MILK GOATS. 19 



duced a rather small quantity of milk, but the average lactation period 

 was short. In 1915. 10 of the best selected does produced milk for 

 periods of from 7 to 10 months and gave from 1 to 2 pounds of milk a 

 da\-. The average production for the 10 does was 1 J pounds. The 

 per cent of butterfat ranged from 6.5 to 9.4, the average being 7.6 per 

 cent. 



These goats are very prolific. In 1912 the rate of increase was a 

 little over 250 per cent, while for a period of several years it was 225 

 per cent. 



Owing to the scarcity of good milk goats, the common or American 

 type properly selected offers a good foundation for grading up with 

 either the Toggenburg, Saanen, or Nubian breeds. 



Since it would require many years to build up a good milking type 

 by the use of the common goats alone, and such excellent results were 

 obtained by crossing Saanen and Toggenburg bucks upon them, the 

 the bureau discontinued the use of the common goat in 1913. 



Large numbers of goats have been brought in from Mexico, and these 

 have no doubt had some influence upon the type found in many parts 

 of the South and Southwest. 



METHODS OF BREEDING. 



SELECTION OF THE BUCK. 



A buck is always considered half the herd, and in order to make 

 progress in breeding care should be exercised in making a selection. 

 As good bucks are scarce, it is not always possible to procure the 

 type desired, but the best obtainable should be procured even if the 

 cost be a little greater. Select a buck from a good producing doe 

 and a persistent milker. There is nothing so important in the matter 

 of breeding as evidence that the entire family to which the sire 

 belongs is especially good in conformation as well as in performance. 

 The success of breeding any class of animals depends largely upon 

 the selection of the sires. The selection of a single sire has made 

 many herds famous. 



A buck should be masculine in appearance, of at least medium size 

 for his age, and of good conformation. As regards the latter, a good 

 depth of body is one of the most important considerations. The 

 masculinity * of the buck can be, of course, determined by the size 

 and conformation of the head, size of the legs, amount of beard, and 

 the quality and length of the hair on various portions of the body. 

 The legs should be straight and well placed Always select a vigor- 

 ous buck. Thinness is no objection if the buck is healthy and a 

 good feeder. A good buck is seldom in good flesh, especially during 

 the breeding season. 



Most breeders at the present time prefer bucks that are naturally 

 hornless. Such bucks are usually prepotent and sire most of their 



