Tod, they are actually pretty heavy 'calves' compared to the Angora average. Both does are 2.9kg and the bucks are 3.6 and 3.7 kg.
Thanks for answering that for me dun. The reason for the freemartin condition is because cattle are monoctus (ie. disposed to only ovulate one ovum) wherease sheep, goats, deer, and certainly pigs are more polyoctus (ie. tend to ovulate more than one ovum). When the embryo of any ruminant species reaches a certain stage it develops the long membranes which become the placenta. These membranes are required to cover a certain area of the uterus, which triggers pregnancy recognition in the female. If this doesnt happen the pregnancy is aborted. When there are multiple embryos, the placental membranes can become overlapped. In polyoctus species, the embryos have the ability to move and change their position in the uterus so that they are no longer overlapped. Monoctus species such as cattle do not have this ability, thus the placentas stay overlapped. A transfer of hormones takes place and thus the freemartin is created. Freemartins are very rare in polyoctus species because generally the placentas do not touch.
Gate opener, these are the first kids which will carry my stud prefix and so, if they are of good enough standard the does will become registered breeders. The bucks will probably be wethered and used for mohair production for two years, after which they will be slaughtered for meat (I also tan the skins as a secondary product, they make beautiful rugs). Although if one or both show a lot of potential I will keep them intact, grow them out to 18 months and sell them as stud bucks - these kids have excellent genetics behind them, some of the best in Australia, so they may turn out alright.
Thanks everyone for the comments. Sorry for the novel. Cowgirl, hope your girls kid alright.
