The goat shall be slaughtered, skinned and cleaned and ready for BBQ.
Types of meat for selection are :-
- Cabrito (wheening kids)
- Kids (4mths to a year)
- Adult (>1yr)
Meat taste and choice varies for different needs.
Sample recipe for BBQ purposes:-
1 cup vinegar
1 cup vegetable/olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf, crumbled (powdered is also ok)
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon rosemary (or ketumba and jintan for that localized taste)
1 teaspoon sage
1/2 teaspoon red chilli flakes
1 (5- to 7-pound) leg of goat, boned
2 garlic clovers, skin removed
All blended and rubbed against the meat. Leave it to marinate for a minimum of 3-5hrs in room temperature.
Why Should You Raise Meat Goats?
Why Should You Raise Meat Goats?
by Gail Bowman
http://www.boergoatshome.com/why_meat_goats.php
The demand for `chevon', or `cabrito', or `goat meat' in the United States is so high that producers can't keep up. Because of this vacuum, much of the goat meat sold in the United States is imported from New Zealand or Australia. About 1.5 million pounds of goat meat is imported every week. And demand just keeps growing.
Much of the demand is generated by the changing ethnic demographics of the continent. About 63% of the red meat consumed worldwide is goat! Much of the goat meat demand in the United States comes from ethnic groups that include Middle Eastern, Asian, African, Latin American and Caribbean heritage. Most of these groups buy goat meat whenever they can find it, and they are willing to pay better prices for higher quality meat.
What is so special about chevon (goat meat)? Many people have digestive problems that require a careful diet. The molecular structure of chevon is different than that of other meats. Therefore, chevon digests more easily. It is also a low fat, good tasting alternative to chicken or fish. I am one of those people who have to watch what they eat. I can eat chicken, some kinds of fish, turkey and chevon. I prefer chevon from an animal that is at least 75% Boer. The Boer influence changes the taste of the meat to a milder, more veal-like flavor. When you have as few choices in your diet as I do, you learn what you like. I have not had the opportunity to try Kiko or Fainting goat meat. My comparisons are with dairy goat meat.
The Direct Market Niche and the Commercial Meat Herd In our area, if you put out the word that you have meat goats for sale, you usually have enough calls to sell your animals right off your ranch. I get about $1.00 per pound on the hoof. I have had other breeders tell me that they can get more for goats with Boer blood. This is a good example of one way to market your goats - find a profitable direct market niche.
One of the most popular market niches in the meat goat industry today is the direct market. A `direct market' is a group or type of buyer that will come directly to your ranch to buy from you, for a specific reason. There are many direct market niches for meat goats. I have already suggested one type of direct market niche: the ethnic meat market. Another direct market niche involves the growing trend in the 4-H and FFA clubs to raise meat goats. One of the most profitable direct market niches supplies Chevon to the local restaurants that are serving an ethnic clientele. Another direct market niche is the market for meat breeding stock. Commercial meat breeders will usually pay about double, for breeding stock, what you might have expected to receive for the same animal by the pound.
Many breeders are now working together, in cooperatives or associations, to meet large commercial sales contracts. These contracts supply the meat markets on the east and west coasts of the United States, and require a supply of high numbers of animals, of a consistent quality, on a regular basis. At this time, much of the meat for these contracts is being imported because there just are not enough meat goats in the United States to supply the contracts.
In many areas of the country, slaughter houses are being constructed specifically for goat meat. However, almost none of the goats being processed at these facilities are actually meat type goats. There are just not enough meat goats being raised, which are not pre-sold to direct markets, to supply a production facility.
Fullblood Meat Goats
There are several types of 'meat' goats: Boer goats, Tennessee Fainting Goats, Kiko goats, and 'Spanish' goats. However, only three of these are true breeds with breed associations and standardized meat breed characteristics. These are the Boers, Kikos and Tennessee Fainting goats. The 'Spanish' goats are an indigenous goat of the southern United States. There are a couple of breeders who have done a terrific job of breeding these animals up into a very good meat animal. However, no registry or breed standards have been developed at the time of this printing.
Boer goats are large framed animals resembling, in many ways, the Nubian goat. The most striking difference between a Boer goat and any other type of goat you may have seen, is the size. A Boer is a large, double muscled animal developed in Southern Africa specifically for meat and hardiness. They can consistently produce more muscling in less time than any other breed of goat, and will pass this capability to their kids. Boers are vibrantly colored and relatively uniform throughout. They are easy to raise, have mild temperaments, are affectionate, require no milking, no special care, no shearing, and no fancy fences. Boers and Boer crosses also have huge rumen capacity. The Boer goats were developed to clear land that was too difficult to be cleared by humans. They spend a lot more time grazing than other types of goats do. One reason for this, is that they are out grazing in the heat of the day when dairy goats are wilting in the shade. They are also out grazing when the snow is blowing across the pasture. They will graze and thrive on ground that will not support dairy goats without supplementation.
The Kiko goat is a recent development of a New Zealand company called "Goatex Group LLC". These hardy goats were developed as a result of a government funded project to get the native goat population in New Zealand under control. As part of this project, in the 1970's, many goats were hunted and killed, and thousands more were captured to cross with angoras. Some of the native goats confined during this project exhibited enhanced characteristics for growth and meat production. The members of Goatex isolated these animals and began to cross them with hair and milk goats to find a combination that would yield the best results in both hardiness and meat carcass production. The resulting breed was called "Kiko" meaning "meat for consumption" in Maori.
Fainting goats are not huge animals. They average between 17 and 25 inches tall, and weigh between 50 and 165 pounds. They come in a wide variety of coats and colors, with long ears that stand out to the sides of their heads. Fainting goats have very distinctive 'bulgy' eyes. Several breeders have spent a lot of time and energy breeding this basic breed up into an 'improved' meat goat that is larger and heavier and crosses well with Boers.
