THE MILCH GOAT IN CALIFORNIA 



BY EDWIN C. VOOEHIES 



This bulletin is published in response to numerous requests that 

 have been received for information in regard to the value of milch 

 goats under the conditions existing in this state. It has been deemed 

 advisable to include in the discussion some general information on 

 the subject of milch goats, as well as an account of the experimental 

 work done with this class of farm animals at the University Farm up 

 to the present time. 



The discussions given in the following pages are accordingly pre- 

 sented under two headings, (a) General Information Concerning 

 Milch Goats; (6) Results of Experimental Work, 1914-1916. 



(A) GENERAL INFORMATION CONCERNING MILCH GOATS 



Milch goats are kept for milk production in many foreign coun- 

 tries, especially in Continental Europe, Great Britain, Scandinavia, 

 and in the countries bordering the Mediterranean. They are found in 

 limited numbers in different states in the Union, and are doubtless 

 more numerous in this state than elsewhere in the United States. 

 They are generally kept in very small herds that supply the milk 

 used by the family. A relatively small number of large herds is found 

 in California, especially in the southern part. The comparatively dry 

 climate of this state agrees well with milch goats, and they are kept 

 on land differing greatly in topography and feed conditions. If suf- 

 ficient feed is available, hilly and even rocky land can be used for 

 goat keeping. Goats do not thrive well on low, damp, or swampy 

 land as the conditions on such land are conducive to foot rot and 

 other troubles. Provided they are properly cared for, goats will do 

 well on well-drained valley land. 



Alfalfa furnishes an abundant feed supply in the interior valleys, 

 which could be utilized in goat keeping as at the present time for 

 dairy cattle and other classes of livestock. In most places, where 

 alfalfa cannot be grown successfully, other pasture crops well adapted 

 for feeding goats can be raised to advantage, such as clover, vetch, 

 rape, and peas. To the majority of goat keepers in this state as 

 elsewhere, however, the main sustenance is found in feed growing 

 in waste places, on vacant city lots, along roadways and fences, or 

 on hill lands where there is not sufficient available feed for keeping 



