CHAPTER 1, SECTION 6
GOATS
SMALL RUMINANTS GOATS Goats are divided into three categories, dairy, meat and fiber. Each category has several breeds that boast specific characteristics. Those varying characteristics come into consideration when choosing a specific breed for a specific climate.
2.66 MILLION HEAD All goats and kids inventory
SHEEP
DAIRY GOAT In the dairy goat family, the American Dairy Goat Association is a great source of information about the dairy goat industry and offers tips for the export and import of U.S. breeding stock and genetics.
5.20 MILLION HEAD
All sheep and lambs inventory
While Saanen have the richest milk and are the most popular breed for commercial goat dairies, they can be difficult to breed by artificial insemination (AI). Milk richness is based on a ratio of milk volume to fat and protein content. Other breeds of dairy goats include Alpine, LaMancha, Nubian, Oberhasli, Sable, Toggenburg and Nigerian Dwarf. The Nigerian Dwarf, while the smallest breed and lowest in milk production, produces the highest fat and protein content of all the breeds.
Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), 2020
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International Guide for Importing U.S. Livestock and Genetics
