MEET THE BREEDER

“If you don’t know Ibex, and Turs, know the breeder. You want a breeder who will help and guide you as you develop your own herd and have an interest in your animals long after they leave their place of origin, not just someone whose focus is only to sell kids.” – David Meeks

 

David Meeks enjoys helping professional breeders as well as hobbyists to learn more and build quality herds. 

 

He has been breeding and raising numerous species of animals for more than 32 years. He combined his education in the biological sciences from Carson-Newman College with his lifelong passion for animals. Meeks operates Cinema Animal Talent, specializing in the care, training, and management of animals used on the sets of national and international movies and advertising campaigns. When pressed to choose a ‘favorite’ among the many animals he has worked with and nurtured, David admits that it’s the Ibex and West Caucasian Turs that have uniquely captured his heart.

 

“In watching and raising Ibex for so many years, I’ve had the special privilege of noticing details about them few others have seen: they have an agility, gracefulness and personality traits as well as physical features that make them very special. I am eager to share my passion for preserving the unique qualities of the Ibex and Turs with others as they begin their own herds. I welcome on-site visitors as well as phone calls from those with additional questions.”

 

Why is breeding more than just a hobby?

 

Today’s breeders of Ibex and Caucasian Turs can take a valuable role in the preservation of these species. There are genetically pure Ibex and Turs in North America. However, they come from a limited gene pool. Becoming part of a nationwide systematic breeding program enables the hobby breeder to become a conservationist by building the quality of the gene pool for this species. It is important to keep accurate records on all herd animals. Practicing this discipline will help others match their breeding goals while adding new animals to their herd. Good record keeping and selective breeding ensure healthy animals.

 

Semen Bank

 

 A semen bank for Ibex and Turs is in place to aid in the preservation of the species. Straws from the following animals are available for sale:

1 East Caucasian

2. Tur West Caucasian Tur

3. Turbex (Alpine & West Caucasian Tur)

4. Turbex (Nubian & West Caucasian Tur)

(Please call for details)

 

"I first started focused breeding in an effort to preserve the best species-specific characteristics of Siberian and Alpine Ibex. Over the course of 30 years working with these animals, I’ve learned countless lessons in the care, husbandry, and preservation of these animals, and in the process fell in love with the traits of Nubian Ibex and Caucasian Turs. With my herds of Nubians and Turs, my goal is to reverse the effects of inbreeding within the limited gene pool currently available. The key is a focused approach to breeding and herding to ensure optimum health and longevity. I look forward to working with like-minded breeders so that we can ensure the preservation of these magnificent animals."  David Meeks

 

Lineage

 

"Fawbacca" a pure Nubian male sired all babies from 2005 to 2008. "Vincent," also a pure Nubian male, was selected to sire all babies in 2009 and 2010. "Vincent" was selected to introduce wider horn spread and larger knurls into the herd and the results have been very positive. Although I have focused on Nubian Ibex, I also have a small group of young Alpine and Persian Ibex. All Ibex and West Caucasian Tur sires have been introduced to the program for the specific purpose of accentuating certain desirable traits and physical attributes.