Understand Your Goats by Breed Oberhasli
It is important to understand your goats by breed Oberhasli goat breed. It’s very crucial to learn everything you can about the breed of goat you have chosen to raise. You could either be the owner of Oberhasli goats, or are you speculating on buying them? Here is a comprehensive article containing all the important facts you need to know about the Oberhasli breed.
The Origin of Oberhasli Goats
The Oberhasli goats are ones that have originated from the Swiss Alps. They are hardy and resistant creatures that are used to rocky mountainous terrain. What’s more, they are favored for milk more than meat.
The purebred Oberhasli herd is known as Swiss Alpine goats. They were crossbred with other Alpine breeds over time, and in 1977, the Oberhasli Breeders Association was formed.
Oberhasli Goat Characteristics and Traits
The Oberhasli goat is a very friendly animal of a sweet temperament. It’s difficult not to fall in love with them.
They are also a very beautiful breed to have on your farm. Oberhasli goats come in unique colors and markings.
They are best known as a dairy breed, just like other alpine goats. In fact, they are the best milk producers I know. Oberhasli goats are phenomenal milk producers.
A doe would produce an average of one and a half gallons a day with a 4% fat percentage. Oberhasli milk also tastes delicious. You don’t need to add cinnamon to spice up its flavor. It also has a natural sweetness to it.
Oberhasli goats are quite large in size. And they are good pack animals. They can weigh from 120-150 pounds and be tall as 28-30 inches in height.
The Oberhasli breed is known for its calm demeanor and can move around gracefully. You can easily recognize an Oberhasli from their black muzzles and legs and their black dorsal stripes along their backs.
Every goat has their own unique markings. Some have all blackheads.
If you are raising goats only for dairy purposes, then it is best to keep your bucks away to prevent rut from tainting the milk. But Oberhasli are herd animals. If you don’t have the heart to separate them, then try using an Anti Mating Buck Apron.
Bucks are quite docile when they are not in a rut. But when they are, they can be quite a handful. If you are raising Oberhasli bucks, too, then make sure the housing is sturdy enough. Oberhasli bucks are very strong and can escape easily.
An Oberhasli can live from eight to twelve years. The lifespan of all goats depends greatly on the care and diet they receive.
The Oberhasli breed is essentially pack goats. They are sturdy and strong, designed for rocky mountainous regions. They have great stamina, so they can also be used as beasts of burden to carry backpacks and camping gear.
Standards for the Oberhasli Breed
There are certain standards that determine if the Oberhasli is purebred.
- Their color should be general Chamoisee
- There are usually two black stripes down the face from the eye to a black muzzle
- They have an all-black forehead, black dorsal stripe, black belly, and black legs below the knees and hocks.
- Ears are black inside and bay outside
- Ears are upright and alert
- It preferably should not have a roman nose.
How much does an Oberhasli goat cost?
The price of the goat would depend largely on how purebred it is. So depending on the goat’s bloodlines, an Oberhasli would cost from $300 to $1000.
Goats by Breed Oberhasli: Conclusion
The Oberhasli breed is an ideal breed for dairy purposes. If you are a novice in goat farming, then this breed is best for you due to its pleasant and docile nature. Oberhaslis are lovable creatures that will produce lots of delicious milk for your farm. They are also hardy animals that can adapt to any kind of environment.
Also read: Raising Boer Goats for Show
*All pics are courtesy of Unsplash.com
