Accurately recording individual milk yields lets dairy goat producers know which of their does are really paying their way and which ones to use to produce new breeding bucks. Performance recording uses these same records to determine which bucks are producing daughters that can raise milk yields to the next level. Performance recording of milk yield and milk constituents has the potential to raise productivity of breeds and herds. In most cases, this increased productivity results in an increased efficiency that often leads to increased profitability for the producers of herds of all sizes. Milk production testing means documenting milk yield over some period of time and may include measuring milk fat and protein.
Producers consider testing for several reasons.
First, the recorded information provides producers with the raw material they need to implement selection programs aimed at making genetic improvement in their herds. It is difficult for producers to permanently improve their milk production if they have no performance records upon which to make their selection decisions. Second, as a marketing tool for seedstock producers, test results allow the public and potential customers to know the performance merits of individual animals and herds. While performance information need not be public to be used effectively in a selection program, it's public dissemination is extremely useful in buying and selling breeding stock. A third reason appeals to the competitive spirit that exists among some dairy goat owners.