Breeding Options

[mtcougar832]

I have a milker (1 yr) and a doeling (4 mos and weighs just over 50# now; DOB 4/29/09). These are my first goats (hence the first time I've needed to breed them). They are Nubians. I was hoping to find possible bucks to breed to at the fair, but there were NO Nubians (about 95% LaMancha).

I'm pregnant, due end of October or early November. I will probably be drying the milker off in October. I'd like to try breeding them in November, so its not frigid with birthing time arrives. At that time the doeling will be 6-7 mos. and hopefully big enough to breed (70 to 80#s?).

The girls have a small pen made with cattle panels. They have an 8'x7' space in the shop for shelter (inside walls are also cattle panels. I can run electric fence, but I haven't yet (they don't seem to be escape artists thankfully). They are generally quiet goats, and I am the only one with goats on a rented lot, so I want to be discrete... Oh, and my husband would help if he had to, but he'd rather not be involved. Otherwise its just me.

My options - pros/cons? tips?

1. I *might* be able to borrow a buck, but this makes me nervous (what if something happens to it? or it escapes?). Any ideas if I go this route? Will my fence hold it? Will I be able to handle it when I'm super pregnant or have just had a baby?
2. There is a Nubian buck about 6 miles away, but I don't know the herds CAE/CL/etc status, or if the buck is registered. The owners are pretty laid back (met them once). Can a beginner get away with a driveway breeding?
3. Should I consider buying a buck then butchering it? It would probably be a grade buck and I don't know whats available atm. It would have to live with the does. If I do this what age do I need (ideally)?

Is there a list of things to look for in a buck? I'm not keeping any offspring (I just want milk), but I don't want my girls to catch anything!

I'll go to the breeder of my does next year and get a buck, but I can't afford that this year (long drive). Plus I'll need a year to talk DH into it

Thanks.

[HappyFarmer]

So let me understand, you want to be descrete on a small lot with a smelly buck on your property during rut/breeding season? Bucks in rut smell, not to mention the does bawling for him if he's not in the pen when they come into heat while you wait for the right conception month. Some smell more than others, and to some it's not as noticeable but some are very sensitive to the smell. Besides owning a buck isn't worth it unless you have 5-6 does for him to service. IMO this isn't the route you want to go, or maybe you do?

Borrowing a buck brings it's own challenges you and the owner should work out beforehand.

If I were in your shoes I think I'd look into AI, or do hand breeding/drive by. Get a buck rag from the buck owner or lute the does. Inspect the buck for abcesses, weeping eyes, healthy feet, overall soundness. Some "diseases" can be spread by flies or air (pinkeye), some by the soil (foot rot), but these are cureable. It's the uncureable ones you need to worry about. CAE is spread from dam to kid via nursing, Johne's is spread by ingesting feces, neither likely to infect your does if they're on a lead in the driveway. CLA can be spread by feeders or fencepoles, rubbing, ect, and the one I'd be most worried about in your situation. If you go this route be sure to use a 10% bleach solution on your does hooves, and your boots, prior to returning home. One should always ask for the status of an unknown herd, and see the proof, but there are no guarantees unless the herd has been closed for years.

Escaped goats are not fun when you have a baby tagging along & noone to watch your child. Years ago we had 4 sheep escape & my toddler and I tromped through the woods to herd them back. It was NOT fun. Secure your fences now, electric works great if the goats are trained to it.
Happyfarmer

[LFmenagerie]

Is AI expensive?
And who would do it?

[Backfourty,MI.]

I don't have Nubians but have the Nigerian dwarf goats so I can't say for sure but I don't breed my doe's at that young of age, 6-7 months is still pretty young but like I said I don't have Nubians either.

As far as the buck goe's I would try breeding to the buck 6 miles away, that way you don't have to keep a buck on your property.