How do you learn more about genetics?

[AshleyB]

I am still fairly new to goats. This is our first kidding season, we milked last year too. I would really like to learn more about genetics. At some point in the future, I would like to pursue starting a goat cheese operation. I know that I will want to start breeding for a higher milk content, and higher production, but I have no idea how to start doing this. Can anyone recommend good websites or books so that I can start studying up?
thanks!

[AshleyB]

Anyone?

[mowarren]

i'm just starting out wanting good nubian milkers. it's been recommended to me to start with American Dairy Goat Association www.adga.org it has info on different lines. i'm sure you'll have someone more knowledgeable than me post shortly.

[dezeeuwgoats]

ADGA'S site is a good place to start - check out the top ten milk records. The elite sire/doe lists are good also.

I have nubians - so that's what I know, but I haven't been 'in' it long. I'd check out the herd names on those lists and see if they have websites. Then you can connect names to pictures of style/type and decide what you like. Lots of information there - just start familiarizing yourself with the names. You have to start somewhere! Oh - and if it is nubians, Six M Galaxy is a name you'll see on the top ten but they have a blog site, not a web site.

Building good relationships with experienced breeders is an important resource also. Shows, the ADGA convention, goat forums - all help.

Niki

[Tracy in Idaho]

Yep, go to the American Dairy Goat Assoc site and check out the current Top Tens in each breed;

www.adga.org

You can also go to the ADGA Genetics site and look up the top producers in each breed under the PTI/ETA search.

If I may brag -- you'll notice a few Soldier Mountain goats in there ;-)

Tracy

[AnnaS]

Another thing to look at is the Superior Genetics list, on the adga website under Sire development PTI index. The PTI tries to remove environmental & management variables to determine the genetic merit of an animal.

For example, a doe milking 2,500 lbs in an average management herd that averages 1,600 lbs is genetically superior to a doe milking 3,000 lbs in an excellently managed herd averaging 3,200 lbs.

You also don't want to select solely on production. The French dairies did this for a while and ended up with some horrendous results.

[AshleyB]

Okay, thank you for the info.

I wasn't just looking for the production, but also the butterfat percentage. Thanks so much!