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I have a grade Alpine doe (family milk goat) who I have been milking for 18 months now. I didn't breed her last fall. She gave more but as her lactation progressed, she settled with a consistent 3/4 gallon per once a day milking. She is bred now and will be dried off in a few months.
Wanting to maintain a small family milk goat herd and not having to breed every year is appealing to some.
My friend (who owns a few La Manchas) is VERY interested in Alpines because of their long lactations. Because of my limited experience in goats, I can't say that this is an Alpine trait. I am wondering if it is just an individual, unique quality or if it is breed specific or if it is genetics. I haven't had any other Alpines freshen yet to compare.
Compared to the LaMancha doe I have, this doe is far more consistent and gives much more milk. But that could just be the goats.
What are your ideas on this?
Wanting to maintain a small family milk goat herd and not having to breed every year is appealing to some.
My friend (who owns a few La Manchas) is VERY interested in Alpines because of their long lactations. Because of my limited experience in goats, I can't say that this is an Alpine trait. I am wondering if it is just an individual, unique quality or if it is breed specific or if it is genetics. I haven't had any other Alpines freshen yet to compare.
Compared to the LaMancha doe I have, this doe is far more consistent and gives much more milk. But that could just be the goats.
What are your ideas on this?