WHAT IS GOAT RUT

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If you are new to breeding goats, you might be a bit overwhelmed at what all you need to know. This guide will take you to the beginning so you can know what is goat rut and how it plays an important role in breeding your herd.

Rut is the official start of breeding dairy goats on a homestead, and the more you know, the better prepared you will be. Goat breeding and kidding doesn’t have to be scary. Let’s get you on track so you can enjoy this special time on a homestead.

WHAT IS GOAT RUT

There are goat terms that many homesteaders are aware of and “goats in rut” is a phrase you will want to be familiar with.

Goat rut is an important part of the breeding schedule; for us, it signals that the breeding season has begun. We’ll go over some basics on goat reproduction, things to watch for, how to prepare your herd, and a few of the most common questions new goat owners have regarding rut.

What is Goat Rut, and what does it mean?

Rut is the mating season of goats. If you are not sure of When to Breed Goats, this sign can help you to know.

When a buck goes “into rut,” that means he is ready and willing to breed female goats in a herd. Although this statement is true, a goat can breed any time throughout the year; however, they are more willing to do so while in rut.

Rut happens yearly, occurring when the days get shorter and cooler. This triggers hormone changes not only with your buck but also in the herd, giving off scents to each goat, making them focused on breeding and growing the herd.

a small goat farm in the fall with a tree of colored leaves

When Does Goat Rut Occur?

For goats rut typically occurs from August to January with fall being the main breeding season for many homesteaders. In Northwestern PA, our goats tend to rut heavily during the end of August through October.

Planning for Rut

Goat rut is an important event that should be watched closely and even planned for.

During this period, bucks are much more likely to show interest in female goats than at other times of the year. Even if your buck generally ignores the does, when in rut he will chase after them, sniffing and attempting to mount.

a male goat in rut sniffing a female goat in a pasture (1)

If your doe is in heat, she will stand still for your buck; if however she runs away, that is a sign she is not ready to be bred yet.

Knowing the signs of rut and heat will help you better plan for breeding each of your does. The planning you will want to consider is housing, nutrition, and pasture access. Let’s go over each of these quickly.

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Housing

Having enough space for breeding ensures you have enough room for your buck to run around safely with the does that are also in heat. If you have a large herd, a breeding area will help you to monitor breedings allowing you to keep more accurate records.

If you have young kids or wethers, consider having a separate area for them to stay in during breeding season. This will ensure they are safe away from a buck in rut that may become aggressive and passive of the does in the herd.

a group of wether goats in a barn

Pasture

It is also a good idea to have an area outside where your buck can be introduced to your does that is safe and open.

We like to section off a small area in our pasture that is open enough to allow the does to get away if they are not quite ready to breed, yet closed in enough to help the buck successfully mount and breed the does.

buck breeding a Boer Goat in a small pasture

Nutrition

Rut can be a stressful time for both bucks and does. This is why prepping your herd nutritionally for the breeding season is beneficial.

Giving supplements, vitamins, higher quality hay, and in some cases, grain are all things to consider. Please remember to consult with your local vet before adding any nutritional changes to your herd.

Disclaimer: In accordance with FDA guidelines, the information and products offered on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. I am not a medical professional. Before administering any medications to your animals please contact a veterinarian first.

When it comes to breeding and growing a herd, timing is everything. Let’s look at some of the most common signs. This list will better help you know when your breeding season is beginning.

Signs that Your Buck is in Rut

Bucks tend to act completely different while in a rut; here are a few things to be aware of.

#1. A buck that is in rut will start putting on a show. You may see him almost displaying dominant behaviors by curling his upper lip, shaking his head, and chittering out a unique call to the female does.

#2. He may show aggressive behaviors, although unintentional, to you and other animals in the herd. Please know that your buck has one thing on his mind…breeding. And if you are in the way, he will do what he can to get around you.

He is not trying to hurt you intentionally, and you will need to be aware of your buck to be sure you do not get accidentally hurt.

Two goats head butting each other in a pen (1)

#3. He may also start salivating and urinating more often than usual.

#4. Bucks in rut will likely become much more vocal than normal — bleating, yelling, and grunting.

