NH homesteader
Herd Master
Which are you leaning towards going with, if you downsize breed wise? Just curious... I love my mini alpines.
Just got some skinny goats
- Thread starter JenniferDuBay
- Start date
Southern by choice
Herd Master
I can see AI-ing to bring in some really great genetics that you might not be able to get otherwise especially when breeding for show and production animals.
The cost for collection is rather expensive then the maintenance for the tank, use of hormones for the does (if not waiting for natural heat), and an average of 60% success rate is pricey. Some buck straws can be as much as $150 Straw. Yeah, I would want to make sure it took on the first try! LOL
On a select few does I can see this but on a whole herd it seems impractical. Cheaper to keep a buck.
@Goat Whisperer is into this but not me, I like the good ole fashioned natures way. Not saying I would never AI a doe but it sure isn't something I would do with an entire herd.
The cost for collection is rather expensive then the maintenance for the tank, use of hormones for the does (if not waiting for natural heat), and an average of 60% success rate is pricey. Some buck straws can be as much as $150 Straw. Yeah, I would want to make sure it took on the first try! LOL
On a select few does I can see this but on a whole herd it seems impractical. Cheaper to keep a buck.
@Goat Whisperer is into this but not me, I like the good ole fashioned natures way. Not saying I would never AI a doe but it sure isn't something I would do with an entire herd.
babsbag
Herd Master
For the sake of the dairy and the quality of fluid milk probably LaManchas. Personally I like the Alpines but the LM have higher butter fat in the milk. I bought my first LMs strictly to add fat to the milk for the dairy.
The verdict is still out on the minis, I haven't had any in milk as of yet. I like the personality and the size but the production is key for the dairy.
If I were to keep goats as weed eaters and for me to make cheese, etc. I would keep the Alpines. They are smart, inquisitive, hardy, and good producers. IMO the fact that the breed has a much deeper and broader genetic base is a huge plus; I think it makes for hardier goats.
babsbag
Herd Master
If I did AI I would not use hormones, your success rate is higher if you don't. If you buy a tank get a long term storage one and then it is only about 75.00 a year for service. If I could bring in AI every few years and get an entire crop of unrelated doelings it would save me from having to replace my buck every 2 years. I have 3 doelings this year that I kept. If I breed them back to their sire, which I will do, then I need a new buck for their offspring if I keep any. 2 of these does are polled, so if they have polled doeling I will keep them, but AI would allow me to breed those few doelings and not have to get a new buck.
Southern by choice
Herd Master
The few people I have talked with that have tanks say it is about $20 month to fill. That's $240 alone. Then if something goes wrong you have big $ in that tank. I don't know I'm not sold on it. LOL 
babsbag
Herd Master
The one I was looking at was 140 days working time or 230 static storage time. No one I know is filling every month. I have so many friends with tanks that I could get space whenever I want, that won't be a problem, but it does require more planning. I would rather have it here.
- Thread starter
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JenniferDuBay
Overrun with beasties
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And I bet you could make a pretty penny from the backyard goat keepers who don't have the space for a buck.
NH homesteader
Herd Master
That's probably true. If you could do the AI for them anyway, I don't think the average person (myself included) could do it. I am really intrigued by Lamanchas... They're next on my list!
Southern by choice
Herd Master
I adore my Lamanchas! I love how they wrap their neck around mine, always want their hugs and kisses. They are so much like dogs!
OneFineAcre
Herd Master
We have to add nitrogen to our tank every 4 months. We usually do it sooner, we have a lot of money invested in the contents.
I don't think there would be much profit in providing AI service for the backyard herders, at least not enough for the effort.
I don't think there would be much profit in providing AI service for the backyard herders, at least not enough for the effort.
