Goats were one of the first domesticated animals. According to a great site, goat “remains have been found at archaeological sites in western Asia, such as Jericho, Choga, Mami, Djeitun and Cayonu, which allows domestication of the goats to be dated at between 6000 and 7000 B.C….Unlike sheep, goats easily revert to feral or wild condition given a chance. In fact, the only domestic species which will return to a wild state as rapidly as a goat is the domestic cat.”

Our goats are mixture of several breeds. We have Sannen, a dairy goat breed originated in Switzerland, in the Saanen Valley. Saanens are heavy milk producers and are usually white or light cream in color. We also have Nubians, which were developed in England by crossing British goats with bucks of African and Indian origin. Nubians like warmer climates, and have darker coats that can be black, red, tan or mottled. We also have Alpines, which originated in the Alps but like a variety of climates. These goats are usually a mix of black, white, and brown.

We haven’t really found an outlet for our goat’s milk yet. We’ve started making soap with it, and are experimenting with recipes. The goats’ main purpose right now is to provide us with good manure for organic compost, but we hope to have them contribute in other ways in the near future. Even goats have to earn their keep!