Author Topic: a year off breeding (Read 2500 times)

shygirl · « **on:** November 18, 2013, 02:15:13 pm »

would it damaging to the nannies fertility to give them a year off from breeding ? - i know its not recommended for cattle and pigs to skip a year due to getting fatty ovaries etc.
they have been pregnant since kids (they were preg when i bought them) and had 3 sets of kids, im hoping to move next yr (she says

) so the less animals to transport the better really. plus they are in good condition now after a summer of being skinny so a year off would be nice aslong as they dont become infertile.
any opinions?
thanks

Anke · « **Reply #1 on:** November 18, 2013, 04:02:04 pm »

Should be ok.
If they are still being milked then no problem continuing on their normal(milking) rations through the winter.
If they are dry then they should be on only a little of concentrate, and mostly hay this winter. Should be ok though letting them have a year off.
I kid most of mine only every two years, but they are milked for 22months.

Lesley Silvester · « **Reply #2 on:** November 18, 2013, 09:50:06 pm »

Mine go longer than that as they still produce a reasonable quantity of milk for two winters.

shygirl · « **Reply #3 on:** November 19, 2013, 02:37:03 pm »

thanks, im sure they will appreciate a break.

jinglejoys · « **Reply #4 on:** November 19, 2013, 06:52:55 pm »

Goats used to regularly have a year off. People would rest one of a pair each year

ballingall · « **Reply #5 on:** November 19, 2013, 10:36:25 pm »

Goats are much better equipped to have a year off. Just watch in late summer that they aren't too fat going into autumn for mating, and you'll be fine.

Beth