Land was only part of our decision to keep dairy goats instead of a cow. We also had to think about milk, animal size, daily work, and what our family would actually use.
That is why choosing a dairy animal is about much more than deciding which animal gives the “best” milk.
For us, goats fit the scale of what we need.

The Right Amount of Milk Matters

A good dairy cow can produce an impressive amount of milk. That can be wonderful if you have a large family, make a great deal of cheese, or have another good use for all that milk. For us, that amount could quickly become too much. Our goats give us enough milk to do quite a lot without moving our entire life into the dairy. We drink it, cook with it, and turn it into chèvre, mozzarella, cottage cheese, ricotta, cajeta, and other foods. Their production also gives us enough extra milk to support a small number of herd shares.
That scale works for us.

Why Goat Milk?

Goat and cow milk are more alike than some internet claims suggest. However, goat milk does have differences in its fat and protein structure. Research also shows that goat milk contains relatively high amounts of short- and medium-chain fatty acids. A review available through the National Institutes of Health explains several of these differences. Some people find goat milk easier to digest. Still, it contains lactose, and people with a true cow-milk protein allergy should not assume goat milk is a safe substitute. The National Library of Medicine notes the high degree of cross-reactivity between cow and goat milk proteins.

For us, the attraction is much simpler.
We like it. Fresh, properly handled goat milk tastes mild and works beautifully for the foods I want to make. I also like following the milk from the animal, to the bucket, to the kitchen, and finally to whatever happens to be bubbling, draining, or setting on the counter that day.

Smaller Does Not Mean Easier

I would never recommend goats simply because someone heard they were an “easy” alternative to cattle. Goats apparently missed the meeting where that was decided. They need strong fencing, good nutrition, hoof care, shelter, health monitoring, and parasite management. During lactation, dairy goats also need regular milking. Their smaller size makes some jobs easier for us, but they are still a daily responsibility.

That is why choosing a dairy animal should include an honest look at your household as well as your pasture. Think about how much milk you will use, how much animal you can safely handle, and how the daily chores will fit your life. The best dairy animal is not the biggest producer or the one that looks most like a traditional homestead. It is the one that fits.
For us, that is a goat.

And, admittedly, quite a lot of cheese.