184 MODERN MILK GOATS 



Range. — One more point must be borne in mind in 

 connection with range feeding for milk goats. In the 

 past years Angora goats have made a very good reputa- 

 tion for themselves as " brushers " ; that is, for their 

 ability to subsist on brush, so supporting themselves on 

 an otherwise waste product and at the same time clear- 

 ing the land and preparing it for cultivation. Many 

 persons are under the illusion that milk goats will serve 

 the same purpose. They will, as far as subsisting on 

 brush is concerned, and clearing the land. But they will 

 not give milk on this diet. They may thrive themselves, 

 but their productivity ceases. Any range that is to be 

 useful for milk- production must contain grass and suc- 

 culent weeds as well as brush. If nothing other than 

 brush is available it is still useful to a herd of milk goats, 

 providing very good feed for the youngsters and for the 

 dry does, and exercise and healthful variety for the milk- 

 ing does. But for the latter it must be generously sup- 

 plemented at home by a true milk producing diet. 



A Fence or a Herder. — The question sometimes 

 arises in connection with range feed for goats, which is 

 better, to fence the range and turn the goats loose, or to 

 send them out with a herder? By all means the latter, if 

 possible. Aside from the dangers from predatory ani- 

 mals, and the danger from sudden fright and running, 

 our gentle and affectionate pure bred milk goats do not 