Fullblood breeding animals are a whole different industry from the meat production industry. However, the two are very closely tied. When you take a look at what you want to raise, you might consider adding at least a few quality fullbloods to your operation. If the meat industry in your area blooms and expands, there will be more demand for good fullblood meat goats. We are heading into an era of serious meat production.
In all livestock industries, there is a place for the good registered herd sire. These animals must be proven to be fertile and prolific, adaptable, disease free, and have the meat and muscle characteristics that will add productivity to a commercial meat herd. It may be a good idea to consider whether or not you want to make the initial investment to start a good breeding stock herd. Or, alternatively, add a few breeding stock to your meat herd, or some meat production stock to your fullblood herd. The two types are not mutually exclusive. As a matter of fact, one usually leads to the other. If you start with a meat herd, but have to add a fullblood herd sire, sometimes you will also be tempted to buy a fullblood doe to go with him. Then you are suddenly producing herd sires for your neighbors. This is a good idea, because one good fullblood sale a year can pay nearly 1/5th of your feed costs for a year (if you are raising 50 goats).
What are the prices on fullblood meat goats expected to be in the long run? Many things will affect the answer to that question. I know a couple who breed fullblood registered angus cattle. How many rural communities have plenty of cattle? How can these people make their money? They market. They have big production sales where breeders come from all over the world, or tie into a satellite link, to buy their stock. I believe that there will always be top breeding stock. People that advertise, raise quality disease free animals, and let the meat producers know they are out there, will always have a market.
As in all industries, the price you will be able to get for good fullblood stock will depend on the quality of your animals and the effectiveness of your advertising. If you do not want to market, you will probably be able to sell your fullbloods to your neighbors at about $250 each, indefinitely. If you are well known, and advertise, and you have animals that make the buyer's head turn, you will probably always be able to get at least $800 for your fullblood meat goats. At the time of this printing the prices for good fullblood stock are about double that amount, and are actually going up. These prices have been stable for three years now, and the market seem to indicate that they will remain firm in the future.
Whether you are interested in raising goats for meat or for breeding, or some combination of the two, meat goats, and goat meat, are here to stay. The market is increasing and expanding, and shows no signs of slowing down. You don't need a lot of specialized equipment to raise meat goats, and you can reasonably plan to raise about 6 does with their kids per acre of good edible vegetation. As an industry, meat goats are replacing beef, hogs and dairy herds nation wide. Meat goats are the newest and fastest growing small acreage industry in the United States.
This article is an excerpt from the new book, Raising Meat Goats for Profit by Gail Bowman. This great informational guide to goat husbandry, marketing meat goats and the meat breeds, is available from Bowman Communication Press at 276 N. Baltic Place, Suite A, Meridian, Idaho 83642 83644, 208-735-0777, David & Gail Bowman, for $19.95. Gail Bowman has raised meat goats in the Northwestern United States and has a bachelors degree in education.
by Gail Bowman
http://www.boergoatshome.com/why_meat_goats.php
The demand for `chevon', or `cabrito', or `goat meat' in the United States is so high that producers can't keep up. Because of this vacuum, much of the goat meat sold in the United States is imported from New Zealand or Australia. About 1.5 million pounds of goat meat is imported every week. And demand just keeps growing.
Much of the demand is generated by the changing ethnic demographics of the continent. About 63% of the red meat consumed worldwide is goat! Much of the goat meat demand in the United States comes from ethnic groups that include Middle Eastern, Asian, African, Latin American and Caribbean heritage. Most of these groups buy goat meat whenever they can find it, and they are willing to pay better prices for higher quality meat.
What is so special about chevon (goat meat)? Many people have digestive problems that require a careful diet. The molecular structure of chevon is different than that of other meats. Therefore, chevon digests more easily. It is also a low fat, good tasting alternative to chicken or fish. I am one of those people who have to watch what they eat. I can eat chicken, some kinds of fish, turkey and chevon. I prefer chevon from an animal that is at least 75% Boer. The Boer influence changes the taste of the meat to a milder, more veal-like flavor. When you have as few choices in your diet as I do, you learn what you like. I have not had the opportunity to try Kiko or Fainting goat meat. My comparisons are with dairy goat meat.
The Direct Market Niche and the Commercial Meat Herd In our area, if you put out the word that you have meat goats for sale, you usually have enough calls to sell your animals right off your ranch. I get about $1.00 per pound on the hoof. I have had other breeders tell me that they can get more for goats with Boer blood. This is a good example of one way to market your goats - find a profitable direct market niche.
One of the most popular market niches in the meat goat industry today is the direct market. A `direct market' is a group or type of buyer that will come directly to your ranch to buy from you, for a specific reason. There are many direct market niches for meat goats. I have already suggested one type of direct market niche: the ethnic meat market. Another direct market niche involves the growing trend in the 4-H and FFA clubs to raise meat goats. One of the most profitable direct market niches supplies Chevon to the local restaurants that are serving an ethnic clientele. Another direct market niche is the market for meat breeding stock. Commercial meat breeders will usually pay about double, for breeding stock, what you might have expected to receive for the same animal by the pound.
Many breeders are now working together, in cooperatives or associations, to meet large commercial sales contracts. These contracts supply the meat markets on the east and west coasts of the United States, and require a supply of high numbers of animals, of a consistent quality, on a regular basis. At this time, much of the meat for these contracts is being imported because there just are not enough meat goats in the United States to supply the contracts.
In many areas of the country, slaughter houses are being constructed specifically for goat meat. However, almost none of the goats being processed at these facilities are actually meat type goats. There are just not enough meat goats being raised, which are not pre-sold to direct markets, to supply a production facility.
Fullblood Meat Goats
There are several types of 'meat' goats: Boer goats, Tennessee Fainting Goats, Kiko goats, and 'Spanish' goats. However, only three of these are true breeds with breed associations and standardized meat breed characteristics. These are the Boers, Kikos and Tennessee Fainting goats. The 'Spanish' goats are an indigenous goat of the southern United States. There are a couple of breeders who have done a terrific job of breeding these animals up into a very good meat animal. However, no registry or breed standards have been developed at the time of this printing.
