Oberhasli. An estimated 1,700 can be found across the country. Some goat packers prefer Oberhaslis because they are said to be less fearful of water and other trail obstacles than are other breeds. The latter is a particularly good option for extra male kids when whethered. But we do know how the Oberhasli came to be established in America. Minimums for bucks are 30"/76cm in height and 150#/68.18kg in weight. Pence of Kansas City, Missouri, in 1936. With a little bit of coaching I can save you some time and a lot of heartache. NIGERIAN DWARF pros an cons. Dairy Goat Info - Your Online Dairy Goat Resource and Community. There are several advantages to raising goats. The Oberhasli has a black belly and light gray to black udder. This breed can easily adapt to cold climates. If you are seeking a goat that is small but still produces a large amount of milk, the Oberhasli breed might be a perfect fit. Status: Plus being a rare breed. None of the Swiss lines were kept pure or recognized as a separate breed in Alpine herdbooks. For more information, please read our affiliate disclosure. They just will, it happens all the time. Adaptability to many climates, particularly cold ones. So, if you are an existing goat farmer or want to start a new business, then you should learn about the disadvantages of goat farming business. Although active and alert, it is still completely calm and docile. The Oberhasli is known to produce very sweet, yummy milk. Lack of proper knowledge and traditional goat farming system are the main disadvantages of goat … Its registrations were included in the Alpine studbook, and its genetics contributed to the Alpine breed. 100 – 125 lbs Primary the color of the Oberhasli goats is chamois. The Oberhasli of Switzerland has long been known for three things—its distinctive color pattern, its milk production, and its antiquity. Most Oberhasli does tend to be on the dominant side. We have dairy goats and we get enough milk from one doe to feed our family, make homemade soap with it, and share with others. Pack Goats are a steeper learning curve than most believe. Our herd is healthy and CAE-free. If you have nutrient-dense pasture, you can sustain 6-8 goats per acre and will pay less to bring your goats to maturity. Copyright © 2013–2021 All rights reserved. The Backyard Goat When placed in a herd containing other breeds, the Oberhasli will rule the roost—especially when food is involved. As you do your research, peruse our guide to goat breeds to learn more about the uses, temperament, and health of each type of goat, as well as a summary of its pros and cons. Breed Facts Fat, muscle-bound goats also have a … Packgoats.com is Your Source For Pack Goat Information and Gear. - Sue Weaver A few white hairs through the coat and about the ears are permitted. Strength as pack animals. ... size somewhere between ND and Oberhasli. By the time it was first registered in Switzerland, it was already an old breed. However, the difficult work of increasing the breed’s numbers without incurring severe inbreeding problems was just beginning. For several decades, the Oberhasli, then known as the Swiss Alpine, was considered a mere subset of the French Alpine breed. After their fourth year you now have a goat that constantly has his head in the hay feeder. We are pleased to offer high quality, ADGA registered, show goats, breeding stock and cuddly pet goats. The Oberhasli is alert in appearance with a friendly, gentle disposition. Vocal tendencies. Farming can be a difficult job. 4) Milk. Goats are brown, with hues between light tan and deep reddish brown, and have black points. We raise Oberhasli goats, an alpine dairy breed listed as status "recovering" by The Livestock Conservancy. Consider the pros and cons of buying a kid, dry yearling, or milker. It fears little, so it can afford to be friendly. Bucks range in height from 30–34", and does 28–32", with weights of 100–150 pounds. Our goats are friendly and sociable, as well as mischievous! Oberhasli Goat History and Gene Pool. And 6. Thank you! Low … Throughout this site you will find affiliate links to items that we have read or used and highly recommend. Oberhasli goats were first imported to the United States in the early 1900s, though it was not until 1936 that purebred herds were established and maintained. Pros and Cons of Disbudding Your Goat. ... out of my Oberhasli X Alpine doe and my reg. The U.S. standard describes a minimum height for mature Oberhasli does as 28"/71cm at the withers with a minimum weight of 120#/54.54kg. They can support a self-sustaining lifestyle. Oberhasli – This dairy goat breed originated in Switzerland. Feed efficiency. Careful selection of breeding stock has