7 things you need to know about herding goats…and goat cheese
Simply put, I love goats. But don’t worry, I won’t make a long inspirational speech about how goats saved my life nor will I add grandiose statements about how I found myself herding goats somewhere in the mountains, walking between streams to the sound of nature under the setting sun. I just love the silly, hind leg climbing, nuisance of an animal. I will own a few goats one of these days; it’s just a matter of space. Last year, I was engulfed in goat-love fever – I ate goats, walked goats, drank goat milk, ate goat cheese, and learned how to call a herd. If you have never herded goats (or any animal for that matter) here are some things you need to know before your adventure begins.
1.
If you want to have a good herd, get some sheep. Some shepherds who herd goats add a few sheep to spice things up. Goats have to be milked every day, so it helps to have some sheep whose milk dries up.
2.
Goats will eat anything at any time. They will climb a short tree if they have to to get to the juicy stuff. Just like goats eat everything, you can equally eat every part of the goat. Don’t be shy.
3.
From goat milk, you get: milk, yogurt, ricotta, colostrum, cheese, whey, cream (In Spanish: Leche, yogur, requesón, calostro, queso, suero, nata). These days cheese is made with chemical rennet – but with your herd, the dried belly of a female goat – Cuajo – will do just fine.
4.
The gestational period for goats and sheep is ~5 months, with some goats or sheep having up to 3 kids at a time. Next time you see a pregnant goat, feel free to give her some extra love.
5.
Sheep/goats only let their kids milk from them. So to get around this, shepherds cut wool from the mother and attach it on top of the new-kid. The sheep/goat smells her wool and recognizes the new-kid as her own and lets it feed from her udder. Tricks of the trade.
6.
A herd needs only a few male animals…too much macho never did anyone any good.
7.
And when you are ready to part with your goat…Goats are sold after the 8th teeth – which is a way to tell that the animal can graze on its own without its mom and without supplemental feed or pienso.
In the month I was in El Golco, I went twice to walk the goats through the Sierra Nevada mountain range where they feed. We walked them through mountains and streams, up hills and down again, searching for the best green, between the dry southern side of the mountain. Goats recognize their shepherd, they hear him call and they follow. Goats will smell the grass and eat the ones that give the best nutrients. They will stomp and eat; climb and eat; and when they have had enough, they will bend their legs and slump down to take a break from scavenging.
When a few more of the goats slump down to rest, it’s time to head home because it means they have had enough.
One last thing, remember to take your staff with you – it doesn’t count if you herd goats but don’t have a shepherd’s staff, or so I’ve been told.
