MILK GOATS. 21 



is clearly defined in a good milk doe. The constitution, an impor- 

 tant item, is defined by the depth and width of the chest. The udder 

 should be of good size when filled with milk and very much reduced 

 when empty. A large udder does not always indicate a high milk 

 yield unless it is of the so-called "genuine" type. The teats should 

 be large enough to make milking easy. 



In selecting a doe the first questions that are naturally asked are ; 

 How much milk will she produce and how long will she milk ? While 

 some does will milk for only a few months after kidding, others will 

 continue producing for 8 to 10 months or even longer. 



In selecting does, especially when they are giving milk, avoid those 

 that are fleshy; this is a strong indication that they are not good 

 producers. Select those of the dairy conformation. 



Owing to the scarcity of good does, both grades and pure-breds, 

 and the prices asked for them, it is much more economical to start 

 by selecting good common does, such as are found in many sections 

 of the country, and breeding them to bucks of the leading breeds 

 such as those mentioned before. 



AGE FOR BREEDING. 



Goats are in their prime when from 4 to 6 years of age, but choice 

 individuals and good breeders may often be kept to good advantage 

 several years longer. As a general rule young does should not be 

 bred until they are from 15 to 18 months of age, at which time they 

 will be practically grown if they have been well cared for. As most 

 breeders have their does kid in the months of February, March, and 

 April, and breed them but once a year, it means that the doe kids 

 dropped during these months should be bred the second fall after 

 birth. Owing to the fact, however, that some people who only keep 

 two or three does desire a milk supply during the entire year, it 

 would be necessary to breed for both fall and spring kidding. The 

 same would be true where goat dairies are operated. In such cases 

 young does, well grown, can be bred to good advantage when from 

 12 to 15 months of age. 



The bureau has found that the number of does that will breed in 

 the spring for fall kidding depends a great deal upon the season. 

 More does were bred in 1915 and 1917 than in 1916. Not many does 

 come in heat in the spring. 



Does will breed when quite young, and care should be taken not to 

 allow them to become pregnant too young. Cases are recorded 

 where does have kidded when less than nine months of age. 



PERIODS OF HEAT. 



Does come in heat at all times of the year, but not frequently 

 between the 1st of March and the middle of August. When they 

 come in heat and desire the attention of the buck, they make their 



