Saanen goat

The Saanen is a dairy goat breed with a striking appearance (Franziska Schwab / Schweizerischer Ziegenzuchtverband)

Origin and development

The white Saanen goat originated in the Saanenland and Obersimmental regions (canton of Bern). In Switzerland, this breed has the second largest number of animals registered in the herdbook. The Saanen goat is a highly productive dairy goat. Together with its good functional traits, this makes it a valuable commercial breed. These characteristics are also appreciated by breeders outside Switzerland, where it is found in a pure-bred form and also used for cross-breeding.

Description

h Short, smooth white hair h Small pigmented spots may be present h Dairy breed h Horned and hornless animals

Thanks to their conspicuous white colour, Saanen goats are readily visible in the mountains (Robert Hess)

Performance traits of animals registered in the herdbook (over 30 months; 2018: 1 519 full lactation records)

h 890 kg milk h 3.17% fat h 2.93% protein h 4.46% lactose h 284-day lactation period