The story of Jürgen and Viktoria Eder is rooted in a deep love for goat farming. Although Viktoria was a “city girl”, she discovered her passion for goats during her agricultural training in Aigen-Schlägl. At that time, they already had a complete plan to convert their old dairy barn into a modern, automated free-stall facility. But their shared enthusiasm for goats changed everything. In a short but intense planning process, and in close cooperation with Schauer Agrotronic, a modern dairy goat barn with a rotary milking carousel was realized.
A milk supply contract with the Schlierbacher dairy as the foundation
Although the cost of building the goat barn was much lower than that of the previously planned cattle barn, it was clear that the project couldn’t proceed without a secure milk supply agreement. “Along with the shift from cows to goats, we also converted the farm to organic,” Viktoria Eder explained. “It was a logical step and a requirement for the partnership with the Schlierbach dairy.”
Breeding decisions and kid management – key for year-round milk production
“Before building the barn, you must decide how you’ll handle breeding and the kids,” says Viktoria. They chose mother-bonded rearing, which means kids stay with their mothers and nurse for at least 8 to 10 weeks. Births usually happen unassisted but are always monitored. If necessary, obstetric help is provided.
To ensure good milk production, all goats don’t have to give birth every year. During kidding season, milk output decreases, but the farm gains the advantage of being able to supply milk in winter, which brings higher prices. Young goats usually give birth to two kids, older ones up to four. Surplus kids are sold.
A practical barn concept with access to feed and fresh pasture
Goats have permanent access to a paved outdoor area and seasonal pasture where they graze on fresh grass. In the barn, they are fed silage and hay. “It’s important to provide enough feeding spots for the large herd,” Jürgen explains. “We feed small portions multiple times a day.”
“Goats are picky. What they don’t eat goes to the heifers housed in the old barn.” The hay is stored above the barn and delivered via crane. Ground grain is added manually twice a day. A high feed intake is essential for good milk yields.
Deep litter and regular cleaning
The barn is designed as a deep-litter facility. It’s cleaned four times a year with a tractor. Bedding is added from above using an overhead crane. The feeding fence is diagonal and placed high enough to prevent kids from slipping through due to a 0.5-meter height difference.
On the opposite side, there’s a “kid-proof” feeding fence with tighter, movable bars. Several Schauer swinging brushes improve animal welfare and hygiene.
Milking carousel with 36 stations and concentrate feeding
“We decided to invest in the best available technology,” says Viktoria. “With the 36-station milking carousel, the goats are milked twice a day, each session lasting around 40 minutes.” Viktoria handles milking, while Jürgen manages feeding. “Of course, we help each other when needed. The system eases our daily workload.”
The barn has been operational since 2021. Everything runs smoothly. Dairy goats are intelligent animals that need attention. With this system, Viktoria and Jürgen found a sustainable way to manage their grassland. It’s a demanding type of livestock farming—like dairy cattle—but with proper mechanization, it still leaves time for a balanced life close to nature.
Farm Overview – Ziegenglück
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Full-time operation, 2 labor units
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Organic certifications: Bio Austria, Back to the Origin, Naturland
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Organic goat dairy: 200–230 lactating goats and approx. 100 kids
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Total herd: around 330 goats
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Genetics: Saanen goats
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Breeding: around 100 goats currently in mating; surplus kids sold
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Land: 41 ha grassland, 9 ha arable land
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Outdoor access and pasture from spring to late autumn
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12 heifers were raised for a local organic farm until 9 weeks before calving.
- Source: https://www.schauer-agrotronic.com/ziegen-schafe/schafstaelle-ziegenstaelle/bio-milchziegenbetrieb-eder
- Foto: https://ziegenglueck.at/
