Purdue University Dairy Goats Information

COMMON BREEDS OF DAIRY GOATS IN THE US
ALPINE

Mac Mendell, Undergraduate Student, Dept. of Animal Sciences

Alpines (French Alpines, British Alpines, and Rock Alpines) can be almost any color, except solid white and light brown with white markings (characteristics of the Toggenburg breed). This breed originated in the French Alps and was first imported to the US in 1920. Their face should be straight and they have erect ears. They are a medium-large breed with a requirement of does to be 30 inches in height and around 135 pounds. They are popular with dairies due to the amount of milk they produce and they are recognized as the leading dairy goat breed for milk production. [ADGA averages for 2010 lactations: 2396 lbs milk, 3.3% fat, and 2.8% protein]

There are several typical color patterns:

• Cou blanc - white neck and shoulders with glossy black hind quarters
• Chamoisée - tan, red, bay or brown with black on head, back and hind legs
• Sundgau - black and white markings on face and underside
• Pied - spotted or mottled
• Cou clair - white front with black hind quarters
• Cou noir - black front with white hind quarters

Alpines International Club

Return to Breeds of Dairy Goats page