Dairy One Certification Exam

When we decide to go on milk test we had so many

questions, one of which was where do we send the milk?

Well you send the milk to an outside lab,

from recommendations from a few friends we decided to go

with Dairy One for our milk test lab.

So I got in touch with Dairy One,

they were very helpful and sent me the

Dairy Goat Technician Handbook

along with the Certification Exam and Instructions.

Let me just say that I feel like I am a

fairy intelligent person but

this test and handbook are so confusing.

I have reached out to others on milk test

and they have relayed to me that it's not

just me, its the handbook and the test.

Most people on milk test are milking cows

and so some of the information is geared more towards cows

so you have to get over that aspect of the test.

The other thing about the test that is frustrating is

that it seems the test was written by someone

that has been doing milk test for years so they

know the answers and the answers probably seem like common sense.

But if you  have never done milk test before, let alone seen how

things are done, the test and handbook can seem like

they are written in a completely

different language.

There are questions on the test that

the answers can not be found in the handbook.

My best advice is to reach out to someone that is on

milk test and have them help you if you find yourself

utterly confused.

The test consists of 17 questions,

mostly fill in the blank with a few true/false.

Then there is also a part where you

practice filling out the barn sheets and charts.

You are given a list of does and what is going on with

each doe and your supposed to chart each does milk weights

and any conditions affecting their record.

Another complaint I have about the test

is the size of the font on the charts.

It's really difficult to read the CARs and Status Codes

on the pages that were sent with the test.

When you send in your exam you have to send in payment

for the test which runs $20 if sent in prior to March 16th or

$25 if sent in after March 15th.

This is the prices and dates for 2016.

You have to re-test every year and

certifications expire in April each year

regardless of when you tested the year before.

For pricing with Dairy One look here. 

Or contact:

Kayla Turcsik: 1-800-344-2697 Ext: 2120

Email: kayla.turcsik@dairyone.com

Or

Kevin Henry: 1-800-344-2697 Ext: 2159

Email: kevin.henry@dairyone.com



Target and Snap Dragon Confirmed Bred!

We did ultrasound pregnancy checks on Target and Snap Dragon and
they have both been confirmed pregnant, each with at least twins!


Both of these girls are due beginning in August.
Target is bred to Riser.
Snap Dragon is bred to Fletcher.


There are open reservations for kids on both of these does.
Check out our website to see the pedigrees on both sire and dam.
www.archersacres.com

LITTLE TOTS ESTATE ON TARGET

SOME DAY CAME MTZ SNAP DRAGON

Buck Kid Available

Buck Kid Available:

 Gold & White, Blue Eyes

DOB: 5/25/2016

SOME DAY CAME LK FLETCHER D1743384
SOME DAY CAME GR CAHUITA D1710917

...

ADGA Registration available.

Kid will be disbudded, tattooed, up to date on vaccines and de-worming.
Whole Herd Tested Negative Spring 2015, CAE, CL & Johne's.

Intact Price: $350 Wether Price: $75

  Can go as bottle baby or at 8wks/after weaning.

Dam is a first freshener, udder pics are at 10 days fresh, 12 hour fill.

http://www.archersacres.com/nigerian-dwarves-for-sale.html
http://www.archersacres.com/our-does.html
http://www.archersacres.com/our-bucks.html

Starting Milk Test- It's So Overwhelming!!!

I am taking the next step in proving my herds worth and

starting on Milk Test DHIR.

If you haven't looked into doing DHIR let me tell you

it is so overwhelming!

ADGA does have a checklist on their website but

I am planning to write up a really complete step by step

instruction blog post once I figure it all out myself!

So far what I have is the following,

(and not in exact order either):

• Choose a testing lab, we are going with Dairy One, based on a recommendation from a friend.
• Decide which testing program you want to do
• The test plans are in the ADGA guidebook starting on page 56 in the 2016 guidebook. The guidebook is on the ADGA website under publications.
• We are going with OS 40 AR, it seems to be the easiest for most newbies and is better than OS 40 ST because if for some reason you don't make 240 days/8 tests, you can always switch to ST... But you cannot switch from ST to AR.
• Get in touch with said lab and get a handbook
• Take the test to become a certified tester
• Find someone else willing to become a certified tester so they can do your verification testing
• Buy a Scale, don't make the mistake we made and just buy any ol' scale, make sure you get one that says "Legal for Trade", otherwise it can't be certified, at least not here in Georgia.
• Have said scale certified, we found a someone here.
• Get your herd enrolled with ADGA DHIR program

So, that's what I have so far.

I plan to make a more complete list with detailed steps,

but I honestly don't understand what I'm doing enough

at this point to give you more than this!

If your already on milk test please let me know if I have missed anything!

If your going on milk test or thinking about it let me know

and we can learn together!

One place that has been really helpful is a Facebook group I found, DHIA Goats.



Our Newest Addition, A KuneKune!

We are SO EXCITED to be adding the KuneKune Pig to our little homestead!

 

"The KuneKune Pig is a delightful breed of swine once near certain extinction.  They were only found in New Zealand and kept by the Maori people.  They are known for their extremely laid back, docile, friendly personalities." The American KuneKune Pig Society

 

 

She is registered AKKPS and AKPR

Jenny/TeWhangi lines

 

 

"The Kunekune Pig (pronounced "cooney cooney") is a breed known as the "Maori Pig" having been developed by the first people of New Zealand.  Being near extinction in their homeland during the 1970's, two animal preservationists, Michael Willis and John Simister, are credited with their conservation.  Since that time, the breed has gained recognition on both the North and South islands of New Zealand, in Great Britian and Europe, the United States, and, most recently, in Canada. The Kunekune Pig in America is finding a serious niche market for small farms, in sustainable farming systems, for permaculture, and with chefs, charcutiers, caterers, and in home butchery.

 

UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS - Kunekune Pigs are relatively small in size with boars rarely reaching much over 250 pounds.  They are varied in hair color and hair texture with ears that are pricked or semi-lop.  Extremely docile in temperament, the breed is suitable for first time pig growers.  For a comprehensive description of physical characteristics, see BREED STANDARD.

 

FEEDING - Kunekune are known to many as "the Grazing Pig" being extremely efficient on grass and not prone to root or roam.  Pasture grasses work well with very little needed in the way of supplementation. Hay can be fed when pasture is scarce or unavailable. " The American KuneKune Pig Registry

 

 

http://americankunekunepigsociety.com/

 

http://www.americankunekunepigregistry.com/

 

Anatomy : Capra hircus

I hope this will be of some help to yall.

I love anatomy books and

I have this really great one on large animals.

I wanted to share some of it with yall.

Spurgeon's Color Atlas

of

Large Animal Anatomy

The Essentials

Anatomy of the Goat