I got offered an older doe today for not too much money. She is 8 years, GCH 5*Milker. Her body is in nice condition but her udder is only in ok condition. Never had mastitis or any illnesses. Kids out easily with usually tripplets. Her kids usually go CH in the first few years. I did buy a daughter of hers for $$$$ that I really like and the judges love. Is it worth buying an older doe out of someone elses herd? Not sure when her last CAE test was. I usually don't purchase older goats and I also sell mine before they reach that age because it makes me worry more the older they get. Does anyone have older does and what are the changes if any on care? I have untill tomorrow to decide......

-- shari (smillers@snowcrest.net), January 06, 2002

Answers

Boy does this depend on alot of stuff! Bloodline for sure, as in Price of the Field Nubian bloodlines 8 is young. Price of the Field Sage was GCH/Best in show and classified 90 at 12! As did lots of others of the breed. In other herds 8 is an old lady. If this gal was born and bred by this same person, then you may want to take a chance on her IF she is CAE negative. But sold and resold to many homes takes its toll. The stress of the move coupled with a CAE positive test would destroy the doe if she stresses and comes down with swollen knees etc. A GCH doe who now at 8 has a blown udder, is not holding her attachements like she should, you should breed her to a buck with a dam and family line of much nicer attachments than this. She is a GCH and her kids usually are? We all only wish it was that easy! :)

I have 3 does who are 8 and one that is 11, all are due to kid in March, the 11 year old on her 12th birthday. The only extra care they get is their glucosomine and chondroiton, and new for the last year is the MSM. It really helps with their mobility. I went out this last cold snap and put a jacket on the 11 year old. Had to end up having my husband help and even then she jerked out of his hands, frail she is not! Down in her pasterns she is :) You will want to add some money to the initial cost of the doe and have a good vet check done, use a horse vet who is up on dental care, and have her teeth floated. Having a correct bite, with all rotten teeth pulled makes for a healthy older goat. With the speculum in her mouth you can also found out how many teeth she has, something you can't do on your own, you could add more ground grain to her diet, or perhaps like I do, soak beet pulp. You should have some good years left in her of healthy kids! Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), January 06, 2002.

As vicki pointed out it depends on a lot of factors, mainly breedings and lines. What breed is she? I would venture into it IF she had good lines and was in good health. I have added to our herd some older does who are retired GCH's and top ten producers but for their genetics, they are all heathy, oldest is 8 yrs old. I too worry about their health and kidding, but its all a gamble sometimes because you never know.

I once wanted this really really nice Alpine doe from a established herd out west. The breeder and i were in touch before that about a buck from the herd. Then the breeder got sold out and I asked about the doe, she was 10 yrs old and was selling for $1,000. I was about 2 yrs into my Alpines with breeding experience so I asked one of the established breeders back east. He suggested to NOT do it because the price was high for that age.

If it were me and I had that opportunity I would chance it because of her lines and records and health. But carefully think on it.

-- Bernice (geminigoats@yahoo.com), January 06, 2002.

Thanks for your input. I can have the Oberhasli doe for 100.00! The lady has owned her since she was a couple of months. This doe could probably place nicely in the show ring even at her age. The problem with the udder is the medial suspensory ligament isn't that strong any more. Any yes her doelings have finished except for the one from last year and the dry yearling I have here thats due next month. The yearling I have out of her was shown at limited shows last year and in each show she was Grand or Reserve. Guess I just talked myself into buying her. :) Now to run it by hubby.... Last goat I brought home he didn't even notice the addition and he was the one who lead her to the barn with the other ones after a fair. :) Nice to have all the same color :) I did ask him the following day if he liked the new goat and had no idea what I was talking about. hehe

-- shari (smillers@snowcrest.net), January 06, 2002.