Before breeding, some goat owners will flush her, to bring up pre-pregnancy weight. Flushing is done by adding extra grain or higher-quality forage to the doe’s diet and can cause her to release more eggs during estrus, thereby increasing the chances of a successful breeding.

Seasonal Breeders

Most goat breeds, including most dairy breeds, are seasonal breeders, meaning they come into a season of estrus for a few months out of the year. This includes Pygoras, a fiber-producing breed. Nigerian Dwarf, Boers, Spanish, fainting goats, and pygmy goats are year-round breeders. When breeding the doe, look for estrus. Tail-wagging, bleating, and a mucus discharge from the vulva are some common signs of goat reproduction. She will have an estrus cycle approximately every 20 days. During the two or three days that she is in heat, the ovaries release eggs. If breeding occurs during this time, the doe will likely end up pregnant.

In most breeds, fertility cycles occur late summer into late fall or early winter. Commonly, does will be in estrus or heat during August, September and October.  If you have a buck in with the does, he will also alert you to a doe in heat. Bucks have distinct behavior during breeding season, including tongue flapping and a distinctly unpleasant smell from the urine. Be cautious when thinking about running a buck with the herd. If he has access to the does all the time, it is harder to estimate when the kidding will take place. While many does can and do give birth unassisted, even in the field, occasionally assistance or emergency methods are needed. Knowing approximately when your does will kid gives you a chance to be on hand to assist.

Keep in mind that even older does, that should not be bred any longer, will still cycle and have a heat. They often have more problems with goat gestation. If you do not want to put an older female at risk of a problem goat pregnancy, make sure she has no contact with a buck during breeding season.

Goat gestation is approximately 150 days. Of course, this will vary based on individuals and breeds. Knowing how long a doe is pregnant is key to scheduling your kidding season. Breed the doe to kid at a convenient time by counting back from the desired time frame.

What to Do While Your Doe is Expecting

For most of the goat’s gestation period, you won’t need to change her routine. If the doe is in good condition before breeding, she will be able to breeze through the pregnancy. Add additional care during the last few days.

At 100 days, increase the feed according to the recommendations from the feed company. Trimming hair from the udder and crotch area may be needed, depending on the goat. In selenium-deficient areas, give selenium injections one month before the due date. If you are unsure if your area’s soil is deficient in selenium, ask your livestock vet or a county ag-extension agent. In addition, many goat breeders will give a vitamin booster of A, D and E around day 135.

As kidding time approaches, prepare smaller birthing areas in your barn. A larger stall can be sectioned off into a few kidding pens so the doe can labor and deliver in a quiet environment. Line the floor with deep straw and prepare your emergency goat delivery supplies, keeping these supplies close at hand. Few goats will wait to go into labor while you run back to the house to collect supplies. And while I believe that most goats don’t need us in order to deliver healthy kids, you will be so glad you prepared for  emergencies if problems happen.

When Labor Begins

Goat labor signs are individual. Some does will want to wander away from the flock. Vocalizing is common; some does become quite loud. The udder fills, although this can also happen right before kids appear! The ligaments around the tail relax and become mushy. The doe may bite at her sides and make soft sounds to her baby. She may seek you out or totally try to get away from you. It’s different with each doe.

photo credit Carrissa Larsen – Feather and Scale Farm

What Is In a Goat Kidding Kit?

Nitrile exam gloves, lots of dry towels, and a suction bulb top the list. Add a lubricant such as obstetric jelly or olive oil, in case you need to assist with turning a kid from a bad birth position. Iodine is useful for dipping umbilical cord ends. Most of the time, the cord will stretch and separate as the sac is cleaned off and the kid detaches from the uterus. Occasionally, a long cord may need to be clamped off. There are clamps on the market for this purpose.

For the doe, I add a bottle of molasses. A welcome drink of warm water with added molasses helps the doe continue to care for the kid or kids. You can help her dry off the kids, if she is too tired and if it doesn’t add more stress.

Each time you breed doe, you will learn more and become more confident. Learning what to look for, length of goat gestation, and knowing the best time to breed helps produce a good outcome.

Originally published in the March/April 2018 issue of Goat Journal and regularly vetted for accuracy.