How Long Are Goats Pregnant?
If you're a goat owner, you're likely aware of the importance of goat pregnancy and its impact on the overall health of your animals. Goats have a relatively short gestation period compared to larger farm animals, making it essential to know how long a female goat will remain pregnant. In this post, we will go over the basics you need to know about goat pregnancy, from gestation length and breeding season to signs of labor and delivery.
This is of course assuming that you know your goat is indeed pregnant, if not please check out How To Tell If Your Goat Is Pregnant.
Gestation Length of Goats
The gestation period of goats is typically around five months or between 145 and 155 days, but it can vary depending on the breed. For example, Toggenburg goats have a gestation length of 175 days (which is unusual), while miniature breeds like Pygmy or Nigerian Dwarf goats have a gestation length of only 145 days. Understanding the gestation length of your goat's breed is crucial to determine the due date and prepare for delivery. Most full-sized breeds you should expect to see imminent labor signs at around 150 days, so make sure you are prepared with a Goat Kidding Kit -20 Things You Might Need .
Goat Breeding Season
Most goats are seasonal breeders, which means that they will only mate and become pregnant during certain times of the year. Breeding season typically begins in late summer and continues through early winter. During the breeding season, male goats or "Bucks" are introduced to the females "Does" for mating. If you don't have a buck and would rather not own or rent one, Artificial Insemination may be an option. Goats can become pregnant quite early in life, so if you have young does, make sure they are separated from the bucks before they reach maturity. Nigerian Dwarf goats, for example, reach sexual maturity as early as three months of age, while other breeds of goats, such as Alpine or Saanen, reach sexual maturity at six to eight months.
During Goat Pregnancy
During the first couple months, there may be little to no physical signs of pregnancy, but after that, the doe's body will start to change. The belly will grow larger, and the udder may begin to swell, indicating milk production is about to begin. As the pregnancy progresses into the later stage, the fetal kids will grow larger, and the doe's belly will become more prominent. You should be able to feel some kicking now and again near the end of the third month. This is when you should be doing frequent checks for signs of labor.
Signs of Goat Labor
As the end of pregnancy approaches, the doe will exhibit several signs of labor, and it's essential to be prepared. A fairly consistent sign is to check the softening of her pin bones. Once they go from soft to so soft they seem to disappear, birth is typically 12-24 hours away. The doe may also start to display restlessness and discomfort as she prepares for delivery, often secluding herself from the herd and pawing constantly at the ground making a nest for delivery.
When the time of birth arrives, the doe will lie down and begin pushing. The first kid should appear within an hour of the start of labor, and subsequent kids should follow every half-hour to an hour. If the labor process takes longer than an hour, it may indicate a difficult birth, and you may need to seek professional veterinary help. Difficulties are often due to a breach birth and can usually be corrected by going in and straightening the kid manually and giving them a gentle tug to get them out. Twins are the most common, then triplets, then singles and then quads. Pay close attention to the doe as she will tell you if she's got more kids coming, but once she passes the placenta, she is certainly done. For more detailed info check out How To Tell If My Goat Is In Labor.
Delivery of Goat Kids
After delivery, it's important to ensure that the amniotic fluid is expelled from the nose and mouth of the newborn kids. This is a great time to break out those old towels with holes in them you've been hanging onto. The kids will be wet, weak, and may require assistance to stand and begin nursing. Get them dried off as best you can and let the mother "help" you as she should be trying to clean them herself, but giving her a hand will get those kids up nursing a little quicker.
It's ideal to get the kid to nurse within an hour of birth, so after they get a bit dry, help them to stand and direct them to a teat. This first drink of Colostrum will help give them the boost they need to thrive. The doe will expel the afterbirth and placenta, usually within 24 hours and may even consume it.
Tips for Goat Owners
To ensure the health of the pregnant doe and her unborn kids, it's essential to provide her with fresh and clean water, a balanced diet and proper minerals before and during pregnancy. Check out our Goat Mineral Guide for more information on what minerals your goats will need. Besides getting your kid birthing kid together, you should prepare for the due date by having a clean designated area for the birth and all your supplies close at hand.
Conclusion
In conclusion, goat pregnancy is an important and rewarding aspect of goat farming, and it's essential to know how long a female goat will remain pregnant to prepare for delivery. Understanding the gestation length of your goat's breed, breeding season, and signs of labor is crucial to ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery. It will also help you stress less about what is going to happen and when so you can be well prepared. Also, by providing your doe with proper care and nutrition during pregnancy, you can ensure great health of both the mother and the newborn kids.
Pin it!
More Like This!
Goat Kidding Kit -20 Things You Might Need
How To Tell If My Goat Is In Labor
