THE MILCH GOAT IN CALIFORNIA 101 



on alfalfa pasture and on some of the native grasses on rocky and 

 hilly land. The goat enjoys variety, hence it is wise to provide as 

 large a pasture as possible. When goats are kept in a corral, leaves 

 and primings are very acceptable to them, and even when on pasture 

 this feed is relished greatly. Clean kitchen garbage will be eaten 

 with a relish. Well-kept goats are quite particular in regard to the 

 cleanliness of their feed and drink, and will only do their best when 

 conditions of cleanliness are maintained. 



METHODS OF FEEDING 



Goats in milk should be fed twice daily. The concentrated por- 

 tion of the rations is, as a rule, fed in a small box or pan at milking 

 time. When feeding alfalfa hay it is always best to tie the goats and 

 to feed the hay in a rack to prevent waste. Stanchions similar to 

 those used in feeding calves may be used in feeding hay to milch goats. 

 A feeding box used on some goat ranches is made six feet long, two 

 and one-half feet wide, and one foot two inches deep. This is covered 

 with slats to prevent the goats from tossing the hay into the air and 

 wasting it. The goats are usually fastened to this box with snaps. 



THE BUCK 



The buck is often one of the troublesome features of goateries, and 

 if not managed properly may cause difficulty. He should not be 

 allowed to run with a herd of goats in milk, for the milk will then 

 acquire a "goaty" flavor, the does will likely be bred too early, and 

 the time of breeding will not be known with certainty, which fact 

 prevents necessary attention being given at the time of kidding. The 

 best plan is to remove the buck as far as practicable from the does. 

 He should have his own quarters and pasture, if possible. It is neces- 

 sary, however, that he be kept in a good vigorous condition throughout 

 the year. During the breeding season some grain should be given. 

 Several bucks can be kept in one enclosure. An occasional vigorous 

 brushing is greatly enjoyed by the buck. Bucks are often infertile, 

 and the testicles of kids should therefore be examined to see whether 

 or not they are large and well formed. If they are small and growth 

 does not seem to take place it is improbable that the buck will prove 

 fertile. Kids of masculine appearance should always be selected for 

 the head of the herd. 



The number of does a buck will serve depends largely on his health 

 and robustness ; a well-conditioned buck should be able to breed about 

 fiftv does. 



