Is this a good idea?

[GoatGirl123]

Our original plan was that we were pretty much done buying goats, and we would keep one doeling born here at our farm each year. (You know, set a rule for how many so we don't go overboard . . . ) Anyway, we did realize that we only have three bucks and with the does we currently have, there aren't a great many choices for breeding. So, we were thinking that we could buy a pregnant doe this year (there is one we have our eyes on, and her owner is willing to breed her to whichever buck we want that she has,) and that way we would not only have a doe able to kid much sooner than a doeling born here, but it would have completely different genetics than here at our farm, so no risk whatsoever of inbreeding.
Thoughts?

[Alice In TX/MO]

Excellent plan.

[msscamp]

It sounds like a very doable plan to me!

[mygoat]

Me? No. I wouldn't buy a doe. I rarely buy does unless I'm bringing in a new breed. I can make more keeper does than I can keeper bucks, so I have no problems there. Cheaper to make your own keeper does than it is to buy them. Chances are you're buying an 'average' or 'low' quality doe from another herd. Admittedly, that can mean you're still bringing in a great animal! But, she only impacts her own kids, really... Eventually IF you get a superior son to use, you may use 'her' to impact your herd, too... but, Personally, I'd downsize bucks and bring in a new one (or two). He makes far more impact, especially where inbreeding is concerned. A single doe makes very little impact on the herd, genetics wise. Especially if you're concerned with inbreeding (though I will say, inbreeding or 'linebreeding' is a very powerful tool as well!)

[Alice In TX/MO]

Good answer. Well thought out.

Many ways to raise goats.

[GoatGirl123]

I see both sides of this. Yes, it is more costly to buy a doe; yes, if she is bred to a great buck we wouldn't actually get the buck; and yes, bucks have more impact. However, our plan was leaning toward getting a doe because we aren't very concerned with the cost; our point was to do this so she wouldn't be related to any of our bucks. We do love all our stinky bucks, so we won't downsize; however, I do think it makes sense to get another buck sometime. I think we'll stick with our original plan, to get the doe, but you do make some very good points, mygoat. Thanks everyone for their input!

[mygoat]

I don't think it would be MORE expensive to get a doe... I think it *should* be more expensive to get a buck. Because he makes the most impact, you should want to spend a good amount on one.

I hear you on being attached tough, the stinky goobers grow on you. I have the sweetest buck I've ever met right now, but his usefullness is about up for me. I'll have to consider selling him after this breeding season.

[GoatGirl123]

Sorry, I think we misunderstood each other. I meant to say, it would be more expensive to get a doe than to keep one we bred. Anyway, I do appreciate your advice, and we'll probably use it at one time or another!