Does
Our milking herd is comprised of registered American and Purebred Anglo Nubians. First and foremost we look for the consistent production throughout the 10 month lactation period for the does. We strive for a herd average average of 3/4 a gallon a day for the year. First fresheners are usually on the lower side and we look for a gallon or more from our 3+ year olds. We also check butterfat and protein as these are more important than overall volume to cheese making. 4% BF is the minimum expected from each goat. Some give much higher, especially towards the end of lactation.
Annually we have the herd appraised by the American Dairy Goat Association where each goat is evaluated for her dairy qualities and conformation. James Eveleth (pictured above) works with Liz and Peter on improving the herd and also shows a few goats at different New England fairs and contests. He is pictured above with VVFarm Phyllis.
Our herd is CAE and CL free and we test for G6S and the Alpha Casein Protein. The latter is important for producing the right type of milk for cheese making. A & B's are better for cheese.. Every fall (and occasionally throughout the year) we have grown does available for sale, and often will breed them for you too. We are constantly making selections on who to keep in our herd lineup and to make room for up and coming does.
Our milking herd is comprised of registered American and Purebred Anglo Nubians. First and foremost we look for the consistent production throughout the 10 month lactation period for the does. We strive for a herd average average of 3/4 a gallon a day for the year. First fresheners are usually on the lower side and we look for a gallon or more from our 3+ year olds. We also check butterfat and protein as these are more important than overall volume to cheese making. 4% BF is the minimum expected from each goat. Some give much higher, especially towards the end of lactation.
Annually we have the herd appraised by the American Dairy Goat Association where each goat is evaluated for her dairy qualities and conformation. James Eveleth (pictured above) works with Liz and Peter on improving the herd and also shows a few goats at different New England fairs and contests. He is pictured above with VVFarm Phyllis.
Our herd is CAE and CL free and we test for G6S and the Alpha Casein Protein. The latter is important for producing the right type of milk for cheese making. A & B's are better for cheese.. Every fall (and occasionally throughout the year) we have grown does available for sale, and often will breed them for you too. We are constantly making selections on who to keep in our herd lineup and to make room for up and coming does.