Tell me about your Oberhaslis, plz

[Mini-M Ranch]

I have been looking for a full sized goat in milk for several months. We have a small herd of Nubian/Nigerian Crosses, and I recently bought a Full Nubian buck. I was really looking for a Nubian doe so I could breed them together, but I haven't found anything that I find satisfactory with in a reasonable driving distance.

What I have found is a beautiful Oberhasli doe who freshened in May. I have been dealing with these knuckleheaded Nubians (whom I love, but they do have a certain attitude) and I have to admit that I don't know much about Obers.

She is a first freshener who is three years old, and was a bottle baby. She is currently being milked twice per day and milks 10 pounds a day. I don't have pictures of her yet, but I will post them when I get them.

What am I looking for as far as good conformation, and what can I expect from her personality? I think Obers are beautiful and am really interested in her as there are not many in our area.

 

[Roll farms]

They are wayyy smarter, quieter, and more 'ladylike' than Nubs, as a general rule.

I love the breed...

 

[aggieterpkatie]

I have an Ober and I love her to death!!! I've had other breeds (Alpine, Nubian, Togg, and Alpine/Nub crosses) and she's by FAR my favorite. I'm not sure I'll ever own another breed. She's very laid back, not very vocal (well, she went through a mouthy period after kidding when she bonded to ME). She's not very mischevious, but still likes to play. Many goats get themselves in trouble, but she's never done anything crazy.

My doe is a FF this year, so she's not milking as much as she may in years to come. She's milking roughly 5 lbs/day. I'm not feeding her to really push production either, and we have more than enough milk than we use right now. I'm interested to see how she does next year. Her milk is pretty sweet and mild.

The only drawback to having a not-very-common breed is finding bucks. Luckily I've been able to find bucks last year and this year, but it may be hard for you depending on how many Obers are in your area.

http://www.adga.org/breedstandards.htmlHere is the breed standard from ADGA.

Here is the breed standard from the Oberhasli Breeders of America.

I say scoop her up!

 

[Mini-M Ranch]

Thanks so much, gals. I believe I am going to go look at her on Sunday. I can't wait to see her, although if Obers are as wonderful as you say...this may be a problem for my herd plan. lol.

 

[aggieterpkatie]

Well? Did ya go see her?

 

[Mini-M Ranch]

I DID! But I forgot to take pictures! AGH! She is a very sweet girl who gives kisses. She has a great looking topline and pretty good attachments. She does have a small bit of white on the very top of her head, but she is registered with ADGA, so I guess it isn't a disqualification.

Anyway, I am deciding what to do about her. I really like her, but money is tight.

 

[Dreaming Of Goats]

GET HER!!!! My friend breeds oberhaslis and they're so awesome! In fact, I'm leasing one soon! When showing, white on there head and ears is acceptable, but it will take a few points away.

 

[Roll farms]

I've noticed my Obs and black boers get little white patches of hair where they get dehorned....if it's in a 'horn spot', that could be why.

We also have a black dog who got his tail stuck in a door once (don't ask...), he has white fur where his tail was injured....

I'm starting to think injuries cause white hair to come back.

 

[Ariel301]

I've noticed my Obs and black boers get little white patches of hair where they get dehorned....if it's in a 'horn spot', that could be why.

We also have a black dog who got his tail stuck in a door once (don't ask...), he has white fur where his tail was injured....

I'm starting to think injuries cause white hair to come back.

They do in horses, so I would guess it can be the same in other animals. When my mare had a bad gash across both back legs, the hair grew back in white, leaving what looked like white lighting bolts on her legs. Also, a saddle that does not fit right and rubs or pinches can leave circles of white hair.

 

[aggieterpkatie]

Brands also grow back in white, which would be very similar to a disbudding.