Milking & breeding

Aussiemum · #1 02/19/12, 03:36 AM

I Have a 18'mO old boer x saanen that we have been milking fir about 4 months, it is summer here in Aus and i was wondering if she needs mated or do I just keep milking her 2 x each day,
how long after kidding should you milk for?
If she is mated do you stop milking & when?
What are the signs of heat to know when tobreed?
Sorry newbie questions but I never thought I would be so devoted to my girls to consider breeding & keeping goats forever after 4 mo

rootsandwings · #2 02/19/12, 05:32 AM

Some goats will "milk through" without breeding every year (usually those get bred every other year) fall is usually a good time to breed.

Heat signs include clear discharge, tail wagging, vocalizing, and trying to reach the buck. Or nothing. Goats are like that.

Stop milking about two months before kidding.

Alice In TX/MO · #3 02/19/12, 07:07 AM

A Boer cross is less likely to "milk through", as she is not genetically designed for long lactations. That said, keep milking! One never knows how it will turn out.

I'm going to GUESS that your fall (our spring) is breeding time. The bucks should get stinky and the girls should start flagging their tails and generally acting like teenage girls in love. BE SURE you write down what date they are bred. Count ahead five months, and that's the due date. Back up two months, and that's the date to dry her off.

Here's a download-able spreadsheet that does the math for you.
http://fiascofarm.com/goats/breeding-kidding_sheet.html