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