If you had the choice...(dairy people)

KimM · #1 08/03/08, 09:39 AM

If you were to choose between siblings, a buckling or a doeling, which one would you choose based on the dam's (very nice) mammary system, all else being pretty equal?

Kazahleenah · #2 08/03/08, 10:02 AM

It would depend which I needed. If I was needing a good buck, I'd take the buck. Remember, the buck is half the herd, so potentially more valuable than one doe. If I already had a nice buck, or access to one, I'd take the doe.

..... actually, truth be told, there's a 50/50 chance I'd take them both!

Kaza

crazygoatgal · #3 08/03/08, 11:40 AM

Kaza is correct. The only thing I would add is if you had access to a breeding buck of the same quality then I would take the doe and use the buck to sire even nicer offspring. But if you want and need a buck, then I would invest in the very best buck you can afford because he really is half your herd. But he will need a companion.

KimM · #4 08/03/08, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazygoatgal

Kaza is correct. The only thing I would add is if you had access to a breeding buck of the same quality then I would take the doe and use the buck to sire even nicer offspring. But if you want and need a buck, then I would invest in the very best buck you can afford because he really is half your herd. But he will need a companion.

What, just ONE???

HollyBearFarm · #5 08/03/08, 01:02 PM

I would take the doeling and find an even nicer buck. But that's just me. I don't have a buck yet because right now my goat dollars need to go to milkers. And the bucks that I can afford are not the bucks that I want.

Jyllie63 · #6 08/03/08, 01:14 PM

I would buy both

KimM · #7 08/03/08, 03:15 PM

I'm leaning towards the doe (can't take both) but still not sure. I'd like to hear more opinions though.

manygoatsnmore · #8 08/03/08, 07:25 PM

Do you already have access to a really fine buck? Then take the doe. If all of the genetics on the buck are strong, not just the dam's mammary system, but for generations back on both sides of the pedigree, and you need a strong buck, I'd go for the buck. Like others have said, it depends on what you most need in your herd.

KimM · #9 08/03/08, 08:20 PM

I don't have a dairy herd yet and only plan to acquire a few ND does and a buck so I want to start out as right as possible.

Mrs. Jo · #10 08/03/08, 09:30 PM

Here is what I would do. I would search out and buy two adult does from excellent herds. Ideally they would not be related to each other. I would have blood testing for cae, johnes and cl done on them for sure and perhaps tb and mycoplasma if I felt it was needed.

I would then get a buck shipped in from another excellent herd. I would consider the genes on his side, and how well his mother and sisters milk and what their udders look like. I would go out of state and have him shipped or drive to get him. I would go into debt ( a little) to buy the best I can because I know I can make it up later in sales from kids.

Your herd will be unique if you bring in blood from out of state and that may improve your sales in your area as you start breeding them. Take your time to search for really nice goats from good breeders. I don't know of anyone who has ever regretted taking time and buying the best.

It is more important to get a great buck then it is to have a related sister and brother. The buck is the controlling factor of what your herd is going to be like, since he is going to be siring your future generations. Mediocre bucks should be in the freezer. Start with two does and search for a great buck. When it comes time to breed find the best you can, or consider AI.

jordan · #11 08/04/08, 01:33 AM

What has the sire of these two produced in the mammary department in the past? In conformation and dairy character? Have you seen his dam, grand dam on both sides of the pedigree? Sisters?
Buying a buck should be a huge undertaking, he will dictate where your breeding program (yes, even just bred to two does!) is going.

If you don't have any ND's yet, I would go with the doe (provided that her sire and dam has met the above criteria) and then find a buck that will compliment or improve on whatever your does may lack.

Unfortunately, mediocre bucks are a dime a dozen in the ND breed since too many breeders think blue eyes or flashy color are enough to warrant leaving a buck intact.

Don't forget to ask for (and see) the whole herd test results for CAE and Johnes!

KimM · #12 08/04/08, 08:53 AM

Great replies and thanks! I'm in no real hurry and can take my time in shopping. I too think it makes 'more' sense to choose the doe out of the two, but I may hold out and shop around more. Like I said, no real hurry. I want this to be worth waiting for.

Goat Servant · #13 08/04/08, 07:57 PM

This is only our 3rd season and do not yet own a buck. I do have a great relationship with my breeder and use her bucks.
This was the yr I had hoped to own one but oh well.
I agree, take your time!

**mygoat** · #14 08/04/08, 09:07 PM

I would only consider a buckling if HE was conformationally spectacular, had a pedigree chock-full of proven animals, AND the dam was FABULOUS. Otherwise, I'll just take my does to a buck owned by someone else and get them serviced.

For does, I look for a nice pedigree, good conformation, and the dam/sire must be VERY nice proven animals.

dosthouhavemilk · #15 08/04/08, 10:37 PM

If it is an auction closing tomorrow, then I would go for the doeling in that case. While the dam has a nice high and wide rear udder, as well as, a decent fore udder attachment, I do not like her teat placement and, therefore, would not prefer to use a buck out of her (if it were me)...Especially, since you don't have your does picked out yet to see their teat placement.