Joy and Buck Infertility

My luck this year with breeding the goats just will not hold out. It's been abysmal, really. If you've been following along on Facebook, you know that I bred four does to kid this fall and none conceived. You might also know that a doe I had not bred started to develop an udder -- nope, she wasn't pregnant either, just precocious. And lastly, you may also know that I bred four more does to kid in the spring and purchased a bred doe (not to be confused with bread dough), and only one of those does is currently pregnant!

First, I should introduce you to Joy, my newly purchased doe who is, unfortunately, not pregnant. Meet CapraKoza SG Joy to the World, aka Joy:

I struggled to get a good photo of her, because she was always either a) following me around or b) staring at and following the dogs around outside of the quarantine pen. The latter is what she was doing when I snapped this picture. So, since my picture stinks, here is one more that her breeder has given me permission to use:

       

My dad and I made an eight hour round-trip to Indiana to pick Joy up this past Sunday, after waiting three long months for circumstances to work out with her breeder where we could finally come get her. (They were in the process of moving from northern Indiana to Evansville.) I wasn't really in the market when I purchased Joy back in August, but I could not pass this girl up when I happened upon her. Her pedigree is just incredible. Her sire is PGCH Brush Creek Smoking Gun (Caesar's Villa FD Sugar Foot *S x Jeanne's Jewel Opal) and her dam is Rosasharn SP Jump for Joy 6*D 6*M (ARMCH Rosasharn SW Saporro *S E x ARMCH Rosasharn TL Almond Joy 5*D 5*M). And that is just the tip of the iceberg! In all, Joy has 5 does in her four generation pedigree that have made it onto the Top Ten Breed List for milk production (not including her full littermate sister, Caprakoza SG Silent Night 7*D 7*M, who has also made the list).

Joy herself is just a beautiful doe with so many of the qualities I value. She is also such a well mannered sweetheart. She had to endure four hours of transport (in a large dog kennel that had to be assembled in the back of my car, no less -- the heater broke on our van), but she was not phased. She stood very still to let us draw her blood for the pregnancy test and routine disease testing, and she settled right into her temporary home in our quarantine pen. She is not happy about being away from other goats, but no goat likes to be alone. It won't be too long before she will get to meet her new herd.

I am disappointed that she is not pregnant. I will breed her to Bazinga for spring kids, but I was hoping to get a doeling out of her who would not be related to the rest of the herd other than her dam. I think I have mentioned before that I am in the process of diversifying my herd. Joy is part of that process -- bringing in Rosasharn lines, which I have always admired so much -- and I was hoping her offspring would be as well. No such luck!

And diversifying my herd just got a little more difficult. The only doe that was successfully bred is Coraline, who was bred to Bazinga. Can you guess what the common denominator was for the other failed breedings (at least five or six of them, though I'd have to look at my planner to know the exact number)? 

Sigh.

The one factor that was the same for each failed breeding was my first homegrown bottle baby buck, Wybie.

This was to be his first year breeding, but apparently it is instead going to be his last year as a buck. I am considering having his fertility checked out, but with so many failed attempts, the point seems moot. He is healthy and up to date on all his mineral supplements, so there is no probable cause other than simple infertility. And since he was bred to several different does, the problem clearly does not rest with the does, either.

This is good news for Bazinga, because he is going to go on a lot more dates this year than originally planned! However, it's not so good news for me. I didn't want all of next year's kids to be by the same buck, but now that is unavoidable with Wybie being infertile and Joy not conceiving before leaving her breeder's. I will be purchasing a new herd sire next year, but for now Bazinga will have to get the job done all on his own. (I'm sure he won't be complaining.) 

I am glad I started breeding the does earlier than usual this year, because I at least have time to get most of the does bred to kid in April and May. I don't want to have any summer babies, as the weather tends to just be too miserable at that time, so any does that don't quite make the deadline will be bred to kid next fall. 

Here's to hoping, praying, crossing fingers, and doing a rain dance in hopes that my girls will cooperate with me this time! 

Cheers!

How to Use Essential Oils

I originally posted this guide as a file on my essential oil Facebook group, Let's Talk Essential Oils! Click the link to join in the conversation!

