Things to consider when buying a new Buck
Narion Rufus (owned by Buccanwood Stud
- What am I breeding for?
- What do I want to improve in my herd?
- Do I need to work on correcting anything?
- Feet, Legs, Topline, Udders, Overall confirmation, etc.
- Is the Buck from a CAE and Johne’s Disease tested herd?
- Do your research and ask to see his pedigree.
When choosing a buck to breed with your does, look for one that has desirable characteristics you want in your herd. The characteristics of the buck is more crucial than that of your does because your herd will be produced from many does, but many of those does will usually be bred by a single buck Therefore, it's critical to make sure that buck has the kind of strong, desirable conformation that you want to see being developed in your entire goat herd.
Another rule related to this is, always breed to make your herd better. In other words, use a buck that has more desirable characteristics and conformation than the goats you already have.
When using a buck to breed your does, always make sure the buck is healthy and exhibits excellent conformation and temprement. Check qualities such as teats, scrotum attachements. Finally don't ignore coloring, Attractive and desirable coloring is sought after by many buyers
No matter what size your herd is, it is important to get the best buck you can, that fits your breeding program and personal goals. Your buck is worth around 80% of your herd. He is producing your next generation of breeders.
Hopefully, you now have some valuable knowledge that will help you begin to learn how to confidently pick goats for your own breeding program.
Another rule related to this is, always breed to make your herd better. In other words, use a buck that has more desirable characteristics and conformation than the goats you already have.
When using a buck to breed your does, always make sure the buck is healthy and exhibits excellent conformation and temprement. Check qualities such as teats, scrotum attachements. Finally don't ignore coloring, Attractive and desirable coloring is sought after by many buyers
No matter what size your herd is, it is important to get the best buck you can, that fits your breeding program and personal goals. Your buck is worth around 80% of your herd. He is producing your next generation of breeders.
Hopefully, you now have some valuable knowledge that will help you begin to learn how to confidently pick goats for your own breeding program.
! Always remember a bad buck will negatively impact on your Entire herd’s genetics for many generations to come !
Whether to Wether
These are just a few things to consider and can be used as a basis for developing your own checklist.
A big thank you to Mya-Ora Stud for sharing their check list on whether to wether or retain as a buck
- Does he have a split scrotum or extras teats? If yes, wether him no matter how beautiful you think he is.
- Does his scrotum have a good wide attachment? If no, wether. If yes, go to next question.
- Does he have strong straight legs and evenly placed feet? If no, wether. If yes, go to next question.
- Do his legs come down horizontally from his shoulders, giving him a good wide chest? If no, wether. If yes, go to next question.
- Does his Dam have a well-structured and attached udder with well-defined teats, for easy milking? If no, wether. If yes, go to next question.
- Do the Does in his line have well-structured and attached udders with well-defined teats, for easy milking? If no, wether. If yes, go to next question.
- Does he carry himself with pride and ooze confidence? If no, wether. If yes, go to next question.
- Are all of the goats in his line free of nasty habits and traits, besides normal buck behavior? If no, wether. If yes, go to next question.
- Is he what you would breed with yourself? If no, wether. If yes, go to next question.
- If he is extra to your own needs do you have a buyer for him? If no, wether.
A big thank you to Mya-Ora Stud for sharing their check list on whether to wether or retain as a buck