Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
the presence of estrone sulfate, a hormone produced by a living fetus about 35 days after con-
ception. If the doe is not pregnant and you are still in the breeding season, it may be possible
to breed her again. You can continue milking a doe that is not pregnant right through to the
next breeding season, though her milk production will not be as high as a goat that has given
birth.
Later in pregnancy, you will be able to feel the presence of the kids through the goat's abdo-
men. Some veterinarians perform ultrasounds on livestock, but this is not necessary unless
you are overly concerned about a doe.
Miscarriage
A goat that was bred and then comes back into heat may have miscarried a fetus. Miscarriage
is not uncommon among goats. There are a number of causes: disease, poor nutrition, poison-
ing, death of the fetus, or the natural rejection of an abnormal fetus. Diseases that cause mis-
carriage include leptospirosis and vibriosis; your veterinarian or local agricultural extension
office can tell you if goats in your region need to be vaccinated against these. Injury is a com-
mon cause of miscarriage. Injury can result from does butting each other to establish domin-
ance or by climbing or jumping off elevated objects. A pregnant goat that is new to your herd
or one that is overactive should probably be put in a private stall where she will be more sed-
ate.
You may not always be able to detect miscarriage in the early stages of pregnancy. Signs of
miscarriage include bloody discharge and changes in behavior such as loss of appetite, a
dazed appearance, or reluctance to mingle with the herd. If you suspect a miscarriage has oc-
curred, watch for the expulsion of the placenta. Do not rebreed a doe that has suffered a mis-
carriage until the next season.
Record dates and causes of miscarriage on the individual health record that you keep for each
doe. If several goats in your herd miscarry or give premature birth, they may be infected with
chlamydia or another disease, and you should consult your veterinarian.
Caring for a pregnant doe
Milk-producing (lactating) goats should be dried off two to three months before the kids are
due to allow their bodies to nourish their kids and build up reserves. Five or six weeks before
the kids are expected, boost your goats' C/DT vaccinations, trim their hoofs, and worm them
