These CDCB breed averages are a little different from the production averages published by ADGA (American Dairy Goat Association) because the two organizations calculate them differently. ADGA’s breed averages are based on registered goats that are actively participating in ADGA’s official performance programs—primarily those completing standardized 305-day lactations and submitting full records through ADGA-affiliated DHI labs. These goats are often part of higher-performing herds enrolled in milk test, linear appraisal, and other performance tracking.

In contrast, the CDCB (Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding) collects national-scale data from all herds participating in DHI testing—regardless of registry—and includes a wider variety of management styles, herd sizes, and breeds. Their reported averages use the AVG365 method, which calculates milk production over a 365-day period and reflects a broader, more real-world snapshot of dairy goat performance in the U.S., including commercial, homestead, and mixed herds.

Another reason for the difference between CDCB and ADGA breed averages is the type of herds represented. Breeds like Nubians and especially Nigerian Dwarfs show a much larger gap between the CDCB and ADGA values. That’s because these breeds are more commonly found in small-scale, homestead, or hobby herds, where production is not the primary focus. Many of these goats are kept for personal use, pets, or breeding for appearance rather than performance, and their records tend to reflect lower average milk production. In contrast, breeds like Saanens and Alpines are more frequently used in commercial or performance-driven dairies, where production records are carefully tracked, genetics are selected for output, and underperformers are often culled. As a result, the gap between ADGA and CDCB averages is much smaller for those breeds.