I have a doe that is 8 years old, and a few does that could be older. At what age can I start to see health problems related to age, as well as decreasing fertility and possibly kidding issues? Is it a good idea to retire does at a certain age?
Views: 1765
You need to be a member of Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goats to add comments!
It really varies from doe to doe. One of our bucks had a mom who was 10 years old, and she went on to become the AGS National Champion when he was two months old. There are does who continue to have babies until 12 or 13, but I don't think that's the norm. I retired a doe at 9 because it was nearly impossible to keep weight on her when she kidded that year. My daughter once bought two 11-year-old does (against my advice). One never got pregnant, and the other did have twins once before dieing.
"When to retire" also depends on why you're breeding. If you want milk, you'll want to stop breeding when the production goes down and you have younger does who are producing more. If you have a magnificent doe, and you want her offspring, you might continue to breed her longer.
I'm not an expert when it comes to old does, because I've only had four so far that reached 9+, but I think kidding issues are more a reflection of a doe's overall health status. I'm not aware of any kidding issues that are specifically age related. But someone who's had more aged does might have actual experience to share on that topic.
Replies
"When to retire" also depends on why you're breeding. If you want milk, you'll want to stop breeding when the production goes down and you have younger does who are producing more. If you have a magnificent doe, and you want her offspring, you might continue to breed her longer.
I'm not an expert when it comes to old does, because I've only had four so far that reached 9+, but I think kidding issues are more a reflection of a doe's overall health status. I'm not aware of any kidding issues that are specifically age related. But someone who's had more aged does might have actual experience to share on that topic.