Goat farmer's background and farm setup

Thomas Clivio transitioned from water management studies to caprine farming in 2020, establishing his goat farm in Locqueltas, Morbihan, near the Haras de Kerizac, which is operated by his wife, a veterinarian. He founded the Earl Chèvrerie de Kerizac and developed a 280 Alpine goat farm with a 1,500 m² building designed for efficiency and productivity.

Farm design and technology

The facility includes separate spaces for different age groups of goats, a milking room with 2x24 places, and areas for kids and nurseries. The building is constructed entirely of concrete, allowing for motorized feeding and bedding. Bales of hay are brought in using an electric pallet truck, and an electric trike distributes concentrates in three meals per day.

Hygiene and milk quality standards

Milking gloves are disinfected after each goat, and teats are sprayed with a cosmetic dip to ensure hygiene, aiming for a milk cell count not exceeding one million per milliliter. This focus on cleanliness helps maintain high milk quality, which is essential for market competitiveness.

Out-of-season production and lighting

Clivio chose to produce out of season, with births in September, which allows for a higher valuation of milk by 40 to 50 euros per thousand liters. To achieve this, he illuminates the building from November 1 to February 1 to simulate daylight and trigger heats, ensuring a controlled breeding cycle.

Genetics and breeding strategy

Genetics play a crucial role in his farming strategy, with all initial kids purchased from Chevrettes de France and replacement kids from artificial insemination, achieving a 77% success rate. Since 2026, Clivio has used genotyping to confirm mating plans, allowing him to optimize selection and secure lineage.

Future genotyping plans

He plans to genotype 5 young bucks and 15 kids to gain a year in selection and improve genetic quality. This approach ensures long-term improvements in the herd's productivity and health, aligning with modern agricultural practices.

Forage management and feeding

Feeding is adapted to the group, lactation stage, and forage quality harvested from 12 ha of hybrid ryegrass, 12 ha of fescue, and 7 ha of alfalfa. All forages are analyzed, and the ration for the best goats includes specific amounts of hay and feed. Kids receive forages and a growth feed tailored to their needs.

Milk production goals

Clivio aims to increase milk production from 850 liters per goat in the first year to 1,000 liters by 2026, achieving a total of 280,000 liters annually. He also plans to develop a pasture adjacent to the farm, allowing goats to graze from June to August after a hay cut, which could further enhance productivity.

Yeast testing and results

To optimize forage intake, Clivio tested the addition of 2 g/day of live yeasts Actisaf SC 47 from November 2025 to March 2026, compared to a control group receiving 1 g/day. The test showed an increase in hay intake of 150 g/day and a rise in milk production by an average of +0.2 l/day during the first four months, although no difference was observed from March onwards.

Expert opinion on yeast use

Laurent Davoust, head of caprine products at Agrial, noted the economic interest in doubling the yeast dose during the initial months of lactation. This insight could help Clivio refine his feeding strategy for better economic returns.

Farm investment and financial support

The total investment for the farm, including building, equipment, feeding, and herd, amounted to 600,000 euros, supported by various aids including JA aid, PCAE aid, and Agrial assistance. These financial supports were critical in establishing and maintaining the high-standard farm.