Since we raise Nubians, a normally vocal breed, we usually warn our neighbors that things will be louder than what they are used to during the breeding season.

#5. Bucks will spray themselves with urine, a scent that alerts the does in the herd to his readiness. It has a sour smell and is stronger the older the buck is.

You will want to be aware of this smell as it can get into the air. If you milk near where your breeding area is, it “may” get into the milk, giving it a musty taste.

Age when bucks first enter into rut

Rut usually doesn’t start until a goat is at least a year and sometimes older than that. When a buck first enters into rut can vary depending on the breed, age, herd size, and how many does are in heat.

If you have a goat you want to go into rut, keep him near to any does in heat. This scent will usually trigger the start of rut in your buck.

Prevent Accidental Breedings

It is important to note that bucks do not have to be in a rut to breed, and male goats can actually breed a doe as early as 3-4 months old.

To prevent accidental breeding, it is good to separate the males immediately after weening. Having a pen away from the does will help you control the breeding in your herd better.

If you cannot keep your male kids separate from your main herd of does, you can use buck aprons to help prevent accidental breedings. I have not used them myself, but I know others that have successfully in their own herds.

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Rut Intensifies With Age

A buck’s behavior while in rut and the musty scent will intensify as he ages. So a buck that is one year of age will have light signs of rut with a slight odor and subtle behavior changes, whereas a buck that is 3 years or older may have an intense odor and be very determined, even aggressive, in his pursuit of a doe in heat.

Remember, bucks in rut smell, and for that reason, you will want to refrain from touching a buck as the odor will get onto your skin and clothes and “stick” with you for time.

Tips on how to handle a buck in rut.

When dealing with a buck in rut it is best to be cautious. A buck in full rut can become very aggressive and defensive when approached, especially if he has been unsuccessful at breeding a doe in heat.

Always remember that goats are herd animals, so they tend to react better when there are other goats present. Keeping a few does nearby can help to keep the buck in check when you are working around him.

We have found that letting nature take its course is the best way to handle breeding our goats. Bucks will be more aggressive when first entering in with the does, but as he settles, he will calm down and systematically begin breeding the does as they go into heat.

a buck head butting a wether

Goat rut can be overwhelming for goat owners, but knowing what to expect can be helpful in calming anxiety for you and your herd. Do your best to be prepared and prepare your herd to better handle the rigors of breeding.

Giving proper nutrition, incorporating safety precautions, and setting up a safe area for your herd will all help you successfully create a breeding routine that is calm and free of stress.

A Few Quick Tips for Breeding During Goat Rut

When breeding during goat rut, there are a few tips that can help to make the process easier and more successful:

  • Make sure that your does are healthy and in good condition prior to breeding. Goats should be on a regular deworming schedule, vaccinated for diseases, and given plenty of nutritious food before mating season. Read: How to Naturally Prepare your Goats for Breeding Season for more tips.
  • Make sure your buck is also healthy. Read our tips on How to Prepare Your Buck for Breeding Season to ensure he can handle the stress of breeding.
  • Introduce your buck to the herd gradually by having him stay with the does under supervision before keeping them together for an extended period of time.
  • Limit distractions on the farm, such as loud noises and too many people entering and leaving the area, which can disrupt the breeding process.
  • Ensure that your buck has plenty of space to roam and access to fresh water and good-quality hay.
  • If possible, have another person on hand to help with the process. This can provide an extra set of eyes and hands and eliminate potential stressors or distractions that could interfere with the breeding.
  • Keep a watchful eye on your buck and does, as bucks in rut can become aggressive towards other animals. If this happens, it’s best to separate them and reintroduce them slowly over a period of time.

USE OUR GOAT BREEDING CALCULATOR: If you want to know just when your goat will be due to kid, you can enter the breeding date here and get your target due date!!

GOAT GESTATION CALCULATOR

Keep this guide near so you can refer to it each breeding season. How to raise dairy goats that give amazing milk year-round by incorporating a healthy breeding plan into your flock.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your does are properly bred and allow the buck to do what he was born to do – spread his genes! With some careful planning and management, you can have a successful breeding season with healthy, happy goats.

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