Eggs

[DonaldRumsfeldsTofu]

Alright, you guys had convinced me that a chicken would not work. (unless I was a druid or a high-level character) I'm thinking that a goat or yak might work. How frequently can you milk something? A yak would work more efficiantly, because a goat would have to be dragged around in unpleasent terrains on a leash, and it would bolt every time I dropped the leash to battle. A well-trained yak I could simply ride. What do you guys think?
I realize the most efficiant way of sustaining oneself while adventuring would be stocking up on trail rations, or hunting/gathering, but I want to prove to my friends that this way would work too.

 

[Mark]

How frequently can you milk something?

Like this plan of yours...?

Livestock is not going to be a good solution no matter what names you substitute. They simply don't travel well and will shut down by-product production under stress. That's simple the stress of always being on the move, not to mention combat situations. Their presence will attract predators and their upkeep will take up enough time to reduce your efficiency as an adventurer.

 

[Tewligan]

I think you should go with both the cow AND the chicken. The picture in my head of an adventurer trying to manhandle his livestock down a dungeon corridor is delightful. You should probably get a couple of pigs, as well.

 

[Robbert Raets]

If you want to do this, you'll probably need a caravan-style set-up. Not just livestock, but also carts/wagons, horses and retainers. That way, you'll have enough helpers, materiels and fodder.

 

[BiggusGeekus]

Hmmmm.

Ivory Goats
These come in threes. Each goat of this trio looks slightly different from the others, and each has a different function:
The Goat of Traveling: This statuette provides a speedy and enduring mount equal to that of a draft horse in every way except appearance. The goat can travel for a maximum of one day each week-continuously or in any combination of periods totaling 24 hours. At this point, or when the command word is uttered, it returns to its statuette form for not less than one day before it can again be used.
The Goat of Travail: This statuette becomes an enormous creature, larger than a bull, with the statistics of a nightmare except for the addition of a pair of wicked horns of exceptional size (damage 1d8+4/1d8+4). If it is charging to attack, it may only use its horns (but add +6 points of damage to each successful attack on that round). It can be called to life just once per month for up to 12 hours at a time.
The Goat of Terror: When called upon with the proper command word, this statuette becomes a destrierlike mount, with the statistics of a light warhorse (but hairier). However, its rider can employ the goat’s horns as weapons (one horn as a +3 lance, the other as a +5 longsword). When ridden in an attack against an opponent, the goat of terror radiates fear as the spell in a 30-foot radius (DC 16). It can be used once every two weeks for up to 3 hours per use.
After three uses, each of the ivory goats loses its magical ability forever.
Caster Level: 11th; Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, animate objects; Market Price: 21,000 gp; Weight: -.

.... you know.... the SRD never says if they are male or female goats....

 

[alsih2o]

Alright, you guys had convinced me that a chicken would not work. (unless I was a druid or a high-level character) I'm thinking that a goat or yak might work. How frequently can you milk something? A yak would work more efficiantly, because a goat would have to be dragged around in unpleasent terrains on a leash, and it would bolt every time I dropped the leash to battle. A well-trained yak I could simply ride. What do you guys think?
I realize the most efficiant way of sustaining oneself while adventuring would be stocking up on trail rations, or hunting/gathering, but I want to prove to my friends that this way would work too.

while i do not suggest a yak or cow, there is some merit to a goat.

many people and cultures used pack-goats. they can carry a great amount (for their weight) and are good in most terrains, but especially rough terrain where they surpass most. they are also excellent in their eating habits, foraging along the trail. a nanny milked every day will produce between 1 and 2 gallons of rich creamy milk.

and contrary to popular belief, the meat is fantastic!

just be careful not to get a feinting goat of you are going adventuring.

i still think livestock and adventuring do not mix well, but a goat is a better choice than most.

 

[Mark]

while i do not suggest a yak or cow, there is some merit to a goat.

...must...not...read...further...

 

[WanderingMonster]

Are we forgetting the druid and the benefits of the wildshape ability? Just get an 11th level druid cohort.

Or maybe ask your DM to make a were- template based on the livestock of your choice. You could get infected and then lay your own eggs.

 

[Tonguez]

while i do not suggest a yak or cow, there is some merit to a goat.

Yep goat meat is good

But can I suggest DonaldRumsfeldsTofu that you invest in a horse (ie a 'mare') Firstly no-one will laugh at you when you take a horse on an adventure and further it can be ridden, it makes a great pack animal and the Mongols show it can be milked and made into edible stuff and airag is both alcohol and medicinal (it can clear poison and is used to treat certain disease).

The amount of milk produced by one mare averages about 1.5-2 liters when milked six times per day the rest goes to the foals

An animal needs to be have a baby to produce milk and from this article I'd guess that it can produce milk for about 6 or so months per year

Plus you get an extra horse to use/sell/eat - horse meat is delicious

 

[Mark]

Or maybe ask your DM to make a were- template based on the livestock of your choice. You could get infected and then lay your own eggs.

Old Gypsy Curse

Even a man who's pure of heart,
And wants some eggs for hatchin',
May become a chicken, when the feed is spread,
And the barnyard needs a-scratchin'...