couple of questions

Wingdo · #1 02/02/07, 11:57 AM

Gestation is how long for boer goats?
Frequency of booster shots?
How soon will the doe come back into season after giving birth.
What do folks charge for "renting" their buck out (to a farm with upwards of 50 does to be bred)?
What is the pasture/goat ratio, split down the middle?

We need this info quickly in order to know what I can take care of by myself.

Thanks
SKF

Bearfootfarm · #2 02/02/07, 12:01 PM

5 months

Once a year for CD&T

"Goats are seasonally polyestrous with estrous cycles every 20 to 21 days from July through January. Few does cycle in March and April. February, May, June, and July are considered transitional months. Tropical breeds of goats may cycle year-round. Goats reach sexual maturity at five to nine months, but it is not recommended to breed them until they have reached 60 percent of their adult weight, or one year of age. "

http://pubs.caes.uga.edu/caespubs/pubcd/b1168-w.html

Stud fees vary
Cant say without seeing the pasture Too many variables

circlevranch · #3 02/02/07, 06:22 PM

I doubt very much that you will find someone who will rent you a buck for 50 does or more to be bred. If you were lucky enough to find such a person the cost would probably be rather high. It would probably be in your best interest if you'd buy your own buck. Most goat breeders that offer stud services request that your does be bought to there place to be bred. They will also require you to have health papers to make sure your animals are disease free.I'm sure the breeders charge by the head plus so much a day for care and feed for your does.

ozark_jewels · #4 02/02/07, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wingdo

Gestation is how long for boer goats?
Frequency of booster shots?
How soon will the doe come back into season after giving birth.
What do folks charge for "renting" their buck out (to a farm with upwards of 50 does to be bred)?
What is the pasture/goat ratio, split down the middle?

We need this info quickly in order to know what I can take care of by myself.

Thanks
SKF

Five months.

After the initial shots of CDT, mine get one booster shot a year and does get another three weeks before they kid.

Some does come back into season the month they give birth. Depends on location, the time of year and if a buck is running with them or not.

Stud fees vary from owner to owner. Not many will simply let a herd sire go to another farm unless they know you and your herd practices well. I certainly wouldn't. I have too much invested in my herd sires to let them go where I can't care for them. Your best bet with 50 does would be to buy the best buck you can afford.

How many goats per acre depends on your pasture. Browse is decidedly better for goats than straight pasture.

Wingdo · #5 02/03/07, 09:40 AM

I guess I should have explained the stud fees: We have a very nice buck that we gave a bunch of money for last year. It so happens, a fella saw him and wants to rent him for a while. We know the man, and also know he takes good care of his animals, so rather than selling this guy we thought maybe he could pay his feed bill by breeding another herd.

SKF