male to achieve this status. istered stock.
Gold Certified Breeders have second-generation DNA-reg-
Unfortunately, changes in a Breed Association can lead some to resist the changes and refuse to get on board. This is one of the growing pains of Safeguarding the Diverse Genetics of a rare breed as it grows in demand and profitability. The Spanish Goat Association does not require DNA registra- tion, but we do require the Bill of Sale, seller signature and photos to insure verification of the goats. The long-term goals of the SGA to safeguard the breed genetics does in the short run protect the buyers, which in the long run does protect the breeders. The biggest issue Spanish Goat Breeders face is management of their own herd in their climate conditions for the results they are looking for. The strongest characteristic of the Spanish Goat Breed is its adaptability and survivability — parasite tolerance, hardiness under harsh conditions, mothering, udder and teat structure, hoof health, and strength of fertility in both males and females. However, this can also be the breed’s downfall. Spanish goats will adapt to management conditions and can be pushed to adapt in different specific directions. Keeping the adaptation and fertility high is essential to the breed’s future — what is essential here are pro- ducers who are committed to the Spanish Goat Breed characteristics. At Living Oak Farm our herd is put under tremendous pressure to thrive with very little support. Several of our females will kid twice per year while keeping their body condition. Our males successfully cover 50 females and our data confirms this when all the kidding is complete within a 10- to 15-day period. However, our Spanish goats do not typically have the bone size, body length and width of Spanish goats that have been pushed their first year with feed supplementation. Our mature females range from 70 to 125 pounds and our mature males range from 175 to 250 pounds depending upon age and bloodline.
Our goals are for the hardiest Spanish genetics in our hot and humid Southeast climate region — with a concerted focus on enhanc- ing breed characteristics. We are not focused on size, rate of gain or early maturity. However, as our closed herd continues to adapt and produce through selection and elimination, the characteristics of size, gain and early maturity are coming forward.
This has not been a short-term profitable endeavor but at this time the results speak for themselves. We are proud conservationists
Baylis and Kensing Spanish Goats at Stenger Farms in West Virginia. September 2021 | Goat Rancher 23
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