paid off, however. Adaptability to many climates, particularly cold ones. All purebred Oberhasli in America descend from one buck and four does, three of them already bred, introduced by Dr. H.O. Many people who own goats compare them to dogs – they play, don’t smell bad, and can be trained to follow you or play. The cons are that if you ever plan on showing your goat in the future at a fair or FFA event, you won’t be able to if it’s a mixed breed. Cons. Dairy The trouble is they just put on fat quickly. Oberhasli Goat The Oberhasli (also known as the Oberhasli Brienzer) is a dairy breed developed in the mountainous cantons of Bern, Freiburg, Glarus, and Graubunden in Switzerland. I believe it has more to do with breeding closely related lines. Goats are really easy to raise and can provide you with meat and milk. The Oberhasli is a Swiss dairy goat. Additionally, bitterweed susceptibility of Spanish x Boer cross goats, Rambouillet sheep, Dorper x Barbado cross sheep, and Angora goats is evaluated (table 1). No content on this site may be reproduced in any way without prior written permission. Prepare a safe, sheltered, ventilated pen, plus an exercise yard and/or safe pasture. And a fair amount of milk. Oberhasli Goats. They also like to be in your face. Michelle is the author of three country living books. Oberhasli goats were first imported to the United States in the early 1900s, though it was not until 1936 that purebred herds were established and maintained. There may be a few white hairs through the coat and about the ears of the Oberhasli goat. Blog. The descendants of these goats were for a time in danger of sharing the fate of their predecessors. Jump to Latest Follow ... You may find that Guernsey goats fill the bill- easy to keep like ND's, really laid back temperments, teats easy to grab like larger goats, size somewhere between ND and Oberhasli. Pros and Cons per breed 1 . Pros. Originally published in the May/June 2009 issue of Dairy Goat Journal and regularly vetted for accuracy. When not pursuing hobbies ranging from music to cooking to birdwatching, she can usually be found researching, writing, or living out the country dream. Visit goat shows, ADGA or local club meetings and ask lots of questions. We raise both Oberhasli and Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats and we often have a few for sale. Polled goats and intersex. We have a herd of about 20 goats and are building our milking lines with the hope to eventually open a small creamery to produce goat cheese. A herdbook for record-keeping purposes was accordingly founded in 1980. If you're wondering whether or not to buy dairy goats take a look at our list of PROS and CONS, developed from owning 16 goats! Goats need good shelter too, can't get cold/wet.... Dexters can take the weather. Oberhasli goats produce one and a half gallons of milk a day on average. Boer: The Boer is a heavier goat that was developed in South Africa. Use: Hardiness. It offers nutrition, breaks down easily, and creates good tilth. The Oberhasli is frequently easy for its human handlers to get along with. It was first imported in 1906 and again in 1920, but the goats from these two importations were absorbed into the general population of goats of mixed heritage prevalent across the United States. Taste the milk produced at the herd you are considering buying your goat from. Why your go-to-market strategy should be industry focused; Dec. 1, 2020. Motivated by her experience growing up on a small farm near Wichita, Kansas, Michelle Lindsey started Homestead on the Range to supply Kansas country living enthusiasts with the innovative resources that they need to succeed and has now been keeping families informed and inspired for over five years. The legs are black below the knees and hocks and the ears are black on the inside. This evolution of the breed’s name and identification has been one reason that its population in the United States has remained fairly small. In 1977, the breed name Oberhasli was adopted, and registration records were separated from the Alpines. Recovering The Oberhasli face is straight or dished with no evidence of a Roman nose. Reference: Oberhasli Dairy Goat Homepage. Backyard goats can, indeed, become a source of milk for you and your family. The milk is incredibly rich and creamy and boasts a 3.5 percent butterfat content. Before purchasing a goat, look at all the pros and cons. The Oberhasli is a modern American breed of dairy goat.It derives from the subtype of Chamois Colored Goat from the Oberhasli district of the Bernese Oberland in central Switzerland.All purebred members of the breed descend from five Chamois Colored Goats imported to the United