A buck can ruin your herd just as fast as a good carefully chosen buck can improve it. Using him just because he ‘looks good’ does not mean he should be used for breeding. When you are ready to get a buck, be prepared to do some homework and leg work searching for that quality. If you were in Australia locating a quality registered buck of your choice breed is not a big challenge. Here in Sarawak where locally born registered animals are non existent then a good drive around will have to do searching for what you need. Don’t be afraid to ask stupid questions.
You want to make sure you see at least the buck’s mother, and possibly the father, of any buck you decide on. Look at the mothers udder, because is she has a “bad” udder, those udder genes will be passed on through her son and you really do not want that. Look at both parents conformation. Are they within the requirements of the particular breed you are aiming for? Look at the other offspring the father had sired, is the quality also there? Does he have any birth records? What was his weight at birth? Did the breeder keep any records of his weight gained as he aged?
Remember, that Buck you chose represents your future herd.
Louise
1177 days ago
March 30, 2010 at 4:21 am
Can you please tell me how old a boer buck needs to be before you can use him to breed your does.
Thanks,
Louise
The Kebun
1168 days ago
April 7, 2010 at 4:45 pm
We only start using a buck when he is at least 18 month’s old.