A Complete Guide to Breeding Goats

Breeding goats can be a rewarding way to grow your herd, improve genetics, and produce milk or meat. However, goat breeding requires careful planning and knowledge to ensure the health and wellbeing of both the does (female goats) and kids. In this guide, we’ll cover everything owners need to know about breeding their goats responsibly.

Understanding Goat Breeding Basics

Before starting your breeding programme, it’s essential to understand the reproductive cycles of goats and the best practices to ensure successful breeding.

Breeding Age

• Does can be bred once they reach 60-70% of their mature body weight, which is typically around 7-9 months old. However, many breeders prefer to wait until the doe is at least 12 months old to ensure she is physically mature.
• Bucks (male goats) are capable of breeding from as early as 4-6 months, but it’s better to wait until they are at least 8-12 months old to ensure successful breeding.

Goat Breeding Season

Most goat breeds are seasonal breeders, meaning they come into heat during the autumn and early winter months (September to February in the UK). Some breeds, such as Nubians and Pygmies, may breed year-round.

Oestrus Cycle

A doe’s oestrus cycle lasts 18-21 days, and she will be in heat for 12-36 hours.

Recognising Signs of Heat in Does

To breed goats successfully, it’s essential to recognise when a doe is in heat. Signs of heat include:

• Restlessness and bleating
• Swollen, red vulva
• Increased tail wagging (also known as flagging)
• Clear discharge from the vulva
• Rubbing against fences or other goats
• Mounting behaviour (or allowing herself to be mounted)

The best time to introduce the buck is during the middle of the heat period, typically 12-18 hours after the first signs of heat.

Natural Mating vs Artificial Insemination

There are two main ways to breed goats: natural mating or artificial insemination (AI).

Natural Mating

Natural mating involves introducing a buck to the doe when she is in heat.

Advantages:

• Less labour-intensive
• High success rate
• More natural breeding behaviour

Disadvantages:

• Requires owning or borrowing a buck, which can be costly and requires proper housing
• Bucks can be aggressive or difficult to handle

Artificial Insemination (AI)

AI involves using collected semen from a buck to inseminate the doe without natural mating.

Advantages:

• Access to superior genetics from bucks around the world
• Safer and easier than keeping a buck on the farm

Disadvantages:

• Requires training or a professional to perform AI
• Requires accurate heat detection for successful insemination

Preparing for the Breeding Season

Before breeding your goats, ensure both does and bucks are in good health and ready for the breeding season.

Health Checks

• Check for parasites and treat if necessary.
• Ensure all vaccinations are up to date.
• Trim hooves to prevent hoof rot or other hoof-related issues.
• Check the body condition score (BCS) to ensure they are neither too thin nor overweight. Does should have a BCS of 2.5-3.5 before breeding.

Nutrition

Proper nutrition is essential for successful breeding and pregnancy:

• Does should be fed a balanced diet with plenty of forage and minerals.
• Bucks require extra energy and protein during the breeding season to maintain their strength and fertility.

The Mating Process

When the doe is in heat, introduce her to the buck. Allow natural mating to occur, which typically happens quickly once the doe accepts the buck.

• Hand mating: The doe and buck are brought together for a supervised mating session.
• Pasture breeding: The buck is turned out with the does for the duration of the breeding season.

After mating, it’s important to monitor the doe for signs of pregnancy.

Pregnancy Care

The gestation period for goats is 145-155 days, or around 5 months.

Signs of Pregnancy

• Increased appetite
• Weight gain
• Udder development (closer to kidding)
• Restlessness

A vet can confirm pregnancy through ultrasound or blood tests around 30-60 days after breeding.

Preparing for Kidding

As the kidding date approaches, prepare a clean, dry, and comfortable kidding area.

Kidding Kit Essentials

• Clean towels
• Iodine for disinfecting the kids’ navels
• Gloves
• Scissors
• Bottle and colostrum replacement (in case the doe cannot nurse)
• Veterinary contact information

The Kidding Process

The kidding process typically consists of three stages.

1. Stage 1: Early Labour

   • The doe becomes restless and may isolate herself.
   • She may paw at the ground or show nesting behaviour.

2. Stage 2: Delivery

   • The doe will start pushing and delivering the kids.
   • Most does will give birth to 1-3 kids, although larger litters are possible.

3. Stage 3: Afterbirth

   • The doe will expel the placenta within a few hours of delivery.
   • Ensure the placenta is fully expelled to prevent infection.

Caring for Newborn Kids

Immediate Care

• Clear the kids’ airways to ensure they can breathe.
• Dry the kids with a clean towel to prevent hypothermia.
• Dip the naval cord in iodine to prevent infection.
• Ensure each kid receives colostrum within the first few hours of life, which is critical for their immune system.

Monitoring the Doe

• Ensure the doe is nursing the kids properly.
• Watch for signs of mastitis (infection of the udder).
• Provide the doe with fresh water, hay, and grain to support milk production.

Weaning Kids

Kids can be weaned at around 8-12 weeks of age.

• Gradually introduce them to solid feed such as hay, grass, and grain.
• Ensure they have access to clean water at all times.
• Disbud (remove horns) and castrate male kids if desired, usually within the first week of life.

Common Health Issues in Goat Breeding

1. Pregnancy Toxaemia: Caused by poor nutrition in late pregnancy.
2. Milk Fever: A calcium deficiency in does, often occurring after kidding.
3. Retained Placenta: If the placenta is not expelled within a few hours, contact a vet.
4. Scours: Diarrhoea in kids, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Final Tips for New Goat Breeders

1. Keep records: Track breeding dates, kidding dates, and health checks.
2. Provide proper nutrition: Healthy goats are more likely to have successful pregnancies and healthy kids.
3. Seek veterinary advice: If you encounter any health issues during breeding, pregnancy, or kidding, don’t hesitate to contact a vet for assistance.
4. Be prepared: Always have your kidding kit ready, and ensure your goats have a safe and comfortable environment for breeding and kidding.
5. Be patient: Breeding goats can be a learning process, so be prepared to adapt and improve your methods as you gain experience.

Summary

Breeding goats is a fulfilling venture that can help you grow your herd, improve genetics, and produce milk or meat. However, it requires careful planning and management to ensure the health of your does, bucks, and kids. By understanding the breeding cycle, recognising signs of heat, and providing proper pregnancy care, owners can breed their goats responsibly and enjoy the rewards of raising healthy kids.

With good preparation, proper nutrition, and regular health checks, you can set your herd up for long-term success.