Boer goats are large framed animals resembling, in many ways, the Nubian goat. The most striking difference between a Boer goat and any other type of goat you may have seen, is the size. A Boer is a large, double muscled animal developed in Southern Africa specifically for meat and hardiness. They can consistently produce more muscling in less time than any other breed of goat, and will pass this capability to their kids. Boers are vibrantly colored and relatively uniform throughout. They are easy to raise, have mild temperaments, are affectionate, require no milking, no special care, no shearing, and no fancy fences. Boers and Boer crosses also have huge rumen capacity. The Boer goats were developed to clear land that was too difficult to be cleared by humans. They spend a lot more time grazing than other types of goats do. One reason for this, is that they are out grazing in the heat of the day when dairy goats are wilting in the shade. They are also out grazing when the snow is blowing across the pasture. They will graze and thrive on ground that will not support dairy goats without supplementation.
The Kiko goat is a recent development of a New Zealand company called "Goatex Group LLC". These hardy goats were developed as a result of a government funded project to get the native goat population in New Zealand under control. As part of this project, in the 1970's, many goats were hunted and killed, and thousands more were captured to cross with angoras. Some of the native goats confined during this project exhibited enhanced characteristics for growth and meat production. The members of Goatex isolated these animals and began to cross them with hair and milk goats to find a combination that would yield the best results in both hardiness and meat carcass production. The resulting breed was called "Kiko" meaning "meat for consumption" in Maori.
Fainting goats are not huge animals. They average between 17 and 25 inches tall, and weigh between 50 and 165 pounds. They come in a wide variety of coats and colors, with long ears that stand out to the sides of their heads. Fainting goats have very distinctive 'bulgy' eyes. Several breeders have spent a lot of time and energy breeding this basic breed up into an 'improved' meat goat that is larger and heavier and crosses well with Boers.
Fullblood breeding animals are a whole different industry from the meat production industry. However, the two are very closely tied. When you take a look at what you want to raise, you might consider adding at least a few quality fullbloods to your operation. If the meat industry in your area blooms and expands, there will be more demand for good fullblood meat goats. We are heading into an era of serious meat production.
In all livestock industries, there is a place for the good registered herd sire. These animals must be proven to be fertile and prolific, adaptable, disease free, and have the meat and muscle characteristics that will add productivity to a commercial meat herd. It may be a good idea to consider whether or not you want to make the initial investment to start a good breeding stock herd. Or, alternatively, add a few breeding stock to your meat herd, or some meat production stock to your fullblood herd. The two types are not mutually exclusive. As a matter of fact, one usually leads to the other. If you start with a meat herd, but have to add a fullblood herd sire, sometimes you will also be tempted to buy a fullblood doe to go with him. Then you are suddenly producing herd sires for your neighbors. This is a good idea, because one good fullblood sale a year can pay nearly 1/5th of your feed costs for a year (if you are raising 50 goats).
What are the prices on fullblood meat goats expected to be in the long run? Many things will affect the answer to that question. I know a couple who breed fullblood registered angus cattle. How many rural communities have plenty of cattle? How can these people make their money? They market. They have big production sales where breeders come from all over the world, or tie into a satellite link, to buy their stock. I believe that there will always be top breeding stock. People that advertise, raise quality disease free animals, and let the meat producers know they are out there, will always have a market.
As in all industries, the price you will be able to get for good fullblood stock will depend on the quality of your animals and the effectiveness of your advertising. If you do not want to market, you will probably be able to sell your fullbloods to your neighbors at about $250 each, indefinitely. If you are well known, and advertise, and you have animals that make the buyer's head turn, you will probably always be able to get at least $800 for your fullblood meat goats. At the time of this printing the prices for good fullblood stock are about double that amount, and are actually going up. These prices have been stable for three years now, and the market seem to indicate that they will remain firm in the future.
Whether you are interested in raising goats for meat or for breeding, or some combination of the two, meat goats, and goat meat, are here to stay. The market is increasing and expanding, and shows no signs of slowing down. You don't need a lot of specialized equipment to raise meat goats, and you can reasonably plan to raise about 6 does with their kids per acre of good edible vegetation. As an industry, meat goats are replacing beef, hogs and dairy herds nation wide. Meat goats are the newest and fastest growing small acreage industry in the United States.
This article is an excerpt from the new book, Raising Meat Goats for Profit by Gail Bowman. This great informational guide to goat husbandry, marketing meat goats and the meat breeds, is available from Bowman Communication Press at 276 N. Baltic Place, Suite A, Meridian, Idaho 83642 83644, 208-735-0777, David & Gail Bowman, for $19.95. Gail Bowman has raised meat goats in the Northwestern United States and has a bachelors degree in education.
Goat Management: Breeding Season
Goat Management:
Breeding Season
Dr. Ken Andries, Ph. D.
Kentucky State University
Land Grant Program
Breeding season is a time of great potential for the goat producer. This is the time when the genetics are fixed for the next kid crop and all the expectations of the coming year begin. Because of this there are several steps that should be taken to insure success.
Several things should have already been addressed related to selection of animals. The doe herd should have been culled to remove poor performing animals after weaning of the previous kid crop, new replacements have been selected and are ready to be bred. The buck(s) that will be used have been selected and are ready to be placed on pasture. Any new additions to the herd have undergone a receiving period and are out of quarantine before the start of the breeding season. Pastures are ready and breeding pastures are not next to one another or separated by a good electric fence. Bucks will fight through even good fences to breed a doe on the other side so be prepared.
