156 MODERN MILK GOATS 



as early as August, and some as late as March and April. 

 These are exceptional animals, however. With our ex- 

 cellent conditions for feeding and housing goats, careful 

 selection from does of out season breeding habits might 

 well result in time in an appreciable lengthening of our 

 breeding season, which would be a valuable asset to 

 the industry. 



Some goathngs, as soon as the season ()egins, appear 

 to be in heat practically all of the time. They, more- 

 over, act toward the other does in heat as if they were 

 bucks. These actions may indicate that the doe is suf- 

 fering from inflammation of the ovaries, or other organic 

 disturbance, and it may be profitable to consult a good 

 veterinarian in her behalf. It may also be that the doe is 

 sterile, that is, deficient in some of the female organs, 

 and so will never breed, liut do not condemn such a doe 

 to death until she has been well tested. It is better to 

 test her at once, her first season, and not wait for her 

 second year. 



There are occasionally goatlings who make no sign 

 of heat whatever, except a slight reddening of the vulva. 

 Such a doe must be watched carefully when it is desired 

 to breed her, and perhaps should be taken daily to the 

 buck, if no indication at all appears. These does are 

 perfectly norma] in every way, but are somewhat of a 

 problem at breeding time. 



