Selection of the Herd Sire for Meat Production

To make progress in breeding and have a productive herd, great care should be exercised in selecting the herd sire (Solaiman and Noble, 1996). Good herd sires are scarce. A herd sire should be selected from a high-producing doe. Nothing is more important in breeding than the evidence that the entire family to which the sire belongs is especially good in performance and conformation. A herd sire should be a vigorous type with a strong masculine appearance, a good conformation, and excellent breed characteristics. Good depth of body is one of the most important considerations. Plus, ensure that herd sires have good body conformation and are physically able to mate does. Check their testes for lumps or mushiness, which may indicate fertility problems. Herd sires should have overall good health.

Most breeders prefer hornless bucks. However, keep in mind that hermaphroditism is associated with polled animals. Bucks that have been disbudded can be used successfully. Thinness is no objection if the buck feeds well. Bucks are seldom in good flesh during the breeding season.

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Solaiman, S. G., and R.C. Noble. 1996. Feeding and management of the herd sire. Notes on
Goats.Tuskegee University Technical Paper No. 96-3.