Breeding Information:
• Age at puberty
Bucks 5 to 8 months
Does 7 to 10 months
• Estrus Cycle
Length 18 - 22 days
Duration 12 – 36 hours
• Buck to Doe Ratio
Yearling 15 – 20 does per buck
Mature 20 – 40 does per buck
• Gestation period 5 months (146 - 155 days, average is 150 days)
Preparing the Buck for Breeding:
The buck is very critical to the success of your breeding program. He contributes almost half of all the genetic material of every kid he sires and because of this contributes greatly to the quality of the next kid crop. This is why it is critical that you select good quality bucks that will move your herd in a positive direction. Bucks should be selected well before the start of the breeding season. Health issues exist with bucks and because they are generally the largest goats on the farm and often smell, they tend to be the last animals worked or, in some cases, ignored.
Before the start of the breeding season you need to be sure to evaluate the bucks for body condition. Increase feed levels to insure bucks are in good body condition (body condition 2.5 to 3 on a 5 point scale) before the start of the breeding season. Also make sure that the bucks are receiving a good quality mineral mix, free choice, that has adequate selenium (Se) and copper (Cu). If you are unsure of the Se status of the animals or have had problems with low conception rates, retained placentas or weak kids in the past you may want to give the bucks as Se shot a couple of weeks before the start of the breeding season. Research has indicated that Se has a positive effect on male fertility. The best way to take advantage of this is by providing a good quality mineral mix year round but the shots will help if you have had related problems.
Check the buck’s feet and trim properly. Give enough time between trimming and the start of breeding for any soreness to heal. This allows the buck to move around the pasture better and he will be more successful breeding. Because the buck smell is concentrated on the front legs it is recommended that you use gloves and a long sleeve shirt when handling these animals. Their hooves also tend to be larger than does so be prepared. Treat any signs of foot scald or rot. It may also be a good time to set-up and use a foot bath. A buck with a sore foot will not be as successful breeding.
Parasite control is always an issue in goats. It is recommended that you check the bucks for parasites, both internal and external, and treat if needed. It is not recommended to you treat all animals at breeding so be sure to utilize a selective treatment procedure (FAMACHA or FEC) and deworm with an effective product when necessary.
In general it is not necessary to have a fertility test conducted on your bucks. First it is difficult to find a veterinarian that will perform this service and many have indicated that fertility of the buck is seldom a problem. The libido or drive to breed is the major reason bucks are not successful in the breeding herd. The smell of a buck is one indicator that a buck is ready to breed. This smell will get stronger closer to the normal breeding season of shorter day length (July to December) and be reduced during increasing day length (January to June). Bucks that have no buck odor during September and October will most likely not be good breeding bucks. It is recommended that you utilize some type of breeding marker to help determine if the bucks are active. This is most often done by using a breeding harness or less commonly brisket pant.
Breeding harnesses are available from several sources and in different stiles. The ones designed for sheep generally work for most goats. You may have some difficulty the first time you use a new harness design getting it to stay in place but most problems can be solved. The marker crayon is important, select a color that will show up well on your animals. There are different crayons for hot, mild, and cold temperatures. The difference is in the hardness of the crayon so you should select one appropriate for your breeding season. Hot types are for summer, through about August. Mild are generally used in fall and early winter while cold are generally used for winter breeding in Kentucky.
Preparing the Doe:
Does need to have twins to be profitable and there are steps you can take to increase the chance for multiple births. The critical factors include nutrition and health of the animal. All does should be selected for fertility by only keeping replacements from multiple births, cull does on performance, including single births, and select for good udder structure and teats placement. Young does should be about 70 pounds before the start of the breeding season (60 – 75% of expected mature body weight) to increase success. You also need to check the does for body condition and they should be in good condition on average (BCS of 2.5 to 3 on a 5 point scale is desired). Does in condition 2 to 2.5 will respond to flushing. Flushing thinner does may increase their chance to conceive but they are less likely to have multiple births.
If you plan to flush the doe herd you need to start four weeks before the breeding season and increase the quality of their diet. Energy feeds tend to have the greatest benefit however moving them to a very high quality pasture with good legumes can be as effective. The key is to have their body enter a positive energy balance in time to increase ovulation rate thus increasing the chance of multiple births. Does in good body condition are already in this positive energy balance if on good quality forage so they generally do not respond as well to flushing.
The mineral balance of the doe is also important to her fertility. Make sure the does always have access to a good quality mineral mix with Se included. Kentucky is in a Se deficient region so we must include it in our minerals to insure animals receive enough in their diets. As with the bucks, if you are unsure of the Se status of the does or have had Se deficient problems, a Se shot a couple of weeks before the start of the breeding season may help with fertility. However, keeping a good quality mineral available to the doe herd year round is the bests solution.
The doe herd should be checked for parasites, both internal and external, and treated as necessary. Selective treatment is recommended in goats to reduce the rate of resistance buildup by the parasites to the products we have available. You should also check and trim the feet of the does if needed. A foot bath to help treat any foot scald or foot rot may be helpful as well. If you don’t plan to utilize a foot bath be sure to check and treat all does that show signs of foot scald or rot.
Breeding Pasture Management:
It is important that producer utilize good pasture management during the breeding season. Nutrition levels need to be maintained for the does and bucks to continue to breed successfully. Bucks, especially young bucks, will have a tendency to not eat and loose condition rapidly during the breeding season. If the nutrition level of the pasture or feeding program is not adequate they may become infertile during the season reducing conception rates. Watch for does that are not eating properly or are loosing weight as well. Many producers mix groups at breeding so social structures are often disrupted.
It is recommended that producers utilize single buck breeding pastures. This is where a single buck is placed with a group of does. This allows better record keeping because you know who sired which kid. Bucks that are in rut, with does that are cycling do not require competition for does to breed. If you have two bucks in a pasture they will fight and may injure one another during breeding. If you use more than one buck, rotate the bucks between groups of does during the breeding season. You can move bucks every three to four weeks. This reduces the chance that a single buck will cause a total failure in one group of does. Kidding date is very effective in determining the sire in these situations. If you are a purebred breeder, you may consider pulling the bucks after 21 days and putting them back out 5 to 7 days later with a different group of does. The gap will provide a break in kidding to insure parentage for registration.
