advice for how to begin with these dairy goats

In the last month or so I have gotten interested in these little goats.My interest very much in the dairy aspect these goats provide.When I had 1st heard of them years ago it was people having them as pets.And only in the last month did I come to understand their great value for their milk.So I am thinking I would like to raise a couple.I have been reading all that I can find on the internet but I still feel lacking in beginning info.So here are a couple specific questions.Are all good milkers registered ?I know I would like a good milker but know I would not want to show.Any suggestions of contacts of breeders ,and others nigerian goat people in California?What are pros and cons of starting with doelings vs jr. does or sr.does?When the time comes how the heck do I find a way to get does bred?I do not believe there are any Nigerian dwarf goat keepers in my area.I know I will be back on here asking more of these elementary questions as I learn more.Thanks so much for help

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  • Milking ability and registration are completely unrelated. However, if a goat is registered and has been on milk test, you can see what kind of a producer she is, as well as her dam, grand dam, etc., if they were also on milk test. I would never buy a goat from a sale barn if I wanted a milker. There are several goat diseases that can be hidden in goats, and people dump animals at the sale barn. While you are not guaranteed to get a perfectly healthy goat from a breeder, the odds of getting an unhealthy goat from the sale barn are much higher. You can ask breeders if they test for diseases, and if their herd is tested negative for a disease, then you have some reassurance that you're getting a healthier goat. (The tests are not 100% accurate, but that's another topic.) If you buy from a breeder, you can also ask them questions later.

    If you want goats for milk, you should definitely get them from someone who milks. Personally, I started with almost all adults, because I wanted milk immediately. (I bought one doeling, and my daughter bought two.) People who raise goats for show often sell a yearling or a two year old when their udder doesn't quite turn out to be good enough for show; however, that goat might be a great milker. My best milker and brood doe (throws the best does) was a "cull" from another herd when she freshened as a yearling. When I took her to shows, she was always last, but in my mind, she is the most valuable goat on my farm at age 6. She is the heaviest milker, and I've kept a doe from her almost every year and never been disappointed by their production.

    You will probably need a buck if there is no one else in your area with NDs, but you can also do AI. Buying all the AI equipment, including the storage tank, costs about as much as one or two bucks. I keep saying I'm going to do it, but haven't yet. It's really a pretty good investment.

    Sorry I don't know anyone personally in California, but I do know that NDs are huge out there, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding a breeder.
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