Boer doeling with third teat

CountryDreams · #1 07/03/07, 06:13 PM

I was out visiting with my goats earlier and for the first time I noticed one of my boer girls with a third teat. It's attached to the top of the other teat and sticks out sideways. It's much smaller than the other two. I almost didn't see it.
I don't plan on milking her in the future since she's part of my meat herd. Is there anything to be concerned about with this girl in the future?

Alice In TX/MO · #2 07/03/07, 06:15 PM

Not a problem.

thatcompchick · #3 07/03/07, 06:24 PM

As long as you don't have triplets and one kid tries to only nurse on the third (if it is a small non working teat) - NO problem.

However, it is highly genetic, and a fault in the show ring - I believe with males in Boers it is also cause for disqualification for registry.

Andrea

topside1 · #4 07/03/07, 06:26 PM

Only three? That's great most of mine have four and I think one may have five...don't worry it's a Boer thing...

Terre d'Esprit · #5 07/03/07, 06:44 PM

I know you said she was part of your meat herd, so this is likely not applicable, but just fyi, here is a link to the ABGA's discussion on correct teat structure.

good luck!

T

http://www.abga.org/teat-structure.php

CountryDreams · #6 07/03/07, 07:03 PM

Thanks for all the responses. And Terre, thank you for that link. I can't believe I didn't have that one bookmarked. Her teat looks like the #4 in the acceptable category with the other teat looking normal.

I have no interest in showing but I do try to breed for the betterment of the breed if at all possible. It's good to know what is acceptable and what is not.