Selecting the right breeding bucks and does is critical for herd productivity and genetic improvement.
Bucks should be in good body condition, free from injuries or health issues, and undergo thorough physical and reproductive examinations before joining.
Likewise, does should be selected for soundness, mothering ability, and udder conformation to support kid survival and growth.
Careful attention to these factors helps maintain herd health, improves quality, and supports your breeding goals.
Breeding bucks: key considerations
Body condition and general health
- Bucks should have a Body Condition Score of 3 (fit but not fat) and be in good general health with no underlying health concerns.
- Ensure vaccination against Clostridial diseases and check for internal parasites.
- Provide good nutrition and minimise stress to maintain reproductive performance.
Physical examination
Before joining, conduct a thorough clinical examination:
- Buck should move with no sign of lameness—check for arthritis, weak pasterns and abnormal gait.
- Feet should be well trimmed.
- No evidence of back pain as this will hinder their ability to thrust.
- Palpate and examine the external reproductive tract:
- Scrotum (scrotal circumference)
- Testicles (size, shape, consistency and symmetry)
- Epididymis, spermatic cord, prepuce, preputial orifice, urethral process
Cull bucks with abnormalities.
It is also ideal to check sperm quality: volume, motility, morphology, absence of inflammatory cells and a good live:dead ratio (done by a trained professional).
Ensure the buck does not have genetic defects such as jaw malformations, hernias and extra teats. Likewise, select bucks with ideal body conformation that fits your breeding goals.
Check libido—sexual drive is heritable.
Ask yourself again these questions:
- Does your buck have other intercurrent diseases such as internal parasites? Disease can lead to decreased sperm production.
- Is the buck on a good source of nutrition?
- Is your buck under any stress that could decrease his reproductive performance?
- Have you vaccinated your buck against Clostridial diseases?
Traits for meat quality
- Flat bone measurement: Flat bone on the front shin indicates heavy bone structure. Heavy bones can carry a bigger animal.
- Depth in the flank: Look for more muscle in the rear end as that’s where all the money is.
- Overall length: Big gaps between ribs indicate more meat-to-bone ratio.
- Width behind ribs: Large eye muscle area = heavier muscling and premium meat cuts.
Traits for breeding soundness
- Pelvis size of buck’s mother for ease of birthing larger animals.
- Testicle size and evenness. Large with no split in scrotum. Larger scrotal circumference = higher libido and fertility. (Recommended >25cm at maturity).
- Sheath length and pizzle position: Avoid long sheath; forward-facing pizzle for mating ease.
- Temperament for ease of handling.
- Soundness of shoulder blades, front and back legs, hocks, pasterns, hoof shape.
- Avoid overweight bucks—aim for Body Condition Score 3 (‘Fit but not Fat’).
Image indicating testicle size and shape.
Buck: doe ratio
Maintain a ratio of 1 mature buck to 30–35 does for optimal reproduction (based on Australian Boer Goats).
Selecting does: key considerations
- Check history of Footrot, CAE, Johne’s Disease — consider CAE-free certification.
- Sleek coat = fewer external parasites.
- Sound jaw alignment and leg positioning.
- Good mothering ability (especially important for Boer goats). Select from lines with strong maternal traits.
- Udder and teat conformation:
- Two square teats preferred.
- Avoid extra teats that interfere with suckling.
- Extra teats can cause problems for kids’ growth; surgical removal may be possible, but breeding for correct teat structure is best.
Image indicating the importance of shape and soundness of doe udder.