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Softwine LLC Authentic Maryland Goat Milk Co. started six summers ago. The herd began with two goats.

A female goat is a "doe". Does do not continuously give milk. The process of producing milk begins with "freshening", that is, breeding, a doe. When the doe gives birth, then it is possible to milk the goat. The amount of milk produced starts out slow, then it reaches a peak, and after that it begins tapering off. Typically, this process takes place over about a ten-month period.

There are different breeds of goats. The goats in each breed have some characteristics that set them apart. The breed of goats at Softwine LLC is Nigerian Dwarf. Here are some characteristics of Nigerian Dwarf that set them apart from most other breeds:

(1) Size
Nigerian Dwarfs are small goats. By weight, a Nigerian Dwarf can weigh at maturity about half that of a goat from some other breeds.

(2) Milk composition
The fat content of Nigerian Dwarf milk can be around 12%. Compare to other goat breeds where the fat content is around 6%, and to cow milk at 4%. The high fat content can contribute to a rich goat milk soap.

(3) Breeding
Nigerian Dwarf goats can breed year round. Other breeds typically breed once a year.