Know your livestock … Toggenburg goat breed

THE Toggenburg is a Swiss dairy goat from the Toggenburg Valley of Switzerland at Obertoggenburg in the Swiss Alps.

They are also credited as being the oldest known dairy goat breed. The pure Toggenburg was developed in Switzerland, while the British Toggenburg was bred in Britain; thus indicating that other bloodlines may have been introduced to the pure Toggenburg imported from Switzerland to Britain.

Pure Toggenburgs were imported to South Africa early in the 20th century, but none were registered. Some good milkers were the result of cross breeding with South African-type milch goats originating from the pure Saanen importations of 1900 to 1914.

This is a medium size, sturdy breed. The hair is short or medium in length, soft, fine, and lying flat. Bucks are known for a pronounced beard. The colour is solid varying from light fawn to dark chocolate with no preference for any shade. Distinct white markings are as follows: white ears with dark spot in middle; two white stripes down the face from above each eye to the muzzle; hind legs white from hocks to hooves; forelegs white from knees downward with a dark band below knee acceptable; a white triangle on either side of the tail; white spot may be present at root of toggles or in that area if no toggles are present. The ears are erect and carried forward. Facial lines may be dished or straight, never roman.

The udder should be well developed, not fleshy, and have a soft texture after milking. The udder should be carried high and well under the body. Good udder attachment is particularly important. The teats should be moderately sized, squarely placed and point slightly forward.

Toggenburgs perform best in cooler conditions and it is reported to be the least suited of the dairy breeds to tropical conditions.

Today 21 Toggenburg females and eight Toggenburg males are registered with the breeders’ society in South Africa. The total number of Toggenburg goats in Namibia is unknown.

– various sources