The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Goats => Topic started by: shygirl on November 18, 2013, 02:15:13 pm
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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
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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.
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Mine go longer than that as they still produce a reasonable quantity of milk for two winters.
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thanks, im sure they will appreciate a break.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Goats used to regularly have a year off. People would rest one of a pair each year
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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