Monitor breeding activity in pastures through the use of the marking harness and you may wish to record does that were bred and ones that were bred a second time later in the season. When you change bucks change color of the marker to help determine if does are marked a second time. Some producers will change color of marker weekly to help them remember who is marked when. This will help determine when does should actually kid so you are better able to manage kidding due to better records.
Post Breeding Management:
After the breeding season it is important to maintain the nutrition level of the does for four weeks. During this time the newly formed fetus can be lost if nutritional stress becomes a problem for the doe. You should work all the animals again and check for any injuries that may have occurred during the breeding season. Mixing breeding groups back into larger herds can be stressful to all animals. This is especially a problem with bucks. Be sure to mix them slowly and allow time for them to establish their pecking order before adding new animals to the group. Bucks that have been together before will still need to re-establish this order when turned back into a common pen. Bucks often loose weight during the breeding season so feed accordingly to improve body condition and make sure they are ready for the next breeding season and winter.
Watch for signs of problems and possible abortions post breeding. If you are unsure if all does conserved, you may want to have ultrasound pregnancy testing done. This can be performed at 45 days post breeding. You can then sort and manage your does based on pregnancy status. Culling open does is a very effective practice to reducing production cost because open does will consume as much feed as pregnant does but not produce any offspring to cover those costs.
Breeding Season
Dr. Ken Andries, Ph. D.
Kentucky State University
Land Grant Program
Breeding season is a time of great potential for the goat producer. This is the time when the genetics are fixed for the next kid crop and all the expectations of the coming year begin. Because of this there are several steps that should be taken to insure success.
Several things should have already been addressed related to selection of animals. The doe herd should have been culled to remove poor performing animals after weaning of the previous kid crop, new replacements have been selected and are ready to be bred. The buck(s) that will be used have been selected and are ready to be placed on pasture. Any new additions to the herd have undergone a receiving period and are out of quarantine before the start of the breeding season. Pastures are ready and breeding pastures are not next to one another or separated by a good electric fence. Bucks will fight through even good fences to breed a doe on the other side so be prepared.
Breeding Information:
• Age at puberty
Bucks 5 to 8 months
Does 7 to 10 months
• Estrus Cycle
Length 18 - 22 days
Duration 12 – 36 hours
• Buck to Doe Ratio
Yearling 15 – 20 does per buck
Mature 20 – 40 does per buck
• Gestation period 5 months (146 - 155 days, average is 150 days)
Preparing the Buck for Breeding:
The buck is very critical to the success of your breeding program. He contributes almost half of all the genetic material of every kid he sires and because of this contributes greatly to the quality of the next kid crop. This is why it is critical that you select good quality bucks that will move your herd in a positive direction. Bucks should be selected well before the start of the breeding season. Health issues exist with bucks and because they are generally the largest goats on the farm and often smell, they tend to be the last animals worked or, in some cases, ignored.
Before the start of the breeding season you need to be sure to evaluate the bucks for body condition. Increase feed levels to insure bucks are in good body condition (body condition 2.5 to 3 on a 5 point scale) before the start of the breeding season. Also make sure that the bucks are receiving a good quality mineral mix, free choice, that has adequate selenium (Se) and copper (Cu). If you are unsure of the Se status of the animals or have had problems with low conception rates, retained placentas or weak kids in the past you may want to give the bucks as Se shot a couple of weeks before the start of the breeding season. Research has indicated that Se has a positive effect on male fertility. The best way to take advantage of this is by providing a good quality mineral mix year round but the shots will help if you have had related problems.
Check the buck’s feet and trim properly. Give enough time between trimming and the start of breeding for any soreness to heal. This allows the buck to move around the pasture better and he will be more successful breeding. Because the buck smell is concentrated on the front legs it is recommended that you use gloves and a long sleeve shirt when handling these animals. Their hooves also tend to be larger than does so be prepared. Treat any signs of foot scald or rot. It may also be a good time to set-up and use a foot bath. A buck with a sore foot will not be as successful breeding.
Parasite control is always an issue in goats. It is recommended that you check the bucks for parasites, both internal and external, and treat if needed. It is not recommended to you treat all animals at breeding so be sure to utilize a selective treatment procedure (FAMACHA or FEC) and deworm with an effective product when necessary.
In general it is not necessary to have a fertility test conducted on your bucks. First it is difficult to find a veterinarian that will perform this service and many have indicated that fertility of the buck is seldom a problem. The libido or drive to breed is the major reason bucks are not successful in the breeding herd. The smell of a buck is one indicator that a buck is ready to breed. This smell will get stronger closer to the normal breeding season of shorter day length (July to December) and be reduced during increasing day length (January to June). Bucks that have no buck odor during September and October will most likely not be good breeding bucks. It is recommended that you utilize some type of breeding marker to help determine if the bucks are active. This is most often done by using a breeding harness or less commonly brisket pant.
Breeding harnesses are available from several sources and in different stiles. The ones designed for sheep generally work for most goats. You may have some difficulty the first time you use a new harness design getting it to stay in place but most problems can be solved. The marker crayon is important, select a color that will show up well on your animals. There are different crayons for hot, mild, and cold temperatures. The difference is in the hardness of the crayon so you should select one appropriate for your breeding season. Hot types are for summer, through about August. Mild are generally used in fall and early winter while cold are generally used for winter breeding in Kentucky.
