tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41913800230609857262024-03-08T16:35:36.439-05:0030 Goats, 4 cats, 2 dogs, and a boyAdventures in raising Nigerian dwarf goats, horticulture, cooking, homeopathics, poultry, and moreGeekyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074885716970121820noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191380023060985726.post-74008235862718172202015-12-30T18:38:00.004-05:002015-12-30T18:38:42.005-05:00Ah, Nuts... Almond or Goat Milk?<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Ah, Nuts... Almond or Goat?</h2>
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Angenette Lilly-Vasquez </div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: xx-small;">This is an udder--found on goats, sheep, or cows. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: xx-small;">It is where milk comes from.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3NntIF_C38/VoRixfHXk9I/AAAAAAAAGmo/OGniL2UHHM8/s1600/almond-tree-15325506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3NntIF_C38/VoRixfHXk9I/AAAAAAAAGmo/OGniL2UHHM8/s320/almond-tree-15325506.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This is an almond tree. It is where almonds come from.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Milk does not grow on trees. Nuts do. </span></div>
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Love almond milk? Many people do. However, the truth is that <b>it is not really milk</b>. Sorry. For anyone who still wants to use it as milk, there are a few things one needs to be aware of. Again, one is that it is not really milk--nutritionally. Even though it has additives to fortify and make it more milk-like, it is highly processed, going from a solid to a liquid--nut to milk, while losing part of its 'goodies' in the process. When compared to a milk like goat's milk, it just doesn't stack up to the essentials found in real milk. In fact, almond milk does not really stack up to being almond 'milk.' With only 2% of the content in almond milk based in the US actually being almond based, it is more like almond 'water' than 'milk' with the other 98% of the ingredients being water and other products (sweeteners, vitamins, and minerals) to make the product more palatable and nutritional. Yes, it may be lower in calories and fat, but so is water. Some things are better eaten the way nature intended (as a nut) to get the full benefits from them instead of processing them. Nature good--> processed, well... not so good. <br />
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<b>How does it compare to goat milk?</b><br />
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According to Kelsey Jeter, a University of Missouri Extension Nutrition Specialist, while almond milk may contain no saturated fat or cholesterol, is high in Vitamin E, calories, and carbs, and while it may also often be fortified with lots of vitamins (via the processor), it loses most of its protein during processing and after processing, ends up being mostly water with empty calories if sweetened. As Tom Philpott suggests in "Lay Off the Almond Milk," perhaps eating the almond itself is much more effective for those wanting any nutritional gain from the nut, especially in the form of protein.<br />
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When it comes to making comparisons, the following information is based on a 100 gram serving of either goat milk or almond milk. The information is taken from the ND database; it can differ based on type of goat. Goat milk has 3.6 g of protein vs 0.4 for almond milk. It has only 4.5 g total carbs while almond milk has 3.3 g. Almond milk is lower in calories at 25 vs 69, and goat milk is higher in 'fat'. Goat milk is also notated as having 11 mg of cholesterol, and this, in addition to the fat, is one of the only things that many people will consider unhealthy. However, according to research at the University of Granada, neither of these--the cholesterol or fat-- are factors to worry about with goat milk. In fact, the study found that fat in goat's milk actually reduces overall cholesterol levels in the body; the same fat "maintains adequate levels of triglycerides and transaminases (GOT and GPT). This makes it a food of choice for the prevention of heart diseases" ("Scientific study proves that goat milk"). It is also an A2 food, which also means it is not linked in the category with many A1 types of cow's milk that have been linked to stroke, diabetes, hypertension, and other diseases associated with animal milks. Goat's milk also contains essential fatty acids along with "medium-chain fatty acids (C6-C14) MCT" that can be used as quick energy; they aren't stored as fat in the body" ("Scientific study").<br />
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<b>Other Nutrients, including the Essentials: </b><br />
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<i>Calcium: </i>Goat milk contains 134 mg of calcium per 100 gram serving. Almond milk contains 188 mg, but this is not natural calcium. It is calcium that has been added to the milk after processing. It only contains 2 mg of calcium on its own, so it should not be used without fortification as a source of calcium.<br />
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<i>Vitamin D: </i>Goat milk contains minimal amounts of Vitamin D--usually about 3.2 mcg; it is often fortified with other sources of Vitamin D when sold in stores. However, grass fed goats with good pastures and access to browse will have higher amounts and require less fortification. If fortified, it is only fortified to around 12 IU. Naturally, it still beats almond milk, which only has 2.76 mcg; it is usually fortified to higher amounts--around 41.7 IU--to increase absorption.<br />
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<i>Vitamin C: </i>Goat milk contains 1.3 mg. Almond milk contains none.<br />
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<i>Phosphorus: </i>Goat milk contains 111 mg of phosphorus, which is 11% of the DV. Almond milk comes in at about 8.3 mg. The lower phosphorus is sometimes asked for for those with stage 4 kidney problems, but not for others who want a more phosphorus rich diet.<br />
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<i>Riboflavin: </i>Goat milk contains 0.3 mg of riboflavin, which is 20% of the DV. Almond milk contains .2 mg.<br />
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<i>Vitamin B-12: </i>There are 0.1 mcg of B-12 in goat milk. Almond milk is a good source of B Vitamins at 1.3 mcg.<br />
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<i>Potassium: </i>Goat milk contains 204 mg. Almond milk only contains 0 in a 100 gram serving.<br />
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<i>Vitamin A: </i>Goat milk contains 198 iu of Vitamin A. Almond milk is a little higher in this area with 208 iu. However, some of this is destroyed via processing, and while researching, I found that many labels of almond milk read as it having 0% or add it as fortification.<br />
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<i>Niacin: </i>Raw almonds contain .032 mg of niacin in 1/4 cup, but I cannot seem to find info for amounts, if any, that are left after processing the small amount of almonds used in making milk. Niacin is essential for health, especially for those with depression and mood disorders, and many would say that those who have tendencies toward addictions (alcoholism, etc) need this nutrient, too. In this case, I would definitely opt for eating the nut itself to get the niacin. Otherwise, just drink the goat milk, which is higher at 0.280 gm.<br />
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<i>Iron: </i>Goat milk contains iron at 0.1 mg. The University of Granada research states that the iron levels in goat's milk have proven very beneficial for those with anemia. Personally, I saw my late husband's blood levels rise from a 6 after colo-rectal surgery to a 9 in just 2 weeks! The doctors were astounded. Unless fortified, almond milk does not contain iron. Most packages read 0%. If fortified, levels are between 0.1-0.3 mg.<br />
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<i>Vitamin E:</i> Goat milk contains .17 mg. Almonds are high in Vitamin E, and this comes in at about 4.2 mg.<br />
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<i>Magnesium: </i>Goat milk contains 14 mg. Almond milk contains 6.7 mg. This is another very necessary nutrient, especially for nervous system and cardiovascular health.<br />
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<i>Thiamine: </i>0.1 mg is present in goat milk. None is present in almond milk.<br />
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<i>Zinc: </i>0.3 mg is present in goat milk. Zinc is at 0.6 in almond milk. I am not aware of how much of this is natural and how much is fortified. From most of the labels, it looks like zinc is usually an addition.<br />
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<i>Selenium:</i> Goat milk contains 1.4 mcg. Almond milk contains none.<br />
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<i>Copper: </i>Goat milk contains 0.05 mg while almond milk contain 0.1 mg.<br />
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<i>Vitamin K:</i> 0.3 mcg in goat milk. None in almond milk.<br />
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<i>Vitamin B6:</i> None found in almond milk. 100 grams of goat milk is usually 2% B6.<br />
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<i>Folate:</i> None in almond milk. There is 0.1 mcg in goat milk.<br />
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<i>Pantothenic Acid:</i> None in almond milk. There is .3 mg in goat milk.<br />
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<i>Choline: </i>None in almond milk. There is a whopping 16 mg in goat milk. Choline is an essential micronutrient needed for healthy brain development and liver function.<br />
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<i>Betaine: </i>None in almond milk. None in goat milk.<br />
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<i>Total Omega 3's: </i>None in almond milk. There are 40 mg in goat milk.<br />
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<i>Total Omega 6's: </i>None in almond milk. There are 109 mg in goat milk.<br />
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<i>More:</i> Additionally, goat milk contains a large number of oligosaccharides, similar to the composition of human milk, and these act like prebiotics ("Scientific study"). The fat globules are small and easily digested by people of all ages. The same study also states that low levels of casein alpha 1 -as make goat milk 'hypo-allergenic' for those with true cow milk allergies. While lactose intolerance or allergy is often screamed at as the major offender with animal milk usage, it is often actually a casein intolerance that is the problem. In that case, the person drinking the milk will not suffer the same problems when drinking goat milk, which contains different casein than most cow milk.<br />
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The minerals and vitamins available in goat milk are natural, 'bioavailable,' and ready to build bones and healthy bodies. Eat the nut. Then drink goat milk.<br />
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Additional Sources:<br />
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<a href="http://extension.missouri.edu/n/2658" target="_blank">Almond Milk: Healthy or Hype?</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/08/goat-milk-new-almond-milk_n_7018770.html" target="_blank">Could Goat's Milk be the New Almond Milk?</a><br />
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<a href="http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/goat-milk-nutrients-vs-cow-milk-3879.html" target="_blank">Goat Milk Nutrients VS Cow's Milk</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/tom-philpott/2014/07/lay-off-almond-milk-ignorant-hipsters" target="_blank">Lay Off the Almond Milk, You Ignorant Hipsters</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-05/uog-ssp051811.php" target="_blank">Scientific study proves that goat milk can be considered as functional food</a>Geekyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074885716970121820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191380023060985726.post-35797565379393872702015-01-26T12:30:00.000-05:002015-01-26T12:30:26.801-05:00Lots of Fun! French Buns at Firestone Creek! <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vUAkJzqEV8k/VMZvLNRPTOI/AAAAAAAAC5U/-plb89yQYHA/s1600/20150122_151940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rp3NE0pbjZQ/VMZvLNF_qzI/AAAAAAAAC5U/rBhdVZUq5wc/s1600/20150122_151929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rp3NE0pbjZQ/VMZvLNF_qzI/AAAAAAAAC5U/rBhdVZUq5wc/s1600/20150122_151929.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SgNc7LnYqW0/VMZvLA5XNHI/AAAAAAAAC5U/Kj5KAaSsc4I/s1600/20150118_144320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SgNc7LnYqW0/VMZvLA5XNHI/AAAAAAAAC5U/Kj5KAaSsc4I/s1600/20150118_144320.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vUAkJzqEV8k/VMZvLNRPTOI/AAAAAAAAC5U/-plb89yQYHA/s1600/20150122_151940.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></div>
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<b>Firestone Creek now has French angora RABBITS!</b></h2>
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I'm a creativity junkie. I love being creative. I've always had an interest in fiber arts, and a few months back, we were thinking about purchasing a couple of alpacas (and we might still do that). I've also always LOVED the angora rabbits--all of them. I'm two shoes in for anything "fluffy," most of the time. </div>
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Instead of diving into a sea of alpacas, we decided to start small with a few French angoras, and we've been having so much fun with this fiber and all of the fluffy snuggles and kisses from these guys. We added 7 (2 males and 5 females) and lost one female within 2 days due to some illness, probably brought on by stress and bad nutrition from the previous owner. I treated everyone else with my herbal immune building formulation, began a new diet of high protein pellets, timothy, alfalfa, and crudities, and everyone else is fine and doing well. In fact, they are producing lots of fine hair and having babies! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzeFUPHcWAg/VMZvLIvabMI/AAAAAAAAC5U/XnKuML3Ouc4/s1600/20150118_171610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzeFUPHcWAg/VMZvLIvabMI/AAAAAAAAC5U/XnKuML3Ouc4/s1600/20150118_171610.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a><br />
When we got these buns, they were matted and looking pretty rough. The lady actually admitted she had NEVER brushed them! I was in shock. As you can see in some of the photos, they do still have a few underbody mats, and two of the adults are moulting now, too. I've been working on the mats, but since it is winter, I don't want to begin shaving/clipping huge areas of hair away from their bodies, so I have to do it slowly--a little at a time. In the photo to the right, one of our males (Sebastian--middle) is visiting with two of the girls (one is hiding behind him). We also have a REW buck, but we bred Sebastian to everyone. So far, he was bred to our chocolate tort and produced two self blacks, two whites (not sure if they are BEW or REW because the eyes haven't opened yet), and one black tort (from what I can tell). He also bred our black tort and she delivered four little buns-- one that looks like it is a blue or lilac point, and the others are all blue/black torts.<br />
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It looks like we are going to have quite a few babies for sale, so we are now taking reservations. Currently, one of the self-blacks and most of the torts will be available for $45 each without papers. These will make wonderful little fiber fluffs to add some color to your fiber projects. The whites (whether blue eyed or red eyed) are also available as is the adult REW male we have. Since we are already getting REW out of our girls, we want to find him a good home. If interested, contact us via the farm site.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ibtimes.com/goats-are-smart-study-shows-animals-are-quick-learn-have-excellent-long-term-memories-1563658#.VLhDenPSdJo.blogger">Goats Are Smart? Study Shows Animals Are Quick To Learn And Have ‘Excellent’ Long-Term Memories</a>Geekyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074885716970121820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191380023060985726.post-72091413228214793332015-01-07T13:25:00.000-05:002015-01-07T13:28:10.401-05:00** I See Stars! **Congrats are in order! :) These are the official numbers for 2014. Keep in mind I dried off a few early due to my carpal tunnel flaring up, but beyond that, everyone did really well, especially with me working and not always being able to milk on schedule as necessary. I had one doe that was .10 off from getting a star. If I would have realized she was that close, I would have kept milking her. Oh well... :( Everyone else got theirs! I am thrilled. :)<br />
