Whats Your Breeding Policy ?
Deciding breeding policy is not a simple matter, but then few facets of modern goat farming seem to be straightforward.
In this case there are at least three options which relate to the individual’s preferences, the state of the farm on which the goats are to be run, and the personal judgement of the farmer as to the best long-term prospects for the various products derived from goats.
Breeding is not just mating; it is a matter of deciding which traits are desired in resulting progeny, and then selecting breeding stock which not only have those characteristics, but will pass them on to the progeny.
There is even more to it than that, and those who are concerned tounderstand the topic fully in order to make the right decisions and achieve the best results, should know something of the basic principles (see ‘Basics of Breeding).
Click on the links below Highlighted in blue:
Option (a) Uncontrolled Bredding of Goats.
This would appear to be rather a waste of time. Since mating has to be undertaken, an attempt might as well be made to select a buck that will improve the flock in some respect.
Option (b) Feral-Feral Goats Mating for Cashmere.
Option (c) Goat - The G4 Route to Cashmere
Option (d) — Grading Goats up to Angoras from Feral
Option (e) — Milk Breeds for Meat Production
This option may be of limited interest, in that it may provide a better quality breeding flock for subsequent crossbreeding. The female progeny of this cross should have better milking ability, which can increase weaning weights of their progeny.
The larger does with better prospects of producing and rearing twins, and faster weight-gain in male kids for meat production, as has been discussed in a previous chapter.
In actual fact some milking breed bucks may well have good cashmere characteristics which they will pass on, but finding such animals is not easy. And while Saanen, in particular, may be an option for those going for cashmere, especially as their progeny will probably be white, they are not suitable in a programme of grading up to Angora as too much kempy fibre is likely to be introduced.
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