Concerns about young goats size

Big family- small farm

Exploring the pasture
Joined
Mar 6, 2020
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Points
14
Hello all. I purchased two Boer/ Alpine X doelings last fall, born 06.30.2019.
They are each roughly 35#. I have had some herders same they felt these are small for age and possibly had early illness or something to stunt growth. Others with doelings within 5# of similar breed. Looking for opinions on size, and is there a way to move the size along, not for meat but for breeding purposes?
 

Duckfarmerpa1

Herd Master
Joined
Oct 30, 2019
Messages
1,798
Reaction score
3,371
Points
313
Location
Kane,PA
I would agree. I, also don’t have those breeds, but my much smaller breeds are much bigger than that, and when they were of similar age. My ND doe...is 37lbs at one year. When I’m trying to put back weight on my does...please realize, I’m new to this, and got most of my info from books, internet, and right on here...but, I’ve been giving my does..who are in milk high protein feed. A goat feed, BOSS, oats, soybean pulp, beet pulp, and sweet feed. Depending on how much I feel they need to gain, is how I decide how much to do the ratios. But, soy and beet are rich, so, it may cause the poop to clump...don’t stress...I did!! It’s just from the extra rich feed. If you cut back on those parts...the poop goes back to berries. :). But, this is what was recommended to me for putting weight on a doe in milk...it might be totally different for ones that are just underdeveloped. I would definitely try some nutridrench or some jump start...I like to use that even when my kids are just feeling sluggish. Usually helps them get an appetite, energy, etc. perhaps..... @rachels.haven , @B&B Happy goats , @Mini Horses ...will see this and come along to help. They’ve given me tons and tons of help!!
 

Big family- small farm

Exploring the pasture
Joined
Mar 6, 2020
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Points
14
Probably why I didnt question, between winter and all my does are ND cross of some sort. What is BOSS?
 

Duckfarmerpa1

Herd Master
Joined
Oct 30, 2019
Messages
1,798
Reaction score
3,371
Points
313
Location
Kane,PA
Probably why I didnt question, between winter and all my does are ND cross of some sort. What is BOSS?
Black oil sunflower seeds...you can get a 50 lb bag for about $20... pretty cheap, and they love them. Are they lacking in minerals? What k8nd do you offer?
 

lalabugs

True BYH Addict
Joined
Jul 27, 2016
Messages
627
Reaction score
798
Points
203
First and foremost I would have a fecal ran to make sure you are not dealing with any parasite issues. Are the weights a guess or have you weighed them?

Boer & Alpines are both big goats. I would expect a bigger goat at 9 months old. My slow growing ND doe at 6 months is 39.9 lbs.

What are you currently feeding them?
 

YourRabbitGirl

Overrun with beasties
Joined
Dec 17, 2019
Messages
429
Reaction score
174
Points
91
Hello all. I purchased two Boer/ Alpine X doelings last fall, born 06.30.2019.
They are each roughly 35#. I have had some herders same they felt these are small for age and possibly had early illness or something to stunt growth. Others with doelings within 5# of similar breed. Looking for opinions on size, and is there a way to move the size along, not for meat but for breeding purposes?
maybe its the breed. is he the only one small within the group? if he is. then we have a problem.
 

YourRabbitGirl

Overrun with beasties
Joined
Dec 17, 2019
Messages
429
Reaction score
174
Points
91
Hello all. I purchased two Boer/ Alpine X doelings last fall, born 06.30.2019.
They are each roughly 35#. I have had some herders same they felt these are small for age and possibly had early illness or something to stunt growth. Others with doelings within 5# of similar breed. Looking for opinions on size, and is there a way to move the size along, not for meat but for breeding purposes?
Hello! Hows your miniature goat? I hope he's doing well and good. have a great day.
 

Latest posts

Top