 Since
1904 the Saanen has been one of the most popular breeds of dairy goats
in America. Some are drawn by the pleasing aesthetics of a pasture of
uniformly white animals. Some are drawn to Saanens by their large size,
vitality, herd compatibility and their “eager to please” temperament.
The largest part of their popularity, however, is due to their milking
ability. The latest figures furnished by USDA-AIPL show Saanens surpass
all of the other breeds with production averages for 1999 of 2351# milk,
3.4% butterfat and 3.1% protein. The All Time High Producing Saanen record
holders are: Milk (1997) JC-Reed’s Cloverhoof Haley 2*M AS0894085 4-00
305 6571 168/2.6% 162/2.5% bred by John and Colleen Reed, and Butterfat
(2001) GCH AJ'S-Udder-Delight Karlada 6*M AS1049165 3-08 292-4540-246/5.4-120/2.6
bred by Andrea Green, Washington .
Another
reason to consider Saanens is the interest and support that is offered
by the National Saanen Breeders Association. No other breed offers
a more progressive Association. NSBA has many programs that offer recognition
for Saanens and their owners, both through the NSBA web site and the NSBA
award-winning newsletter. |
The
Saanen is the largest of the all the dairy breeds. Although ADGA’s minimum
requirements for a mature Saanen doe is 30” in height, the breed average
is 31-32”, with many reported as large as 35”.
Saanen
hair is short and fine, although a fringe over the spine and thighs is
often present. The hair is white to creamy white, with the white being
preferred.
Ears
should be erect and alertly carried, preferably pointing forward.
The
face may be straight or dished.
The
Saanen doe has a majestic air about her, which coupled with her milk producing
ability, identifies her as “Queen of the Dairy Goats”.
SAANENS
derived their name from the SAANEN valley in the south of Canton Berne,
Switzerland. In 1893 several thousand head were taken out of the valley
and spread throughout Europe. Between 1904 and the 1930's approximately
150 SAANENS were imported into the United States from Switzerland. Later
importations came in via England.
Today
they have spread throughout the United States as one of the preferred
dairy goats primarily because of their consistency in producing large
quantities of milk in conjunction with their sturdiness, easy keepability
and capacity to tolerate environmental change. |
Modified
June 16, 2009
