Thoughts on Planning Ahead

LearningLife · #1 06/17/12, 04:53 PM

We have had our little ND herd now for almost 2 years, and we're loving them greatly. However, we've begun to realize that we'd like to have more milk coming in than they are able to provide without milking too many goats each day. So, here's where we are and where we're thinking about going. Please feel free to offer your thoughts and advice.

We currently have 3 does in milk - 2 experienced girls and 1 FF. Their kids that we still have are 5 doelings and 1 wether. We also have 1 yearling doe who has not been bred. We have 2 bucks, as well. We had originally planned to stick with the ND's only, but now we are doing more with the milk and would like to have more than we can get if I am going to continue making and selling soaps in addition to having milk and cheese for the family.

We have been discussing the possibility of getting a Saanen doe, keeping two of our ND does and our bucks, and selling the rest of the ND's. In the fall, we could breed the Saanen to one of our ND bucks.

Here's the rationale for this plan: The new Saanen doe could produce as much or more milk than we're currently getting. Keeping 2 of the ND does would mean that we could breed them to be in milk during times when the Saanen doe is dry. Breeding with our ND bucks would produce minis which would still be better producers than the ND's while also being smaller, which is a requirement for our property.

Ok, I'm ready to hear your thoughts on this. If you see any potential drawbacks, please let me know.

Thanks.

Oat Bucket Farm · #2 06/17/12, 04:58 PM

Sounds like a good plan to me. Of course, I would say go with a LaMancha, but that is only because I'm biased. I have heard Saanens are quite lovely though.

LearningLife · #3 06/17/12, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oat Bucket Farm

Sounds like a good plan to me. Of course, I would say go with a LaMancha, but that is only because I'm biased. I have heard Saanens are quite lovely though.

I would actually love to go with LaManchas, but my hubby and sons seem to get quite freaked out by the look of them, and since I depend on them to do all the heavy lifting around here, I need to keep them happy. We're actually thinking of Saanens because there is a very reputable breeder nearby who has offered to sell us one.

andabigmac · #4 06/17/12, 05:18 PM

Sounds like a reasonable plan. Just to throw this out there...Mini-nubians have airplane ears. Too cute! Mini-saanens would be great producers though if you like that whole "regular ear" thing

JBarGFarmKeeper · #5 06/17/12, 06:09 PM

My DH used to be "freaked" by the LaMancha ears also. Then, he met one!! In love, forever. He milks them now and everything. Went out this A.M. and milked 28 (NDs, LMs and 1 Nub) BY HIMSELF! OMG!

Take them and introduce them to a few. Very mellow. Meet them (whoever you choose) BEFORE you buy them.

I am breeding Minis too. People seem to want them....best part? I get them first!!