Basic Goat Pregnancy Care

I’m reasonably sure now that all three Dwarf Nigerian does are “in a family way”, but we carefully considered their maturity and pregnancy needs before taking this step.  Basically, there are three stages of care to consider: 1) breeding, 2) early gestation, and 3) late gestation.  At each of these stages there is a preferred BCS (Body Condition Score) that should be maintained, specific feeding guidelines, and preventative vaccinations/health precautions that are recommended.

Bit 'O' Honey

At breeding time, it’s often recommended that first freshening does be at least 65% of their adult weight, that does BCS be at 2.5 to 3.0, and that they should be de-wormed (if necessary).

For Dwarf Nigerians, 75 lbs. is considered an average weight (so first freshening does should be about 49 lbs).  Tinker Bell weighed 60 lbs, Jewel Box 54 lbs, and Honey 51 lbs – so they all met the weight guidelines.   Some breeders use a much lower weight percentage as a benchmark and breed younger; however, this first time we didn’t feel comfortable going below the recommended 65%.  As the does passed 1 ½ years (old) this fall and achieved the recommended minimum weight, it coincided with when they would have naturally bred in the wild.  So, we felt comfortable that in age, weight, and maturity they were ready for kids.

Feeding a grain concentrate starting 2 weeks prior to breeding (and continuing for about two weeks after (referred to as flushing)) is suggested to get thin does body weight up; however, this didn’t seem necessary in our case (the does get a very small portion of grain each day and seem to be in good condition) since their BCS is at least 3.0.   Normal feeding at this stage should consist of pasture, hay (save your best hay for early lactation), and free choice goat mineral containing 16% calcium & 8 % phosphorus (it’s important to maintain the calcium to phosphorus ratio at 2:1 to make sure they’re getting enough calcium).

Tinker Bell

It’s also a good idea to deworm a couple of weeks prior to breeding – growing kids are enough work, the does don’t need to be dealing with a heavy worm infestation too.  We’d had analysis done by the Vet earlier in the fall and he recommended deworming in late fall.  So, we de-wormed with Ivomec 1% injectable at the rate of 1 ml/50 lbs approximately 2 weeks prior to the first visit to the breeder.

Early Gestation (up until last 6 weeks prior to kidding)

The average goat gestation period is 150 days, and the first 3 ½ months are considered the early gestation period.  During this time, the embryo(s) grow slowly, and there are usually few observable changes in a doe.  BCS should be maintained at 2.5 – 3.0, and it’s important not to stress the doe (now is not the time to bring in new goats, a dog, etc.).  If stressed, a doe at this stage is capable of reabsorbing the embryo – obviously not a desirable outcome.  Feeding should consist of medium quality hay, good pasture, and free choice goat mineral – they don’t need grain at this stage.  Ours do get a very small portion of grain to encourage them onto the goat stanchion each day for a checkup and a little grooming.  Drugs should not be given to goats during the first 25 – 30 days of pregnancy, fetal cells divide rapidly during this period and introducing drugs at this time can cause birth defects.

Late Gestation (last 6 weeks)

During the last 6 weeks, kid fetal growth increases exponentially, so nutrition should increase to bring the BCS up to 3.5 – 4.0.  To do this, feed should consist of pasture, medium to good hay (orchard grass + legume), free choice mineral, carbohydrates should be removed, and a grain concentrate gradually needs to be added.  For the grain concentrate, a 15% protein goat pellet is recommended and at this point, the doe needs to be eating for at least two (herself plus however many kids).  Exactly how much grain concentrate and how quickly to increase the ration needs to be tailored to each doe – does feeding multiples need more concentrate, but the kids shouldn’t get too big or kidding will be difficult.

Jewel Box

It’s also important during this period to watch the goats daily, if their BCS isn’t adequate they can go into ketosis, pregnancy toxemia, or hypocalcaemia quickly.  For these conditions, having molasses and propylene glycol on hand are critical but a Vet will also likely be necessary.

At four weeks prior to kidding, it’s recommended that the does be vaccinated with CD&T (if the doe has not been previously CD&T vaccinated also give at 60 days prior to kidding), given BoSe (Selenium + Vitamin E) in areas with Selenium deficiency,  and some breeders vaccinate or treat to prevent abortions.  The CD&T vaccination ensures that the kids will have tetanus immunity (through the colustrum they receive after birth) and the BoSe prevents white muscle disease in kids.  Vaccinating or treating to prevent abortions is dependent on the condition causing the abortions and is not applicable since our does are all first fresheners.

The prospect of having milk and cute little kids bouncing around this spring is very exciting, but also scary.  Our little (not so little any more) does have become much more than just sources of brush control and milk – they’ve become loved pets.  And since we don’t want them to suffer any harm, we’ll try to provide the best care we know through the various stages of their pregnancies.

Related Articles:

Bramblestone Doe Kidding Schedule

Body Condition Scoring for Goats

CD&T and BoSe Injections for Goats