According to the experts at Fias Co Farm, you cannot confirm that a goat is pregnant simply by sight alone. To make matters more complicated, pregnant female goats, which are called does, do not start showing until a month before giving birth, which is called kidding. While all goats are different, there are symptoms of that a pregnant goat exhibits. Here is some information concerning the different changes in a pregnant goat, as well as the mating progress and ensuring a successful pregnancy.
The Mating Process
According a report by North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service (NCCES), does usually go into heat every 18 to 21 days from September until December. Symptoms that she is in heat include fighting with or mounting other doe; letting herself be mounted; excessive wagging of her tail; swelling of her backside and loss of appetite for feed. Does also "yell" and bleat quite a bit during this time. According to the NCCES, bucks (male goats) and does should be allowed to mate for twice during the breeding season to ensue successful pregnancy. A buck can mount as many as 30 does successfully. Does also can breed starting the age of 10 months, but wait until they reach the weight of 85 lbs so that can sustain a healthy pregnancy.
Physical Changes in a Pregnant Goat
The eyes of a pregnant goat will seem glassy and unable to focus at times. The doe is also known to lift her tail repeatedly to urinate, though there is little fluid. She will seem tired and weak, and lay down more often-- only to get back up moments later. Look for changes in her udder, which will seem extended, especially if she's never given birth before.
Behavioral Changes in a Pregnant Goat
Goats are social animals; a pregnant goat usually avoids joining the herd. She might seem jittery in her movements and appear on edge. She will also continually smell and paw at the ground and her bedding. There is an increase awareness of her surroundings, and the doe will look around her. Sometimes, she will even make soft noises to the sides of her body.
Sexual Changes in a Pregnant Goat
The vulva of a pregnant doe will look more looser and the opening will look extended. Often there will be a white discharge; if you have blood in the discharge, do not immediately panic. This is common, but of course, should be checked out by a vet. Lastly, a pregnant doe will rarely let herself be mounted again.
What to Expect
Ultimately, have your veterinarian do an ultrasound. After confirming the pregnancy, there are some general guidelines to follow. Approximately 3 months before birth, trim the hooves of the doe and provide an all-purpose mineral specifically formulated for goats. Adding a yeast culture can help aid in digestion and encourage good bacteria. Make sure to check her selenium levels for the next month and the month before her giving birth. A month before, you should add Vitamin E to her feed.Does will carry their kids on an average of 150 days, but can kid as early as 140 days and as late as 155. For more information, use the Goat Calculator found under Additional Resources to calculate the doe's due date.
Symptoms of Kidding
While all goats are different, there are some common symptoms that occur in a doe right before kidding include pawing on the ground; arising, settling down, only to sit back down; and a dark brown discharge. You should have on hand some old towels to wipe off the kids and a treat for the most after she has her kid. Dip the newborns' hooves and umbilical cords in a 7 percent iodine solution to prevent infection. Be sure to provide the mother with a dry, clean bedding, which will be very soaked from her effort and afterbirth, so she will comfortable. For more information on kidding care, see the Additional Resources.
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