Preparing the Doe:
Does need to have twins to be profitable and there are steps you can take to increase the chance for multiple births. The critical factors include nutrition and health of the animal. All does should be selected for fertility by only keeping replacements from multiple births, cull does on performance, including single births, and select for good udder structure and teats placement. Young does should be about 70 pounds before the start of the breeding season (60 – 75% of expected mature body weight) to increase success. You also need to check the does for body condition and they should be in good condition on average (BCS of 2.5 to 3 on a 5 point scale is desired). Does in condition 2 to 2.5 will respond to flushing. Flushing thinner does may increase their chance to conceive but they are less likely to have multiple births.
If you plan to flush the doe herd you need to start four weeks before the breeding season and increase the quality of their diet. Energy feeds tend to have the greatest benefit however moving them to a very high quality pasture with good legumes can be as effective. The key is to have their body enter a positive energy balance in time to increase ovulation rate thus increasing the chance of multiple births. Does in good body condition are already in this positive energy balance if on good quality forage so they generally do not respond as well to flushing.
The mineral balance of the doe is also important to her fertility. Make sure the does always have access to a good quality mineral mix with Se included. Kentucky is in a Se deficient region so we must include it in our minerals to insure animals receive enough in their diets. As with the bucks, if you are unsure of the Se status of the does or have had Se deficient problems, a Se shot a couple of weeks before the start of the breeding season may help with fertility. However, keeping a good quality mineral available to the doe herd year round is the bests solution.
The doe herd should be checked for parasites, both internal and external, and treated as necessary. Selective treatment is recommended in goats to reduce the rate of resistance buildup by the parasites to the products we have available. You should also check and trim the feet of the does if needed. A foot bath to help treat any foot scald or foot rot may be helpful as well. If you don’t plan to utilize a foot bath be sure to check and treat all does that show signs of foot scald or rot.
Breeding Pasture Management:
It is important that producer utilize good pasture management during the breeding season. Nutrition levels need to be maintained for the does and bucks to continue to breed successfully. Bucks, especially young bucks, will have a tendency to not eat and loose condition rapidly during the breeding season. If the nutrition level of the pasture or feeding program is not adequate they may become infertile during the season reducing conception rates. Watch for does that are not eating properly or are loosing weight as well. Many producers mix groups at breeding so social structures are often disrupted.
It is recommended that producers utilize single buck breeding pastures. This is where a single buck is placed with a group of does. This allows better record keeping because you know who sired which kid. Bucks that are in rut, with does that are cycling do not require competition for does to breed. If you have two bucks in a pasture they will fight and may injure one another during breeding. If you use more than one buck, rotate the bucks between groups of does during the breeding season. You can move bucks every three to four weeks. This reduces the chance that a single buck will cause a total failure in one group of does. Kidding date is very effective in determining the sire in these situations. If you are a purebred breeder, you may consider pulling the bucks after 21 days and putting them back out 5 to 7 days later with a different group of does. The gap will provide a break in kidding to insure parentage for registration.
Monitor breeding activity in pastures through the use of the marking harness and you may wish to record does that were bred and ones that were bred a second time later in the season. When you change bucks change color of the marker to help determine if does are marked a second time. Some producers will change color of marker weekly to help them remember who is marked when. This will help determine when does should actually kid so you are better able to manage kidding due to better records.
Post Breeding Management:
After the breeding season it is important to maintain the nutrition level of the does for four weeks. During this time the newly formed fetus can be lost if nutritional stress becomes a problem for the doe. You should work all the animals again and check for any injuries that may have occurred during the breeding season. Mixing breeding groups back into larger herds can be stressful to all animals. This is especially a problem with bucks. Be sure to mix them slowly and allow time for them to establish their pecking order before adding new animals to the group. Bucks that have been together before will still need to re-establish this order when turned back into a common pen. Bucks often loose weight during the breeding season so feed accordingly to improve body condition and make sure they are ready for the next breeding season and winter.
Watch for signs of problems and possible abortions post breeding. If you are unsure if all does conserved, you may want to have ultrasound pregnancy testing done. This can be performed at 45 days post breeding. You can then sort and manage your does based on pregnancy status. Culling open does is a very effective practice to reducing production cost because open does will consume as much feed as pregnant does but not produce any offspring to cover those costs.
Modern Reproductive Methods Used To Enhance Goat Production
Modern reproductive methods used to enhance goat production
About the author:
Farzana Panhwar (Mrs.)
157-C, Unit No.2, Latifabad, Hyderabad (Sindh), Pakistan.
E-mail: farzanapanhwar@hotmail.com
Fax: 92-21-5830826 and 92-221-860410
http://www.goatworld.com/articles/management/reproduction.shtml
About the author:
Farzana Panhwar (Mrs.)
157-C, Unit No.2, Latifabad, Hyderabad (Sindh), Pakistan.
E-mail: farzanapanhwar@hotmail.com
Fax: 92-21-5830826 and 92-221-860410
http://www.goatworld.com/articles/management/reproduction.shtml
Must read: Sheep/goat management by Susan Schoenian
Last updated 27-Jan-2010 by Susan Schoenian.
Very useful and resourceful about sheep/goat management.
