Because commercial dairy goats produce around 10% of the milk yield of a dairy cow, large herd sizes are necessary to meet processor demands. On average, our members run herds of 750 milking animals, providing a consistent supply of top-quality goat’s products around the country.

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Goats are predominantly housed year-round on UK farms, they prefer dry, sheltered conditions and do not tolerate cold or wet weather well. Our members strive for the highest standards of animal health and welfare, with goats housed in familiar groups that can roam and move freely. Access to fresh straw bedding, feed, water, natural light, and ventilation is always maintained.

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Background:

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Whilst the dairy goat herd has seen significant expansion in recent times, it still forms a specialist market. We estimate that UK goat farms supply over 30 million litres of milk a year into domestic and global markets.

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This milk is then marketed in a variety of ways, from liquid milk and other dairy products sold in supermarkets, small scale artisan cheesemakers and milk processed to use in baby formula.

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Health & Welfare:

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The MGA have continued to work to enhance the Johnes action plan with the aim of reducing Johnes incidence on farm. As well as Johnes, the MGA are also committed to working with other goat societies in the UK to identify and create action plans to deal with other endemic diseases found across the UK.

Further trial and research work is also being carried out to continue the development of health and welfare within the goat sector and the MGA are excited to lead the industry in these developments.

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