There are three main ways in which essential oils are used: Aromatically, Topically, and Internally.

Aromatically

Oils have long been treasured in aromatherapy practices. Using oils aromatically can cleanse the air, remove odors, and promote better moods. Plus, they smell good and are a healthier, safer way to scent your home than chemical fragrances.

There are several ways to reap the benefits of oils aromatically:

∙ Diffuse either by using an electric cold-air mist diffuser (this is the best kind) or by steam in either a candle-powered diffuser or pot of steaming water. A cold mist diffuser is the better choice, because the heat in a candle diffuser degrades the oils the a certain extent and makes them evaporate more quickly. However, I have used a candle diffuser, and it's not a bad option if you can't purchase a mist diffuser right away. Use 2-4 drops.

∙ Oils can also be diffused in your car, by using either a terracotta diffuser or a felt or leather pad placed in a locket of some sort. One simple and easy way to do this is to purchase a stainless steel tea strainer and place a felt pad inside. You can also purchase car diffusers that plug into your cigarette lighter, but personally I find that the aroma diffuses quickly using the tea strainer method. Use 1-3 drops, and start on the smaller side. In such a tight space the aroma can become overpowering if you use too much (ask me how I know!).

∙ Similarly, you can purchase or make diffusing jewelry made with terracotta or with a filigree locket in which a pad of felt or leather can be placed. Put 1-2 drops in your necklace and wear to diffuse about you for several hours to all day, depending on the oil and your sensitivity to smell.  

When diffusing using felt, leather, or terracotta, allow your oil to completely evaporate before applying a different oil unless you want to mix the fragrances. This usually at least 24 hours and often longer. 

Topically

Essential oils can be used topically for many reasons, including but not limited to using in massage, applying to minor skin abrasions, soothing sore muscles, minimizing scars or blemishes, or simply using as a perfume. Some essential oils are even useful for minimizing the effects of aging!

Most essential oils need to be diluted in a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, before applying directly to the skin. Some milder oils can be applied "neat" (with no carrier oil).  Follow doTERRA guidelines for each oil to determine whether or not to dilute.

You should also test a small area of skin on your forearm to check for sensitivity before using a new oil. Always dilute essential oils when applying to children.

Oils can be applied topically using your hands or by adding the EO to fracionated coconut oil in a roller bottle. You can also add essential oils to lotions, balms, toothpastes, and salves.

If you apply an oil and begin to have a negative reaction, such as a burning sensation, apply a carrier oil like coconut to dilute and remove the oil. Water will not dilute or remove an essential oil from your skin.

Internally

Certain essential oils can be taken internally for various benefits. However, you should always research an oil before ingesting it as certain oils, like wintergreen, are toxic when ingested. Always follow doTERRA's guidelines and only ingest an oil approved for internal use. Any doTERRA oil considered generally safe for ingesting will have nutritional information and instructions for ingesting on its bottle and in the product information guides.

When taking oils internally, the most common ways are to place the correct amount of oils in an empty vegetable capsule or to mix with liquid. Oils should always be taken with plenty of water, and don't forget that less is more with oils!

Other Uses 

Essential oils are used in various other ways as well. They can be used in homemade cleaning products (lemon is a very popular cleaning oil), as perfumes, in cooking, and in homemade items such as lip balms or lotions. The uses of essential oils are really almost endless!

One thing that I love about doTERRA is that they list the appropriate uses for each and every oil they sell, so if I am unfamiliar with a particular oil and its uses I am not left to figure it out on my own. As a Wellness Advocate with a wholesale account, I also have access to my "upline," which consists of the people on my team who have been with doTERRA longer than I and have more experience whenever I need or want some first hand advice. Although EOs are generally safe, it is important to use them appropriately and according to the recommended usage. It's also important to use them in a way you feel comfortable. Each person is different, so if you are not comfortable using an oil in a certain way -- even if other people are doing it without any problems -- follow your own preferences.

As always, you can contact me with any questions, or click the images below to join doTERRA or purchase oils!

         

Cheers!