Saanen (Die deutsche weiße Edelziege)

History and dispersal

White goats have been known for centuries in Germany. As early as 1880 Swiss Saanen goats and goats of the Appenzeller race have been crossbred. Breeding of the real White German Edelziege began with the founding of the first Goat Breeders' Association in Pfungstadt, Hessen.

Appearance

Occasionally, the pure white race shows a slightly reddish-yellow coloration on the neck and back, with or without pigment spots on the nose, ears and udders. A smooth and flat fur is sometimes longer on the billy-goat.

Characteristics

The WDE is precocious and long-lived and shows high fertility. The heat is seasonal, means estrus occurs mainly during the months of August through January. The WDE receives on average one to two lambs a year. The race is characterized by particular adaptability and high performance. The annual milk production lies at about 1000kg, and peak performances of 2000 kg are quite possible. The animals are longlegged, mainly bred without horns. The uniform and firmly set udder with its medium-length lines is good for hand and machine milking.

Dimensions and weights

The goats reach a maximum weight of about 60 - 80 kg, the males about 80 - 100 kg. The withers is at 60 - 80 cm, with the he-goats at 80 - 90 cm.