http://www.sheepandgoat.com/manage.html
Getting Started With Sheep
Sheep 101 and Sheep 201: A Beginner's Guide to Raising Sheep
Thinking of Raising Sheep - Ohio State University
Are You Thinking of Raising Sheep? - University of Maine
Starting a Sheep Enterprise - Oklahoma State University
Starting or Expanding Your Sheep Flock - University of Minnesota
Getting Started in a Sheep Enterprise - University of Missouri
Developing a Sheep Enterprise - University of Kentucky
Sheep Production and Management - New Mexico State University
Montana Farm Flock Sheep Production Handbook
Sheep On Shares - North Dakota State University
Sheep - University of California 4-H Farm
Chet's Practical Guide to Starting a Sheep Enterprise
Sheep Production in Georgia
Sheep Facts - North Carolina State University
Getting Started in Sheep - Saskatchewan, Canada
Sustainable Sheep Production - ATTRA- NCAT | [PDF, 2000]
Getting into sheep: an introductory guide - Western Australia
Getting Started With Goats
Goat Management - Cornell University
Basic Meat Goat Facts - North Carolina State University
Meat Goat Selection and Care - Mississippi State University
Getting Started: A Guide for the New or Prospective Dairy Goat Owner
Goats and More Goats - University of California 4-H Farm
Quick Start Guide for Newcomers to the Boer Goat Industry
Why You Should Raise Meat Goat - Boer Goats Home
Meat Goat Production - Penn State Ag Alternatives (2000)
Sustainable Goat Production: Meat Goats - ATTRA-NCAT | [PDF, 2006}
Feasability of Goat Production in West Virginia: A Handbook for Beginners
Meat Goat Production and Budgeting - Ohio State University
Goats in Alaska - Alaska Livestock Series (2006)
Getting started in the meat goat business: the series - Florida A&M University
Basic Care
An illustrated guide to sheep and goat production | [PDF, 2008] - ATTRA-NCAT
Goat Care Practices - University of California Davis
Sheep Care Practices - University of California Davis
Small Ruminant Pocket Guide (2006) Alabama Cooperative Extension | Download (PDF, 116 pp)
Goat Care - Basic Goat Primer
Basic Goat Care - Glenhardin Farm Alpines
Sheep Management 101 - Barking Rock Farm
Windwood Acres Basic Sheep Care Q and A Page
Management Articles - Gedemark
Sheep Management Calendar
Sheep Management Schedule - Virginia Tech | [PDF, 2003]
Sheep Flock Management Calendar - Montana State University
Sheep Management Calendar - Oregon State University
A Planning Calendar for Sheep Herd Health and Management - Oklahoma State University
Sheep Pocket Guide - North Dakota State University
Flock Calendar Outline - North Dakota State University
Sheep Management Calendar - University of Tennessee
Calendarizing Sheep Flock Management Practices - Alcorn State University
Goat Management Calendar
Sheep and Goat Management Calendar - Auburn University (2006)
Meat Goat Production Calendar - University of Arkansas
Goat Management - Jack and Anita Maudlin's Boer Goats
Dairy Goat Management Calendar - ADGA
Lambing and Kidding
Suggested lambing/kidding supplies - Washington State University
[PPT, 920 K] Preparing for Lambing and Kidding
[PPT, 1.03 mb] Problems encountered (at lambing and kidding) and how to address them
Managing lambing and kidding - Cornell University (2005)
Getting Ready for Lambing and Kidding
Pre-lambing management of ewes - Kansas State University (1992)
Lambing
Lambing FAQ by Ron Florence
Care of Ewes and Lambs at Lambing Time - University of Missouri
Avoid Lambing Season Problems - University of Minnesota
Management at Lambing Time - British Columbia, Canada
Success at Lambing Time - Ohio State University
Lambing Time Management - Virginia Tech
Lambing Management Tips - Virginia Tech
Lambing Time is Around the Corner - South Dakota State University
Increasing Lamb Survival - Purdue University
Dealing with Difficult Births at Lambing - Purdue University
Management of Ewes and Lambs at Weaning - Purdue University
The Ideal Lambing Season - Purdue University
Early vs. Late Lambing: Which is Best - Purdue University
Slide Show of Ewe Giving Birth - Purdue University
Pre-Lambing Management of Ewes - Kansas State University (1992)
Pre-Lambing Ewe Management - Pipestone Vet
How do "ewe" become a foster mother?
Lactation and Weaning Management for Lambs - Western Australia
Kidding
Breeding and Kidding Management in the Goat Herd - North Carolina State University
Preparing for Kidding - Onion Creek Ranch
Kidding Joys and Woes Part I | Part II | Part III - Onion Creek Ranch
Pre and Post Kidding Preparations for Dairy Goat Does and Kids - Wooden Bridge Ranch
Goat Health and Husbandry - Fias Co Farm
Breeding and Kidding Management - Penn State University
Best management practices for dairy goat farms (2008) - University of Wisconsin
Age determination
How to Estimate the Age of Goats and Sheep - National Dept. of Agriculture, South Africa
How to Tell the Age of Sheep (rev. 2003) - NSW Australia
How to tell the age of goats - (rev. 2003) NSW Australia
Teeth and Age of the Goat (1999) - Cornell University
How to estimate the age of goats and sheep - Smallstock in Development
How to tell the age of goats - Australia Goat Notes
Miscellaneous
Weigh Chart for the Large Dairy Goat Breeds
Lambing Date Calculator - Montana State University
http://www.sheepandgoat.com/manage.html
Very useful and resourceful about sheep/goat management.