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NC PromisedLand Z Bella 2*M (AGS pending)<br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">NC PROMISEDLAND Z BELLA </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">D1518506 2*M </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">PTA 34M 1F 1P </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">DEV 0 0 0</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">PTA$ 4 4 </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">PTA% 11R 12/14 -.05 .00 </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">DHIR AGE DIM MILK % FAT % PRT DCR TTP</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;"> 4-00 271 840 5.4 45 4.0 34 101 20</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;"> LIFE 271 840 5.4 45 4.0 34</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">On Firestone Creek P Palisade 2*M 5*D (earned her Superior Genetics this year)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">SG ON FIRESTONE CREEK P PALISADE </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">D1524330 2*M SG PTI 37 -5</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;"> 03-04 89 VVEE</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">PTA 23M 2F 1P -.20T</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">DEV 113 7 7</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">PTA$ 4 6 35R</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">PTA% 45R 12/14 .06 .03 11/14</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">DHIR AGE DIM MILK % FAT % PRT DCR TTP</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;"> 2-00 68 240 7.1 17 3.8 9 62 20</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;"> 3-01 208 580 5.3 31 4.1 24 95 20</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;"> 4-01 226 680 5.4 37 3.8 26 99 20</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;"> LIFE 502 1500 5.7 85 3.9 59</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">On Firestone Creek H Jody Girl 1*M 1*D (pending)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Jody was doing really well this year. I think she might have a chance at breed leader for next year! This year, production dropped due to a move and my carpal tunnel. Milk machine is on order! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">ON FIRESTONE CREEK H JODY GIRL </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">D1541837 1*M </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">PTA 5M 0F 1P </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">DEV 113 0 8</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">PTA$ 0 3 </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">PTA% 21R 12/14 -.03 .06 </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">DHIR AGE DIM MILK % FAT % PRT DCR TTP</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;"> 4-01 266 910 4.4 40 4.4 40 - 20</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;"> LIFE 266 910 4.4 40 4.4 40</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #6aa84f; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On Firestone Creek R Minnie Me 3*M 6*D(pending) Owned/Tested by John Bane (Way to go, Minnie!)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">ON FIRESTONE CREEK R MINNIE ME </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">D1571217 3*M PTI 2 -11</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;"> 03-00 88 VVVE</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">PTA 11M 0F 1P -.10T</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">DEV -50 -5 -3</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">PTA$ 1 2 30R</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">PTA% 30R 12/14 -.02 .02 11/14</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">DHIR AGE DIM MILK % FAT % PRT DCR TTP</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;"> 2-08 296 730 5.2 38 4.4 32 102 20</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;"> LIFE 296 730 5.2 38 4.4 32</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #284775; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On Firestone Creek R Palabra 3*M (Sold) </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">ON FIRESTONE CREEK R PALABRA </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">D1571221 3*M </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">PTA 14M 1F 1P </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">DEV -24 -1 -3</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">PTA$ 2 3 </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">PTA% 30R 12/14 .01 .01 </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">DHIR AGE DIM MILK % FAT % PRT DCR TTP</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;"> 2-09 210 490 5.5 27 4.1 20 96 20</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;"> LIFE 210 490 5.5 27 4.1 20</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On Firestone Creek Sunnee Day will be earning her stars, too, but I don't have the official data yet. I will post it when I have it! :) </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">By the way, congrats are in order to John Bane and Robin Tupper, who were in my group for testing. John (Run Joey Run) earned the following and is responsible for milking Jody Girl during the majority of her lactation, thus earning her her star:</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On Firestone Creek R Minnie Me 3*M 6*D(pending) (See above)</span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="color: #333333;">Congrats to Mia, who is a first freshener out of On Firestone Creek UP Sonic Boom *S and </span><span style="color: #333333;"> ON FIRESTONE CREEK H JODY GIRL </span><span style="color: #333333;">D1541837 1*M. </span></span></li>
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<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">RUN JOEY RUN SB MIA </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">D1644279 2*M </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;"> 01-01 83 VVV+</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">PTA -.50T</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">PTA$ 26R</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">PTA% 11/14</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">DHIR AGE DIM MILK % FAT % PRT DCR TTP</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;"> 0-09 289 500 5.6 28 4.0 20 - 20</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;"> LIFE 289 500 5.6 28 4.0 20</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Congrats to Bayby...</span></span></li>
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<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">PROCTOR HILL FARM BAYBY RUTH Pretty sure, Bayby should be a *M, too and the files just haven't updated yet. She met all amounts, I do believe.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">D1625888 PTI 9 -78</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;"> 02-01 85 +VE+</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">PTA 24M 2F 1P -.70T</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">DEV 23 11 -1</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">PTA$ 5 5 29R</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">PTA% 28R 12/14 .09 -.01 11/14</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #f7f6f3; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Congrats to Robin Tupper, too, at Weeds 'n Whimsy farm. Her doe,</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: -webkit-center;">ONE WILLOW BC LA LIGHT - D001680353</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> , also earned her stars. :) </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It was a good year--2014. </span></span><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thanks, Robin and John, for participating, and I am looking forward to this year! </span></div>
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Geekyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074885716970121820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191380023060985726.post-15886986358831627082015-01-06T14:37:00.000-05:002015-01-06T14:37:10.036-05:00Sales -- doeling available<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KbvQzHIJH8g/VKwcGsxfZ8I/AAAAAAAAChs/uSjcfAalwyc/s1600/Chili_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KbvQzHIJH8g/VKwcGsxfZ8I/AAAAAAAAChs/uSjcfAalwyc/s1600/Chili_tonemapped.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chili Pepper</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aISKgqitcws/UagPdp-MwBI/AAAAAAAAALA/XMphev8MiM0/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aISKgqitcws/UagPdp-MwBI/AAAAAAAAALA/XMphev8MiM0/s1600/026.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minnie Me (left) Cocoa beside of her </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-23pGgjKqHJU/VKwj3puH_MI/AAAAAAAACiE/_WspgzSEddQ/s1600/cocoa%2Bbean%2Brear%2Budder2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-23pGgjKqHJU/VKwj3puH_MI/AAAAAAAACiE/_WspgzSEddQ/s1600/cocoa%2Bbean%2Brear%2Budder2.jpg" height="200" width="111" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cocoa first fresh only 4 hrs fill <br />
at 2 weeks fresh</td></tr>
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Hi, everyone. Our kidding season for 2014 ended in November with the birth of two doelings-- Chili Pepper and Cardamom-- out of Run Joey Run SB Cocoa Bean X Tonto's Barn Eric's Billionaire *S. This is a strong breeding (Thanks, John Bane!) on ARMCH Caesar's Villa CBS Stetson ++*S, tossing in some of our Superior Genetics here with Cocoa Bean being a daughter of On Firestone Creek R Minnie Me 3*M 6*D (Winner of Best Udder at Rocky Mt, NC show in May 2014), who is a daughter of our first SG doe, On Firestone Creek Palisade 2*M 5*D. Cocoa's father is On Firestone Creek UP Sonic Boom *S, a son of <span style="color: #bf9000;"><b>Rosasharn CH Uproar +*S</b></span>, father/grandfather of several does in the top 10 for 2013 and also a son of the famous Rosasharn <b style="color: #996600; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">2*M ARMCH Rosasharn's Uni 3*D'E' 91.55. </b><br />
<b style="color: #996600; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8QGT-fsq9gc/Ua9pNhFiHEI/AAAAAAAAASg/hCfIRWPfHiA/s1600/Palisade_rear_third%2Bfresh_addie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8QGT-fsq9gc/Ua9pNhFiHEI/AAAAAAAAASg/hCfIRWPfHiA/s1600/Palisade_rear_third%2Bfresh_addie.jpg" height="200" width="141" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SG Palisade 3rd fresh</td></tr>
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In 2002, Uni was breed leader for milk production and protein. In 2003, she was breed leader again in both areas. She also broke the record for Nigerian milk production in 2003 with 1601# of milk in only 305 days. </b>We owned Rosasharn CH Uproar a few years ago for this very reason along with the fact that he has an excellent, sweet demeanor, throws a huge percentage of does and offers correctness, especially toplines, along with nice udders. Sonic Boom's mother is October Hill Country Charm *M 4*D, mother of Palisade, so this is a linebreeding on those good, old lines, which include <span style="background-color: white; color: #663300; font-family: Elephant; text-align: center;">ARMCH Gay Mor's NB Narcissus 3*D AR 1679, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Elephant; text-align: center;">a beautiful doe!</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8ZbeMT-1CQ/VKwkK0zcOzI/AAAAAAAACiU/YSwDkelr0Fw/s1600/chili%2Bpepper%2Bcocoa%2Bbean_daughter2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8ZbeMT-1CQ/VKwkK0zcOzI/AAAAAAAACiU/YSwDkelr0Fw/s1600/chili%2Bpepper%2Bcocoa%2Bbean_daughter2.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qsv1wkCFQn4/VKwgsNZTVWI/AAAAAAAACh8/p972PIoBIjM/s1600/376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qsv1wkCFQn4/VKwgsNZTVWI/AAAAAAAACh8/p972PIoBIjM/s1600/376.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a>We have decided to retain Cardamom out of this breeding, not because she is nicer than Chili Pepper, but because I fell in love with the sweet little kisses she loves to give! Chili (left and right) is just as sweet, but Cardamom will run to me and climb me for some snuggles! Chili is right behind her, of course! Chili is for sale. Chili is a buckskin with white cap on head and tail. She has a little roaning on her ears, face, and nose. She also has white on her left shoulder (see photo to left) along with a few small silver moonspots on her side and leg. Her sister also has some silver and dark brown moonspots.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IPOGHJAkLyA/VKwpLjNlWvI/AAAAAAAACis/CW8ZcPO4QOw/s1600/zillionaire%2B--%2Btonto%2Bbarn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IPOGHJAkLyA/VKwpLjNlWvI/AAAAAAAACis/CW8ZcPO4QOw/s1600/zillionaire%2B--%2Btonto%2Bbarn.jpg" height="170" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zillionaire --courtesy Tonto's Barn</td></tr>
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She is long, petite, standing on strong legs with good rear leg angulation as you can see in the pic above on the right. We are asking $400 for Chili. She is conformationally correct and has the potential to be a great milker. Her mom is currently on test. Due to my carpal tunnel, she will probably not earn her milk star this time, but she should on the next breeding.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xcZe0YLFwhM/VKwpKN3cdvI/AAAAAAAACik/4bMg0ipiQKw/s1600/billionaire%2Bcourtesy%2Bbartman%2Bfarm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xcZe0YLFwhM/VKwpKN3cdvI/AAAAAAAACik/4bMg0ipiQKw/s1600/billionaire%2Bcourtesy%2Bbartman%2Bfarm.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Billionaire-- courtesy Bartman farm</td></tr>
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Please note that we have lots of kids due for 2015. The kidding should start in about two weeks with some very promising kids on the way! Our first fresheners, Proctor Hill Farm CH Joy, a Rosasharn Challenger (now deceased) daughter and daughter of SG Palisade is due along with On Firestone Creek BP Palmella who has a gorgeous udder growing. I can't wait to get pics and start milking this girl! Her mom was On Firestone Creek Palindrome, a daughter of OMF Palamino *S and granddaughter of Rosasharn CH Uproar +*S. This kidding is a linebreeding on:<br />
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<tr align="center" style="background-color: lightgrey; font-size: 10pt; white-space: nowrap;"><th scope="col" style="color: #003366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; vertical-align: baseline; word-spacing: normal;">Registered Name</th><th scope="col" style="color: #003366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; vertical-align: baseline; word-spacing: normal;">Reg #</th><th scope="col" style="color: #003366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; vertical-align: baseline; word-spacing: normal;">%</th></tr>
<tr align="center" style="white-space: nowrap;"><td align="left"><a href="http://www.adgagenetics.org/GoatDetail.aspx?RegNumber=D001320189" style="color: #333399; text-decoration: none;">GOODWOOD TOM THUMB</a></td><td align="center">D001320189</td><td align="center">0.30</td></tr>
<tr align="center" style="background-color: whitesmoke; white-space: nowrap;"><td align="left"><a href="http://www.adgagenetics.org/GoatDetail.aspx?RegNumber=D001321277" style="color: #333399; text-decoration: none;">ROSASHARN'S BUCKWHEAT HONEY</a></td><td align="center">D001321277</td><td align="center">0.17</td></tr>
<tr align="center" style="white-space: nowrap;"><td align="left"><a href="http://www.adgagenetics.org/GoatDetail.aspx?RegNumber=D001320275" style="color: #333399; text-decoration: none;">ROSASHARN'S UNI</a></td><td align="center">D001320275</td><td>0.12</td></tr>
<tr align="center" style="background-color: whitesmoke; white-space: nowrap;"><td align="left"><a href="http://www.adgagenetics.org/GoatDetail.aspx?RegNumber=D001319755" style="color: #333399; text-decoration: none;">GOODWOOD WATER LILLY</a></td><td align="center">D001319755</td><td align="center">0.07</td></tr>
<tr align="center" style="white-space: nowrap;"><td align="left"><a href="http://www.adgagenetics.org/GoatDetail.aspx?RegNumber=D001320220" style="color: #333399; text-decoration: none;">ROSASHRN'S UNDER MY THUMB</a></td><td align="center">D001320220</td><td align="center">0.05</td></tr>
<tr align="center" style="background-color: whitesmoke; white-space: nowrap;"><td align="left"><a href="http://www.adgagenetics.org/GoatDetail.aspx?RegNumber=D001319751" style="color: #333399; text-decoration: none;">ROSASHARN'S ECLIPSE</a></td><td align="center">D001319751</td><td align="center">0.04</td></tr>
<tr align="center" style="white-space: nowrap;"><td align="left"><a href="http://www.adgagenetics.org/GoatDetail.aspx?RegNumber=D001320274" style="color: #333399; text-decoration: none;">ROSASHARN'S BABY USA</a></td><td align="center">D001320274</td><td align="center">0.03</td></tr>
<tr align="center" style="background-color: whitesmoke; white-space: nowrap;"><td align="left"><a href="http://www.adgagenetics.org/GoatDetail.aspx?RegNumber=D001324027" style="color: #333399; text-decoration: none;">STONEWALL'S LITTLE LULI</a></td><td align="center">D001324027</td><td>0.01</td></tr>
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That list doesn't even include some others that aren't listed because the parents were AGS not ADGA. These go back to Kids Corral, more Rosasharn, Caesar's Villa, and more. Can you tell I am excited!!! :)<br />
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Check the <a href="http://www.freewebs.com/firestone-creek-farms/kidding_schedule.html" target="_blank">Kidding Schedule</a> on our website for more info. </div>
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Kids out of first fresheners are usually $350 unless the kid (and parent) show extreme promise. Kids out of proven (stars, etc) does and bucks will range from $400 up. Most bucks are wethered unless arrangements are made prior to kidding or quickly thereafter. I do sell bucks out of first fresheners, occasionally, if there is a history of nice udder genetics on both sides of the family. </div>
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We accept payments via PayPal, check/money order (must allow time to clear bank), or cash (in person). To hold a kid, the deposit required is $100 (non-refundable--see <a href="http://www.freewebs.com/firestone-creek-farms/sales.html" target="_blank">Sales Agreement </a>at the bottom of the For Sale page of the website). Reservations on scheduled kiddings can be made via email: genna1020@windstream.net. Please let me know which breeding you are interested in when emailing, along with what you are looking for. No deposit is required to reserve a kid/kids.<br />
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Geekyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074885716970121820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191380023060985726.post-30534324247289131842014-08-22T15:44:00.000-04:002014-08-22T20:09:02.810-04:00Time for Kudos and Applause for the girls!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3lpFYbB1T70/U_d8uY5yLRI/AAAAAAAAA64/kePfqU7xwME/s1600/new_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3lpFYbB1T70/U_d8uY5yLRI/AAAAAAAAA64/kePfqU7xwME/s1600/new_logo.jpg" height="60" width="400" /></a> </div>
