Friday, July 24, 2015

How To Choose Pedigree Boer Does For Sale

By Elaine Guthrie


The most common source of does for breeding are consignment sales, private treaty purchases and stockyard sales. These private treaty purchases are usually conducted outside the farm and provide an opportunity for the buyer to view the operation in which the goats are being produced. Each has its unique characteristics. Rearing of goats an important venture in different parts of the continent because they are hardy. Therefore, the information below is invaluable for choosing pedigree Boer does for sale.

Carry out regular animal husbandry practices to improve production and fertility rate. When production records are available, special consideration should be go to the rate of kidding, weaning weight and age at the market value. Select a doe, which is genetically superior. Environmental factors such as feeding and inheritance contribute half the performance of an animal.

Ask about the family history. This is because inheritance of good genes will determine the number of kids born, weight gain or growth rate. Where the parents had inferior genes, they are likely to be transmitted to the siblings. Inheritance of these poor genes will give a poor quality breed that will lead to slow growth rate and low production.

It should have a high fertility rate and preferably sire multiple kids. Never buy a goat without its clear records presented to you. Know its reproductive history like giving birth to triplets. Health records are necessary for you to peruse.Goats are browsers that prefer to herd in groups. Therefore, you will need to buy a minimum of two goats to start.

Check the teats and udder for potential problems. A doe will have two clean teats. The udder should have large teats and udder, which is well fixed between its hind legs. A good doe for breeding has two teats and no vestigial or extra teats. High fat tissue in the udder will replace milk-secreting cells hence lowering production. Check for a flabby udder which may be predisposed to infections such as mastitis.

Take into account the age of the animal. A junior doe is a young goat that has not been bred yet. These are more expensive than doe lings as you do not have to wait as long to breed them and start producing milk. When you are buying goats, it is preferable to source young animals. An eight to ten year old doe may be a little weak in the pasterns.

Buy at least two goats preferably from the same herd. Many people error by buying one goat. You need to be aware that goats can get lonely and respond by being bleating loudly calling out for company. The farm from where you purchase should be able to provide quality hygiene and proper records on animal husbandry practices.

Usually when goats get too old they lose their teeth. Ensure goat has its dentition and the jaws intact. Failure to feed appropriately may be a result of loss of teeth. Most likely poor dentition is due to old age. Pick the best, healthiest-looking goats. If you decide to go ahead and start your herd of goats. Improper dentition will affect the feeding habits and consequently, the production rate of the animal.




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