To Keep a Breeding Buck or Not: Considerations for Goat Owners

When deciding whether to keep a breeding buck, there are several factors to weigh, including management, breeding goals, and herd dynamics. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you make the best choice for your operation.

Challenges of Keeping a Breeding Buck

1. Odor and Behavior During Rut
   • Bucks pee on themselves and develop a strong, unpleasant smell during the rut (breeding season).
   • They may become unruly or aggressive, though some bucks remain gentle.
2. Longevity and Stress
   • Bucks isolated during non-breeding times (e.g., kept alone on a far part of the property) often experience high stress and shortened lifespans (5-7 years).
   • To mitigate this, bucks should have companionship, such as another buck, a wether, or a compatible goat.
3. Space and Maintenance
   • Housing a buck requires additional infrastructure, as they need their own space or pen during most of the year.

---

Alternatives to Keeping a Buck

1. Buying a Breeding Buck Annually
   • Purchase a buck for breeding season, integrate him temporarily with your herd, and sell or repurpose him after breeding.
   • Suitable for operations that don’t need consistent genetics or long-term herd sires.
2. Shared Buck Program
   • Share a buck with neighboring farms or goat owners to reduce costs and minimize long-term management responsibilities.
   • Ensure biosecurity and compatibility with your herd before introducing the shared buck.
3. Artificial Insemination
   • Provides access to superior genetics without the need for a live buck.
   • Requires expertise or professional assistance for successful implementation.

---

If You Decide to Keep a Buck

1. Companionship
   • Keep at least two bucks or a buck and a wether to prevent isolation stress.
   • Bucks kept in pairs or groups tend to live longer and remain healthier.
2. Seasonal Use
   • Use bucks only during the breeding season (2-3 months per year for most operations).
   • The rest of the year, house them in a separate pen away from does to reduce stress and aggression.
3. Health and Nutrition
   • Provide high-quality grass hay, loose minerals, and fresh water.
   • Offer extra nutrition during the rut to support their energy needs.

---

Breeding Strategies Without Keeping a Permanent Buck

1. Rotating Genetics
   • Introduce a new buckling every 3 years to avoid inbreeding.
   • Pair genetically diverse bucks with your does, ensuring healthy, unrelated offspring.
   • If retaining offspring as breeders, track bloodlines carefully to avoid genetic overlap.
2. Short-Term Buck Rentals
   • Rent a buck during breeding season and return him after the job is done.
   • Ideal for small-scale operations or those without long-term genetic goals.

---

Considerations for Dairy or High-Level Breeding Programs

• If you need consistent genetics, keeping a buck may be necessary.
• Plan for multiple bucks to maintain genetic diversity and avoid inbreeding.
• Rotate bucks into your herd every few years to refresh genetic lines.

---

Conclusion

The decision to keep a breeding buck depends on your goals, resources, and preferences. If the challenges of odor, space, and management outweigh the benefits for your operation, alternatives like annual buck purchases or shared programs might suit you better. However, for those committed to maintaining consistent genetics or running a breeding-focused program, proper buck management, including companionship and care, is crucial for long-term success.