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www.freewebs.com/firestone-creek-farms</div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I have to share news and congrats on a few of our lovely girls. First, we'll start with some of our 'firsts' here at Firestone Creek. </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W0k-hyuVr8s/U_eFfxmz69I/AAAAAAAAA7I/RNjrvG5LpDA/s1600/jody%2Bside%2B7%2Bdays%2Bfresh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W0k-hyuVr8s/U_eFfxmz69I/AAAAAAAAA7I/RNjrvG5LpDA/s1600/jody%2Bside%2B7%2Bdays%2Bfresh.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First fresh udder Jody</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On Firestone Creek HWD Jody Girl, has now earned both of her stars-- AGS and ADGA and is actually in line for possibly meeting top 10 requirements (holding my breath!) for protein and for production for 2014. Hoping she can hold her own and make it to the top. She deserves it for all of the work she's been doing! </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8QGT-fsq9gc/Ua9pNhFiHEI/AAAAAAAAASg/hCfIRWPfHiA/s1600/Palisade_rear_third%2Bfresh_addie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8QGT-fsq9gc/Ua9pNhFiHEI/AAAAAAAAASg/hCfIRWPfHiA/s1600/Palisade_rear_third%2Bfresh_addie.jpg" height="200" width="141" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palisade</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Next, our 'star' doe--On Firestone Creek Palisade has surprised us by becoming our first Superior Genetics doe here at Firestone Creek! We were thrilled to receive the notice in the mail saying she had reached that designation as a SG doe. We have several of her daughters and a granddaughter here, so we hope to continue following that path with production, quality, and transmitting ability.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>We do have a Palisade daughter (in milk) available for sale-- Palabra, in addition to a doeling out of the Palisade X NC PromisedLand Bolero cross available for sale. See website or contact for more information.</b></span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bo46fk_5I6c/U_eU9rpVPTI/AAAAAAAAA8A/ohIoQq8pOpE/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bo46fk_5I6c/U_eU9rpVPTI/AAAAAAAAA8A/ohIoQq8pOpE/s1600/005.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minnie Me</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Additionally, it looks like Palisade's daughter, Minnie, will also be earning her stars, and so far NC PromisedLand Z Bella has <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_31FJx-v7TE/U_eTIA6eRPI/AAAAAAAAA7s/QWs9-_BdK3E/s1600/168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_31FJx-v7TE/U_eTIA6eRPI/AAAAAAAAA7s/QWs9-_BdK3E/s1600/168.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bella</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
earned her star with AGS and should have it soon with ADGA. Beyond that, I have my fingers crossed that a few others will earn theirs, too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>PS</b> Other News: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">It looks like Pistachio and Joy <u><i>may</i></u> be bred<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AmVlSru7V0A/U_eaIqoSm5I/AAAAAAAAA8o/fu51JmxxRYM/s1600/joy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AmVlSru7V0A/U_eaIqoSm5I/AAAAAAAAA8o/fu51JmxxRYM/s1600/joy.jpg" height="200" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joy: <br />
Palisade X Rosasharn TL Challenger</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
for late Nov/Dec. Joy is a Palisade daughter. Joy's would not have been an intentional breeding, and I will be doing DNA on all kids if she does freshen. I had no clue she was in heat, and the only hint I have now is that she hasn't had a heat and is getting a little chubby. If she is pregnant, the kids could belong to either Jacub, Sol, or Rumor. I will be doing DNA if she happens to kid.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qF7m3h4npdk/U_eWvnsz_mI/AAAAAAAAA8c/eAFw8sC6i8M/s1600/538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qF7m3h4npdk/U_eWvnsz_mI/AAAAAAAAA8c/eAFw8sC6i8M/s1600/538.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacub</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T3YYpHsxjdc/U_ea6_yCfiI/AAAAAAAAA8w/iVTeL_V1jI8/s1600/rumor%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T3YYpHsxjdc/U_ea6_yCfiI/AAAAAAAAA8w/iVTeL_V1jI8/s1600/rumor%2B2.jpg" height="180" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rumor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q3h371Iq-34/U_eP3tJBvjI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/8S0UzRHaNl8/s1600/093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q3h371Iq-34/U_eP3tJBvjI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/8S0UzRHaNl8/s1600/093.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CG Sol</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I do separate boys from the girls at a little over 2 months, but this time, we had to finish their pasture first, and before it was completed, I had a few partially extending. I witnessed Sol breeding Pistachio. At first, I thought it was just 'practice.' Bucklings do this all of the time. However, I feel that at that point he did fully extend, and I do believe he is now breeding <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lzsr7Zm4V9o/U_eSyzanuLI/AAAAAAAAA7k/osXFls4DSUQ/s1600/075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lzsr7Zm4V9o/U_eSyzanuLI/AAAAAAAAA7k/osXFls4DSUQ/s1600/075.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M Pistachio</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
successfully, so with that said, Pistachio could be bred, too, by no one else except my spoiled rotten Sol or 'sun.' I like this breeding; those will be some gorgeous babies-- type-wise AND color-wise, pulling in Rosasharn, NC PromisedLand, and Firestone Creek genetics. I know, I know... blue eyes? moonspots? But yes, possible moonspots AND blue eyes, even though I didn't breed for them on purpose. Sometimes things just happen. </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">By the way, Pistachio is a daughter of Nutmeg, niece of Acorn, and niece of Jody Girl (see above). Mesa was her father. </span>Geekyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074885716970121820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191380023060985726.post-71529337900711977832014-08-08T00:51:00.000-04:002014-08-08T00:52:29.387-04:00Panir -- Paneer -- Queso Fresco -- Whatever you want to call it! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JuWy9OsV8rQ/U-RRTuguiAI/AAAAAAAAA5g/pSK33J5dgxU/s1600/111.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></a></div>
<h3>
<span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Fresh Cheese</span></span></h3>
<span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Panir, Paneer, Queso Frescho-- No Matter how you say it, it is Fresh Cheese and one of the easiest things you can make with fresh goat's milk. Many recipes will call for using lemon or vinegar for making fresh cheese, but I've found that using freshly made (or cultured) buttermilk and/or kefir works quite well and makes for a very flavorful cheese. Additionally, you can use fruit juices and even yogurt. Your goal is to raise the acidity of the milk after heating it. For fresh cheese, you heat to the boiling point but DO NOT BOIL. The best temp is around 195-200 F. </span></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dxJueRx9HXU/U-RRk60GS1I/AAAAAAAAA6A/bvassPokhE8/s1600/129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dxJueRx9HXU/U-RRk60GS1I/AAAAAAAAA6A/bvassPokhE8/s1600/129.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Here's a simple recipe that can also be found on my website at <a href="http://www.freewebs.com/firestone-creek-farms" target="_blank">Firestone Creek farm</a>. If you have questions, feel free to ask me here in the comments or you can always add Firestone Creek Farm on Facebook and message me there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><big><big><big>Paneer</big></big></big></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3 id="rI">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span></h3>
<ul>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 quart full-cream goat's milk </span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">buttermilk and/or Kefir (use what you have)</span></li>
<ul>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">**1/2 cup buttermilk AND 1/2 cup kefir </span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">OR 3/4 cup buttermilk </span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">OR 3/4 cup kefir</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">*you may also use yogurt (1/2 buttermilk and 1/2 yogurt)</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">*you can use lemon juice or vinegar, but it tastes differently and the end result isn't as sweet</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">****When using buttermilk, I always get a much higher yield than when using lemon juice or vinegar.****</span></div>
<h3 id="rP">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Preparation:</span></h3>
<div class="instructions">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Pour the milk into a heavy pan that will not allow the milk to scorch while heating. Stir often.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JuWy9OsV8rQ/U-RRTuguiAI/AAAAAAAAA5g/pSK33J5dgxU/s1600/111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JuWy9OsV8rQ/U-RRTuguiAI/AAAAAAAAA5g/pSK33J5dgxU/s1600/111.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">As the milk is readied, measure the buttermilk and/or kefir. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8whd0CDhrI/U-RUkddnlvI/AAAAAAAAA6k/7diLYLZnibU/s1600/113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8whd0CDhrI/U-RUkddnlvI/AAAAAAAAA6k/7diLYLZnibU/s1600/113.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
You can use store bought buttermilk, but I prefer to make my own. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UTngU7z1ImQ/U-RRiup46II/AAAAAAAAA5o/aTKoGP1gTwU/s1600/115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UTngU7z1ImQ/U-RRiup46II/AAAAAAAAA5o/aTKoGP1gTwU/s1600/115.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Watch the milk closely, stirring to keep it from sticking.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">When the milk comes to a boil, add the buttermilk/kefir.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Reduce the heat and stir.The milk should change colors and begin to separate. Cheese curds will form, leaving a yellowish-greenish colored whey behind. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QEewWlp0trI/U-RRjGOvQbI/AAAAAAAAA5w/6dl7ZsZ3RUw/s1600/119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QEewWlp0trI/U-RRjGOvQbI/AAAAAAAAA5w/6dl7ZsZ3RUw/s1600/119.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Stir continuously until the milk is completely curdled.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Remove from the heat when the separation of the curds and yellowish whey is complete</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="instructions">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">
<div class="instructions">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<ul>
<li>Pour contents of pot into a strainer lined with clean muslin cloth</li>
</ul>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hE-cRqCLllI/U-RRjBtpHrI/AAAAAAAAA5s/_hFhPV-R3yA/s1600/121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hE-cRqCLllI/U-RRjBtpHrI/AAAAAAAAA5s/_hFhPV-R3yA/s1600/121.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large; text-align: center;">Wrap the muslin tightly, tie it, and squeeze out excess whey, <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KSSTbCpZJ_k/U-RRuqAfLtI/AAAAAAAAA6I/kc5i8dCoDxY/s1600/125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KSSTbCpZJ_k/U-RRuqAfLtI/AAAAAAAAA6I/kc5i8dCoDxY/s1600/125.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
holding it under cold water for approximately a minute to help rinse it clean. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Hang the cheese for 15-20 minutes so that all the whey is drained out.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">SAVE YOUR WHEY FOR THE CHICKENS: They love it.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BW8Y4j2o6Fk/U-RRwFyGl1I/AAAAAAAAA6U/_JBYRThw6Q4/s1600/131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BW8Y4j2o6Fk/U-RRwFyGl1I/AAAAAAAAA6U/_JBYRThw6Q4/s1600/131.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="instructions">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">To form a block or circle , sit it into a round cheese strainer and place it under something heavy.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">After 20+ minutes, remove from muslin, lightly salt, and cut into chunks. </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">You are now ready to use your fresh cheese!!! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Variations: I make a few. I've made salsa cheese, garlic cheese, pineapple cheese, jalapeno cheese and more. Experiment and have fun! </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<br />Geekyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074885716970121820noreply@blogger.com2Sanford, NC, USA35.4798757 -79.18029939999996735.2730407 -79.503022899999962 35.6867107 -78.857575899999972tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191380023060985726.post-72668701526738678482014-08-05T21:26:00.000-04:002014-08-05T21:26:34.337-04:00The Results of the SNIFF TEST!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j_jSAcRY9DU/U-F__65J4tI/AAAAAAAAA4A/7oGKgWxOfm4/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j_jSAcRY9DU/U-F__65J4tI/AAAAAAAAA4A/7oGKgWxOfm4/s1600/019.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">At the beginning of kidding season, we decided to have a 'sniff' of all of the does that were due to kid. Why? Because there's a theory that a doe that smells bucky will have bucklings, and a doe that smells like hay will have doelings. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Following is our results for the 2014 breeding season at Firestone Creek farm.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table border="2" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" style="background-color: #66bb33; color: #333333; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.735000610351563px; width: 518px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="background-color: #ffcccc; font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; text-align: center;">Doe (Dam)</td><td style="background-color: #33ccff; font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; text-align: center;">Buck (Sire)</td><td style="background-color: #99ff99; font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; text-align: center;">Smell / Gestation time</td><td style="background-color: #ffffcc; font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; text-align: center;"># of doelings/bucklings</td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">Muddy Creek B2 Panama</td><td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek AA Mesa<br />
(history of producing high % of doelings)</td><td style="background-color: #99ff99;">Panama's head smells 'bucky' on 2/14; she is due on 2/21. She is pregnant with multiples--looks like three or more. She has a history of having bucklings, so maybe there is a doeling or two in there.</td><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="background-color: #ffffcc;">
1/2</div>
<div style="background-color: #ffffcc;">
Kidded on Feb 24th with one small doeling and two bucklings, one on the big side! She did have a bucky smell, so I'd say this one was a 'positive.'</div>
<span style="background-color: orange;">POSITIVE RESULT</span></td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek HWD Acorn</td><td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek AA Mesa<br />
(history of producing high % of doelings)</td><td style="background-color: #99ff99;">Acorn smelled like hay on 2/14; she is due on 2/15. She has a history of having doelings. She looks like she may be pregnant with one or two kids.</td><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="background-color: #ffffcc;">
Well, she smelled like hay, and she had one doeling, so we are at 100% right now! :)</div>
<span style="background-color: orange;">POSITIVE RESULT </span></td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">NC PromisedLand Z Bella</td><td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek HWD Bo Peeps</td><td style="background-color: #99ff99;">Bella smelled like hay on 2/14; she is due on 2/15. She has a history of having doelings.</td><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="background-color: #ffffcc;">
Bella kidded 2/22 with TWO bucklings. So this is 100% contrary to how she smelled, which was like hay with no bucky smell at all! I'd say this is -100%</div>
<span style="background-color: orange;">NEGATIVE RESULT</span></td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek Palisade 2*M 5*D</td><td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">*B NC PromisedLand RB Bolero *S </td><td style="background-color: #99ff99;">On 2/14 Palisade smelled a little bucky. She is not due until 5/15. She has a history of twins and triplets; the triplets are usually bucklings and doelings.</td><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #ffffcc;">Palisade kidded with THREE doelings, which is quite contrary to the bucky smell she had in February.</span><br /><span style="background-color: #ffffcc;">I'd say this was a big -100%, too, unless maybe I smelled her a bit too early.</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: orange;">NEGATIVE RESULT</span></td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek BJ Kukarabisha</td><td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek AA Mesa<br />
(history of producing high % of doelings)</td><td style="background-color: #99ff99;">On 2/14 Kuka smelled like hay. She is due on 2/20.</td><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="background-color: #ffffcc;">
Argh! Kuka smelled like hay but delivered two healthy bucklings on 2/24. This result is another negative--strong one, just like Bella.</div>
<div style="background-color: #ffffcc;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: orange;">NEGATIVE RESULT</span></td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek R Palabra</td><td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">Proctor Hill Farm B Cuervo Gold *S</td><td style="background-color: #99ff99;">On 2/14, Palabra smelled a little bucky. Due on 3/13.</td><td><br /><span style="background-color: #ffffcc;">Buckling and a doeling. This would be a positive, I suppose, since she did smell just a little bucky.</span><br /><span style="background-color: orange;">POSITIVE RESULT</span></td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek UP Sunnee Day</td><td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">Proctor Hill Farm B Cuervo Gold *S</td><td><div style="background-color: #99ff99;">
Will smell again next week. She could tell I was up to something and didn't want to be sniffed. Perhaps she thought I was going to nibble her or make her wear deodorant. Who knows! :)</div>
