|
|
Our Herd Management Philosophy All of our animals are cared for with compassion and respect. Each is managed as an individual and given the tender loving care they need according to their age, temperament, personality, and genetic potential. Each breeds' recognized standards are taken into consideration as we select animals and plan our breeding program. Our criteria meet or exceed the recognized breed standards. For example; Boer bucks are selected with scrotal structure in mind. Although a two inch split is ‘acceptable’ according to breed standards, we select bucks that show a firm, full, un-split scrotum. The standards for our Boer does are also higher than the breed standards in that while multiple teats are accepted, we are striving to select does with only two teats (one teat per side). Having started with raising registered dairy goats, we feel this has influenced our difference in standards in these two areas when it comes to our Boer goats. Along with confirmation, milk production is of utmost importance in our Toggenburg dairy goats and meat production in our Boers. We feel that correct breed standards are essential for success, therefore, each mating is determined with these standards in mind. A routine CD/T and Chlamydia vaccination and deworming program is adhered to. We rotate wormers using Cydectin, StrongyleCare (pyratnel pamoate) by Farnam, and Safe-Guard Dewormer for Goats. All of our goats are CAE tested yearly and CAE prevention is of extreme importance to us. Our Toggenburg kids are raised with heat treated colostrum and pasteurized milk. Horns are another concern we have. We disbud all kids born into our herd and require those we purchase also be disbudded. While this has been a long time practice with registered dairy goats, it is relatively new among Boer breeders and has become a standard requirement for showing market goats. The reason we see this as a good practice with all goats is that horns can be a hazard around people, especially small children. Goats can also get caught by their horns in fences, feeders, etc. Horned goats can injure other goats when butting, causing injury to another goat’s body or by hooking a leg. Goats can be highly unpredictable, yet we make every effort to be present at all births. This is extremely important when it comes to raising registered dairy goats and the need to raise those kids according to a strict CAE prevention program in which the kids are hand raised. We strive to make all of our kids, Toggenburg and Boer alike, well socialized with people. Managing goats requires handling them for vaccinating, hoof trimming, milking, etc. While it is recognized that animals get nervous and scared, having to deal with a goat that does not want touched under any circumstances is an added burden. One we feel can be avoided with proper management techniques. Our goats are also accustomed to a livestock guard dog. We enjoy talking goats and welcome visitors. We learned from those we consider 'our goat mentors' and wish to do the same for others and to learn more ourselves. Visitors are asked to call ahead to make an appointment. |
|
|
If you have any questions about goats please contact us: madeinwyomng@nannykidfarm.com Dairy Goat Facts Our Togg Does Our Togg Bucks Our Togg Kids Boer Goat Facts Our Boer Does Our Boer Bucks Our Boer Kids
|
||