http://www.sheepandgoat.com/manage.html
Getting Started With Sheep
Sheep 101 and Sheep 201: A Beginner's Guide to Raising Sheep
Thinking of Raising Sheep - Ohio State University
Are You Thinking of Raising Sheep? - University of Maine
Starting a Sheep Enterprise - Oklahoma State University
Starting or Expanding Your Sheep Flock - University of Minnesota
Getting Started in a Sheep Enterprise - University of Missouri
Developing a Sheep Enterprise - University of Kentucky
Sheep Production and Management - New Mexico State University
Montana Farm Flock Sheep Production Handbook
Sheep On Shares - North Dakota State University
Sheep - University of California 4-H Farm
Chet's Practical Guide to Starting a Sheep Enterprise
Sheep Production in Georgia
Sheep Facts - North Carolina State University
Getting Started in Sheep - Saskatchewan, Canada
Sustainable Sheep Production - ATTRA- NCAT | [PDF, 2000]
Getting into sheep: an introductory guide - Western Australia
Getting Started With Goats
Goat Management - Cornell University
Basic Meat Goat Facts - North Carolina State University
Meat Goat Selection and Care - Mississippi State University
Getting Started: A Guide for the New or Prospective Dairy Goat Owner
Goats and More Goats - University of California 4-H Farm
Quick Start Guide for Newcomers to the Boer Goat Industry
Why You Should Raise Meat Goat - Boer Goats Home
Meat Goat Production - Penn State Ag Alternatives (2000)
Sustainable Goat Production: Meat Goats - ATTRA-NCAT | [PDF, 2006}
Feasability of Goat Production in West Virginia: A Handbook for Beginners
Meat Goat Production and Budgeting - Ohio State University
Goats in Alaska - Alaska Livestock Series (2006)
Getting started in the meat goat business: the series - Florida A&M University
Basic Care
An illustrated guide to sheep and goat production | [PDF, 2008] - ATTRA-NCAT
Goat Care Practices - University of California Davis
Sheep Care Practices - University of California Davis
Small Ruminant Pocket Guide (2006) Alabama Cooperative Extension | Download (PDF, 116 pp)
Goat Care - Basic Goat Primer
Basic Goat Care - Glenhardin Farm Alpines
Sheep Management 101 - Barking Rock Farm
Windwood Acres Basic Sheep Care Q and A Page
Management Articles - Gedemark
Sheep Management Calendar
Sheep Management Schedule - Virginia Tech | [PDF, 2003]
Sheep Flock Management Calendar - Montana State University
Sheep Management Calendar - Oregon State University
A Planning Calendar for Sheep Herd Health and Management - Oklahoma State University
Sheep Pocket Guide - North Dakota State University
Flock Calendar Outline - North Dakota State University
Sheep Management Calendar - University of Tennessee
Calendarizing Sheep Flock Management Practices - Alcorn State University
Goat Management Calendar
Sheep and Goat Management Calendar - Auburn University (2006)
Meat Goat Production Calendar - University of Arkansas
Goat Management - Jack and Anita Maudlin's Boer Goats
Dairy Goat Management Calendar - ADGA
Lambing and Kidding
Suggested lambing/kidding supplies - Washington State University
[PPT, 920 K] Preparing for Lambing and Kidding
[PPT, 1.03 mb] Problems encountered (at lambing and kidding) and how to address them
Managing lambing and kidding - Cornell University (2005)
Getting Ready for Lambing and Kidding
Pre-lambing management of ewes - Kansas State University (1992)
Lambing
Lambing FAQ by Ron Florence
Care of Ewes and Lambs at Lambing Time - University of Missouri
Avoid Lambing Season Problems - University of Minnesota
Management at Lambing Time - British Columbia, Canada
Success at Lambing Time - Ohio State University
Lambing Time Management - Virginia Tech
Lambing Management Tips - Virginia Tech
Lambing Time is Around the Corner - South Dakota State University
Increasing Lamb Survival - Purdue University
Dealing with Difficult Births at Lambing - Purdue University
Management of Ewes and Lambs at Weaning - Purdue University
The Ideal Lambing Season - Purdue University
Early vs. Late Lambing: Which is Best - Purdue University
Slide Show of Ewe Giving Birth - Purdue University
Pre-Lambing Management of Ewes - Kansas State University (1992)
Pre-Lambing Ewe Management - Pipestone Vet
How do "ewe" become a foster mother?
Lactation and Weaning Management for Lambs - Western Australia
Kidding
Breeding and Kidding Management in the Goat Herd - North Carolina State University
Preparing for Kidding - Onion Creek Ranch
Kidding Joys and Woes Part I | Part II | Part III - Onion Creek Ranch
Pre and Post Kidding Preparations for Dairy Goat Does and Kids - Wooden Bridge Ranch
Goat Health and Husbandry - Fias Co Farm
Breeding and Kidding Management - Penn State University
Best management practices for dairy goat farms (2008) - University of Wisconsin
Age determination
How to Estimate the Age of Goats and Sheep - National Dept. of Agriculture, South Africa
How to Tell the Age of Sheep (rev. 2003) - NSW Australia
How to tell the age of goats - (rev. 2003) NSW Australia
Teeth and Age of the Goat (1999) - Cornell University
How to estimate the age of goats and sheep - Smallstock in Development
How to tell the age of goats - Australia Goat Notes
Miscellaneous
Weigh Chart for the Large Dairy Goat Breeds
Lambing Date Calculator - Montana State University
http://www.sheepandgoat.com/manage.html
e-book: Rahsia Kambing
http://www.rahsiakambing.com/
Di dalam ebook ini saya akan menunjukkan kepada anda tentang
Bagaimana mencari sumber modal bagi projek penternakan anda
Tips pemilihan baka kambing untuk memulakan projek penternakan anda
Bagaimana membina kandang dengan kos yang rendah
Bagaimana menyediakan bekalan makanan yang mencukupi dengan kos yang rendah untuk ternakan anda
Bagaimana memerah susu kambing dengan betul
Bagaimana menyambut kelahiran kambing
Gejala-gejala atau penyakit-penyakit yang selalu dihidapi oleh kambing dan bagaimana cara merawatnya, serta
Bagaimana memasarkan ternakan kambing anda
Di dalam ebook ini saya akan menunjukkan kepada anda tentang
Bagaimana mencari sumber modal bagi projek penternakan anda
Tips pemilihan baka kambing untuk memulakan projek penternakan anda
Bagaimana membina kandang dengan kos yang rendah
Bagaimana menyediakan bekalan makanan yang mencukupi dengan kos yang rendah untuk ternakan anda
Bagaimana memerah susu kambing dengan betul
Bagaimana menyambut kelahiran kambing
Gejala-gejala atau penyakit-penyakit yang selalu dihidapi oleh kambing dan bagaimana cara merawatnya, serta
Bagaimana memasarkan ternakan kambing anda
Carian openpdf.com: Penternakan Kambing Boer - PDF
Cari maklumat yang dikehendaki dalam laman web ini:
http://openpdf.com/ebook/penternakan-kambing-boer-pdf.html
http://openpdf.com/ebook/penternakan-kambing-boer-pdf.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)