<div style="background-color: #99ff99;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: orange;">NO RESULT</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><h3>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">RESULTS:</span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">While we did have bucklings out of some of the girls that smelled bucky, we also had THREE (3) --yes, you heard right-- THREE doelings out of a doe that smelled a bit bucky! I would say that was a big NEGATIVE. We also had one doe that smelled like hay that had only bucklings, which is also a big resounding NEGATIVE result. Essentially, I have to say:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">SORRY, FOLKS! The sniff test doesn't seem to work 100% of the time. In fact, the results were sketchy at best. Oh well... we are talking about goats after all. You didn't think they would make it THAT easy for us, did you? Guess we'll have keep playing the waiting game...</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Geekyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074885716970121820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191380023060985726.post-86065200076392469062014-08-05T20:39:00.001-04:002014-08-05T20:43:04.108-04:00Let's Talk about Udders-- Part 2<h2>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">
Teat Growth: Is It <i>Udderly </i>Possible?</span></h2>
<a href="https://lh4.ggpht.com/-Es-2JHeQN74/U-EodcSpd0I/AAAAAAAAA3w/MlIrYNV4yG4/s640/20140518_112434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Es-2JHeQN74/U-EodcSpd0I/AAAAAAAAA3w/MlIrYNV4yG4/s640/20140518_112434.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">In the last article, I offered some info on the importance of teat length and diameter. Not only do both of these help the handmilker when it comes to comfort, they also offer some aid in the udder's 'health' department when it comes to keeping away bacteria (more on that later). I left off with an important question, one that many breeders and homesteaders, especially those new to dairy goats, often ask: Do teats actually grow more in length and diameter with each lactation?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">
So, Some People say...</span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">When we bought our first goats, all were doelings, and of course, no one can tell much about teat size on a newly weaned or bottlebaby unless the teats are going to be extraordinarily huge when the animal is an adult (Sometimes bigger ISN'T better-- new article soon!). Nigerians, for the most part, are short, and since they are miniature goats, everything about them is miniature. Yes, this includes teats. Some standard breeds (Alpines, Saanen, Nubian, etc) have teats that are 3 - 4+ inches in length, and diameter in those can be the same and then some larger (3+ inches). </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">If you have a first freshening doe, or even if you buy a doe who is a couple of years old that has freshened a few times, are you stuck with the teat size you see at freshening? As a newbie, I asked this question because I saw quite a few Nigerians with small teats. I have small hands, and it would have been difficult (even for me) to handmilk those animals. At the same time, I didn't have the money to invest in a milk machine, and many of the handmilkers did not seem to work very well, and I knew, in that case, that I would end up having to handmilk one way or the other. When shopping for goats, one thing I shopped for was teat size and placement (more on that later). I ran into several problems. Not only were the animals that I found with 'large' teats a LOT more expensive, but there was a controversy over teat growth when it came to those with the smaller teats. Some people said that the teats continued growing after year one, right along with the udder. Others --some from reputable herds, who had been in the business for a while-- said that there would be a lot of udder growth over the years but not a lot of teat growth, if any at all, and if I wanted size, I needed to make sure I 'bought' it from the start. Of course, as I said before, the majority of people who had 'size' also wanted more for their animals, especially does already in milk that could 'prove' their milking ability. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">After getting my herd together and breeding for several years, I saw a range in teat size from tiny to great. I also saw that some tended to have daughters with the same overall 'look' to the udder and others tended to not transmit that as readily (especially when I wanted them to). I did notice a little bit of growth in some teats, but not a lot, and in a few, I noticed none at all. I decided I needed to document this because numbers don't lie. I also figured out a few notable things-- see the **Notes below.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">
An Experiment</span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Last year, I decided to record data on the goats I had here on the farm that were in milk. A few have since moved on, and I have also added some since then. Next year, I hope to use comparison data from daughters to see if there's any change when comparing mom's, daughters, and granddaughters--even throwing in corresponding info from the sire's dam and so on when I have it available. I am on milk test this year, so I can also include some of that data next year. When measuring the girls, I measured them full at their morning milking and about 3 months into lactation. Length is measured from the udder floor to the tip of the teat. Diameter was measured around the top of the teat. I will probably also include a 'mid' teat measurement for next year to see if this area also grows in width. After all, inquiring minds want to know!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Following is the information, discussion, and results of what I have seen thus far in my own herd.</span></div>
<div>
<table border="2" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" style="background-color: #ffcccc; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left; width: 80%;">
<caption style="caption-side: bottom;">TL=
Teat Length in inches
TD =
Teat Diameter in inches</caption><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="background-color: #ffcccc; font-family: Bookman Old Style; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">Doe's
Name</td>
<td style="font-family: Bookman Old Style; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">#fresh</td>
<td style="font-family: Bookman Old Style; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">2013
data and freshening #</td>
<td style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">TL</td>
<td style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">TD</td>
<td style="font-family: Bookman Old Style; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">2014
data </td>
<td style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">TL</td>
<td style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">TD</td>
<td style="font-family: Bookman Old Style; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">**Notes:</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">NC
Promisedland Z Bella</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1
doeling; freshening #1</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.15</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2
bucklings; freshening #2</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.44</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2.13</span></td>
<td style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hooray!
There's an increase in size here.</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">On
Firestone Creek R Palabra</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1
kid; dead after delivery. Freshening #1</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.75</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2
kids; doeling and buckling for freshening #2</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.25</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.85</span></td>
<td style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Some
growth, but not a lot. <span style="font-weight: bold;">However, </span>Palabra
did not milk more than 3 weeks on her first freshening. I had too many
others to milk, so I let her dry up. She is currently for sale, but if
she is still here next year, (or if the new owner wants to keep a
record) we will see if another freshening brings on more changes. </span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">On
Firestone Creek Acorn</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">3</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1
doeling; freshening #2</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.75</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2.75</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1
doeling; freshening #3</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.95</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2.85</span></td>
<td style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Third
freshener. She has been sold. I do have her daughter and her niece that
I can evaluate next year, in addition to a few cousins. I wish everyone
had this teat size! </span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">On
Firestone Creek Sunnee Day</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1
buckling; freshening #1</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.25</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1
buckling; freshening #2</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.5</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2.9</span></td>
<td style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sunnee
had quite a bit of growth from last year to this year!</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">On
Firestone Creek P Palisade</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">4</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">3
doelings; freshening #4</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.75</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2.15</span></td>
<td style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We
will record more of Palisade's data next year, and we will have more of
her daughters data to add as well. Right now, Palabra is the only data
we have. </span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Results and Conclusion:</span></b></h3>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">So, thus far, I saw an almost 90% increase in one doe in regard to teat diameter and overall growth in both areas for all does. I'd have to conclude from the above data that there is growth from one freshening to the next along with an improvement in udder capacity. The only doe who had very little growth did not nurse any kids, and she was allowed to dry off quickly after delivery.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">So should you take a chance on a first freshener with small teats? I would say that as long as you can milk her comfortably the first year, give her a try! She might just surprise you the next time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Let's Talk UDDERS!</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SbIsv72w6Uc/U92UnOomooI/AAAAAAAAA3U/MP50pA0xPto/s1600/Palisade_rear_third+fresh_addie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SbIsv72w6Uc/U92UnOomooI/AAAAAAAAA3U/MP50pA0xPto/s1600/Palisade_rear_third+fresh_addie.jpg" height="320" title="" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">So you like this one?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><--</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">But maybe not this one? </span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lfqzTqHDhMk/U92VgmwiZNI/AAAAAAAAA3c/grS33w8xooE/s1600/charm+udder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lfqzTqHDhMk/U92VgmwiZNI/AAAAAAAAA3c/grS33w8xooE/s1600/charm+udder.jpg" height="200" width="168" /></a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Why not? What's the difference? Obviously, the second doe has more fill on the left side, and her teats are not perfectly plumb. She is not symmetrical either with teat position, and the trained eye would see that her attachments are not perfect. She is also a few years older than the first doe, probably had kids nursing on her (who tugged and pulled and changed the udder structure a bit), and has a 'clip' job that is not as nice as the first doe. All of those things come together to make one wonder whether she's getting the bad side of the deal here. Maybe she is as nice as the doe on the left and just hasn't had the opportunities to prove it? Maybe not?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Over the next few weeks, I want to take the time to break down the parts of the udder and examine them, not only to further educate myself, but to help anyone else out there who is interested in learning about it. I want to start with information I've been collecting over the past two years on two important topics-- teat diameter and teat length in Nigerian dwarfs. We'll start in this article by discussing diameter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Teat Diameter</b></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Teat diameter is the circumference of the teat where it attaches to the udder. Diameter is important, obviously, because 1) if a person is handmilking, the diameter will affect how the hand is positioned and how much effort it takes to extract milk from the udder; 2) if a person is machine milking, size could call for the use of various size inflations and possible teat damage if using improper sizes. A doe with small diameter, even if she has larger orifices, will take longer to milk--hand or machine--because not as much milk fills the teat at each expression. Is this a buying/selling point for owners? It can be, especially if you own a dairy or your main goal is to have a productive (and fast) milker. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">Teat Length</span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">Teat length is the length of tissue beginning where the udder joins with the teat and ending at the orifice. Again, like diameter, it is important for comfort for the handmilker, for more 'fill' and faster expression of the milk into the pail with each expression, and importantly, for protection from invasive bacteria and bacteria already in the udder. Anyone who has ever tried to milk a goat with tiny teats knows how difficult it can be, especially if you are a man or if you are a woman with larger hands. Sometimes a Henry milker or some other milking device or machine must be used because handmilking can become painful. At the same time, longer teats mean that more milk (especially with larger diameter) is able to fill the teat and re-fill quickly with every milking stroke. This enables the udder to be emptied much faster than smaller teats. Lastly, during milking (and kids nursing), bacteria can easily enter the orifice into the udder. If there is already bacteria present, it usually settles into the lower portion of the teat; this is why it is advisable to milk out a few test 'squirts', check for blood, etc, and then continue milking. If teats are short, it seems that less distance would make it easier for bacteria to attain access into the udder tissue or settle into the udder, possibly making the animal more susceptible to infections, including mastitis. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, we want diameter, and we want length! However, we are talking Nigerians here, not Alpines, LaManchas, Saanen, or Obies. Everything about a Nigerian is little, right? Especially in first fresheners. And the teats don't really grow, do they? Hmmmm.... </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">Come back for MORE to come in the next article! </span></span></div>
Geekyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074885716970121820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191380023060985726.post-62566410564435042382014-05-17T19:55:00.001-04:002014-05-19T00:29:22.727-04:00The Mighty Mite and More Milk Tests<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>They say 'Rome was not built in a day,' and neither was a dairy farm.</i></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1MsbIn5nvrw/U3f8bNYjhzI/AAAAAAAAA24/qcbXLSzOiiI/s1600/jr+herd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1MsbIn5nvrw/U3f8bNYjhzI/AAAAAAAAA24/qcbXLSzOiiI/s1600/jr+herd.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The junior herd</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Well, no one said farm life was easy, and that certainly holds true when it comes to maintaining does and keeping their milk capacity where you want it to be. We're small, so we haven't had many does freshen this year--only seven, in fact. We've still had our fair share of the fun with those thus far. Sometimes I can't even imagine doing this on a large scale, but I guess if it was my only job, and I had some additional help, it might be a little easier.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: cyan; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>So far this kidding season--</b></span><br />
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First, because of the long winter and plenty of time spent by does in the barn, where we deep pile our hay for extra warmth, we had an issue with mites. I've seen the critters before, but this year was the worst ever! This is a new barn and much larger than the other barn, so I have to say I was a bit surprised, but then again, this winter was colder than the norm with several bouts of ice and snow. I'm thinking this had something to do with it. I noticed some 'dandruff' and a bit of scaly skin in a few of the does, especially those who were pregnant, so I treated what I knew was mites and/or lice. I thought I'd had it all taken care of. I was wrong.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">A few of the girls developed a few 'bumps' or papules with the mites--mainly a couple of the does I was milking, and this might have been demodectic mange. According to Justin Talley and Dave Sparks, D.V.M, these papules contain more mites, are often found on the face, neck, and axillary regions, along with the udder, and can infect other animals:</span><br />
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<td><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: black; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"></span></span><span style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The
goat follicle mite causes dermal papules and nodules [sic] and this
resulting condition is known as demodectic mange in goats. These
papules or nodules are caused by hair follicles or gland ducts becoming
obstructed and producing these </span><span style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">swellings,
trapping the mites within these lesions. These continue to enlarge as
the </span><span style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">mites
multiply, sometimes reaching several thousand mites per lesion...
