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Goats
Golden Guernsey
2008 Watchlist; Category 5, Minority.
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.
The breed is strong but fine-boned and generally smaller and less wedge-shaped than other breeds. It has a moderate milk yield, but is an efficient producer when its lower food intake is considered. The ears are large and pointing forward with a sight 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. The breed is adaptable to free range or stall feeding and has an affectionate and docile nature making it a suitable household goat.