herd

Braynusen Herd of Anglo-Nubians

The Herd


		How it all started! It all started in 1998 after a move to bonnie Scotland. At first the two special kids, Khloe and Prunella, were bought as pets, but we were gradually persuaded to start showing later that year, and that's where the fun began! The grandchildren are usually responsible for choosing the name of the new goats, however, with the exception of ‘Bollinger' which was chosen by my son-in-law who has a liking for the famous champagne!

		The main influences in the herd are Ballingall Khloe, from Fiona Fairley; Kilsall Prunella, from Angie Carrier and Sire of Merit Newcairn Aramis, from Bob and Susan Mason. These outstanding goats produced the following: *Ch R188 Braynusen Bollinger Q Br Ch. dob 23-3-2004. She was the first Anglo-Nubian to be Champion at the Royal Highland Show. Sire SM Newcairn Aramis Dam Kilsall Prunella She has been awarded 6 CC's,4 reserve BIS,10 IPCC's and 19 BCC's and Scottish Goat of the Year 2008. R110 Braynusen Buttercup Q* Br Ch** Scottish Goat of the Year 2006. R200 Braynusen Bonnie Q*

The success of the Braynusen herd is in part down to 'good genes', but huge thanks should go to many of Alan's fellow goatkeepers who have, over the years helped him to gain experience in goat husbandry and provided him with invaluable help, advice and support, not only at the shows but also when the goats have been poorly. Heartfelt thanks go to them all

		Management of kids: The kids are, as seen from the photograph, bonded to humans straight away and are bottle reared for as long as the milk is available, ideally up to the age of 12 months. A wide variety of feed is given to the kids including barley straw, oat straw, hay and alfalfa and they always have little branches to munch on to keep them occupied. Getting them out to graze is important too, when the weather allows.

		Braynusen Godiva getting a cuddle from Carla, Alan's daughter. Getting the kids used to being handled regularly is important, particularly when it comes to the management of their daily routine, and of course when they are in the show ring.

		Herd Management: The milkers are out in the fields throughout the year when the weather allows, for both grazing and exercise. Their feeding regime is as follows: Before morning milking - Handful of Just Grass/Green Gold Lucerne/Alfa A. After Milking - Soaked handful of beet pulp/whole oats/bruised oats/bran. Scoop of Pasture mix/Davidson's sheep mix. Hay and Straw available all the time and then they are put out to graze most of the day. Before Evening Milking - Chopped carrots / cabbage / apple / banana / brown bread and a handful of dairy nuts. After Evening Milking - Soaked sugar beet / whole oats / bruised oats. Scoop of Pasture Mix/Davidson's sheep mix. A selection of branches, mainly Willow which they love are also given to them regularly.

		Showing: Showing is a family affair, with grandchildren taking part, here pictured showing the kids at Perth Show 2008, where Braynusen Bollinger won Best In Show and Braynusen Florence won Best Kid in Show.

		Goatlings: Goatlings go out to graze regularly too, here pictured is Braynusen Fleurie. Braynusen Evita won Best Goatling at the Highland Show in 2008 and Braynusen Ebony won Best Goatling at Ayr Spring Show in 2008. Both these goatlings have kidded for the first time in 2009.

		Males: One of our home bred males, Braynusen Samson, now owned by Rosemary Earl, Lincs. He has done well in the show ring winning 4 BCC's in 4 shows and 1 CC. For more photos of our 2009 males, please see our gallery. Braynusen males have found homes in N Ireland, S Ireland, Wales and England.