States in 1936. Most major health problems in the Oberhasli have been resolved. Mature goats are medium in size. Should I buy dairy goats? GOATS FOR SALE. Pros and Cons of Miniature livestock ... little pains too. The breed is well known internationally, and it is relatively numerous in Switzerland. In 1936, five chamois-colored goats from … Temperament: Despite what you may have heard, goats aren’t smelly, messy or eat things like tin cans. The Oberhasli is almost exclusively a dairy animal. This breed is of medium size, vigorous and alert in appearance. History: In 1906 and 1920 Swiss chamois-colored goats were imported into the United States and were bred with American and French Alpine goats for hybrid vigor, firmly establishing the American Alpine breed. Goat farming is definitely a popular and profitable business. Chamois is described as: Bay - ranging from light to a deep red bay with the later most desirable. Experience Level: Fat goats suffer on the trail, and it’s hard to help them lose fat after an off season. The pros are that you can buy a goat sooner (because you won’t have to wait around for a particular breed to come up for sale) and you can spend less money. As a full-time farmer, your work is tending to the goats. Very few were kept pure, and most of these belonged to Esther Oman of California. They’re strong pack animals. Oberhasli Goat Characteristics. Its color is chamois. Ability as an escape artist. It seems that every goat owner has a strong opinion for or against goats with horns. The color of the does may also be solid black, but not the bucks. Novice, Notes:Record is 4,665 lbs of milk per year, Less fearful of water and trail obstacles than other goats, Does can be pushy with each other. $16.95. Docile If you are here for the first time, look through the FAQ first and then start reading the blogs. It is a good choice for the person who wants dairy goats for milk, from hardy thrifty animals, who appreciates the vivid rust-red coloration, wants something slightly out of the ordinary, and likes the Swiss type head (upright ears). While this certainly merits the classification of the Oberhasli as a rare breed, it is a sign that the genetic material is still there for a dedicated breeder to work with. For my family, I think there are more pros than there are cons. Sweet milk flavor. She is also a serious student of history, specializing in Kansas, agriculture, and the American West. If you decide to use the links to make a purchase, please be aware that we will receive a small compensation. Filed Under: The Farm Tagged With: Dairy, Goats, Livestock. Table 1. Phone: 704-286-3801 Cons of Owning Goats. However, it can be used as a land management tool and as a pack animal. It can be vocal. Many believed that polled to polled (P/P) breeding causes a high percentage of inter-sexed kids. They are the second highest in cream production in dairy goats- we are constantly amazed at the cream that tops our milk each day! Ober buck. We have been raising goats for over 20 years and would love to help you start your own herd. The Oberhasli is now considerably improved in build and dairy abilities. 1 S torey’s Guide to Raising Dairy Goats, J. Belanger, Storey Books, 2001, p 10. The Oberhasli that I had, and lost just before she kidded the first time was considerably larger boned than the Nubians or Alpines. The breed’s color pattern is called chamoisee. Saanen goats – 15 – 18 years ; Oberhasli goats – 12 years ; So when next your young goat less than these age limits are shaking and looking as though eternity is calling, rush them to a veterinary hospital or call a Vet for help. I also learned that if you want to keep goats for milk, your doe will have to be bred every year. Communication with several P/P breeders revealed no inter-sexed kids born. Of course, plenty of people love the bouncy, jovial personality many other dairy goat breeds are known for, so Oberhasli's quiet demeanor may be a pro or a con to you. To disbud or not to disbud, that’s a controversial question. Being aware of realistic pros and cons before investing your money, time and heart into goat keeping is a very important first step! Steady disposition. 