I was curious how soon after your does kid do you rebreed them?
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I was curious how soon after your does kid do you rebreed them?
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I did breed one doe 3 times in two years when we first got started. I did it because we were trying to build up our herd to start our cheese business. It's not something that I think is good for them, but it didn't seem to impact her too negatively. I didn't milk her when I did it as I decided that having frequent pregnancies was enough for her body without trying to extend lactation. We only did it with the one, and we don't plan to do it again. We now breed in the fall to kid in the spring, and we're going to start having doelings freshen for the first time at 2 years old. I don't want non-spring kiddings, and I wasn't happy with the size of my yearlings who kidded this spring.
We hadn't had her for too long when we did it and if we'd known her better we probably wouldn't have. She has tiny, tiny little orifices and a disagreeable temperament. The three doelings that we've had out of her have been hit or miss. One is a friendly easy-milking doe, and the other two milk fine but have a slightly milder version of her skittish, cranky personality.
Three times in two years?!! I would prefer two in three years if the milk would last long enough. I know I am in a unique situation with being allowed only three goats, but it still seems the two-year baby plan for humans would not be a bad thing for our precious does if that were practical. I am hoping to have the "problem" that some of you have with does not wanting to dry up as it would allow me to not have to decide as often who needs to have a new home. Of course, I am looking at the milking side of it - imagine that since I purchased dairy goats. <g>
On a positive note, I am picking up a buck rag tomorrow to try to help catch Summer in heat - would love for her to kid in March or April. A couple of months after Summer is bred, if Capri seems to be producing less (I'm now averaging 1-1/4 cups per day versus 1-1/2 cups but may start milking evenings as well), I will breed Capri again. Of course, almost 6-month-old Ginger won't be bred this time around. I am so anxious to see what kind of milker she is and even more anxious to see what her does will do with Crazy as their dad. Ginger is so very spoiled!
When people do that, they are not raising "dairy" goats! I really hate it that the NDGA website talks about breeding NDs three times in two years. Even that is ridiculous if you have DAIRY goats. Dairy goats need to be producing milk, not babies. They can't possibly prove themselves in the milk pail if they are not allowed to produce milk long term.