how to tell if a goat has been bred
Get my list of clues on how to tell if a goat has been bred so you have a better idea of how your kidding season will go in the spring. What to watch for right away to the clues you’ll see 30 days in.
Goat breeding and goat kidding can be tricky, so I want to help you as much as possible to make the entire process easier by sharing with you what I have learned over the years.
The first year I had goats, I purchased two young does that were bred. This not only jump-started my herd’s growth, but it also threw me right into the deep end, ready or not.
I read all the books and thought I was completely prepared, but I found that getting first-hand advice from someone who has been a newbie herself was worth more than any book I could buy.
When is goat breeding season?
Goat breeding season can vary depending on where you live, your purpose of breeding, and what goats you are raising. Overall, it is recommended to breed goats in the fall or early winter so that they will give birth in the spring when the weather is mild.
If you breed goats to sell the kids to 4H’ers, you may need to adjust your breeding dates to ensure they are the right age when selling.
Can goats get pregnant at any time?
It’s true that most goats are seasonal breeders, meaning they will come into heat and rut in the fall, which are two conditions needed for successful breeding. However, goats can get pregnant at any time of the year and any age.
To ensure a healthy breeding routine, use management practices to keep bucks and does separate to prevent accidental breedings.
One year, I had a very young doe get bred by my young buck; luckily, my vet was able to help prevent what could have been a life-threatening situation for the mother and kid. Do your best to have a reliable vet on call who can help you out in sticky situations.
Signs that a goat has been bred
There are a few signs to watch for right at breeding up until kidding that will tell you if your doe is bred. Just know these signs are not a complete science but clues to help us as owners be more on top of our breeding records and kidding schedule.
Right after breeding
Once you put your doe and buck together, there are a few signs to watch for.
#1. A string of discharge
A clear, slimy discharge will come from the doe’s vulva right after breeding, or you may see a wet back end. This is a good sign and means you are on your way to getting kids.
#2. Hard Thrust
Breeding is quick, just a few seconds at most, so catching it can be tricky. However, there is one clue to watch for if you see it: a hard final thrust from the buck at the end. The thrust is him forcing the sperm into the doe to ensure a better chance of breeding.
The thrust is something I always look for, and when I see it, I will note it in my records. More often than not, if I witness that thrust, there is a better chance of the breeding being successful.
#3. A Wet Back End
Another sign is a wet backend that is left over from the discharge mentioned in sign #1. This will show up right away and may last for a few days after.
#4. Dirty sides and back
This is not a sign of successful breeding but instead a sign there were attempts. If I see dirty goats, I know they are working at it, which is a good clue.
The dirt is from the hooves of the buck mounting the doe. If you see this, you will at least know there were attempts, and you can now monitor her for other clues.
2-4 Weeks After Breeding
Once the breeding is over and done with, there are a few more signs to watch for.
#1. Tight Belly
You can check your does belly with your hands a few weeks after breeding. Firmly press your fingers against her belly in the area in front of her udder. If it feels tight, this is a clue that she is bred. If it feels soft and loose, you will want to put her in with the buck for another round.
#2. Heat Cycles Stop
A goat goes into heat about every 21, which I always watch for as my confirmation if a breeding took. Keeping notes of your goat’s cycles and how often they occur will help you accurately stay on top of breedings.
Be sure you know the Signs of a Goat in Heat so you can tell when they are ready to breed.
Goat Record Keeping Log Book: Practical Guide for Goat Owners and Breeders, Organize and Track Vital Information (Medical Information, Vaccination, breeding and more)
Kajaia 2 Pieces Anti Breeding Apron, Anti Mating Skirt with Chest Strap and Collar Breeding Control Goat Skirt Adjustable Orange and Black Anti Mating for Goats Sheep M SizeAI Breeding Kit for Cattle Sheep Goats Pigs Horses Dogs All in One Box, Blue, 20x12x12
#3. Disinterest Buck
My biggest clue is when my buck is no longer interested in the doe. Nature is amazing, and the buck knows when a doe is in heat and open. If your buck is interested one month but not the next, you most likely have a bred doe.
#4. Milk Production Decreases
If you raise dairy goats, a bred doe may stop giving as much milk once she is pregnant. Again, good records are crucial to help you stay on top of your herd.
2-4 Months After Breeding
A goat is pregnant for 150 or just under 5 months. The halfway point is when you will start to see more physical signs of a successful breeding.
Use our FREE Goat Gestation Calculator to have a better idea of when kidding will begin.
#1. Increased Appetite
Like people, pregnant does will eat more to meet the demands of the growing kids inside her. This will start out gradually and continue until kidding.
#2. Swollen Belly
Depending on the breed and the number of kids, your goat’s belly may give you an obvious sign. Dwarf breeds tend to show more, whereas larger breeds such as Nubians and Alpines can hide kids more easily.
#3. Kids Moving
If you see a swollen belly, you can put your hands on it and see if you can feel movement inside. You will often feel the kids moving around, but it can be hard to distinguish from her rumen, especially in the beginning.
4-5 Months After Breeding
As kidding gets closer, signs will switch from breeding success to the approach of kidding.
#1. Nibbling at the Belly
As the doe gets close to kidding, she often starts to nibble at her belly and sides in preparation for labor. You may also hear her singing to her belly as a way to talk to her kids.
#2. Nesting Behavior
In the days leading up to kidding, a doe may show nesting behavior by pawing at the ground or creating a nest with hay or straw. Nubians tend to do this often as they get closer to kidding.
#3. Bagging Up
A pregnant doe’s udder will start to fill with milk as she nears kidding. This is called “bagging up” and can be an indication that labor is imminent.
Even though this clue seems like an obvious one, it may not happen until minutes before kidding. I had an Alpine doe that did not bag up until hours after her kids were born.
I had a farmer tell me once that the best way to know if your goat was bred is to watch for kids on the ground 5 months after the fact. Lucky for us there are a few clues to watch for that can help you relax a bit.
Having an idea of when and if your goats are bred will better help you to prepare for kidding season when the time arrives.
Recognizing when a goat is pregnant can really make farm life smoother and more enjoyable. By keeping an eye out for some tell-tale signs like a rounder belly, little kicks from the kids, or behaviors like nesting and “bagging up,” you can feel more confident and ready for the big day.
Each doe has her own way of showing she’s expecting, so getting to know these hints can help prepare and support them come kidding time. It’s all about staying connected with your herd and making sure they’re happy and healthy, which makes for a more relaxed and rewarding farming experience.
More Goat Breeding Guides:
Get more tips on breeding to ensure your herd is growing each season.
