GOATS 407 



497. Management and feeding. Milch goats are very 

 prolific, much more so than Angoras or sheep. They 

 usually drop twins and often triplets, and as their period 

 of gestation is only about five months, they increase very 

 rapidly, because they will breed shortly after kidding, 

 and yearling does are fit for reproduction. Bucks should 

 be chosen carefully; only those descended from good 

 milking dams should be used, and then only when they 

 are of good form and constitutional vigor. Because of 

 their repulsive smell, bucks should be kept entirely sepa- 

 rate, and as far away from the does as possible. 



Milk from rutting does should not be used for domestic 

 purposes. Observance of this rule will effectually pre- 

 vent the complaints that goat's milk has a bad taste. 

 Breeding should be so managed that does will kid three 

 times within two years, and if several animals are kept, 

 their lactation periods may be easily arranged so as to 

 provide a steady and even supply of milk for their owners. 

 The lactation period is about five or six months in the 

 milking families. 



Cleanliness is absolutely necessary when goats are 

 confined in stables. These animals are sensitive to cold 

 and damp and therefore should be kept in warm but light 

 stables, with always dry bedding. They like variety in 

 their feed, and this peculiarity should not be overlooked. 

 They should be given clean, sweet hay, and the good vege- 

 table trimmings from the kitchen. A. handful of oats or a 

 little bran is a very good addition to the ration, especially 

 during the period of heavy lactation. They must have 

 salt regularly, and as much clean water as they will drink. 

 In the winter they should have provided for them occa- 

 sionally, if possible, some hazel-brush, birch, maple, box- 

 elder, or similar twigs. They like to nibble such things 



