How much milk will a French Alpine give daily?

[redhen]

Thanks for any help.

 

[username taken]

thats a broad question

a standard size dairy doe such as a french alpine SHOULD give an average of at least 4L (1.05 gallons) daily (with twice daily milking).

The very top show goats can give as much as 8L (2.11 gallons)

Run of the mill home milkers can give as little as 1 - 2 L (about half a gallon) a day.

Basically, the price you pay for the animal dictates the type of producer she will be. If you pay $20 to $50 for the goat, chances are she's only going to be a half a gallon to 3/4 gallon milker. Gallon milkers are more likely to sell for $150 - $250. And if you want the really great show goats producing 2 gallons a day you are looking at more like $600 and upwards.

Now, you have to figure out which suits you best. The $20 goat in some cases is perfectly fine for some households. A lot of people dont need tons and tons of milk. For myself, half a gallon is just about right if you ONLY consider our household needs. But, I want the milk for other things too, poddy raising plus soap making and milk for our extended family. So my minimum standard is a gallon a day - I dont keep does who do less than that - and I aim for 2 gallons a day.

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

and it depends on what/how much you feed them!

are you looking for more or less milk - or just considering if/what goat to get?

IF you have a gal AND you think she isnt milking enough... increase the quality and quantity of her hay. if there isnt a jump - you might need to worm her. i have a sanaan who wasnt milking enough and i was advised to do these two things - and wow her production took off! also milking on a consistent schedule helps too

good luck

 

[redhen]

I'm asking because i recently bought a Nigi for this purpose. But...now i'm wondering if shes going to give enough milk for the family (5 people) and also for me to make cheese..etc... So thats why i was considering an Alpine instead. I know an Alpine breeder that will take my Nigi and give me an Alpine in exchange. Or will a Nigi give me enough?

 

[username taken]

Quote:
I'd say you will be much better off with the Alpine.

Also regarding the feed issue, that is something I'd forgotten to put in my post. You can manipulate the quantity and quality of your milk by changing their diet. If you want QUANTITY, increase the doe's grain and ALFALFA hay. If you want QUALITY (ie. increase butterfat), increase her grass or cereal hay.

 

[redhen]

Thanks for the info!

 

[username taken]

no problem, any time!

I'm here to help