Breeding Objective
We believe that the ideal goat is one which has correct conformation as to be show ring TYPE, along with high milk PRODUCTION. We do not believe there should be a difference between 'show goats' and 'milk goats'.
We aim to produce friendly, people orientated does which make good family milkers; does which produce at least 4L of milk per day for at least 300 days of lactation. Udders must be strongly attached so that they will not break down as the animal ages. Teats need to be reasonable sized for easy hand milking, with orifices that allow quick milking. Animals must be well behaved and allow various different people to milk them. And of course we do not forget structural soundness.
We aim to produce friendly, people orientated does which make good family milkers; does which produce at least 4L of milk per day for at least 300 days of lactation. Udders must be strongly attached so that they will not break down as the animal ages. Teats need to be reasonable sized for easy hand milking, with orifices that allow quick milking. Animals must be well behaved and allow various different people to milk them. And of course we do not forget structural soundness.
2012 Goals
A topic on a goat forum raised recently was your plans for your herd and farm for 2012. This really got me thinking, and I think its a great idea. I like having a bit of direction to head towards, and I am interested to see how many of these I will have achieved by this time next year. Who knows, it may all fall into place or nothing could pan out!
1. Breed two Anglo Nubians by AI to American Nubian semen - I am hopeful that this will point me in the right direction towards getting much better udder conformation on my Nubians. I am hoping for a doe or two from them to keep until they freshen to see if my gamble has paid off in the udder department. Buck kids will be for sale as these two does I believe are good enough to breed herdsires - providing they freshen like I think they will.
2. Buy 2 - 4 Australian Miniature does, and have them bred via AI to Nigerian Dwarf semen. It has always been a goal of mine to introduce the breed to Australia and I didnt think I would ever get the chance but now it is there. The kids will be 50% so I will need to breed up. I plan on keeping the original does for another breeing until the 50% kids are ready to join. I will retain all doe kids and sell buck kids as mini breeders or pet wethers.
3. Breed two does to my own bucks as I think they also show potential for improving the herd. At this point I think I will show the progeny as kids then sell them.
4. Find a mobile butcher to put my two bucklings in the freezer after they joined the girls (this might be difficult as I love them so much) and buy a lamb to have done at the same time
5. Fence another paddock while at this property, fix stable doors and plant a veg garden for us and the goats
6. My ultimate goal is to find a property of our own to buy. I'd like to not be renting by the end of this year.
7. Raise kids on ad lib cold milk (I'm going to try to make my own bulk feeder) - due to my work schedule multiple bottle feedings a day cannot be done and I would rather not dam rear the kids.
8. Begin showing my own goats
9. Milk record and test all my does - I believe they are great milkers and deserve to be recognised by earning their milk awards
10. Become more self sufficient by experimenting with gardening, aquaponics, possibly rabbits and chickens and learning to slaughter and butcher all our own animals - including goats (extending this thought I would like to get a captive bolt gun license so I can slaughter the goats humanely)