Posted by Kerrie on January 21, 2003 at 05:14:58:
Yesterday I went and looked at 2 Alpine does, they are very well cared for, registered, pampered and very much pets. The only thing that bothered me is that they are very fat. I don't mean just plump and look good for winter, they are fat. They look like potatos with legs. Here is my question these goats have never been bred, and are about 2-3 yrs old, will they be able to kid if they lose weight or will they harbor too much internal fat for them to breed? Since we are looking for milk goats and would need to breed them, I am going to pass on them if they have a questionable future. Also what other problems will goats have from being this fat for so long. Do they have liver or kidney problems? I can't tell how well the udders are attached either, could the extra weight cause problems there? Also how would and what would you feed them to help them lose the weight gradually. Also does weight interfere with the heat cycle such as suspending it? Sorry for the questions, just thought I would ask these goats are pretty and I didn't want to get stuck with animals who are just pets. They maybe sold by the time I make up my mind and I doubt if I see anything like this again but i was curious. Thanks everyone