Breeding Goats

The most important thing in breeding any kind of goat is to keep a record on every doe and kid. These records can help plan for the kidding dates and any special feeding or extra nutritional supplements for your bred doe. It is also important to record any other problems orconditions associated with reproduction.

Does are usually bred at 7 to 9 months of age. Breeding a goat to early can stunt the animals' growth. The goat should be 75% of it's mature height and weight.
Most breeders try to breed for Fall kids and Spring kids, so the weather permits the kids to get a head start before Winter's cold or Summer's heat. Breeding in Winter and Summer can be done if the kids are well protected from the cold and heat.

Estrus or (heat) is the period when the doe will receive the buck. Usually this period lasts anywhere from 6 hours to 3 days .the doe may show any of the following signs-uneasiness, mounting other animals, shaking of the tail, frequent urination, and hollering.You will see the buck kick his front leg,stick out his tongue, sniff the does urine, and possibly urinate on his front leg.He will then try to mount the doe. If she is in standing heat,she will accept him. You will know if the buck penetrated if you see the doe arch her back after mating.

The gestation period is from 145 to 155 days,or 5 and a half months.A few days early or late is common.

It's common for a doe to have one or two kids. Some does can have three or four at one time.
In some cases ,that are very rare, a doe can have up to six at one time. I have heard of this in Dairy goats and in one case,a boer doe. Supplemental Colostrum feeding will be needed for this many kids. Have fun with your kids!!!