Choosing the Right Buck

Let’s face it: not all does are created equal, and, unfortunately, neither are bucks. And, unless you only "freshen" your does and put all kids in the freezer, a certain amount of consideration needs to go into your breeding plan.

Start by evaluating your does. If they have recently been appraised by a qualified individual — generally performed through breed associations or registries — so much the better, because the hardest part is already done for you and done so objectively. For each doe, make a list of her strong points and her weak points — be honest about it! — then compare the does. Which traits do they have in common? Do they all have weak pasterns? Strong toplines? Weak medial suspensory ligaments? High rear udders? Low production? Make another list of these common strengths and weaknesses and circle or cross them out on your individual doe lists.

After you have written that second list, ask yourself which of the weaknesses you consider the worst and make that your highest priority. If, for example, they all have gorgeous bodies, but don't milk well, then that is the area you need to concentrate on. Avoid the temptation to want to fix too many problems with one breeding. Occasionally, that might work, but usually it is better to focus on one or two areas and go on to others once improvements are evident. If your does are not consistent enough to work with this one list, then determine the breeding goal for each individual.

Now, list(s) in hand, you can start looking for the right buck. We often hear that we need to choose the "best buck" around, but somebody else's "best buck" may not be the "right" one for your herd. Look at him before you are ready to breed, look at his offspring and other close relatives, if possible. Ask for milk records and appraisal scores, both for his daughters as well as female ancestors, siblings, half-siblings, etc., if available.

The same goes for buying semen: study any publications listing milk records and appraisal scores, such as ADGA's yearly updates. Determine strong and weak points in his offspring, look for consistencies, and compare them with your list. If he throws a lot of milk, but also steep rumps, for example, and your does need improvement in the milk department and have level rumps, then perhaps he is worth the gamble. If, on the other hand, he is weak in the same areas that your does are weak in, then, no matter how wonderful his bloodlines are and how great a job he is doing in this other herd, he is not the "right" buck for you.

These same guidelines apply particularly to purchasing a buck, in which case you need to be especially certain of your needs and the buck’s potential transmitting abilities, because you are making an investment and you’d expect him to be your herdsire for a number of years.

With a little luck, and depending on how far you are willing to truck your does (ask about boarding), you have found several bucks that more or less fit your bill, so that now you can rank them in order of your preference before you consider the breeding fees and your pocket-book. If you can afford it, avoid the temptation to choose the cheapest one before you rank the bucks, but neither should you choose the highest priced one only because you feel the higher price makes him a better buck. Keep buck and fee in line with your breeding goals, and you will reap the rewards next spring!

Similarly, when you purchase a buck, price is often a major consideration. When evaluating how much you can afford to spend, you need to answer several questions first.

  • How much will his kids be worth, which, in part, can be rephrased as "how good are your does?" If you have only un-papered grades, what demand will there be in your area for half-blood kids? In the U.S., the answer would be "very little other than meat." In other countries, a half-blood may be a prized possession. Do some market research.
  • Will there be a demand for stud service? If so, this can defray some of the cost of purchasing and keeping the buck, but remember that does come into estrus whenever they please, meaning their owners will want to come to your farm at sometimes the most inopportune times, such as on holidays or at dinner time.

    Perhaps the most important consideration as to whether or not you should offer stud service will be herd health. Speak to your veterinarian about special health problems you need to consider in your area. Be sure to check visiting does for signs of ill health, such as runny noses or eyes, bare patches of skin showing, abscesses (even if not draining, I’d recommend refusing service to such a doe), enlarged knee joints, lice, general unthriftiness (if she’s too thin, she’s in no condition for pregnancy, and she might have serious health problems, from parasites to Johne’s disease), anything you might find suspicious. If possible, get to know the owner beforehand and find out about management practices. Listen for any mention of previous health problems.

    Don’t be afraid to turn away any animal you are unsure of. It’s your herd’s health at stake, as well as that of other does visiting! Without these precautions, the little bit of income you derive from offering the service can become a very expensive liability indeed.

If you do decide to offer stud service, in order to avoid misunderstandings later, define your breeding policies and give a copy to anyone expressing interest in using your buck. Generally, the only guarantee given is that the buck is fertile (which you know from your own does having conceived). Fees are charged at the time of service for a particular doe for that breeding season, so if she comes back in heat, the owner will be able to bring her back for re-breeding without paying another fee. However, if s/he starts putting the doe to the buck late in the season, and she stops cycling before she conceives, it is the doe owner’s loss.

If you've done your homework and chosen wisely, look forward to seeing the results next spring!

This article was originally published in HomeSteader's Connection, July/August 1993, and reprinted in The Best of HC 1994. It may not be reproduced in any format, electronic, print or otherwise, without the express written permission of the author. Copyright © 1993/1994/1999/2006 Brigitte M. Botnick. All rights reserved.