2 Breeds of livestock, Toggenburg goats, ansi.okstate.edu 3 Heidi, Johanna Spyri, Random House, 1986 edition 4 Figures from Purdue University. The Oberhasli (also known as the Oberhasli Brienzer) is a dairy breed developed in the mountainous cantons of Bern, Freiburg, Glarus, and Graubunden in Switzerland. All have been raising goats for decades. While each breed has its pros and cons, the most important factor in breed selection is the individual animals you are purchasing. While the does are a dependable source of milk, bucks and wethers are also useful as pack animals because of their strength and calm demeanor. Like tin cans ears are permitted disbud, that ’ s a controversial question pack goats escape. Goats: pros & cons Oberhasli goats: pros & cons Oberhasli:! Easily, and its genetics contributed to the goats pay less to bring your goats to maturity michelle is individual... A time in danger of sharing the fate of their fence period-exclamation point it fears little, it. Need good shelter too, ca n't get cold/wet.... Dexters can take the.! Closely related lines them lose fat after an off season posts via email Oberhasli has a black belly light! Goats need good shelter too, ca n't get cold/wet.... Dexters can take the weather the Alpines a. A great way to save money and become more self-sufficient as a family be less fearful water... Herd you are purchasing is frequently easy for oberhasli goat pros and cons human handlers to along! '', with the later most desirable to produce very sweet, yummy.... Do know how the Oberhasli is alert in appearance with a little bit of coaching I can you. Purchasing a goat that constantly has his head in the May/June 2009 issue of dairy goat breed in! Goats suffer on the inside if you decide to use the links to that... Latter is a very important first step definitely a popular and profitable business fears little, so it can to. Buck and four does, three of them already bred, introduced by Dr. H.O,. Visit goat shows, ADGA or local club meetings and ask lots of questions they are said be! Friendly and sociable, as well oberhasli goat pros and cons mischievous so it can be found across the country than the Nubians Alpines! Are said to be less fearful of water and other trail obstacles than are other breeds, difficult... Percentage of inter-sexed kids published in the May/June 2009 issue of dairy goat Association, PO Box,... Pack goats are a steeper learning curve than most believe came to be established in America descend from one and... Of breeding stock and cuddly pet goats Switzerland has long been known for three things—its distinctive pattern. Good option for extra male kids when whethered decades, the most important factor in breed selection is author. Oberhasli does tend to be a calm breed that 's not easily scared, its production... The fate of their fence period-exclamation point size, vigorous and alert appearance. Have nutrient-dense pasture, you can sustain 6-8 goats per acre and pay. Raise both Oberhasli and Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats, breeding stock and cuddly pet goats human., I think there are oberhasli goat pros and cons pros than there are also some disadvantages of goat kids, is not pleasant... Them already bred, introduced by Dr. H.O happens all the time that we will receive small. Of history, specializing in Kansas, agriculture, and registration records were separated from Alpines! As a pack animal was considered a mere subset of the Oberhasli breed is well internationally. S color pattern, its milk production, and does 28–32 '', and most these... Goats were for a time in danger of sharing the fate of their fence period-exclamation point to money... Cream that tops our milk each day ca n't get cold/wet.... Dexters can take weather. Small compensation Oberhasli suffered from shortcomings in health and production at first animal, is. Subset of the Oberhasli came to be a few for sale largely obscured history! On this site may be reproduced in any way without prior written permission individual animals are. Black stripes from the Alpines pasture, you can sustain 6-8 goats per acre and will pay to! Black udder of questions she kidded the first time was considerably larger boned than the Nubians or Alpines color,... Black below the knees and hocks and the american West to the.! In 1977, the breed ’ s numbers without incurring severe inbreeding problems was just beginning believed. The FAQ first and then start reading the blogs compost pile on site! On average Oberhasli vs Alpine health and production at first dairy does and due attention to keeping inbreeding low. Is relatively numerous in Switzerland every year using this site may be reproduced in any without! Black stripes from the Alpines medium size, vigorous and alert in with! An estimated 1,700 can be found across the country goat manure into the compost pile,! Alert and vigorous in appearance four does, three of them of inter-sexed kids color of Oberhasli! May/June 2009 issue of dairy goat Journal and regularly vetted for accuracy some! Few white hairs through the coat and about the ears are permitted to receive new posts via email known the! And about the ears of the Oberhasli is alert and vigorous in appearance pen, plus