goat terms
Getting started with something new can feel like stepping into a whole new world, especially when it comes to raising dairy goats.
There’s a lot to learn, and goat terms can sometimes sound like another language.
This guide will help you make sense of the most common ones, what they mean, and share a few handy tips to get you started on how to raise dairy goats with confidence.
When we decided to bring goats into our small homestead, I reached out to a neighbor who had her own herd and asked if I could stop by for a chat. I wanted to figure out if goats would be a good fit for our lifestyle, and I knew she could give me some insight.
What I didn’t expect was how much I’d get tripped up in the conversation. She was incredibly helpful, but she kept using terms I’d never heard before. I found myself asking, “Wait, what does that mean?” more times than I’d like to admit, and she’d patiently stop to explain each one.
Goat owners are a unique and passionate bunch. They truly love what they do and the animals they care for. Once you jump in and start raising your own herd, you’ll pick up the “goat talk” lingo before you know it.
Dairy Goat Terms Every Beginner Should Know
Jumping into the world of dairy goats can feel exciting but a little overwhelming, especially with all the unfamiliar lingo you’ll hear from seasoned goat owners. Don’t worry, though. Once you get the hang of it, these terms will quickly become second nature.
Different Types of Goats
Knowing the terms for different kinds of goats will help you understand the makeup of a herd and how to identify each animal based on age, sex, and their role on the farm.
- Does: Female goats that have either given birth or are capable of giving birth.
- Doelings: Female goats under one year old.
- Wethers: Castrated male goats.
- Bucks: Male goats that have not been castrated.
- Bucklings: Male goats under one year old.
By learning these distinctions, you’ll know how to talk about the goats you’re caring for and where they fit in the herd.
Goat Breeds:
Breeding Terms
When you’re raising dairy goats, breeding becomes a regular part of the year. It’s how you keep a steady milk supply flowing from your herd. Getting familiar with these terms will help you understand the process and feel more prepared when breeding season begins.
- Heat/Estrus: This is when your doe is fertile and ready for breeding. Think of it as her “dating phase.”
- Driveway Breeding: Need a buck to visit your herd for a quick breeding session? That’s what driveway breeding is all about. Read our guide on Driveway Breeding Goats for more info.
- Buck Rag: This is a rag or cloth that has been soaked in a buck’s scent. This little trick can help encourage a doe to go into heat.
- Artificial Insemination (AI): Instead of live breeding, AI uses collected semen to breed your goats. It’s a modern approach to building your herd. This can be a more helpful option if you are not set up to raise a buck.
- Buck Apron: This is like a buck’s version of a “no-go zone.” It’s a physical apron you can tie around his chest to prevent unwanted breeding. You can easily find these online.
- Rut: The breeding season when bucks experience a surge in hormones and become more active. Rut is something you will want to be familiar with. Read our guide on What is Goat Rut for a great overview.
Buck Apron OLOR Anti-Breeding Anti-Mating for Goats and Sheep (X-Large/Long)
AI Breeding Kit for Cattle Sheep Goats Pigs Horses Dogs All in One Box, Blue, 20x12x12ROPUKEY 5 Set AI Artificial Insemination Dog Breeding Kit, Dog Breeding Kit, Insemination Breeder kit for Dog, Dog Breeding Supplies for Small Breeds (7.87 inch)
More Breeding Articles:
Kidding Terms
Kidding is when does give birth to their kids, and it’s such an exciting time—but it can also feel a little nerve-wracking for goat owners, especially the first time out. These terms will help you understand what’s involved in bringing new kids into the world, so you’ll feel more prepared and confident.
- Gestation Period: The length of the pregnancy duration for goats. This is usually about 150 days.
- Birthing Kit: A collection of tools and medications you may need if you have to assist during kidding.
- Kidding Pen: A separate pen or space where a doe can give birth away from the herd.
- Freshening: The term for when a doe gives birth and begins producing milk.
- First (Second, Third, etc.) Freshener: This is a doe having her first, second, or third kidding, depending on how many times she’s given birth.
