recent history is easier to trace. 
When people think of dairy goats they often think of a couple goats on a farm somewhere in Ruraltown, USA. Dairy goats are actually much more common than that. Just as there are herds of dairy cows that supply local as well as international consumers, there are also dairy goats that support a similar demand. Many people drink goat’s milk and that is why dairy goats appear in large numbers all over the world.