The pasture loved by the goats.
The grazing of goats!!
We’ve often talked about sheep grazing, emphasizing how crucial winter and spring pastures are for milk with a rich, delicate aroma. But goats are a completely different story!
Although goats, like sheep, belong to the Bovidae family, they are part of the Capra genus, not Ovis like sheep. This means their diet is far more varied than that of sheep. Goats don’t settle for just grass or clover—they love leaves, twigs, and bark as well.
They don’t simply eat everything in sight; instead, they select from a much wider range of vegetation.
What is the ideal pasture for goats?
For this reason, woodlands represent the ideal grazing environment for goats. Here they can choose from a variety of plants that enrich their diet. And by October, they can even feast on acorns, which they particularly enjoy.
Another interesting difference?
Unlike sheep, goats don’t mind the heat. While sheep tend to stop and seek shade when temperatures rise, goats remain unfazed by the warmth and continue browsing without interruption.
However, it’s clear that forest grazing can’t give milk the same aromatic qualities as lush spring pastures rich in tender grass and blooming clover. The tannins from leaves, twigs, and bark give goat milk a more mineral, robust flavor with a distinct complexity, setting it apart from sheep milk.
There’s another crucial aspect to consider!
Goats are extremely independent animals and are not easily stopped by fences. This poses a major challenge for our shepherds, who must remain constantly vigilant and ready to intervene; otherwise, the goats might end up in our olive grove—or even in the neighbor’s vineyard!
They move quickly and can dodge any attempt at containment, often driving the shepherd on duty to despair!