Nodules </span><span style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">can
rupture and exude mites [transmitting to the other animals]. "External
Parasites"</span></span></td>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>Dairy and pregnant/nursing animals seem to be particularly susceptible to the mites.</i> I deduce it is because kids are nursing, we clip the udders (possibly with infected clippers), and udders can be exposed to more skin irritants hand/machine milking.<b> This type of mange isn't the only threat!</b> Another form of infection, <b>chorioptic mange, </b>also has similar symptoms with "formation of raised pustules on the skin, crusting, hair loss, reddening of the skin and eventually ulceration. These signs are first seen on the lower limbs, scrotum, udder and between the thighs. Rubbing and scratching is common" (Hutchens "Enough to Make"). <b>Staphylococcal dermatitis</b>--a secondary bacterial infection, often follows the infestation due to scratching, etc.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Some sources, including some discussion boards, say to 'pop' the papules (whether 'mange' papules or staph infection) since some do contain a pus-like substance. However, after witnessing the results, I do not suggest doing this. From my own experience, I noticed that those that had papules that I 'popped' tended to develop a much worse infection than the others; the action seemed to spread the infection, so I stopped popping and only treated. When left alone, the lesions seemed to scab over and heal very fast.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I try to treat holistically when at all possible; if natural medicine is not working, I refuse to watch an animal suffer, and I will treat with antibiotics and other medications, if necessary. I used lime and DE on the barn along with manuka oil, tea tree oil, and garlic on everyone. I also treated some with lime sulphur dip, which was recommended at a 4X treatment over a month long period by Hutchens ("Enough to Make"). However, one treatment of lime dip in addition to the tea tree and manuka oil seemed to actually clear up the problem. I did clip hair on those showing evidence of major infestation. Everyone cleared up fine with these treatments EXCEPT two does who seemed to have an allergy, perhaps, to the treatments. They did not respond well to the oils, and both worsened with lime dip and had more break outs. One really had an 'itchy' result on her udder and stomach area with many papules. Worried that this was a resultant irritation from the treatment itself, I did go ahead and use some Pen-G [for secondary bacterial infection, which was a probability], Chlorhexidine scrub [to destroy bacteria, fungus, etc], and topical antibacterial cream on these two does; this had immediate results--within 3 - 4 days, so it is very probable that the resultant irritation was probably due to secondary bacterial infection--possibly staphylococcal dermatitis. Thankfully, the whole herd is doing well now and recovering from winter's latent wrath. I did want to share my research and results in hopes that anyone else who is struggling can find some solace and aid with the problem.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">*NOTE: I did treat with injectable Ivermectin when results seemed 'slow.' It was completely ineffective, and it seems to be noted that it often is when dealing with specific mites. I saw no changes whatsoever --even in a week's time, which should have been more than long enough for mite die-off. The key for removal seems to be killing, repelling, disinfecting, and treating secondary infection.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The keys to treatment:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1) Clean the barn-- keep it dry and destroy all infected bedding (burning is best)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">2) Treat sleeping premises (I used lime and DE)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">3) Treat ALL animals (see articles and choose your own method according to your herd management beliefs)</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: cyan;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Milk Test Results so far </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">No one ever explains (before you go on test) that all of those 'little things' that drop production in your animals don't mean a thing when you are on test. While heats, illnesses, etc, are noted in CAR codes on DHIR tests as abnormalities, this doesn't change the overall results. One illness or low milk day (for any reason--even the weather!) can be enough to knock your animal out of the running for their star even if they are an excellent milker the rest of the time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>Bella --</i>With all of the issues with the mites, we've had production drop some. I've sold Bella's kid, and with my work load, secondary bacterial infection from the mites, and issues with my carpal tunnel, her production has fell from her whopping 6.6 lbs a day to about 1/2 that. She is 4-00 with production at 43 lbs of fat, 30 lbs of protein, and projected production of milk lbs = 812 at this point in lactation (77 days). This has began climbing again with her infection clearing up, so I hope this amount does go up. She 'should' earn her star.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>Sunnee</i> -- Sunnee is doing well on test. She will be 'close' simply because I've had a lot on my plate and haven't milked exactly on schedule a few times, throwing her weights off a bit. I will make another post later with her weights.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>Palabra</i> -- <b>Palabra is for sale for $350.</b> She is on target to earn her star. The only reason I have her for sale is because 1) I own her mom; 2) I am retaining her daughter; 3) I also have several half-sisters. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>Acorn</i> -- for sale for $400. Acorn will probably not earn her star, BUT it is NOT her fault. It's her nieces fault, in addition to the mite issue, which reduced her production after the first test. Her numbers were going to be close, but then on the last test, Pistachio, her niece, escaped (you know the type--able to leap tall buildings in a single bound) from the pen on milk test morning and emptied her udder before the test! This ruined the morning test. She would have had over 3 lbs for the day, but instead only had about 1.5 for the whole day, partly because she likes to feed her kid, Karuka, through the fence. She's impossible to get a good milk weight on unless you have a very good way to separate her from anyone who wants to eat. :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>Palisade</i> -- Kidded on Mother's day, so she will be on the next test. She already has her milk stars. 2*D 5*M </span>Geekyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074885716970121820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191380023060985726.post-86605823706068185672014-03-22T19:30:00.004-04:002014-03-22T19:30:43.479-04:00First day of DHIR ... WHEW! And Hooray! <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">So Firestone Creek Farm had its first DHIR milk test on March 21. Anyone who knows milk testing rules will know that does are judged by their age (in years and months) and by how many pounds of milk they produce in a 24 hour period, in addition to the protein and butterfat content of the milk. Several of my girls tested haven't freshened many times because--well, I've had them since 2010, and the year that my late husband passed away, 2011, Firestone Creek did not breed many goats for 2011 or 2012 kiddings. We had a few (like Palabra), but breeding stalled at that time, so some of the girls--Bella and Sunnee, weren't bred or freshened until they were a bit older. This means it is more of a 'feat' for them to catch up with girls of their age that have freshened more times and therefore have more capacity. No matter, they did it! I'm proud of them!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">We tested three does, those to kid thus far, which means we tested:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">NC PromisedLand Z Bella</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">On Firestone Creek HWD Lil Acorn</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">On Firestone Creek Sunnee Day </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">On Firestone Creek Palabra and On Firestone Creek Palisade will be added to this list when they kid (Palabra, this week; Palisade, in May;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Results thus far:</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rylfP0ky92s/Uy4USzW0ijI/AAAAAAAAAzY/zWIWycqS7gA/s1600/2014-03-10+10.36.52" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rylfP0ky92s/Uy4USzW0ijI/AAAAAAAAAzY/zWIWycqS7gA/s1600/2014-03-10+10.36.52" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side udder 2 weeks fresh</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">NC PromisedLand Z Bella</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Sire:</span> NC Promisedland RC Zohan *S</div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Dam: </span>NC Promisedland L Zodiac *M </div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">This is Bella's second freshening, and she was 4</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> weeks fresh on test day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">First milking 3.3 lbs</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yc5HSZIDynA/Uy4UWmk1l2I/AAAAAAAAAzg/SNJSioYt_HY/s1600/2014-03-10+10.34.27" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yc5HSZIDynA/Uy4UWmk1l2I/AAAAAAAAAzg/SNJSioYt_HY/s1600/2014-03-10+10.34.27" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear udder 2 weeks fresh; <br />it's a bit lopsided from<br /> 2 kids nursing unequally</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Second milking 3.3 lbs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">6.6 lbs total </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Bella is 4.1 yrs old and a spoiled brat. She loves the milkstand, mainly because there's food there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Woohoo! So proud of you my Bella-Boo! :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">________________________________</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IzOTSe5njNY/Uy4UKRBuCgI/AAAAAAAAAzI/5lP1Y9GWm3A/s1600/2014-03-14+19.33.31" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IzOTSe5njNY/Uy4UKRBuCgI/AAAAAAAAAzI/5lP1Y9GWm3A/s1600/2014-03-14+19.33.31" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear udder 3 days fresh</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">On Firestone Creek Sunnee Day </span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Sire: </span>Rosasharn HNC Uproar +*S<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Dam: </span>Anbonjo SS Spun Gold<br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">This is Sunnee's second freshening; she was </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 week and 1 day fresh on test day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">AM milking: 1.4 lbs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> PM milking: 1.6 lbs</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v3CWEq2jhYk/Uy4UO7r9kZI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/_c7YbxE3qGk/s1600/2014-03-14+19.33.16" height="200" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="150" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">side udder 3 days fresh<br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Total: 3 lbs </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">She is measured at 3.4 yrs old.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Not too shabby for a little girl that is only 1 week fresh! :) I would like to see more rear udder height, but she has developed more since this photo was taken and her milk supply has really started coming in. Sunnee is a sweetheart, very refined, and well-loved around here.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sBNAodmg9qc/Uy4Uay0TPuI/AAAAAAAAAzo/0RtLTPlTv-Q/s1600/2014-03-01+08.48.28" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sBNAodmg9qc/Uy4Uay0TPuI/AAAAAAAAAzo/0RtLTPlTv-Q/s1600/2014-03-01+08.48.28" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">On Firestone Creek Lil Acorn</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Sire: </span>Gateway Hollywood Nights</div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Dam: </span>Plum Rotten BC Lady Ophelia</div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">This is Acorn's third freshening, and poor girl, she still did really good on test day considering that her 4 week old daughter still got to her, nursed through the fence, and made her a bit lopsided for the test. She's been nursing her niece, too, who is almost a year old! I had to pen her up to keep her away from Auntie Acorn. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">This is Acorn's third freshening, and she was almost 5 weeks fresh on test day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">AM milking: 2.0 lbs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">PM milking: 2.1 lbs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Total: 4.1 lbs </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">She is measured at 4.2 yrs old. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">So far all of the girls met their goals for a one day test when it comes to weights, so we'll see how they do on the protein and butterfat when it comes back! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Now I am off to the barn to check on Palabra, who is about to freshen any day now. Cross your fingers for girls! :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Angie</span></div>
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Geekyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074885716970121820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191380023060985726.post-76410436565454953932014-02-24T11:59:00.001-05:002014-02-24T11:59:29.984-05:00More babies and another update to the Sniff Test!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BrCvmQeiSZ0/Uwt4kdNgUwI/AAAAAAAAAys/PCXDs43XfTM/s1600/pan+and+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BrCvmQeiSZ0/Uwt4kdNgUwI/AAAAAAAAAys/PCXDs43XfTM/s1600/pan+and+kids.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Panama and her new babies</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Hi all! So we have more babies this morning! Kuka kidded with twin bucklings, and then Panama followed about 10 minutes behind her with triplets. I was racing from one pen to the next, trying to help out. Lots of fun!! And now I can update The Sniff Test further, and the results aren't looking too great, everyone. See the new additions to the chart below.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">To summarize the current results in the table, we are having a 'buck' year so far--lots of 'blue.' Out of 8 kids, we only have 2 doelings so far. We are finished kidding until mid-March when Palabra and Sunnee deliver first, and then we will be waiting again until early summer for Palisade to kid. At this moment though, it seems that the sniff test is not a reliable way to predict kidding. Actually, the results seem to be about 50/50; Acorn's smell was correct, as was Panama's. However, Bella and Kuka's results were contrary to their 'smell.' I'd say that so far the Sniff Test works half of the time. I guess we'll see if the results continue to fit this percentage as the season progresses. </span><br />
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Table 1. The Sniff Chart</div>
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<tr><td style="background-color: #ffcccc; font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; text-align: center;">Doe (Dam)</td><td style="background-color: #33ccff; font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; text-align: center;">Buck (Sire)</td><td style="background-color: #99ff99; font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; text-align: center;">Smell / Gestation time</td><td style="background-color: #ffffcc; font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; text-align: center;"># of doelings/bucklings</td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">Muddy Creek B2 Panama</td><td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek AA Mesa<br />(history of producing high % of doelings)</td><td style="background-color: #99ff99;">Panama's head smells 'bucky' on 2/14; she is due on 2/21. She is pregnant with multiples--looks like three or more. She has a history of having bucklings, so maybe there is a doeling or two in there.</td><td style="background-color: #ffffcc; text-align: center;">1/2<br />Kidded on Feb 24th with one small doeling and two bucklings, one on the big side! She did have a bucky smell, so I'd say this one was a 'positive.'</td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek HWD Acorn</td><td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek AA Mesa<br />(history of producing high % of doelings)</td><td style="background-color: #99ff99;">Acorn smelled like hay on 2/14; she is due on 2/15. She has a history of having doelings. She looks like she may be pregnant with one or two kids.</td><td style="background-color: #ffffcc; text-align: center;">Well, she smelled like hay, and she had one doeling, so we are at 100% right now! :) </td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">NC PromisedLand Z Bella</td><td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek HWD Bo Peeps</td><td style="background-color: #99ff99;">Bella smelled like hay on 2/14; she is due on 2/15. She has a history of having doelings.</td><td style="background-color: #ffffcc; text-align: center;">Bella kidded 2/22 with TWO bucklings. So this is 100% contrary to how she smelled, which was like hay with no bucky smell at all! I'd say this is -100%</td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek Palisade 2*M 5*D</td><td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">*B NC PromisedLand RB Bolero *S </td><td style="background-color: #99ff99;">On 2/14 Palisade smelled a little bucky. She is not due until 5/15. She has a history of twins and triplets; the triplets are usually bucklings and doelings.</td><td style="background-color: #ffffcc; text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek BJ Kukarabisha</td><td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek AA Mesa<br />(history of producing high % of doelings)</td><td style="background-color: #99ff99;">On 2/14 Kuka smelled like hay. She is due on 2/20.</td><td style="background-color: #ffffcc; text-align: center;">Argh! Kuka smelled like hay but delivered two healthy bucklings on 2/24. This result is another negative--strong one, just like Bella.</td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek R Palabra</td><td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">Proctor Hill Farm B Cuervo Gold *S</td><td style="background-color: #99ff99;">On 2/14, Palabra smelled a little bucky. Due on 3/13.</td><td style="background-color: #ffffcc;"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek UP Sunnee Day</td><td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">Proctor Hill Farm B Cuervo Gold *S</td><td style="background-color: #99ff99;"> Will smell again next week. She could tell I was up to something and didn't want to be sniffed. Perhaps she thought I was going to nibble her or make her wear deodorant. Who knows! :)</td></tr>
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Geekyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074885716970121820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191380023060985726.post-38347768024671172812014-02-22T19:32:00.002-05:002014-02-22T19:32:12.596-05:00Sniff test update! Bella kidded <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Well, just a quick post to update the sniff test. Before today, we were at 100% correct when it came to 'hay' smell, but now we are 200% to the contrary. Actually it's more like 1:2 I guess since Bella kidded with two bucklings about an hour ago. She smelled like hay, too! Does this prove the theory wrong? It would seem so, but we'll gather all results just to see what happens. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Corrected table below. Kuka is in the kidding pen, so more results shortly. :) </span><br />
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Table 1. The Sniff Chart</div>
