Breeding options

[2happymamas]

I am (hopefully!) buying a mini-saanen in upcoming weeks. I have wanted one for about a year and finally found one that seems perfect!

Problem? There are not any mini-saanen bucks near here for when I want to breed her. I live in a suburban neighborhood on 1.5 acres and keeping a buck here is not an option. We may move to a more rural place within the next 2-3 years, but that's not even decided for sure. Once we moved, I would certainly be able to keep a buck.

We primarily want this doeling as a family milker and will be selling any kids that she has. Here are my thoughts:

1) Breed her back to a ND and since she's an F2, any kids would be F1s. Certainly not ideal, but it seems like the best option to me. This also sucks because she comes from GREAT lines and I would love to see it advance, not decline in progression.

2) I have not been able to find any mini-saanen semen and the AI process seems like a pain in the butt.

3) Maybe see if we can board her somewhere for a couple months to be bred. However, most of the mini-saanen breeders within a 10 hour drive seem to only be getting started and are working with Saanen does and ND bucks. I can only hope that as long as they keep going with their mini-saanens, they will likely obtain Mini-Saanen bucks at some point.

4) Other ideas?

[Alice In TX/MO]

I agree with breeding her to a ND for a couple of years until supply catches up with demand.

I have a question..... do you want the Mini Saanen for her looks (which are spectacular), or for higher production from a mini breed?

[2happymamas]

Originally Posted by Alice In TX/MO

I agree with breeding her to a ND for a couple of years until supply catches up with demand.

I have a question..... do you want the Mini Saanen for her looks (which are spectacular), or for higher production from a mini breed?

Both! I want a strong milker for our family and I am in awe of their beauty. I think they are stunning. Looks wise, they are (by far) my favorite. And since they are traditionally known as having great milk production, it seems like a no-brainer.

Even if I was overflowing with milk now (which I am not), I would still want one just because I am so smitten with their looks.

[Clovers_Clan]

It would certainly be easier for you to find a good quality ND nearby. And if you are selling offspring, you'd still have marketable babies. While your preference is white, many buyers prefer the loud splashy colors of the ND. Her blue eyes are a plus. Of course don't discount white babies from this cross. Those white eumelanin genes are mighty strong. Just ask anyone with a Saanen cross! In future seasons you may find just the right mini-Saanen buck. And maybe then you'll be in a position to keep those babies and expand.