682 SHEEP 



The prices for milch goats are quite variable. Common Ameri- 

 can goats of no milking strains sell at nominal figures. Since the 

 World War, prices have naturally become stimulated in Europe 

 because the goat herds of Europe suffered terrible destruction. 

 Prior to the war the best milkers in Switzerland sold for about 

 ^25. In England prices for milch goats have long ruled quite high. 

 In 19 1 7 Mr. Rowland priced his pure Toggenburg bucks, in a cir- 

 cular, at ^75 to ;^ 100, and the does at the same price, while three- 

 quarter blood does were listed at ^30 to ^35. Many goats have 

 been advertised in recent years at prices ranging from ;^ 2 5 to $50. 



The fecundity of the milch goat. Does usually drop two kids 

 at one time,' and occasionally three. It is stated by Thompson 

 that there is a record of a Nubian goat which dropped eleven 

 kids within twelve months. The pregnancy period is five months. 



The period of lactation of the goat varies according to the 

 breeding and care. The common goat of this country produces 

 milk from three to five months. In Europe, with the distinctly 

 milking breeds, the period is more extended. There the plan is 

 to have one doe come fresh in the spring and milk for about six 

 months (where two are used in the family), having the other kid 

 in the fall. This provides a supply of milk for the entire year. 



The oflBicial promotion of the milch goat was first attempted in 

 America by the organization on November 12, 1903, of the 

 American Milch Goat Record Association. This association has 

 published, up to 19 19, two flock books, including the registration 

 of 1 800 goats. A goat of any breed, native or foreign, which gives 

 two or more quarts of milk per day when fresh, according to the 

 rules of the association, may be registered in the grade record. 

 A goat from pure-bred registered sire and dam is eligible to 

 registry in the pure-bred record. An imported goat of any 

 recognized pure-milk breed is eligible to registry in the. pure-bred 

 record. In May, 191 3, the Western New York Milch Goat 

 Breeders' Association was organized at Rochester, but in September 

 the association took on a wider scope and changed its name to 

 that of The Standard Milch Goat Breeders' Club of North 

 America. There is also an International Nubian Breeders' 

 Association, with headquarters in New Jersey. Several journals 

 are devoted to promoting milch goats. 



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