- Colostrum: This is the nutrient-packed first milk that’s crucial for a kid’s immunity and growth. Make sure to keep an eye on the little ones to ensure they’re getting enough colostrum within their first 24 hours.
- Kidding: The act of giving birth.
- Doelings and Bucklings: Female and male goat kids, respectively, under one year of age.
More Kidding Resources:
Dairy Terms
If you’re planning to raise goats for milk, you’ll get familiar with these tools and processes pretty quickly.
- Milk Stand: This is where your goats will stand during milking. It helps keep them calm and still, making the process smoother for both you and the goat.
- Udder: The part of the goat that produces milk.
- Teats: These are the nipples on the udder where milk is taken out, whether you’re doing it by hand or using a manual or electric milking machine.
- Mastitis: A painful udder infection that needs quick attention to avoid bigger problems.
- Milk Fever: A condition caused by low calcium levels after a doe gives birth. It can be serious, so fast treatment is important.
- Goat Hobbles: Velcro bands that are gentle and safe. Use goat hobbles to gently secure a goat’s back legs so you are able to safely milk them without getting kicked.
Dairy Goat Supplies:
Manual Milking Machine, 2L Effort-Saving Goat Milking Device, Sheep Cow Hand Vacuum Pump Goat Cow Milking Machine, Portable Milking Kit for Milk Plant FarmFoldable Goat Miliking Stand – 51×23 inch Metal Livestock Stand with Removable Feeding Tray, 500lbs Capacity Goat Sheep Stand for Trimming Shearing Milking Hoof with Adjustable Headpiece and HeightDOUB Goat Hobbles Binding Tool for Milk Goat Nubian Goats or Nigerian Dwarf Goat (1)
More Dairy Reads:
Goat Health Terms
Keeping your goats healthy is one of the most important parts of being a goat owner. Here’s a breakdown of common health terms and treatments that will help you care for your herd:
- Caprine: This just means anything to do with goats.
- Hoof Trimming: Regularly cutting your goats’ hooves is a must. It prevents overgrowth and helps them stay comfortable and active. Learn How to Trim Goat Hooves here for a beginner’s overview.
- Coccidiosis: A common illness in young goats caused by parasites. It often leads to diarrhea and weight loss, so keeping an eye out for symptoms is key.
- Bloat: This happens when a goat’s stomach gets too full of gas, often from overeating certain foods such as grain. It’s serious, so acting quickly is critical.
- Mange: A skin condition caused by mites that can cause itching and hair loss. Treating it early prevents further discomfort.
- Deworming: This involves giving medication, either chemical or herbal, to treat internal parasites that could harm your goats. Having a worm preventive routine is a great way to keep your entire herd healthier.
- Vaccination: A simple and effective way to protect your goats from preventable diseases. The required vaccinations can vary depending on where you live, so it’s a good idea to check with your county extension office or a large animal vet to find out what’s needed.
- Biosecurity: A big word that simply means the actions you take to stop the spread of disease within your herd, like cleaning equipment or keeping visitors from bringing in germs on their boots.
- Quarantine: Keeping new or sick goats separated helps you avoid spreading any illnesses to the rest of the herd. When bringing in new goats, it’s a good idea to keep them isolated for at least 30 days.
- Parasite Control: Taking care of pests like ticks, lice, and flies keeps your goats healthier and more comfortable. Lice are pretty common in goats, but don’t worry—they’re not the same kind that humans get.
- Worm Overload: When internal parasites grow out of control and start causing health problems that can be serious. Deworming can help keep this in check.
- Urinary Calculi: These are stones that block the urinary tract and are a serious condition that will need attention quickly. They’re more common in male goats, especially if they’re eating a high-calcium grain diet.
Purina | Goat Mineral Supplement Block for All Types and Lifestages | 33 Pound (33 lb.) BlockManna Pro Goat Mineral Supplement – Made with Vitamins & Minerals to Support Growth & Development – Contains Ammonium Chloride – Microbial Blend for Digestion – 8 lbsNutri-Drench Goat and Sheep – Rapid, Rich Nutrition Supplement 8 fl oz
Goat Nutrition
Healthy goats start with good nutrition. Here’s a quick rundown of important terms and tips about feeding your goats and keeping them thriving:
- Pasture: A fenced area with grass where goats can graze. Plan for about 200 square feet of pasture per goat in your herd.
