Does' Breeding Time-span

[MelodyM]

How long is a doe good for breeding? My NZ White doe is 3 1/2 years old and has had about 1 litter per year. The past few breedings haven't taken, and I'm not sure if it's the buck or her. It's a new buck too, never been bred before (I got him when he was 2 months old).

I read on one site that does are good for 4 years. Is this true with any of you?

 

[woahlookitsme]

I have a four year old doe I'm retiring. She had one singleton in her final litter and nothing else. Some people have does that produce up until 5 with no problem. It depends. I don't think you should use an unproven buck if you are trying to get her last litters out of her. If she hasn't had another litter within a year of her last you might have to retire her. I don't have many old does but I do notice if they aren't used within the next year and have something hit the ground (whether dead or alive) then it is like pulling teeth to get them bred again.

 

[majorv]

I agree, one litter per year may mean she won't produce litters as long as she would have. I have a Polish doe who is 4 and still producing, though her litters are smaller.

 

[ladysown]

problem with breeding once a year as it encourages does to develop internal fat. internal fat makes it difficult to get does bred.