For several years we have been told by quite a few people that feeding during the late Summer increases the number of kids per doe. Last year we decided to try it and see if it worked.
Historically we have not fed any feed except during extremely harsh winter weather or the last trimester before kidding season. Some people call it flushing the goats. So far it seems to have been worth the expense. More does have given us triplets than ever before.
Bear in mind. there are other factors that could come into play and we have no scientific evidence to support the theory. However, preliminarily it seems to have made a difference. We want to point out we also used a couple of new bucks on some of the does.
We will wait for the rest of kidding season to end before we decide to do it again. But, if we continue to have more triplets, it will defintely be tested again next year.
It is simple science. Mother Nature tries to set up a win situation. If the does have abundant food and no stress Mother allows more babies. If feed is poor and or the does are stressed, Mother does not make the situation worst by adding babies to the mix. Urine, feces build up, tight living quarters, etc. All will contribute to less production. So Happy well feed goats are going to produce more.
Genetics also play. Keep does from the triplet producers.
Posted by: Diana | March 16, 2012 at 07:24 AM