Buck with an udder

Farmer Jayne · #1 07/03/15, 07:11 AM

So, we visited this lady who had goats (one of my favorite things, visiting other goat owners to see their animals and how they do things). She was really nice and had some property that was beautiful. She asked me if I had ever seen a buck with an udder. Of course, I assumed she was talking about his male equipment. However, her buck had a huge udder. He's a beautiful, registered Nubian, about 3 years old. He seemed very healthy and well-cared for. I took some pictures, but, apparently, my phone and my computer aren't talking to each other. I'll try to post them directly from my phone, but don't hold your breath. Sometimes my phone won't talk to me, either.

Have any of you heard of/seen this before? Should something be done about it? It didn't seem to bother him in the least. I palpated his udder. It was harder than an udder with milk in it. There didn't seem to be any discharge from the teat. They were not tender or painful to the touch.

I was tempted to google it, but was afraid of what would come up.

Woolieface · #2 07/03/15, 09:20 AM

Sounds like some kind of hormonal imbalance maybe? Caused by what, I don't know. Has he sired any kids?

Laura Workman · #3 07/03/15, 09:57 AM

It's not that unusual for a buck from very milky lines to develop an udder. Seems like Nubians do it more often than other breeds. Nothing to worry about. In fact, it's an indicator that his daughters will be outstanding producers.

stevesmitty79 · #4 07/03/15, 10:48 AM

If its name is either Bruce or Caitlyn, don't worry. It's the new normal.

Farmer Jayne · #5 07/03/15, 11:19 AM

I bought a doe with a buckling that had been sired by him. I had been planning to sell the buckling to recoup some of the money I had paid for the doe. However, looking at his bloodlines and watching him get more beautiful as he grows, (spots, spots and more spots! ) I'm thinking of keeping him. I have a couple of does who would like to make his acquaintance when he's a little older. The buck in question with the big bazoombas was actually pretty impressive.

terri9630 · #6 07/03/15, 07:50 PM

My La Mancha does sire had udders and gave milk, if you were brave enough to try. He didn't like it much.... My doe and all of her "sisters" that I know are very heavy milkers.

chamoisee · #7 07/03/15, 09:08 PM

Often when bucks develop udders, they either have or develop mastitis. If it's hard, he should be checked for that. And yes- bucks from very milky lines sometimes develop an udder themselves! It's not good to just let it fill up and stay full, either....

luckyinkentucky · #8 07/03/15, 11:19 PM

I have a buck with an udder, he is from very milky lines, and so far it hasn't caused any problems. Other than looking odd, it's not a problem.I have been pleased with the kids he's thrown so far.

chamoisee · #9 07/04/15, 01:35 PM

Always a good idea to screen for mastitis, as with any precocious milker.

Farmer Jayne · #10 07/05/15, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chamoisee

Always a good idea to screen for mastitis, as with any precocious milker.

I'll mention it to the owner the next time I speak with her. Can a goat have mastitis without being sick otherwise? This buck was in really good shape and feeling good.

Cannon_Farms · #11 07/05/15, 09:20 AM

my overwhelming curiosity would want to know this goats pedigree especially since its somewhat close to home

Farmer Jayne · #12 07/05/15, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cannon_Farms

my overwhelming curiosity would want to know this goats pedigree especially since its somewhat close to home

Sent you a PM

Farmers Pride · #13 07/06/15, 09:45 PM

It's called gynecomastia. Not an all bad thing. He will throw doe kids with lots of milk generally. I had a buck that would grow an udder every spring when the girls would freshen and keep it most of the summer. I took him to several shows and he was never placed back because of it.

Greg