During this time of year, buck goats are getting smelly, and their does are looking hopeful. But it takes planning to produce a bountiful crop of bouncing baby goats. Here are some things to consider.
LOOK TO NUTRITION
Goat breeding stock should be neither fat nor thin. While quality forage and freechoice minerals are sufficient for goats on maintenance rations, they need more energy in their diets as rut approaches. Many folks "flush" does by switching to legume hay and introducing 1/2 to 1 pound of 12% protein grain mix three or four weeks before breeding season begins; this helps boost ovulation rates and results in more kids. Meanwhile, bucks often forget to eat during rut, so they need to be plump but not grossly overweight as breeding begins.
ADD SELEMIUM, AS NEEDED
Insufficient selenium in goats' diets is associated with low conception rates, retained placentas and weak kids. It also has a positive effect on male fertility. If you live in a selenium-deficient part of the country, such as portions of the Northeast, the selenium in goat-specific minerals is inadequate.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Goat-101-24-Ausgabe von Hobby Farms.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
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