Vince’s new pets, Freeman, Hardy & Willis are a bit of a hit with the village, and the following is a little information to answer some of the questions we get asked about them.
They are boys – so NO we are not producing milk and cheese.
No, we are not keeping them to produce meat products.
They are Vince’s pets.
Golden Guernseys Key Characteristics
The breed is adaptable to free range or stall feeding and has an affectionate and docile nature making it a good household goat.
- The breed is generally smaller than other milking breeds and fine-boned. The head should have no tassels
- The ears are large and pointing forward with a slight upturn at the tip.
- Facial line is straight or slightly dished.
- The coat can be long or short and is observed in all shades of gold with or without small white markings, but no Swiss markings (light coloured legs, ears, tail and facial stripes).
History
- The first reference to Golden Guernsey goats is in an island Guide Book of 1826, but it was not until the 1930s that Dr Tracey, a British Goat Society judge, noticed these outstanding golden goats and suggested to Miss
- Miriam Milbourne that she should revive this almost extinct breed.
- She set about this task with much enthusiasm, founding her L’Ancresse herd.
- In 1970 due to Miss Milbourne’s ill health a Trust was set up to look after the remaining stock and out of this
- Trust the Golden Guernsey Goat Breed Society was formed.
- The first successful imports were in 1965 and the mainland club was formed in 1968.
- The British Goat Society Golden Guernsey register was opened in 1970.
Uses
It has a moderate milk yield, producing around 4 or 5 pints per day. The Golden Guernsey is an efficient producer when its lower food intake is considered. Milk is usually has a high butterfat and protein content and so is good for making yoghurt or cheese.
Freeman, Hardy & Willis are boys so no milk !
Did you know?
The breed was nearly wiped out in the Second World War when most livestock on Guernsey was slaughtered during the German occupation. Miss Miriam Milbourne was able to hide a small group of goats allowing the breed to survive.