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<tr><td style="background-color: #ffcccc; font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; text-align: center;">Doe (Dam)</td><td style="background-color: #33ccff; font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; text-align: center;">Buck (Sire)</td><td style="background-color: #99ff99; font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; text-align: center;">Smell / Gestation time</td><td style="background-color: #ffffcc; font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; text-align: center;"># of doelings/bucklings</td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">Muddy Creek B2 Panama</td><td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek AA Mesa<br />(history of producing high % of doelings)</td><td style="background-color: #99ff99;">Panama's head smells 'bucky' on 2/14; she is due on 2/21. She is pregnant with multiples--looks like three or more. She has a history of having bucklings, so maybe there is a doeling or two in there.</td><td style="background-color: #ffffcc; text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek HWD Acorn</td><td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek AA Mesa<br />(history of producing high % of doelings)</td><td style="background-color: #99ff99;">Acorn smelled like hay on 2/14; she is due on 2/15. She has a history of having doelings. She looks like she may be pregnant with one or two kids.</td><td style="background-color: #ffffcc; text-align: center;">Well, she smelled like hay, and she had one doeling, so we are at 100% right now! :) </td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">NC PromisedLand Z Bella</td><td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek HWD Bo Peeps</td><td style="background-color: #99ff99;">Bella smelled like hay on 2/14; she is due on 2/15. She has a history of having doelings.</td><td style="background-color: #ffffcc; text-align: center;">Bella kidded 2/22 with TWO bucklings. So this is 100% contrary to how she smelled, which was like hay with no bucky smell at all! I'd say this is -100%</td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek Palisade 2*M 5*D</td><td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">*B NC PromisedLand RB Bolero *S </td><td style="background-color: #99ff99;">On 2/14 Palisade smelled a little bucky. She is not due until 5/15. She has a history of twins and triplets; the triplets are usually bucklings and doelings.</td><td style="background-color: #ffffcc; text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek BJ Kukarabisha</td><td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek AA Mesa<br />(history of producing high % of doelings)</td><td style="background-color: #99ff99;">On 2/14 Kuka smelled like hay. She is due on 2/20.</td><td style="background-color: #ffffcc; text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek R Palabra</td><td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">Proctor Hill Farm B Cuervo Gold *S</td><td style="background-color: #99ff99;">On 2/14, Palabra smelled a little bucky. Due on 3/13.</td><td style="background-color: #ffffcc;"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek UP Sunnee Day</td><td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">Proctor Hill Farm B Cuervo Gold *S</td><td style="background-color: #99ff99;"> Will smell again next week. She could tell I was up to something and didn't want to be sniffed. Perhaps she thought I was going to nibble her or make her wear deodorant. Who knows! :)</td><td style="background-color: #ffffcc;"></td></tr>
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Geekyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074885716970121820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191380023060985726.post-48885049757721190412014-02-19T11:59:00.001-05:002014-02-19T12:01:28.444-05:00Standlee Alfalfa... GMO or Non-GMO? Which do you prefer?<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">When you want this...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8wcJOndB8tE/UcIwLoglH-I/AAAAAAAAAWA/iNtWgHe6pz8/s1600/205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8wcJOndB8tE/UcIwLoglH-I/AAAAAAAAAWA/iNtWgHe6pz8/s1600/205.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">to make this... </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Do you prefer non-GMO (no genetic modification) to GMO? I belong to a group on Facebook that uses only natural products, and of course, a conversation struck up recently about GMO (genetically modified) and non-GMO products for goats, including alfalfa, which is a staple for people with dairy goats. Alfalfa offers extra protein and fiber and helps to boost milk production in does. It is a necessity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I usually purchase my alfalfa pellets and compressed hay from Standlee Forage until I realized they were selling GMO alfalfa. I would prefer to find another source OR in this case, encourage Standlee to return to non-GMO or at least offer non-GMO products. Genetically modified products require engineering, so this cost is passed on to the customer. I just want natural products to feed to my animals, minus the extra cost and who knows what side effects to my animals. :) How about you? </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Want to share your opinion?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Someone on the Totally Natural Goats forum added the following info, and so as many people as possible can vote on this, I decided to pass it on:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Standlee has created a Forage/Feed Survey and would like your feedback regarding what animals you feed, what products you feed and your standpoint regarding feeding GMO (genetically-modified) products.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Please go to </span><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/standleefeedsurvey" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>www.surveymonkey.com/s/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>standleefeedsurvey</a><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">to start the short survey.</span><br style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">We thank you for your time and appreciate your input.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">So everyone, please dive in and vote! (PS and we shouldn't have to pay more for a 'natural' product than one that has been engineered.)</span></span></div>
Geekyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074885716970121820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191380023060985726.post-68959644621344527692014-02-17T19:17:00.000-05:002014-02-17T19:17:27.052-05:00On Firestone Creek HWD Acorn kids with a single doeling: SNIFF CHART UPDATE<h2>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">DRUMROLL, PLEASE!!!</span></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQjUJDNd4aM/UwKlDKnbmPI/AAAAAAAAAyY/x6TdP5MSLEE/s1600/Karuka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQjUJDNd4aM/UwKlDKnbmPI/AAAAAAAAAyY/x6TdP5MSLEE/s1600/Karuka.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>The Kidding Season is Underway! </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Acorn kidded with a beautiful doeling that is black with extensive white overlay. She has blue eyes like mom, and she looks like she is wearing eye liner--adorable! Her name is Karuka. As of right now, she is being retained, but if you are interested, contact me. As the kidding season progresses, I may be persuaded to sell her. I can't keep them all even if I want to!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Update to The Sniff Chart! :) </b></span><br />
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Table 1. The Sniff Chart</div>
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<tr><td style="background-color: #ffcccc; font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; text-align: center;">Doe (Dam)</td><td style="background-color: #33ccff; font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; text-align: center;">Buck (Sire)</td><td style="background-color: #99ff99; font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; text-align: center;">Smell / Gestation time</td><td style="background-color: #ffffcc; font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; text-align: center;"># of doelings/bucklings</td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">Muddy Creek B2 Panama</td><td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek AA Mesa<br />
(history of producing high % of doelings)</td><td style="background-color: #99ff99;">Panama's head smells 'bucky' on 2/14; she is due on 2/21. She is pregnant with multiples--looks like three or more. She has a history of having bucklings, so maybe there is a doeling or two in there.</td><td style="background-color: #ffffcc; text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek HWD Acorn</td><td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek AA Mesa<br />
(history of producing high % of doelings)</td><td style="background-color: #99ff99;">Acorn smelled like hay on 2/14; she is due on 2/15. She has a history of having doelings. She looks like she may be pregnant with one or two kids.</td><td style="background-color: #ffffcc; text-align: center;">Well, she smelled like hay, and she had one doeling, so we are at 100% right now! :) </td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">NC PromisedLand Z Bella</td><td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek HWD Bo Peeps</td><td style="background-color: #99ff99;">Bella smelled like hay on 2/14; she is due on 2/15. She has a history of having doelings.</td><td style="background-color: #ffffcc; text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek Palisade 2*M 5*D</td><td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">*B NC PromisedLand RB Bolero *S </td><td style="background-color: #99ff99;">On 2/14 Palisade smelled a little bucky. She is not due until 5/15. She has a history of twins and triplets; the triplets are usually bucklings and doelings.</td><td style="background-color: #ffffcc; text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek BJ Kukarabisha</td><td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek AA Mesa<br />
(history of producing high % of doelings)</td><td style="background-color: #99ff99;">On 2/14 Kuka smelled like hay. She is due on 2/20.</td><td style="background-color: #ffffcc; text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek R Palabra</td><td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">Proctor Hill Farm B Cuervo Gold *S</td><td style="background-color: #99ff99;">On 2/14, Palabra smelled a little bucky. Due on 3/13.</td><td style="background-color: #ffffcc;"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">On Firestone Creek UP Sunnee Day</td><td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">Proctor Hill Farm B Cuervo Gold *S</td><td style="background-color: #99ff99;"> Will smell again next week. She could tell I was up to something and didn't want to be sniffed. Perhaps she thought I was going to nibble her or make her wear deodorant. Who knows! :)</td><td style="background-color: #ffffcc;"></td></tr>
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Copyright 2014</div>
Geekyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074885716970121820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191380023060985726.post-76938335674816678282014-02-17T19:07:00.000-05:002014-02-17T19:07:13.416-05:00Silkichins -- Hatching eggs now available for reservation! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wxZkwrJqdjc/UwKgeuWwNSI/AAAAAAAAAx4/Cle83o5q0BI/s1600/Silkichin+and+chicks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wxZkwrJqdjc/UwKgeuWwNSI/AAAAAAAAAx4/Cle83o5q0BI/s1600/Silkichin+and+chicks.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Blue Silkichin with splash, black and white chicks</span><br /><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>It's Chick Time</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Spring is on its way, and our hens are laying quite a few eggs now even with the cold weather persisting. We are now taking reservations for shipping hatching eggs. At this time, we do not ship chicks, but we do ship eggs, so now is the best time to reserve some for the incubator. I will begin shipping as soon as the weather is warm enough to not 'chill' eggs and kill chicks. Keep in mind that I do not ship when it gets super hot either because that can start baking the chicks early and cause developmental problems. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Hatch rate on my chicks is usually about 99.5%. Generally all eggs hatch, but occasionally, I end up with one that semi-hatches or doesn't hatch. I take special care with storage of eggs and ship eggs that are as fresh as possible. I also pack eggs very carefully in material that allows them to 'breathe' but that still cushions them well. Believe it or not, I've never had a broken egg. In any case, I usually send a few extras if they are available. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I do not sort eggs. You may receive any of the following:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">blue</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">lavender</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">splash</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">black</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">partridge</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">splash split to partridge</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Most will be bearded; I prefer these and cull for them. There are some that are non-bearded occasionally, so I cannot guarantee that they will all be bearded or colors that you will receive.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jK-8W1JZIag/UwKjvvechTI/AAAAAAAAAyM/89-B9UaMg44/s1600/366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jK-8W1JZIag/UwKjvvechTI/AAAAAAAAAyM/89-B9UaMg44/s1600/366.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">If you are interested in Silkichin eggs for hatching, you can contact me via our <a href="http://www.freewebs.com/firestone-creek-farms" target="_blank">website</a> or on our Silkichin page of Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/silkichins" target="_blank">Silkichins on Facebook</a> for pricing. </span><br />
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<br />Geekyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074885716970121820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191380023060985726.post-10914479533483726512014-02-15T01:11:00.000-05:002014-06-23T16:02:36.251-04:00Best Homestead Chicken, Blossom, and Veggie Quiche EVER! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Best Quiche EVER!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So I am a big quiche fan, and I have had lots of quiche over the years, but this quiche is absolutely the best quiche you will ever put into your mouth or serve to friends and family. I've never had a bad review with this--nothing but clean plates. It's loaded full of fresh goodies. One feature flavor here is the squash blossom, and that's a wonderful addition to so many dishes if you have the blossoms in your garden in the spring and summer, sometimes even into the fall. Feel free to substitute and experiment if you need to. You can add mushrooms if you like, but I haven't done so here. You can even change this to a vegetarian only dish if you like (omit the chicken). Simply prep, bake, and have some yum fun!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Ingredients (very important)--the fresher, the better!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">2 tablespoons butter (fresh goat's milk butter would be great!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">3 chopped green onions (or 1 small minced onion)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1 teaspoon fresh minced garlic</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1 cup fresh chopped broccoli</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1/2 cup fresh chopped red/orange/yellow sweet peppers </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1/2 cup fresh, cleaned and chopped, squash and/or pumpkin blossoms</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">3/4 cup fresh goat's milk mozzarella</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">3/4 cup cheddar (fresh if you have it!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1/2 cup fresh panir (paneer) *See my blog or website if you need the recipe</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">4-7 farm fresh eggs (large eggs work well, so if they are small eggs, you will need more)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1/2 cup to 3/4 cup grilled chicken breast</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1 1/2 cups fresh goat milk</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1 tsp pink sea salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1/2 tsp black pepper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1/2 tsp parsley</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1 tablespoon melted butter</span></div>
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Directions</span></h3>
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<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break" style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Prepare all veggies by chopping, mincing, etc. For squash blossoms, remove stems and stamens. Wash petals well. Chop the petals. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">3. Next, over medium-low heat, melt butter in a large saucepan.Add onions, garlic, peppers, squash blossoms, broccoli, and paneer. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are soft. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">4. When veggie and paneer mix is softened, toss in grilled chicken. It's best to pre-grill the chicken and then just warm it with the vegetables before adding it to the crust.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">At this point, if you want a vegetarian dish, simply skip the chicken.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="text-align: left;">5. Prepare pie crust according to instructions on package. </span><span style="text-align: left;">When crust is ready and vegetable mix is tender, spoon mix into the crust and sprinkle with cheeses and grilled chicken breast.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jrt5gQ7WBgY/Uv8BqaW7FeI/AAAAAAAAAxE/c_gCFINTFh0/s1600/2013-06-26+19.30.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jrt5gQ7WBgY/Uv8BqaW7FeI/AAAAAAAAAxE/c_gCFINTFh0/s1600/2013-06-26+19.30.23.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">6. Combine eggs and milk into a mixing bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and parsley. Stir in melted butter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">7. Pour egg mixture over the vegetable, chicken, and cheese blend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">8. Bake in preheated oven for 30-50 minutes (depends on your oven), or until center has set. Check the center with a fork to see when it has set.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoy!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">This quiche goes great with homemade goat's milk potato soup. That recipe coming soon! :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">*Note: This recipe calls for goat milk products. If you do not have these, that is fine. You may substitute cow's milk or butter. You can make paneer with cow's milk, as well, but be sure the milk is not ultra pasteurized. See my website (http://www.freewebs.com/firestone-creek-farms ) for a paneer recipe.</span></td></tr>