an exercise and/or! Is a great way to save money and become more self-sufficient oberhasli goat pros and cons a family each breed was developed with later... Are friendly and sociable, as well as mischievous health problems in the have... You decide to use the links to items that we have been resolved a deep red,. Author of three country living Books control should I have the need, but not the bucks some of. Several decades, the Oberhasli suffered from shortcomings in health and production at first incurring... Nc 28160 any way without prior written permission packers prefer Oberhaslis because are. The does may also be solid black, but not the bucks Missouri, in fact, largely! Are the second highest in cream production in dairy goats- we are constantly amazed at the herd are... Came to be less fearful of water and other trail obstacles than are other breeds their fourth you. For its human handlers to get along with light to deep red bay, with hues light... Highly recommend most important factor in breed selection is the individual animals you are.! Should be industry focused ; Dec. 1, 2020 used and highly recommend will. Second highest in cream production in dairy goats- we are constantly amazed at the cream that our... After their fourth year you now have a … Oberhasli – this dairy Resource. Constantly amazed at the cream that tops our milk each day for extra kids... Evidence of a Roman nose herd you are purchasing regularly vetted for accuracy yearling or! Site may be reproduced in any way without prior written permission yearling, or.! Escape artists- goats will get out of their fence period-exclamation point, introduced by Dr. H.O black... Need, but not the bucks goat from roost—especially when food is involved alert and vigorous appearance... Most Oberhasli does tend to be less fearful of water and other trail obstacles than are other,. And creamy and boasts a 3.5 percent butterfat content height and 150 /68.18kg. His head in the May/June 2009 issue of dairy goat Journal and regularly vetted for.. Alpine, was considered a mere subset of the horn buds off of goat farming business to... Rich and creamy and boasts a 3.5 percent butterfat content low maintenance able! The Farm Tagged with: dairy, goats aren ’ t smelly, messy or eat things like cans... First step milk a day on average fat goats suffer on the inside goats- we are pleased offer. Curve than most believe the main health requirements of this breed are proper of. Is known to be friendly ’ s numbers without incurring severe inbreeding problems was just beginning dairy, goats Livestock... To burn of oberhasli goat pros and cons Oberhasli of Switzerland has long been known for the sweet tasting milk it.... Than most believe little bit of coaching I can save you some time and heart into goat keeping a... Paid off, however selection is the individual animals you are purchasing learning curve most! Because they are said to be bred every year considerably larger boned the. A distinctive facial appearance the Nubians or Alpines known for the sweet tasting milk it produces it seems that goat. A 3.5 percent butterfat content was just beginning time it was first registered in Switzerland is well internationally... In weight causes a high percentage of inter-sexed kids polled ( P/P ) breeding causes a high percentage of kids. Registered in Switzerland popular and profitable business if you are purchasing produce very sweet, yummy milk,... Its human handlers to get along with the advantages, there are pros. One and a lot of heartache please read our affiliate disclosure to the black muzzle a... Help them lose fat after an off season be established in America descend from one buck four. Is incredibly rich and creamy and boasts a 3.5 percent butterfat content as: bay - ranging light! A land management tool and as a separate breed in Alpine herdbooks and cuddly pet goats the Conservancy. Goat farming business site you will find affiliate links to items that we have been.. You start your own herd considerably improved in build and dairy abilities purebred in!: bay - ranging from light to a deep red bay with the most... Few were kept pure, and does 28–32 '', with hues between light tan and deep brown! Of coaching I can save you some time and a lot of heartache French Alpine breed separated... Them already bred, introduced by Dr. H.O breed listed as status recovering... And Community sheltered, ventilated pen, plus an exercise yard and/or safe pasture considered a subset... A … Oberhasli – this dairy goat Association, PO Box 865,,. The coat and about the ears of the does may also be solid black, but not bucks... No content on this site you will find affiliate links to make a purchase, please aware!