Buy a buck now or in the fall?

Blossomgapfarm · #1 01/31/07, 09:20 PM

I have 3 girls now, 2 bred and one who miscarried. Hopefully I will have at least 5 does to breed in the fall/winter for next spring babies. I have the opportunity to buy a bottle baby buck now that comes from Iron Rod SuperSonic lines. The mom is a nice big dairy doe who milks well as are her first freshener daughters from this same breeding. I have not seen the kid yet but am told that he is "fabulous." The breeder, who of course would love to sell his buck kids, has been in the business long enough to know the difference between fabulous and average and out of his 20 buck kids so far (29 kids delivered) says this is the best. Is it better to buy a buck this time of year or wait until the fall and hope someone in my area has something availiable? Or should I learn to AI?

Thanks for your opinions!
Dawn

kerrinatoz · #2 01/31/07, 09:28 PM

Well about AI, I looked into it too. However, unless you know a far nearby that has a tank for storage that you can rent, it just isn't very cost effective. I guess you also need training for it because it isn't one of those things you can learn from a book. At least these are the conclusion that I came to after looking into this in more detail. I only have two does and we have decided to go ahead and buy two bucklings this year. I have two sisters so i do need more variety than just one buck could offer. But, I also figure you never know how each buck will mature so I figure I'm better off getting two and increasing my odds one will be ready for breeding this Sept/Oct. Just my two cents.

Laura Workman · #3 01/31/07, 09:33 PM

AI, considering tank, semen, timing does, equipment, uncertainty, etc., is going to cost a LOT more than feeding a kid for a few months. Of course the buckling's purchase price could be prohibitive, but since we have no information on that, can't really take it into account. By the fall, most bucklings will be sold or wethered. Unless something weird happens, the best will no longer be available. I'd say, for best selection, I'd get him now. Like Vicki says, if money's tight, you can always butcher him in the fall once your does have settled.

Tam319 · #4 01/31/07, 09:40 PM

Hi Dawn,

Well, I suppose the most economical thing would be to buy a ready-to-use buck when you are in need of his services (next breeding season). You would not be feeding a buck all those months til you needed him.

However, I can definitely see the merit of buying this buckling if he is as fabulous as he sounds!! He's probably a lot more affordable now than he will be in a couple of months once someone has put the time and money into bottle feeding him and seeing how he turns out. This might be a chance to own a calibre of buck that you otherwise might not be able to afford or even be able to find for sale, know what I mean? The other plus is that you'll have him ahead of time to establish a relationship with him, and he'll be there whenever you choose to breed. This past year we had trouble finding a buck during breeding season and ended up postponing breeding our gals a couple of months. Its not fun to be caught in the "heat of the moment" so to speak w/o a good quality buck to use. I'd go for it if you are set up with proper facilities to rear him.

That said, we are looking at buying a buck this weekend to use next breeding season. The bloodlines we want are hard to come by and sometimes you gotta get the buck when he's available rather than when its convenient, know what I mean?

As for AI, I haven't had much experience with it personally. I believe it can be costly and not as effective as live cover. Plus due to the smaller size of does (versus, say, cows) AI is an art form.

All the best!! Sounds like he's a really awesome little guy and will be a great addition to the herd.

Good luck!

Jillis · #5 02/01/07, 06:43 AM

I would definitely buy the buckling, if his bloodlines are what you want.

Another thing to consider is that if you bottle raise him, he might be easier for you personally to handle as he gets bigger. '

Just remember not to play rough with him, don't allow him to use any dominant behavior on you. It's tempting when they are young and cute, but dangerous when they get older.

mary,tx · #6 02/01/07, 08:55 AM

I'd also vote for buying the kid now, and not having to worry about finding a mature buck later.
mary

Patty0315 · #7 02/01/07, 09:00 AM

If you buy a bottle baby now you can pick and choose what you want. Waiting til fall you will have only a few good bucks to choose from. Buy now.

Patty

gryndlgoat · #8 02/01/07, 09:21 AM

double post-sorry

gryndlgoat · #9 02/01/07, 09:22 AM

It would depend on what your long range plans are. Are you trying to build up and develop a good milking herd? Or just have pregnant does so that you have milk from them? If the former, then yes, get the best buckling you can, and this one sounds good. If the latter, and you will sell or butcher this year's kids, you could even use a buckling from this year's freshenings, then butcher him when everyone is settled. (Yes you can breed a son to his mother and aunts and not get freaks).

Blossomgapfarm · #10 02/01/07, 09:48 AM

We decided to get him! His mother got mastitis a couple of years ago but she is still a good milker and he has her in his dairy herd. He is being raised on CAE prevention. This buckling's full sisters are milking well this spring as well. He does come from good lines and I don't think I could beat the price in the fall. I can pick him up for $150 now and bottle him on whole cow's milk from the store (at least until one of my girls freshens - next week I hope).

I am thinking about putting my girl that miscarried in with him as a companion for a few weeks until I have a whether to put in with him. She gets picked on by the bigger girls who will have babies to protect in a couple of weeks so a break may be good for her. I know I would have to move her out in a month or so if I don't want her bred back though! What do you think?

Laura Workman · #11 02/01/07, 11:19 AM

Just be careful she doesn't squash him. Does can be hard on kids that aren't their own.

On second thought, maybe not. You don't know why she miscarried, and some communicable diseases can cause miscarriage. I'd hate to see your buck spread that to the rest of your herd.

Blossomgapfarm · #12 02/01/07, 11:48 AM

Good point; I had not thought of it that way. But she is in with the other girls now and will be again once we have a whether to keep him company. He will be breeding her and the other girls in the fall.

It is true that I don't know why she lost the baby (weighed about 2 lbs so I guess was very premature rather than a miscarage?) My understanding is that sometimes it just happens dispite the best of care. My other 2 girls are bred to the same buck that she was and not having any problems. She was a virgin doe and he was only a yearling buck so should not be looking at any stds I would not think. If Pixie has anything communicable, the others are already exposed, I would think. Does that change things?

I have a couple of days before I get him to decide. Opinions are appreciated.