Guernsey Goats
Guernsey goats are a recent addition to the American dairy breed selection. They are developed from the endangered Golden Guernsey of Great Britain, from Golden Guernsey bucks bred to American Swiss-type breeds, such as Saanen, Sable, Alpine, Toggenburg or Oberhasli. The purebred breed in Great Britain is called the "Golden Guernsey" and the American derivative is called simply "Guernsey". There is one purebred Golden Guernsey herd in New York, who sells bucks, but not usually does. The Guernseys are presently registered with the British Goat Society, although American breeders are working with ADGA to gain recognition and a herdbook.
The breed offers a unique and beautiful appearance, one-of-a-kind genetics, and good tasting, creamy milk ideal for drinking or cheesemaking, and they have the ability to produce that milk over at least two years. They are quite possibly descended from Roman Empire-era goats who rode to the Channel Islands on ships. Genetic testing reveals a very distinct genetic makeup, unique from all of the other common English and American breeds. Breed characteristics include:
I breed my Guernseys by the ADGA scorecard, just like my Nubians. Just because they are a rare breed does not absolve me of the responsibility to select breedings and service sires to improve the type and production in the breed. I'm going to be expecting a gallon (8 lbs) a day or better with butterfats easily in the 4% or higher range. I also intend to select for the ability to milk through the winter.
The breed offers a unique and beautiful appearance, one-of-a-kind genetics, and good tasting, creamy milk ideal for drinking or cheesemaking, and they have the ability to produce that milk over at least two years. They are quite possibly descended from Roman Empire-era goats who rode to the Channel Islands on ships. Genetic testing reveals a very distinct genetic makeup, unique from all of the other common English and American breeds. Breed characteristics include:
- russet red to gold cream in color, including the skin color
- upright to "bonnet" ears with the occasional tendency to turn up at the tips
- Hair length varies from completely short to long and flowy, or any combination of those hair types
- Tends to be a small, fine boned breed, about the size of a small Toggenburg
I breed my Guernseys by the ADGA scorecard, just like my Nubians. Just because they are a rare breed does not absolve me of the responsibility to select breedings and service sires to improve the type and production in the breed. I'm going to be expecting a gallon (8 lbs) a day or better with butterfats easily in the 4% or higher range. I also intend to select for the ability to milk through the winter.