And you have to deal with Feces. Cow manure is nasty and wet. Goats have dry berries.
Also, you have genetics. The current cattle breeding landscape is pretty mono culture (there are exceptions in the cow world and getting to be more) while the goat breeding scene still hasn't even gotten to the place where a single Type of dairy goat is considered to be "the best" even at a National Show. As a result (and possibly because of the fact that goat people are nearly as ornery and free thinking as their charges) goat genetics are anything but homogeneous. Different strengths and proclivities abound. Do you need a goat that stays in its fence? There is someone selecting hard for that exact trait. Do you want a tough goat that can stay fat on brush and have a persistent lactation. Yep, there is someone breeding for that too. Do you want 2 gallons a day from your goat? You are in luck some goats are knocking down nearly 3 gallons a day with the right management. Now, you can't get all the above traits in the same goat but still, the potential to have a goat that fits you is quite high and you can have your own little genetic pool of potential running for about the same daily cost as one cow. Do I like goats? Yes. If I had 50 acres of grass, I would get cows.
I might have to disagree with you on the goats. Our goats have grazed grasses for a decade with rotational grazing implemented. We did lose a couple to worm infestation before we learned to cull out those who carry genetics susceptible to heavier worm loads. My brother farms commercial meat goats on the North Dakota prairie and has amazing success with grazing. I really do think, no matter the species of animal, it all comes down to genetics and selectively breeding for your own micro-climate.
And you have to deal with Feces. Cow manure is nasty and wet. Goats have dry berries.
Also, you have genetics. The current cattle breeding landscape is pretty mono culture (there are exceptions in the cow world and getting to be more) while the goat breeding scene still hasn't even gotten to the place where a single Type of dairy goat is considered to be "the best" even at a National Show. As a result (and possibly because of the fact that goat people are nearly as ornery and free thinking as their charges) goat genetics are anything but homogeneous. Different strengths and proclivities abound. Do you need a goat that stays in its fence? There is someone selecting hard for that exact trait. Do you want a tough goat that can stay fat on brush and have a persistent lactation. Yep, there is someone breeding for that too. Do you want 2 gallons a day from your goat? You are in luck some goats are knocking down nearly 3 gallons a day with the right management. Now, you can't get all the above traits in the same goat but still, the potential to have a goat that fits you is quite high and you can have your own little genetic pool of potential running for about the same daily cost as one cow. Do I like goats? Yes. If I had 50 acres of grass, I would get cows.
Haha, yes! Not only that but if your cow dies, there goes your entire herd, but if one of your five goats dies, you still have four!
Goats are just entertaining too... but i am not a fan of their milk or cheese... I'd say it's a tie.
Haha! I’ve had them both and I enjoyed reading this!
I might have to disagree with you on the goats. Our goats have grazed grasses for a decade with rotational grazing implemented. We did lose a couple to worm infestation before we learned to cull out those who carry genetics susceptible to heavier worm loads. My brother farms commercial meat goats on the North Dakota prairie and has amazing success with grazing. I really do think, no matter the species of animal, it all comes down to genetics and selectively breeding for your own micro-climate.