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 
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