Cow’s milk is the most consumed type of milk by humans worldwide. However, there are other types of milk that we also consume. In this article we will explain who are the leaders in goat milk production.
Goat’s milk offers similar nutritional benefits to cow’s milk but contains more natural vitamins A and B (with nearly double the amount of vitamin B3 compared to cow’s milk) and it is characterized by its therapeutic value, high digestibility and buffer capacity.
Prefer to listen to this article? Click the play button below and enjoy our podcast!
The Global Rise of Goat Milk Production
The consumption of goat's milk has been increasing in recent years, and one of the reasons for this is because it can be an alternative milk source for people that are allergic to cow's milk protein, ensuring nutrient intake.
According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of goat milk has an increasing trend. This can be seen in the statistical data on production in the last 50 years, where goat milk production has increased from 6,482,111 tons in 1970 to 20,587,811 tons in 2023.
The highest production regions are located in Asia with an output of around 12 million tons in 2022. Africa is in second place producing around 4.4 million tons and Europe in third with approximately 3 million tons.
In this article we will present information on the 3 highest goat milk producing countries: India, Sudan and Pakistan.
1. India
India is the world's largest producer of goat milk, with an annual production of over 6 million tons. This top position is globally due to its vast population of goats and the importance of goat farming in rural livelihoods. Goat milk production plays a critical role in the Indian dairy sector, representing nearly 25% of the livestock, particularly in regions where other forms of dairy farming are less viable. Cultural traditions also contribute to its prominence.
India’s dominance in goat milk production is not just economically significant but also nutritionally vital, as goat milk is a key source of livelihood and nutrition for millions of rural households.
States such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat are known for significantly contributing to the country's total milk supply.
Among the main goat breeds produced in the country is the Jamunapari.
Indian goat farming, particularly in milk production, presents opportunities for growth in areas such as access to veterinary services, availability of essential medications, and enhanced knowledge of advanced animal management practices.
Moreover, India struggles with a severe shortage of livestock feed and fodder, with a significant gap between demand and supply, especially in arid and semi-arid regions.
2. Sudan
Sudan is the second world’s biggest country producing goat milk in the world in 2022. Based on data from FAO Sudan’s goat milk production reached more than 1,1 million tons. Sudan’s goat milk industry contributes significantly to food security by providing an accessible source of protein and essential nutrients for rural populations.
There is an estimated 42.5 million goat population, which is a large population compared to other African countries. The country's diverse goat breeds, such as the Nubian and Damascus goats, are well-adapted to arid and semi-arid environments, making them vital for subsistence and commercial dairy farming. The Nubian goat is the most abundant in Sudan, accounting for about 46 % of the total goat population in the country, and is widely distributed in the north of the country. The Saanen goat population is also interesting since studies with Saanen goats indicate their capacity for high milk production under Sudan's semi-arid conditions.
Challenges, however, persist in the form of limited veterinary services, lack of modern farming technologies, and limited market access. Nevertheless, research efforts emphasize the potential for improving milk yields through enhanced nutrition, breeding programs, and better management practices. These advancements could significantly boost productivity, thereby supporting food security and economic development in the region.
3. Pakistan
Goats are the fastest-growing ruminant population in Pakistan, with meat production being the primary breeding objective, making the country the third-largest producer of goat milk in the world.
In a nation facing economic hardship, these animals serve as a vital source of income for 6 million people, particularly in rural and impoverished areas. Pakistan’s annual goat milk production is about 1 million. The country's diverse climatic regions and indigenous dual-purpose breeds contribute significantly to this production. Notable breeds widely renowned for their milk production include: Beetal, Kamori, Dera Din Panah, Damani, and Nachi.
Similar to India, Pakistan's goat farming sector has opportunities for growth by modernizing farming techniques, expanding access to veterinary services, and improving market infrastructure. Strengthening these areas could further enhance the sector's productivity and long-term potential.
Conclusion
Goat milk production has been on the rise in recent years, playing a crucial role in nutrition and livelihoods, especially in developing regions. In these areas, goats are valued for their ability to provide a reliable source of milk, even in resource-limited settings, making them an essential asset for rural communities.
To further enhance productivity and sustainability, researchers highlight the benefits of improved breeding programs, modern farming practices, and expanded access to veterinary care. Strengthening these areas could unlock even greater potential for the goat milk industry, supporting food security, economic growth, and rural development.
References
Ceballos et. al (2009) “Composition of goat and cow milk produced under similar conditions and analyzed by identical methodology” in Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, volume 22, Issue 4, pages 322-329, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfca.2008.10.020
FAO, 2022, Production of Milk, whole fresh goat: top 10 producers 2019. Accessed via http://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL/visualise on february 20, 2025.
Lad et. al, (2017) “Goat Milk in Human Nutrition and Health – A Review” in International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences 6(5):1781-1792 https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2017.605.194
Ahmad, M. & Lund, A. (2021) “Production Potential, Nutritive Value and Nutraceutical Effects of Goat Milk” in Journal of Animal Health and Production 9(1):65-71 https://doi.org/10.17582/journal.jahp/2021/9.1.65.71
Young P., George F.W, Handbook of Milk of Non‐Bovine Mammals, 2006, ISBN:9780470999738
shag IA., Abdalla SA. and Ahmed M-K.A. 2012. Factors affecting milk production traits of Saanen goat raised under Sudan - Semi Arid conditions. Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 2(5): 435-438.
Leave your comments here