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Geekyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074885716970121820noreply@blogger.com0Sanford, NC, USA35.4798757 -79.18029939999996735.2730407 -79.503022899999962 35.6867107 -78.857575899999972tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191380023060985726.post-46054445767034379052014-02-14T18:45:00.000-05:002014-02-14T18:45:21.818-05:00Smelling Pink or Blue? Could it be True? The Sniff Chart! Join in on the fun!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EmSdh_GlcpE/Uv6S4lqad9I/AAAAAAAAAv0/p5D-XSoQgRY/s1600/358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EmSdh_GlcpE/Uv6S4lqad9I/AAAAAAAAAv0/p5D-XSoQgRY/s1600/358.jpg" height="192" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to right: Acorn, Panama, Pistachio, Joy, Palabra, Palmella, Bella, and Palisade grazing and browsing in the new pasture.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Hi all! While we are on babywatch here at Firestone Creek (with six does due to kid between now and mid-March, and then just one more to go after that in late spring), I have decided to test a theory that some of us in the goat community were 'testing' a few years back. At the time, it seemed to hold mostly true, so I wanted to test it out again, for accuracy this time, while also recording my results. Join in if you like, and share your results.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>Background</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">All dairy farmers want to 'see pink'; they want the majority of the kids born in a season to be <em>does</em> (female). Does can be retained to the herd, and since the main goal of most dairy farmers and homesteaders is to produce milk, more does means increased milk production. However, sometimes we have what we refer to as a <em>'buck year</em>,' which simply means that the percentage of bucks born that season was much higher than that of the does born. Is that a bad thing? It certainly can be. For instance, if there is a large percentage of bucks born to a group of <em>first fresheners</em> (first time the doe has had babies), more than likely all of those will be <em>wethered</em> (castrated or not left intact as males). Wethers do not bring in a lot of income, and let's face it, dairy farming is not a cheap business; we have to make money somewhere to show profit that enables us to buy feed and hay, pay for vet fees, medications, shows, milk test, and beyond that, to pave the way for general costs such as upkeep, new equipment, and additional stock. If bucklings are born to second or third fresheners, especially those who have nice udders, good production, and excellent conformation, then those bucklings can be sold for a higher price as intact males; it is beneficial to pass those genetics on to other herds or to keep them in your own herd. However, if the doe hasn't fully developed, and the breeder has no clue how well her production, etc, will be, most good breeders will simply wether (as we usually do). How much do wethers usually cost? Generally, anywhere from $75-125, disbudded and wethered. While this is a little money to help pay for things around the farm, it certainly doesn't add up to much overall unless you have a lot of wethers, but if that happens, then we have another problem.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New;">What's the other problem? Does are where the real money is, and this is where the milk is, too! If a breeding seems promising, does will always sell at a higher price since may do quite well as breeding or show stock. Like the buckling, the cost of a doeling from a first freshener (unless she is from proven <em>bloodlines</em>--parentage or has already earned show wins) will generally be lower than that of one from an experienced doe with a proven quality of <em>production</em> (amount of milk produced over a specific lactation period) and <em>type</em> (conformation). Most breeders will sell these doelings, but they may retain one or two, dependent on the bloodline and the specific parentage of the breeding. If the mother produces well through her first lactation and is retained for another, doelings maybe be retained in latter breedings if the doe continues to improve with lactations. We want to improve our lines and keep as many of our own animals as possible. When we show, we want to show animals with our own farm name, not the farm name of others, so that we get the recognition for the hard work and research we've put into our scheduled breedings. We also keep as many doelings as we can for the following season, not only for showing, but to give us milk year round and to continue to improve our breeding program. Those we do decide to part with, usually because we have to keep our numbers down, are the bread and butter of the dairy farm, helping us pay for all of the essentials during the coming year. Do we want to see pink? You better bet we do--and lots of it! It's the way we survive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New;"><strong>Theory</strong></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S0LsHgqGlsA/Uv6fLdNbnqI/AAAAAAAAAwI/2GBpr6nYzmo/s1600/100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S0LsHgqGlsA/Uv6fLdNbnqI/AAAAAAAAAwI/2GBpr6nYzmo/s1600/100.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Courier New;">Several years ago, several members of the <a href="http://www.thegoatspot.net/" target="_blank">Goat Spot</a> mentioned that their goats 'smelled' differently when they were pregnant with bucklings. For instance, someone hypothesized (sorry if I do not recall exactly who it was that did this) that if the doe was carrying bucklings, even one buckling and several doelings, that maybe the doe would smell a little 'bucky,' or like an intact adult buck. Those who have been around an intact buck know that he smells this way due to the hormones being secreted in the urine--the same hormones he uses to attract the doe during breeding season. Bucks urinate on their beards and legs, using the 'fragrance' like cologne to attract does. This smell can be extremely musky and pungent during the fall of the year; if you've ever been around a male in rut, you won't quickly forget the odor. </span><br />
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On the other hand, does generally do not have much of an odor. Instead, I always say they normally smell like hay. Because it is a known fact that hormones are excreted by kids during pregnancy (it is actually those same hormones that encourage contractions, full labor, and lactation, just as in a human birth), it seems quite possible that some smell --the buck smell -- might be present. Of course, even if it were possible to detect bucklings before birth, how would this be helpful (unless you were going to end pregnancies, and I certainly hope this isn't the case)? Knowing bucklings are on the way helps you plan. It can help you market your kids in advance. It can also help you market your adult bucks. How? First, if you have a buck who always delivers lots of does, he is an important buck! Most people will hang on to him or one of his offspring, hoping to pass on this trait of producing lots of daughters. Second, if you have a buck who is always producing sons, you may want to replace him with one of the bucklings that is on its way or with one from another farm --one that promises to help improve your lines. </div>
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<strong>Test</strong></div>
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The horns of an animal help regulate body temperature, so is it possible that hormones could also be excreted through the skin in this area-- the head-- even in <em>disbudded</em> (animals with their horns removed) animals? Some believe so. In fact, this is what I am going to test, and if you want to join in, by all means do! I'd love to hear your results.</div>
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I've created a table below (Table 1: The Sniff Chart). All you need to do is 'sniff' the top of the head where the horns are/were, and then you can record your own data. Share if you like! I will update as the girls deliver their kids.</div>
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Table 1. The Sniff Chart</div>
<table border="2" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" style="text-align: left; width: 80%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="background-color: #ffcccc; font-family: Kristen ITC; text-align: center;">Doe
(Dam)</td>
<td style="background-color: #33ccff; font-family: Kristen ITC; text-align: center;">Buck
(Sire)</td>
<td style="background-color: #99ff99; font-family: Kristen ITC; text-align: center;">Smell
/ Gestation time</td>
<td style="background-color: #ffffcc; font-family: Kristen ITC; text-align: center;">#
of doelings/bucklings</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">Muddy
Creek B2 Panama</td>
<td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">On
Firestone Creek AA Mesa<br />
(history of producing high % of doelings)</td>
<td style="background-color: #99ff99; text-align: left;">Panama's
head smells 'bucky' on 2/14; she is due on 2/21. She is pregnant with
multiples--looks like three or more. She has a history of having
bucklings, so maybe there is a doeling or two in there. </td>
<td style="background-color: #ffffcc; text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">On
Firestone Creek HWD Acorn</td>
<td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">On
Firestone Creek AA Mesa<br />
(history of producing high % of doelings)</td>
<td style="background-color: #99ff99; text-align: left;">Acorn
smelled like hay on 2/14; she is due on 2/15. She has a history of
having doelings. She looks like she may be pregnant with one or two
kids. </td>
<td style="background-color: #ffffcc; text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">NC
PromisedLand Z Bella</td>
<td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">On
Firestone Creek HWD Bo Peeps</td>
<td style="background-color: #99ff99; text-align: left;">Bella
smelled like hay on 2/14; she is due on 2/15. She has a history of
having doelings.</td>
<td style="background-color: #ffffcc; text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">On
Firestone Creek Palisade 2*M 5*D</td>
<td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">*B
NC PromisedLand RB Bolero *S </td>
<td style="background-color: #99ff99; text-align: left;">On
2/14 Palisade smelled a little bucky. She is not due until 5/15. She
has a history of twins and triplets; the triplets are usually bucklings
and doelings.</td>
<td style="background-color: #ffffcc; text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">On
Firestone Creek BJ Kukarabisha</td>
<td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">On
Firestone Creek AA Mesa<br />
(history of producing high % of doelings)</td>
<td style="background-color: #99ff99; text-align: left;">On
2/14 Kuka smelled like hay. She is due on 2/20.</td>
<td style="background-color: #ffffcc; text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">On
Firestone Creek R Palabra</td>
<td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">Proctor
Hill Farm B Cuervo Gold *S </td>
<td style="background-color: #99ff99;">On
2/14, Palabra smelled a little bucky. Due on 3/13. </td>
<td style="background-color: #ffffcc;"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background-color: #ffcccc; text-align: center;">On
Firestone Creek UP Sunnee Day</td>
<td style="background-color: #33ccff; text-align: center;">Proctor
Hill Farm B Cuervo Gold *S </td>
<td style="background-color: #99ff99; text-align: left;"> Will
smell again next week. She could tell I was up to something and didn't
want to be sniffed. Perhaps she thought I was going to nibble her or
make her wear deodorant. Who knows! :) </td>
<td style="background-color: #ffffcc;"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Happy deliveries, and think pink! I know I am! </span>Geekyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074885716970121820noreply@blogger.com0Sanford, NC, USA35.4798757 -79.18029939999996735.2730407 -79.503022899999962 35.6867107 -78.857575899999972tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191380023060985726.post-81599643472230518122014-01-18T14:56:00.001-05:002014-02-14T19:11:53.312-05:00Moving Toward Spring and Change, along with a special announcement!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b>Longing for Spring to Arrive</b></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Dreaming of daffodils, dandelions, daisies, and green, green, green, knowing that spring is soon on the horizon, and change is floating in the air, not just here, but everywhere. Right now, it's cold. Yes, I know, it's winter, but I don't know many people (or goats) that LOVE 15-30 degree F days, and we've been having quite a few of those here lately. Also, many of you know, but I am sure that some of you do not, Firestone Creek Farm is in the process of relocating. We've purchased a new home, and we are moving (not just to keep warm) in this cold weather, but to a new farm with a new 'everything.' No worries though. We're only moving to the other side of town. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">As udders fill -- Kuka, Bella, Palabra, Sunnee, Acorn, and Panama, we are building a to-do list and trying to get everything completed by 'due dates.' This isn't an easy thing to do because there is so much to do when moving to a new place. We're also starting from scratch with the barn; we're building a barn from a carport so we can easily expand into the future as we grow. We have to work fast in upcoming weeks since babies come when they want--no stopping them, and the last thing any goat lady wants to do is have kids being born into a cold, harsh world without a warm place to get dry. So, we're working like carpenter ants--fast and furious. In fact, in the coming weeks I will be adding photos of our new barn as we progress in the building process. We're using freshly sawed lumber from my father's saw mill--lumber cut by my husband, Jose, and my father, Earl Lilly, who also makes handicrafts from cedar and other things <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/littlecedarthings/" target="_blank">Facebook Group: Little Cedar Things</a>. He does do custom orders on things like cedar chests (of all sizes) and more. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">This year we are also venturing into the land of DHIR and LA with high hopes. We'll update on how things are progressing as the year moves along. Right now, we are also taking deposits on spring kids, which will begin arriving sometime mid-February to March. We have plenty of very good breedings with excellent show and milk potential available, so don't wait until the last minute to make a reservation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">And finally, I'm so happy to add that my favorite 'chiva', Palisade, who now has all of her milk stars, will be re-entering our herd soon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gDTj-G_VZ_Y/UtrbcXOhVGI/AAAAAAAAArA/zJg-9VEf11g/s1600/palisade2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gDTj-G_VZ_Y/UtrbcXOhVGI/AAAAAAAAArA/zJg-9VEf11g/s1600/palisade2.JPG" height="200" width="171" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> She's going to be joining us within a few weeks. We will have some other new additions, too, but I am waiting to 'surprise' everyone with those (yes, they WILL be a surprise!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">More to come. Keep warm! Spring will be here soon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><br /></span>Geekyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074885716970121820noreply@blogger.com0Sanford, NC, USA35.4798757 -79.18029939999996735.2730407 -79.503022899999962 35.6867107 -78.857575899999972tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191380023060985726.post-13587657310600593482013-08-11T12:19:00.000-04:002013-08-11T12:19:03.662-04:00The Carrot and the Strawberry<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Carrots, potatoes, a little cilantro, a few <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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avocados, some garlic, maybe an onion, jalapenos, a few fresh limes, a couple of apples, some strawberries--my grocery list was growing as <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VWC2jpmYlfI/Uge4hJkX1aI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/k8YPu0HEgPI/s1600/berry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VWC2jpmYlfI/Uge4hJkX1aI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/k8YPu0HEgPI/s1600/berry.jpg" height="200" width="188" /></a></div>
I stepped out of the car and into the heat. My 8 year old son and I walked briskly into our grocery store, where over a huge spread of windows above the electronic whir of the entry doors, stood in giant green letters, the words FRESH FOOD. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I grabbed a rickety cart with a bit of a wheel limp, and my son climbed on to the front of the cart for a fun ride, a big smile on his face--just as always. I'd grab him some strawberries and make fresh cream this week; it's one of his favorites and always keeps a smile on that face. We rolled past the flower section, past the bottled water, juices, and 150 types of soda. Odd, I thought. Things seemed different.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">On the next aisle, we slid past the shelves loaded with MSG laden boxes and cans of soup starters and ready-made soups of all kinds. Everything on aisle two was processed, processed, processed, and I soon realized that aisle three was no better--the gluten laden aisle where so many things are soaked in tons of salt and 'spices'--yet another glutamic acid hiding place. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Aisle four stuck its tongue out at me, and I realized something was very, very wrong. Worry</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> began to peck at me like a hungry hen; didn't I normally skip these aisles? Now I couldn't seem to proceed through the store without going down all of them. It seemed that the fresh food --at least as fresh as you can get in a grocery store these days--was hiding from me. Where were all of the vegetables and fruits? Usually they were at the front of the store, but everything had been moved around, and I saw no fresh fruits, veggies, or tubers of any kind anywhere. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Annoyed, I found a young clerk and tugged on his shoulder. "Hi! I see you all are remodeling?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"Ma'am?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"I can't seem to find the f</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">resh food department."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"The what?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"Where are the carrots? Potatoes? The veggies and fruits?" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">There was a pause, and finally a response. "Oh! Try aisle 7, 8, 9, 10."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Wow, I thought! Four entire aisles of fresh, raw food? I love my grocery store. Sure, they have a lot of no-good-for-you junk, but four aisles of fresh food is like visiting an outdoor market in summer but in the air conditioning instead of the sweltering NC heat! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I was truly, and terribly, excited! Dinner was going to be good tonight! The wheels were spinning in my brain and on the cart as I dashed down the remainder of aisle four and made a bee line past the deli to aisle 7. And that's where I found it... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Boiled, steamed, roasted, grilled, fried, simmered, basted, jellied, jammed, broiled, seared, baked types of every fruit and vegetable from carrots to blueberries stared at me from their little jars. My precious avocados were ground into a pulp in a can and preserved with lime juice, salt, and a list of other chemicals. My cilantro was canned in a jar full of the same chemicals and surrounded by other jars full of basil, oregano, parsley, thyme, and more. The carrots? Baby carrots, carrot slices, diced carrots, whole carrots, carrots with the tops or not--they were all shoved into glass containers or cans. My potatoes--oh... in jars, in cans, and on the shelf above everything were the words "FRESH." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"Mommy, are you ok?" my son asked. "I'm hungry."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I felt dizzy, like I needed to escape outdoors, so I pushed the cart forward, but when I did, my knees crumbled beneath me, and I slid to the floor. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"Are you ok, ma'am?" It was the same sales clerk as before. "Do you need some help?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"I can't ... I can't find what I need."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">He helped pull me to my feet, and I gripped the handle of the cart tightly to steady myself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"What do you need, and I will go get it for you and help you to the front."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"I need strawberries... strawberries for my son. And carrots... I want a carrot... just a carrot."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">He smiled and walked away, returning within less than a minute with an even bigger smile on his face. He tossed a bag of frozen carrots and a bag of frozen strawberries into the cart. "There you go--carrots and strawberries."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">My jaw dropped, and I sighed. "But I wanted real carrots... real strawberries--not frozen, canned, boiled, baked, peeled, or anything else--just fresh and raw."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"Raw? Oh. Haven't you heard?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"Heard what?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"Raw food is dangerous!" He pulled a card from his pocket and began to read aloud. "According to a new study, raw food, including all fruits, vegetables, salad greens, tubers, and many dairy and egg products, are high risk foods, which may cause illness and death. These foods readily grow e. coli, salmonella, listeria, bacillus cereus, and other bacteria. To prevent illness and death, this store chain has now pulled all so-titled 'fresh' foods from its shelves and replaced them with their equivalents, which have been sterilized, processed, and made safe for consumption to the public. No need to thank us. We care about our customers!" He smiled hugely at my son and I.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"But you don't understand," I said. "Don't you know that fresh veggies and fruits, tubers included, are all loaded with the nutrition we need--the vitamins, minerals, and enzymes--to prevent horrific diseases like cancer? Cooking them, processing them, sterilizing them--all of those things destroy the enzymes and reduce the vitamins and minerals available. It's the processed food that's bad for us, not the raw food!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"Not according to the study, ma'am."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"And what if someone can't eat the processed food? What if someone wants real fresh food? A carrot or a strawberry-- I guess they'd have to grow them."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"Ok, but, the government is actually cracking down on that. You can eat them yourself--that's your life, but don't go selling them or giving them to your kids. That's against the law. It's too dangerous."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I pounded my fist on the handle of the cart. "What?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"Don't you understand, lady? PEOPLE COULD DIE from eating YOUR STUPID FRESH CARROTS! Do you want people to die?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"I don't want people to die, Mommy," my son whimpered. "I won't eat any more carrots."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"The heck you won't!" I shouted, and from somewhere deep inside of me, bubbled up a scream, and I couldn't stop screaming, "RAW FOOD IS BEST! RAW FOOD IS GOOD FOR YOU! RAW FOOD IS BEST!" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And that's how I woke up... knowing that what I am putting in my mouth from my garden, sharing with my family and neighbors, is best. I know where it comes from. It's gathered properly and handled carefully, not tossed around by many hands, sterilized, pasteurized, stored, canned, frozen. It's 'fresh,' 'alive,' and full of nutrition. I'm so glad I don't live in the complete 'dream world' of the fear mongers-- <b>yet.</b></span></div>
