Dairy Goat Milk
Goat milk can be enjoyed as fluid milk or used to produce a wide variety of foods and other products. Its composition and flavor may vary according to breed, genetics, stage of lactation, nutrition, health and milk-handling practices.
Goat milk is generally white because goats convert much of the beta-carotene in their feed into vitamin A. Cream also separates more slowly from goat milk than it does from non-homogenized cow milk, although it can be separated mechanically.
Goat milk should not be promoted as a treatment or cure for medical conditions. Individuals with food allergies or special dietary needs should consult a qualified healthcare professional before making dietary changes. Goat milk is not an appropriate substitute for human milk or commercially prepared infant formula unless directed by a healthcare professional.
Goat Milk and Cow Milk Comparison
Goat milk and cow milk provide similar amounts of protein, carbohydrates and essential nutrients. Exact composition varies according to breed, genetics, diet, stage of lactation and processing.
Average Nutritional Composition
| Nutrient per 100 g | Whole Goat Milk | Whole Cow Milk |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 69 kcal | 61 kcal |
| Protein | 3.56 g | 3.15 g |
| Fat | 4.14 g | 3.25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4.45 g | 4.80 g |
| Calcium | 134 mg | 113 mg |
| Phosphorus | 111 mg | 84 mg |
| Potassium | 204 mg | 132 mg |
| Sodium | 50 mg | 43 mg |
Values are approximate and based on USDA FoodData Central entries for fluid goat milk and whole cow milk with added vitamin D.
Milking Dairy Goats
A doe begins producing milk after giving birth. The amount and composition of the milk she produces depend on factors including breed, genetics, age, stage of lactation, nutrition, health, and management.
Does may be milked by hand or with properly maintained milking equipment. Whichever method is used, consistent sanitation and careful milk handling are essential.
Good milking practices include:
- Maintaining a clean milking area
- Using clean, properly maintained equipment
- Keeping udders and hands appropriately clean
- Following a consistent milking schedule
- Filtering and cooling milk promptly
- Monitoring milk appearance and udder health
- Keeping treatment and withdrawal records
- Following applicable food-safety requirements
Changes in milk appearance, production or udder condition may indicate a health concern. Contact a veterinarian experienced with goats or small ruminants when mastitis or another health problem is suspected.
Goat Milk Products
Goat milk may be used to make:
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Butter
- Ice cream and other frozen desserts
- Candy and confections
- Soap, lotion and other body-care products
“Chèvre” is the French word for goat. In the United States, the term is also commonly used for soft, fresh goat cheese.
Product characteristics vary based on the milk, recipe, cultures, processing methods, and aging practices used.
Milk Quality and Food Safety
Cleanliness, temperature control, and proper storage help protect milk quality. Milk intended for human consumption should be produced, handled, and processed according to applicable food-safety standards.
Requirements for selling milk and dairy products vary by state and locality. They may include permits, inspections, facility standards, testing, labeling and restrictions on the sale of unpasteurized products.
Before selling milk or products made from goat milk, contact the appropriate state agriculture or public-health agency for current requirements.
Improving Milk Production
Balanced nutrition, good health, sound management, and careful breeding all contribute to productive dairy goats. Because individual production can vary considerably, generalized production figures do not accurately describe every doe or breed.
ADGA’s Dairy Herd Improvement Registry provides participating herd owners with records for milk production and components. These records can support herd management and breeding decisions while contributing to genetic evaluations and breed improvement.
Learn more about [DHIR and ADGA Performance Programs].
Learn More
Explore additional resources:
- Getting Started with Dairy Goats
- Care and Management of Dairy Goats
- Dairy Goat Breed Standards
- DHIR and Production Testing
- ADGA Performance Tools