Its strong ankles, a distinctive feature of the breed, allow it to graze on steep slopes, and its thick coat, varying from pale to reddish brown, protects it from the rain and cold temperatures. Like cattle and sheep, goats are herbivores and eat only vegetation. The name of the Toggenburg goat comes from the location where it originated, in the Toggenburg region of Switzerland. This goat is a multi-purpose breed of goat that can be used as a meat and dairy goat. According to Roy's Farm, the Toggenburgs are not among the best dairy goats compared to their body size, which is a medium size. A typical Toggenburg goat can yield up to 740 kg. The facial lines of a Toggenburg goat may either be straight or dished; a Roman facial feature is very uncommon. The St. Gallen Goat Breeders Association registered the Toggenburg goat breed and the Verein Ziegenfreunde was formed to unite and protect each farmer or breed owner. Breeders noted good milk yield, high fertility and excellent adaptability, as a result of which today Toggenburgs can be found in almost every corner of the world. Nannies and billies may be polled or naturally horned. When it involves milk production, on a median they produce one to … Its name derives from that of the Toggenburg region of the Canton of St. Gallen, where it is thought to have originated. A Toggenburg Goat is a herbivores, that eats leaves, grass, hay and furns {plant eaters}. The Toggenburg goat breed is known for its sustainable health, hardiness and adaptability – requiring close to minimal veterinary intervention (except maybe for an occasional check up or X-ray when injured). Toggenburgs (or Toggenburgers) are an old breed from Switzerland. of milk per lactation. In many countries, more goats are kept for meat than for any other purpose, and many people prefer goat meat to … The Toggenburg goat originated in the Toggenburg Valley of Switzerland and is known as the oldest breed of dairy goat. Yet their breed purpose is still milk … Initially, the images of Toggenburg goats depicted them as dark coated (brown,black or chocolate brown) with white or cream markings. The breed standard calls for minimum milk yield of 740 kg per lactation, with a minimum fat content of 3.56% and minimum protein content of 2.90%.[2]. However, read some more information about this Swiss goat breed below. Toggenburgs were the first of the Alpine breeds to reach Britain, arriving in England in 1884. A Toggenburg goat is usually known to have a gentle and quiet behavior. For the information of potential Toggenburg goat breeders, the breed standard requires a minimum fat content of 3.56%, a minimum milk yield of 740kg per lactation. Goats have coats made of hair and, unlike sheep, ... Toggenburg goat with beard and tassels/toggles. In October 2012, we put out Toggenburg buck in with the doe for the first time. Copyright © 2019-2020 by All About Goats, All Rights Reserved. The Toggenburg has a medium sized body build, slightly smaller than other Alpine goat breeds. In early communications or documents (Handbook of Australian Livestock), it was noted that there may have been some cross breeding that occured with Chamois-coloured stock and Appenzell goats in the neighboring area. The Toggenburg goat is known to be one of the most productive dairy goat breed and are bred and recognized on an international level. In Science and Agriculture, a goat family is documented in what they refer to as herd books; and for the Toggenburg goat, its herd book was started in 1890. The breed was originated from the Toggenburg valley in the Canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland. However, the goat breeds well, which keeps it producing regularly. This breed was first registered in a herd book in Switzerland in the 1600s. A constructed, three-dimensional goat housing is considered to be important in ensuring that goats have their own safe space. Also, check out California breeders of some other farm animals: Dutch Hookbill Duck, Dorking Chicken, or Wensleydale Sheep Are you a farm animal breeder who isn’t listed? Flaps of skin on the neck are also quite common with this breed. Business owners of artisan food and dairy products have been using the milk of Toggenburg goats for quite some time. The Toggenburg female goat is also an apple of the eye of several goat breeders because the animal is known for its constant milk production, even during winter, when all other goat breeds tend to slow down with their milk stream. Coat colour ranges from light brown to mouse grey, with white Swiss markings to the face, lower legs and tail area. 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