Members of SA Milch Goat Breeders’ Society have access to an online portal of breeding information, as well as other milk goat-related subjects.
Members are invited to join the annual national and regional milk goat breed shows, where breeders can show off their goats and win prizes, or auction off their best breeds. They also have access to the export markets and other breeders who might be interested in their stock.
Furthermore, the SAMGBS’ official website offers members a plethora of articles written by industry experts on goat health, preparing for kidding season, common goat diseases, goat milk and FAQs about goat farming. These articles are available in both English and Afrikaans.
SAMGBS members are entitled to both South African and global contacts within the goat farming and breeding industry, which allows them to expand their knowledge, sales network and potential product lines.
An outline of Breed Standards is offered to new farmers and breeders wanting to produce goats of the highest quality. The document makes reference to the five milk goat breeds of South Africa, namely Saanen, Toggenburg, British Alpine, BDE and Anglo-Nubian. There are sections that deal with the bodily appearance of the breed, as well as hair quality, bone structure, head and neck and various colour requirements.
Milch goats (milk goats) have the advantage over cows, as they can be kept on poorer grazing where dairy cows cannot be kept so economically...