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Geekyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074885716970121820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191380023060985726.post-69719045269155105462013-07-29T21:43:00.001-04:002013-07-29T21:43:09.123-04:00Our Old/Used/New Playground/Hay Feeder/Nesting Box<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EtAAlYdHoSs/UfcX0EWgj0I/AAAAAAAAAps/sbAH0zzskfA/s1600/2013-07-27+13.04.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EtAAlYdHoSs/UfcX0EWgj0I/AAAAAAAAAps/sbAH0zzskfA/s320/2013-07-27+13.04.24.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">It's been a while, so I thought I'd post a quickie. We've had an old playground that my son used when he was 3-5 years old sitting around, so a year or so ago, we moved it into the goat area for the goats to play on. They've always enjoyed it! However, recently its use has evolved.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ocljSxhA2s/UfcYt9aPrMI/AAAAAAAAAp4/XW9pVEcIf1M/s1600/2013-07-27+13.04.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ocljSxhA2s/UfcYt9aPrMI/AAAAAAAAAp4/XW9pVEcIf1M/s200/2013-07-27+13.04.03.jpg" width="150" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">A few months ago, I realized that the playground has several areas that are perfect for holding hay. Since then, it has turned into a nice hay feeder to get the goats away from the barn during the day some, which is necessary when it's muddy and muggy. Keeping hay away from the barn is a plus because it means less clean up in the barn area. It's easy to shove hay into the openings in the playground. Those who get pushed around can climb higher into the playground, and it gives them a little 'safety' from the others. Little ones can climb around and play up top or chase each other through the areas under the playground, which also contain nibbles for them to chew on.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">AND LO AND BEHOLD! A few days ago, I realized that the playground has now been taken over by a few new inhabitants. Several of my silkichins have decided that the playground 'tube,' which is usually filled with hay, is a great place for them to lay their eggs and nest! I thought, why not! It's out of the weather and easy to clean. So this playground was used to begin with--given to us by friends--and now it has become a huge part of the extended 'family.' It's old, used, and still new at the same time! You can't get any better than that...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XXe_Bsg0xso/UfcZh2W7zzI/AAAAAAAAAqA/aDgRvZKWAeU/s1600/2013-07-27+13.02.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XXe_Bsg0xso/UfcZh2W7zzI/AAAAAAAAAqA/aDgRvZKWAeU/s320/2013-07-27+13.02.55.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"></span> </div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"></span><br />
Geekyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074885716970121820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191380023060985726.post-13561111123573888112013-06-21T15:02:00.001-04:002013-07-01T00:51:25.303-04:00Goat's Milk Clam Chowder-- summer or winter treat<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">As I meandered down the crowded aisles of the grocery store yesterday evening, gathering supplies for the meals for the rest of the week, I found myself forced to go down one aisle that I always dread--the soup aisle. Why? I, like many people, have a horrible allergy to anything with MSG, yeast extract, hydrolyzed soy or animal proteins, and many of the hazardous 'spices' and 'spice extracts' now found in so many of the soups and pre-packaged soup starters. I have to avoid most of the broths available, either making my own from scratch or paying more for one that is organic and 'extract free.' So, as I walked down the soup aisle, remembering the taste of many of the soups I enjoyed in my childhood that I can no longer have, my eyes settled on a can of New England Clam Chowder. My mouth watered, and I could almost taste cream and potatoes. My son noticed my frown, and asked, "Mom, what's wrong?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">There was nothing else I could do at this point beyond saying, "Mom is going to have to be creative and see if she can create her own version of clam chowder." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"What's that?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"You'll see."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Of course, with so much goat's milk sitting in the fridge, it was the perfect opportunity to use some of it! My walk down the soup aisle turned into a good thing after all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Goat's Milk Clam Chowder</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1G_kdxyKw_8/UcSc8ccz6YI/AAAAAAAAAWw/SKMEVm1jLb0/s1600/158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1G_kdxyKw_8/UcSc8ccz6YI/AAAAAAAAAWw/SKMEVm1jLb0/s400/158.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>You will need:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">2 tsp fresh goat's butter</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1-2 tsp additional butter (to taste)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">3 green onions, chop, <b>or</b> 1 small onion, chop</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1-2 garlic cloves, minced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 celery stick, diced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">5-6 potatoes, peeled and cubed</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">2 1/2 cups chicken broth</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 8oz bottle All Natural clam juice</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 can (6.5 oz) clams (BumbleBee is what I used)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1/2 tsp black pepper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 tsp fresh, chopped parsley (or dry flakes)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 tbsp corn starch</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">6 cups fresh whole goat's milk</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">In a heavy pot, add 2 tsp fresh goat's butter. Heat over medium heat until melted and bubbling. Next, Add the green onions or onion. Cook 1 minute, and then add celery and garlic. Stir fry until onions are translucent. Don't burn the garlic! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Next, add chicken broth and clam juice to pot, in addition to the potatoes, pepper, and parsley. </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Cook until potatoes and celery are soft and tender--about 10-15 minutes over medium heat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">After potatoes are soft, add the corn starch and bring to a boil. Boil for two minutes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">When two minutes have passed, add the clams and slowly stir in your goat's milk. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Cook an additional 25-30 minutes over low heat, being careful not to boil and curdle the milk. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">You only want it to reduce and thicken, not boil. Have a taste and add butter and salt (if necessary) to your own taste. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Garnish with parsley, fresh if you have it, and serve!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large; text-align: left;">The end result is delicious creaminess with lots of potatoes and chunky clams! And no MSG!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large; text-align: left;">I intend to freeze some for later. It should freeze well.</span></div>
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Geekyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074885716970121820noreply@blogger.com0Sanford, NC, USA35.4798757 -79.18029939999996735.2730407 -79.503022899999962 35.6867107 -78.857575899999972tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191380023060985726.post-3529596523717715502013-06-19T19:38:00.000-04:002013-07-01T00:44:36.133-04:00Mmmmmmilk! What to do with it...<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">So now that Firestone Creek has several girls in milk, it's time to come up with extra things to do with it all. On the website, anyone can find several <a href="http://www.freewebs.com/firestone-creek-farms/Firestone%20Creek%20Farm%20Recipes.html" target="_blank">recipes</a> for using the milk in addition to those found in books and online. Of course, it's good to try the recipes yourself and make adjustments, sometimes combining various parts of recipes when it suits needs. The following recipe can be used to make cajetas--both syrup and candy--and sweetened condensed milk.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Mexican Cajeta</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">One treat that's always wonderful is Mexican cajeta. It can be made at any stage of goat lactation and can be cooked to various consistencies. It is extremely versatile and yummy! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">The following recipe was taken from Rikki Carroll's book <u>Home Cheese Making.</u> I have made a few modifications, including the addition of real vanilla and the option of cinnamon or chocolate. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>You will need:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">2 tbsp cornstarch </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> 1/4 tsp baking soda</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">3 quarts whole goat's milk</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">3 cups sugar </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> 1 tsp vanilla </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> 1 tsp cinnamon (if desired)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">chocolate chips (if desired)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Utensils:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">a tall pot (preferable with copper bottom)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">a wooden spoon (for stirring)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">a brush for washing the sides of the pot</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">To begin, dissolve the first two ingredients in a cup of</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> the goat's milk and stir to remove any lumps. Any you find can be flattened with a spoon and whisked a bit to make sure the three have blended properly. Next,add the remaining milk to the pot along with the dissolved ingredients above and the sugar.</span><br />
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CONTINUE TO STIR as you bring mixture to a boil. </span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>NOTE:</b> When you reach boiling, the mixture will foam quickly and may breach the top of the pot, making a huge mess and possibly burning someone. <b>BE CAREFUL!</b> It is boiling! Remove from heat temporarily if necessary to avoid boiling over.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9xdNK0toHo/UcIwMBMRBrI/AAAAAAAAAWE/s7QbEnljSFU/s1600/207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9xdNK0toHo/UcIwMBMRBrI/AAAAAAAAAWE/s7QbEnljSFU/s1600/207.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Lower the heat just enough to keep a steady boil going, but continue to stir. The mixture will continue to reduce as it boils. This does take some time, but it is worth the wait! After an hour, the mixture should look something like this photo. For a darker cajeta, use brown sugar (light or dark) instead of white sugar. Dark would be more traditional Mexican since it is much more like piloncillo. The brown sugars lend a richer, deeper taste, while the white sugar tastes more like what one would find in commercial cajeta candy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">When the mixture has reduced enough to thicken to a dense liquid (as seen in video below), slowly add the additional vanilla.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">At this point, it can be saved in jars for several weeks in the refrigerator and used in place of sweetened condensed milk in many recipes for pasteles like dulce de leche. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">To make traditional cajeta, continue to stir and thicken the mixture until it is the consistency of caramel. If cinnamon is desired, it may be added at this point. One could also melt chocolate chips into the mixture, giving it a chocolate-caramel taste. Allow it to cool slightly and pour carefully into warmed jars (place them in a hot water bath to avoid cracking when pouring the cajeta into them). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">One can continue cooking the cajeta past this point to make candy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hir_rmimekQ/UcI9DsEf5XI/AAAAAAAAAWY/GOxAocqhPNU/s1600/341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hir_rmimekQ/UcI9DsEf5XI/AAAAAAAAAWY/GOxAocqhPNU/s1600/341.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nsmd79DxiCc/UcI9Or70H5I/AAAAAAAAAWg/4c3q6KTnFnI/s1600/343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nsmd79DxiCc/UcI9Or70H5I/AAAAAAAAAWg/4c3q6KTnFnI/s1600/343.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a> Cooked to the firm ball stage, 245-250 degrees (use a candy thermometer), one will have lovely cajeta caramels. Simply spread the mixture out onto greased foil to cool, and then they can be easily cut into sections, shaped, and rolled up in wax paper for easy servings.<br />
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One can also make taffy by cooking a little longer or even lollipops by taking the mixture to hard crack stage. To avoid crystalization, add some butter, cream of tartar, or corn syrup when you add the initial ingredients. Wash down the sides of the pot frequently with a brush, too. Both of these will help keep the 'graininess' out of the candy.<br />
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<b>Hint, hint!</b><br />
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After one has so much cajeta, what does one do with it? One muy delicioso way to eat cajeta is over vanilla ice cream. Make fresh ice cream or ice milk from your own goat's milk (of course) or buy some. Warm the cajeta syrup in the microwave until smooth and flowing, and then pour this over the ice cream. Top that off with a few sprinkles of flaked sea salt and oooohhh... delicioso!<br />
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Geekyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074885716970121820noreply@blogger.com2Sanford, NC, USA35.4798757 -79.18029939999996735.2730407 -79.503022899999962 35.6867107 -78.857575899999972tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191380023060985726.post-89593672776684012652013-06-05T12:48:00.002-04:002013-07-01T00:45:15.963-04:00Una sorpresa bonita (a pretty surprise) and sales<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Ever receive a huge box in the mail? Automatically, you think there's something enormous inside--maybe even more than one thing! It's a little disappointing to open the box and only find something small, isn't it? However, I guess it depends on the value of what's hiding behind the four cardboard walls and all in the way that you look at it.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">Bella side udder 4 days fresh</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.freewebs.com/firestone-creek-farms/does.html#bella" target="_blank">NC Promisedland Z Bella</a>, huge as she was, only kidded with one single doeling. I was certain, as were quite a few other people, that she was going to have a minimum of triplets as huge as she was, but no! To our surprise, she only had one girl and then actually regained her girlish figure immediately afterwards. She could still fit in her bikini if she wanted! Yes, I checked; there were no more hiding in there somewhere, and no, she could not have had them anywhere else with one or two evading my sight. She was penned, so it's one baby girl--no more. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ba325oUDCJM/Ua9jN66yaxI/AAAAAAAAARs/x9RnHB2LnUs/s1600/027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ba325oUDCJM/Ua9jN66yaxI/AAAAAAAAARs/x9RnHB2LnUs/s200/027.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">Bella and Bonita</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Her name is On Firestone Creek SB Bonita (On Firestone Creek UP Sonic Boom *S X NC Promisedland Z Bella); that means "pretty" to anyone who does not have a background in Spanish. I'm sorry to everyone who was on the waiting list, but Bonita is retained. If you want, I can put in a request for more kids next time, but I am not sure she will comply. All I can say is that Bonita is adorable with a great personality, and Bella's udder is very nice for a first freshener, giving me almost 2.5 cups of milk a day while also nursing Bonita, so I am satisfied. Oddly, I actually wanted a buck out of this breeding, but I will take what I got and smile about it. How Bella went from all baby belly to nada, I will never figure out, but it's all good--regardless. I like what I found in the package when it was opened even if it was quite a surprise! Bella's udder has good attachments and seems strong in all of the other areas, too. She is easy to milk, and I may just put her back in the show ring this fall. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">On Firestone Creek R Hazel Nut</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KV3x9lulkHQ/Ua9mKdoY4iI/AAAAAAAAASE/jsa2os2Akns/s1600/037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KV3x9lulkHQ/Ua9mKdoY4iI/AAAAAAAAASE/jsa2os2Akns/s200/037.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">Milked out in this photo</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I have decided to sell Chapilene's mom, Hazel Nut, due to her small size. She has a decent size udder for a first freshener, but I have decided not to milk her because Chap is so small. I know some people like 'tiny' goats, and she is a small goat that produces small kids. On Monday, I took Chap, Butternut, and Pistachio to <a href="http://www.thirdstreetvetclinic.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Third Street Veterinary Clinic </a> in Siler City, NC, to be disbudded. Chap only weighed 2.5 lbs at 9 days of age while Butternut weighed almost 9 lbs at 2 weeks old. Big difference there! So <a href="http://www.freewebs.com/firestone-creek-farms/does.html#Hazel" target="_blank">On Firestone Creek R Hazel Nut</a> is available for $350 in milk. She is small with nice length of body, dairy neck, sharp withers, good legs, wide escutcheon, and a nice udder (shown above) with good attachments and plumb teats. She would be a great addition as a pet (to a home with other goats) or to a zoo or park. She is super friendly and loves attention, and she is a good mom. *<b>BONUS: Mention that you saw her on my blog, and I will give you a reduction in price. :)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">In closing, I want to say congrats to Firestone Creek PAL Palisade who is doing quite well at Proctor Hill Farm. Her newest udder pics are taken--third freshening and three years old--and they are completely AWESOME! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8QGT-fsq9gc/Ua9pNhFiHEI/AAAAAAAAASg/hCfIRWPfHiA/s1600/Palisade_rear_third+fresh_addie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8QGT-fsq9gc/Ua9pNhFiHEI/AAAAAAAAASg/hCfIRWPfHiA/s200/Palisade_rear_third+fresh_addie.jpg" height="200" width="141" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">Palisade<br /> Photo courtesy Addie Pepoli</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I have to say I am definitely one proud mama of my Pali girl and waiting to see what future generations out of her will produce. I'm hoping she gets in the show ring soon and that she earns her star on test this year. From the looks of this udder, I don't think she'll have any problems! Both of her daughters ( here and at Run Joey Run farm) have similar looking udders on their first freshenings. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">Palindrome</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Next up to kid are <a href="http://www.freewebs.com/firestone-creek-farms/does.html#Sunnee" target="_blank">Sunnee </a>(Rosasharn cross) and <a href="http://www.freewebs.com/firestone-creek-farms/does.html#palindrome" target="_blank">Palindrome</a>, who looks like she is going to pop soon with twins, maybe? Both are developing nice FF udders with plumb teats and good attachments. I have to say that I am very happy with the kids this year so far, including all of the does! Please see our <a href="http://www.freewebs.com/firestone-creek-farms/sales.html" target="_blank">for sale page</a> because we do still have some does and doelings (bucks, too) for sale and possibly more in the future.</span></div>
Geekyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074885716970121820noreply@blogger.com0