Toggenburg goat is a goat originally from Switzerland. It is mainly exploited in the Toggenburg valley, to the northeast of the country from where the breed acquires the name. Produced as strong as the Saanen goat, which can reach up to four liters daily at the beginning of lactation. Toggenburg had its origin from crosses between chamois goats from Saint Gall and Saanen.
At the beginning of the last century, it was introduced to Latin America. It descends from the Alpine trunk crossing with the Pyrenean. It has spread throughout the world since 1893, spanning more than 24 countries today.
Characteristics of Toggenburg Goat
Toggenburg goat is a goat whose height oscillates between 75 and 80 centimeters. While the live weight is 63 kg and 45 kg in males and females, respectively. Kids at birth reach 3.1 to 3.2 kilograms. They have a broad forehead and relatively short ears, the neck is short with the presence of two mammals. The broad rump and little sloping, with the large chest and arched ribs.
For its part, the limbs are robust, firm, with good aplomb and hooves of yellow color. They have an entire color ranging from light brown to dark brown and even gray mouse. The distinctive color of this breed is gray. Also, the body has a full coverage of short gray hairs, except on the back and thighs, where they are longer.
The coat also tends to be very long in the beard of the males. Usually, the hair is smooth and glossy, it is preferred short or medium length for our conditions. From the sides of the head come, two bands of white hair, which go from the eyes to the lips, with the nose gray.
The limbs are white from the hocks, and up to the knee and the inner thighs have light gray hair. Like the ears and tail, they are bordered gray. This breed is adapted both to production in grazing systems in high mountains and to the permanent or periodic housing system.
It can be admitted with or without horns, although it is preferable, for reasons of management, that the animals are dehorned. Its neck is of medium length, thin and strong. It has strong and well-plumbed members. The udders of the females are well implanted globularly, of medium size without division.
The udders are spacious, well developed and not pendulous. Symmetrical nipples are directed downwards and slightly forward. The milk production of Toggenburg is similar to or slightly less than the Saanen. Toggenburg shows very high production records, but because it is somewhat smaller, it can convert food into milk.
A good female can produce an average of 2 liters per day and 500 to 900 kg. by breastfeeding in 275 to 310 days. It presents, yes, a percentage of fat between 3 and 3.5 percent. That is, their milk has a higher percentage of solids, which makes it preferred within goat farms. you may also like to read Jakhrana Goat.
Food
Toggenburg goat feeding can be managed according to the productive stage in which it is. The food farmers provide is maize silage, oats, alfalfa hay, and minerals. As well as the sufficient amount of water, since being a dairy goat would need large amounts of liquid to produce milk.
Usage
Toggenburg goat is a primarily dairy breed. It exploits mainly by the large quantities of milk that it produces in the year. And also because its milk is used for the manufacture of cheeses. you may also like to read Surti Goat.
Special Feature
Toggenburg goat in spite of being goats, its temperament is usually calm and quiet. Although this breed is also vigorous and alert appearance. It is a highly adaptable breed that can tolerate well the places and different systems of labored or intensive exploitation. It is a fairly rustic breed, it supports several living conditions.
But it prefers mountainous regions, of temperate or cold climate where it produces well in the regime of half or complete housing. It is much appreciated and very popular in Switzerland, England, the E.E.U.U. and in many other countries thanks to its productivity and rusticity.
Its general appearance should reveal vigor, being one of the most recommend goat breeds. For the Center and South of Brazil, where its adaptation is perfect, without loss of its qualities, being able to breed in the field of confinement. you may also like to read Marwari Goat.
It is very fertile, generating twins and sometimes triples, up to quadruples. Kids are strong and grow fast. This breed can be managed in semi-intensive production. And although its limbs are not as strong as other breeds it is also adapted for use in improving grassland and supplementation in the manger.
Also, it is one of the most popular breeds in the UK and is uses in some commercial farms where cheese is the main product. This breed has its breeding season between August and January. But they are demanding in terms of environmental and nutritional conditions.
FAQ
Are Toggenburg goats good for meat?
Yes, Toggenburg goats are a great option for meat production. They are known for their high-quality milk and cheese, but they also produce a lean, flavorful meat that is well-suited for many recipes.
Do Toggenburg goats have horns?
Yes, Toggenburg goats do have horns. They are a breed of dairy goat that originated in the Toggenburg Valley of Switzerland. The horns of these goats tend to be short and curved, pointing forward and slightly outward. The horns may also be slightly twisted or have ridges along them.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped you learn more about the Toggenburg breed of dairy goat. This information should help you identify what type of milk your family needs, and whether or not a Toggenburger is right for your farm. Good luck!
As A Reference: Wikipedia.