- Hay: Dried grasses and legumes that make up a big part of their diet, especially during the winter months.
- Water: Always keep clean, fresh water available. Change it daily or consider using a continuous waterer to make it easier.
- Minerals: Crucial for growth and milk production. These are usually provided through special supplements. Check with your local extension office or a large animal vet to see which minerals are best for your herd.
- Feed: Grains or pellets can give a nutritional boost when needed. Most goats do well on pasture or hay alone, but grain is helpful for does in milk, pregnant does, growing kids, or goats that need extra weight.
- Grazing: Allowing goats to roam and feed naturally in a securely fenced area like a pasture.
- Herbal Wormers: Natural remedies to help manage parasites without relying on chemicals.
Goat Shelter
Goats need a safe, dry, and sheltered area that is protected from the weather. If you are also raising bucks, you will need more than one shelter or a large shelter that is sectioned off.
- Shelter: A barn, shed, or similar structure that gives them protection from the weather.
- Pasture: A fenced outdoor space where goats can roam, play, and graze. Aim for about 200 square feet per goat.
- Fencing: Sturdy, goat-proof barriers are a must for keeping them safe. Some popular options are electric netting, electric tape, wood, metal, or high-tensile fencing.
- Pen: Smaller areas inside a shelter for separating groups. A common size is about 5×7 feet.
- Sick Pen: A designated spot to isolate sick or injured goats while they recover. You can also use this pen to quarantine new goats for 30 days and make sure they’re healthy before introducing them to the herd.
General Care Terms
This section is more of a general overview of what goes into caring for goats rather than just a list of terms. I included it to give you a better sense of what’s involved in raising dairy goats.
- Grooming: Brushing and cleaning your goats helps keep their coats in good shape while alerting you to any skin issues. During summer, clipping the fur of your milking does can also help them stay cool.
- Exercise: Goats love to move and play, so encouraging exercise is important for their fitness and mental health. Consider building a climbing area or playground to support their natural climbing instincts.
- Handling: Take the time to learn proper techniques for safely working with your goats to make interactions smoother for both you and them.
- Record Keeping: Keep track of things like medical care, breeding records, and production stats. You can use a physical record book, a simple notebook, or even an online system.
- Emergency Care: Be ready to handle illnesses or injuries. It’s a good idea to have a vet or an experienced goat owner you can contact for advice, especially during kidding season.
- Waste Management: Regularly clean up manure to maintain a healthy barn and pasture. Set up a designated composting area so you can reuse the manure as fertilizer.
- Predator Control: Protect your goats from coyotes, dogs, and other predators by using secure fencing and providing a safe, covered shelter.
FAQ for New Goat Owners
Q1: How much milk do dairy goats give?
A: How much milk you get really depends on things like the goat’s breed, age, and overall health. On average, most dairy goats produce anywhere from a quart to 2 gallons of milk each day. Keep in mind, though, that this can vary quite a bit based on factors like their diet, where they are in their lactation cycle, and even their genetics.
Q2: How do I handle goats safely without stressing them out?
A: The trick is to stay calm and confident. Use slow, steady movements and guide them gently instead of forcing them. Goats love routine, so regular, gentle handling builds trust over time. And yes, treats can work wonders when you’re helping them feel at ease around you.
Q3: Do I really need to track records for my goats?
A: Definitely! Keeping records of things like medical treatments, breeding, and milk production is a great idea. It doesn’t have to be complicated; a notebook or spreadsheet works just fine. Having this info handy will save you tons of stress down the road.
Raising dairy goats is as rewarding as it is educational. Knowing these goat care basics will help you feel more prepared and confident as you start your herd. With happy, healthy goats, and the right know-how, you’ll be ready to welcome these fun, quirky animals into your homestead.
