Breeding choice

Carol in Mich · #1 09/25/05, 07:36 AM

I have mother and daughter Nubians and am debating which one to breed this year so my children can show kids at the fair next summer.

The mother was bred only once, two years ago. Lost one kid, but successfuly had two and nursed them well. We kept both doe and whether kids, so now we have three goats. We don't really want to increase our herd of "pets", so we're not planning to breed both females.

We could breed the mom again because we know she's a good mother.
We also really like her black-and-white cow-like spots. (The kid we lost had the coloring of the mother. Other two are traditional brown.)

Or...we could breed the daughter, who now is 18 months old. A judge deemed her "an improvement on the mother" at show, but her coloring is simply brown.

There's a Nubian buck in the next town who has judged better than our does' fathers, so we might go "visiting" there.

Any thoughts from those of you who make breeding decisions?

Thanks!
Carol

Kazahleenah · #2 09/25/05, 07:52 AM

In the end, it's all up to you. Me, personally, would probably breed the daughter (just on what information you have given) How old is the Mother? Will these kids be regrestrable? Remember, the daughter does carry the mother's genes... so those black and white spots could very well pop up in a kid out of her.... AND a judge said she was an improvement on the Mother.

Then again, 'really' knowing me..... I'd breed them both, and sell what offspring I chose not to keep. Wondering what part of Michigan you're in. Nubians give the richest milk... mmmmmm.

Kaza

Ramblin Acres · #3 09/25/05, 07:53 AM

If it was me breeding your goats,I would be using the daughter.The judge stated that she was an improvment from the mom,so why not use the daughter?I would find a nice buck that compliments her and then look for color.

Carol in Mich · #4 09/25/05, 08:12 AM

Mother is 4 years old. We bought her as a kid at the fair -- that's how we got hooked on all this! She's only been bred the one time and I hate to admit it here, but I never really milked her. Let kids nurse at will. We suspect they still get a little milk from her because she seems to still have milk.

I'm in southeast Michigan. Jealous of Kazza being up north :-)

Kazahleenah · #5 09/27/05, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carol in Mich

Mother is 4 years old. We bought her as a kid at the fair -- that's how we got hooked on all this! She's only been bred the one time and I hate to admit it here, but I never really milked her. Let kids nurse at will. We suspect they still get a little milk from her because she seems to still have milk.

I'm in southeast Michigan. Jealous of Kazza being up north :-)

Just wanted to add one thing Carol...
The older doe "may" birth more kids, as she's older... the first time doeling will probably give one (possibly 2) kids. Is there a reason you are only breeding one, and not both? Nubians kids are in demand, and the milk is so delicious!

Kaza

Loisp · #6 09/27/05, 02:22 PM

I'd breed both and see what you get. You can always sell the ones you don't want.

**mygoat** · #7 09/27/05, 02:51 PM

im looking for nubian doelings by next spring..... so you cold go and breed them both! how much would u sell them for? are they registered? ( i prefer grade) if they are registered would you sell the babies for less if i didnt want the papers?

Goat Freak · #8 09/27/05, 07:05 PM

I agree that the genes do pop up, we breed a beutifful black and white doe with our beautiful black and white Buck, and she had two kids with black and white patterns and one brown kid, the same color as the mother of the buck, then the mother of the buck, who usually has "alright" kids, had two magnificent does. So really it is depending on who you want breed, although I would go with the younger one simply because it would probly be easier for her, since her mama lost one. Well good luck to ya, Bye.

Carol in Mich · #9 09/27/05, 07:25 PM

My kids don't ever want to sell any -- that's why I'm afraid to have so many kids! And with my luck I'll end up with all bucklings. But if I get any does, I'll contact the Michigan people here first. Does in this family have gone for about $150, though my priority is a good home. Any of you Michigan or Ohio people want a 16-month-old whether?

**mygoat** · #10 09/27/05, 08:23 PM

sry, i can afford to keep one but not to buy one!

trnubian · #11 09/27/05, 08:33 PM

I would breed them both.

You will just have to explain to your kids that you WILL not be keeping all of them. Does will go to a good home, bucks will be butchered.

Unless you know of someone who really wants a buck kid out of your does. I would tell my kids that all bucks will be wethered and sent to the sale barn to be sold. It's harsh and easier said than done, but it needs to be done. Not all animals can be kept. There is a reason livestock are bred, to eat or make milk or clothing.

Good luck in your decision, it must be hard.

Kazahleenah · #12 09/28/05, 12:57 PM

Hey Carol...
I don't need a wether, but if you end up with an extra doe in the spring, give me a jingle.

Kaza

Goat Freak · #13 09/28/05, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kazahleenah

Just wanted to add one thing Carol...
The older doe "may" birth more kids, as she's older... the first time doeling will probably give one (possibly 2) kids. Is there a reason you are only breeding one, and not both? Nubians kids are in demand, and the milk is so delicious!

Kaza

That is not always true, we have a goat that on her first time having babies she was two years old, and she had Triplets! She is also pregnant now with triplets, she is so huge we know it, she was last time as well.

crowinghen · #14 09/28/05, 03:29 PM

I think if you are only going to breed one you should breed the daughter for these reasons--

I wouldn't want her getting much older before having babies- I think she should br bred before age two.
She is an improvement on the mother.

If it were me I would breed both. I think it is better to keep their reproductive equipment "going". I've hear that from my AI guy, better for the cow, I mean goat

. Even my own gynecologist, when I was pregnant with my 2nd child 10 years after having my first, said 'things might've gotten a little rusty'.... although I knew he was wrong

Have a definite number that you will keep in your herd, and sell the rest. The money you get from selling the extras will help pay for the ones you keep and show. Perhaps you would feel better about selling them if you can spend a little time or do some advertising looking for a good home, rather than just taking them to the sales barn. Although you could take them to the sales barn and hope for the best--- sometimes they actually do go to good homes.
Let us know what you decide-- Good luck tp you!
Susie

Kazahleenah · #15 09/29/05, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goat Freak

That is not always true, we have a goat that on her first time having babies she was two years old, and she had Triplets! She is also pregnant now with triplets, she is so huge we know it, she was last time as well.

There will always be those goats that kid 3 every time... I had a couple. But in general, the first time bred doeling will give 1 or 2 was all I was saying. Even breeding them both... the "most" kids you would really expect would be 6. (3 each) but that's not super likley, but very possible. I would wager 4-5 kids. These are also registered Nubian kids we're talking about.... should be no problem finding good homes. The Extension office can hook her up with 4-H goat clubs who may have members looking for a nice animal. Michigan also has a program for new dairy goat 4-Hers... the member can get a pedigreed kid at no cost, to start their progect with... sometimes the breeder will get a kid from when that doe is bred. It's a great program for those wishing to get into dairy goats, and having short funds for the children to start with. Plus, you have a good idea the kid will be going to a good home, and will be shown.

Kaza