Goat Milk Production Calculator
Estimate annual goat milk production and gross revenue for your dairy goat herd. Enter the number of does, average daily yield per doe, lactation length, and milk price to see total annual production and gross revenue. Figures are based on USDA NASS dairy goat production survey benchmarks. These are estimates for planning purposes; actual production depends on breed, feeding, management, and health.
Goat milk production formula
Annual yield per doe (L) = daily yield (L/day) x lactation days
Total herd yield (L) = annual yield per doe x number of does
Gross revenue = total herd yield x price per litre
USDA NASS dairy goat surveys (published annually) provide average production benchmarks by state. The formula is the standard lactation mathematics used by university extension services including UC Davis and Penn State.
USDA NASS breed production benchmarks
- Alpine: 1,000-1,200 litres per lactation (high-producing)
- Saanen: 1,000-1,400 litres per lactation (highest producing breed)
- Toggenburg: 900-1,100 litres per lactation
- Nubian: 700-900 litres per lactation (higher fat content)
- LaMancha: 800-1,000 litres per lactation
- Nigerian Dwarf: 300-500 litres per lactation (small but high fat)
Goat milk production calculator: frequently asked questions
How much milk does a dairy goat produce per year?
According to USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) data, US dairy goats average approximately 800-1,000 kg of milk per year per doe. High-producing breeds such as Alpine and Saanen average 1,000-1,400 kg per year. Nigerian Dwarf and Pygmy does produce 300-700 kg per year. Lactation typically lasts 9-10 months.
How is annual milk production calculated?
Annual milk yield (litres) = average daily yield (litres/day) x number of days in lactation. Most dairy goat lactations run 275-305 days. Milk yield peaks 4-6 weeks after kidding and then declines gradually.
What is the average price for goat milk?
According to USDA NASS Dairy Goat report data, the US farm-gate price for goat milk has ranged from $0.30-$0.80 per lb (approximately $0.66-$1.76 per litre). Direct-to-consumer or artisan prices are typically higher. Enter your actual sale price for accurate revenue estimates.
How does kidding affect milk production?
Milk production begins after kidding and follows the standard lactation curve. Does that kid in autumn or winter (January-March) and those allowed adequate dry periods of 6-8 weeks before the next kidding tend to produce more milk in the following lactation.
Does this calculator account for milk consumed by kids?
No. This calculator shows total milk production. If kids are dam-raised, subtract the volume they consume (typically 1-2 litres per day per kid for the first 8-12 weeks) from total production to get the volume available for sale or household use.
Official sources
- USDA NASS: Dairy Goats Production Annual Survey.
- UC Davis Extension: UC Davis Goat Extension Resources.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 14 June 2026. See our methodology.