Commercial Alpine goat farming is popular, especially in European and American countries. It is a dairy goat breed and very popular for it’s milk production. And the breed is very suitable for both small scale and commercial production.
The Alpine goat originated in the French Alps and the breed is among the most popular dairy goat breeds. The Alpine goats are medium to large sized animal and they have no set colors or markings. They have horns, a straight profile and erect ears.
Generally the Alpine goats can range from white or gray to brown and black. The does are heavy milkers, that’s whey they are suitable for commercial production. Milk of the Alpine goat is suitable for making butter, cheese, soap, ice cream or any other dairy products (which are generally made from the cow’s milk).
The Alpine goats are suitable for both commercial milk production and as well as homestead milk goats. Depending on the type, average milk production of a lactating doe is about 4 liters daily. That’s why commercial Alpine goat farming can be a good and profitable business.
How to Start Alpine Goat Farming
Starting a commercial Alpine goat farming business is pretty simple. Today, the Alpine goats are being kept by many farmers around the world for commercial milk production purpose.
Today the breed is available in many countries such as India, Philippines, Malaysia, West Indies and many more countries.
Starting a new Alpine goat farming business is just like starting a goat farming business with other goat breeds. Here we are trying to describe more about the steps for starting Alpine goat farming business.
Purchase Goats
First of all, you have to select a type of Alpine goat for starting this business. There are actually many different types of Alpine goats available around the world. Most common types are American Alpine, British Alpine, French Alpine, Rock Alpine and Swiss Alpine goats.
Choose any type and try to learn more about it’s availability in your area. You can actually choose any type depending on it’s availability in your area. You can search some existing farms in your area, or visit any livestock market within your area. You can also search your local online classified websites.
Housing
The Alpine goats are medium to large sized animals. So on average about 12 square feet housing space per goat will be enough. If you are willing to raise your goats in stall fed goat farming system, then you will need about 20-30 square feet playing space for each goat.
Raised house (which is above from the ground) is considered good for Alpine goat farming. Although you can raise them in deep litter system. Just ensure dry and clean environment for your goats. Ensure good ventilation system and ensure flow of sufficient amount of fresh air and light.
Try to make the house comfortable for the goats. And keep all the required equipment inside the house. Clean the house regularly and always try to keep the house dry.
Feeding
Feeding the goats with very good quality foods is very important for Alpine goat farming business. So, always try to feed your goats with high quality feeds. Goats generally love both greens and grains. So you have to give them both.
But as a dairy goat breed, the Alpine goats generally require more green feeds for staying productive. And green feeds are must for milk production.
Breeding
The Alpine goats are naturally good breeders. And generally natural breeding system is maintained instead of artificial breeding. Keeping one buck for 30-35 does will be good for successful breeding.
Caring
Along with providing good shelter and quality feeds, the Alpine goats also require additional caring for better growth and production. De-worm and vaccinate your goats timely for keeping them safe.
Keep the breeding bucks separated from the flock and take extra care of them. Also keep the pregnant and nursing does separated from the flock.
Marketing
Marketing goat products is not a problem. You can easily sell your products in your local market. Goat milk has good demand and value in the market. So you don’t have to think much about marketing your products.
These are the steps for starting and maintaining a commercial Alpine goat farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
