Below are some suggested management practices:
Does Management
1.) Provide additional feed to does and ewes one to two months prior to the breeding season. Supplement the females with 0.5 pound of concentrate or grain per head, per day to improve body condition and ovulation rates. Note: If the doe body condition score (BCS) is above 5 or the dairy goat's BCS is higher than 3.5, they may not require the additional supplement.
2.) Check the doe's body condition score, FAMACHA score (FAMACHA derived from the name of the creator of this system, Dr. Faffa Malan; CHA stands for chart); or, optionally, fecal egg counts biweekly to monitor the nutrition and health status of the animals.
3.) Two to three weeks prior to the breeding season:
- Deworm the does.
- Vaccinate the females with C&D tetanus toxoid.
- Check and trim the goat’s hooves if needed.
- Give the does an injection of vitamin E/Se to aid in ovulation. This is optional.
- Record all production and financial data.
4.) Breeding Day:
- Breed does with BCS between 5 and 6 or 3 to 3.5 for dairy goats.
- Place the buck with the does for two estrous cycles, or 42 days.
After 42 days remove the buck from the pen.
- Record breeding date, breeding weight (optional), FAMACHA scores and BCS.
5.) Mid-Pregnancy:
- Continue to monitor BCS and FAMACHA scores biweekly.
- Monitor does for signs of abortions, or bloody discharge around the vulva area.
6.) Last Six Weeks of Pregnancy;
7.) Vaccinate the does with C&D tetanus toxoid to pass the immunity onto the unborn fetuses. A veterinarian should be consulted to find out which vaccines are required for goats in a particular area.
8.) Increase feed if BCS are below 5 for the doe or 3 in dairy during the last two to four weeks of pregnancy, since 70-percent of the fetal growth occurs during this period. However, animals should not be over-conditioned at this time. Females that are too fat or obese during this period of gestation may have difficulty in kidding or they may become susceptible to pregnancy toxemia.
9.) Give a second injection of vitamin E/Se to aid in embryonic development. This is optional.
10.) Try not to handle the does that are over three months pregnant to reduce stress.
Other Suggestions:
1.) Take monthly fecal samples to monitor parasite loads, except during late gestation.
2.) Take monthly body condition scores or body weights except during late gestation.
3.) Observe females periodically for signs of abortions.
4.) Check the color of the gums periodically to assess the FAMACHA score.
5.) Keep records on all activities with the female.
6.) Check for signs of illness in the herd.
7.) Observe the animals daily.
8.) Don’t overstock goat areas.
9.) Be around during kidding.
Females that are in good condition prior to parturition should be able to produce offspring that are healthy, have good stamina and have good growth potential. The does should also be able to produce high quality colostrums and a large quantity of milk and be able to breed back quickly.
Reference: McKenzie-Jakes, A. 2008. Reproductive Management of Small Ruminants Module 13 In: Master Goat Producers Manual, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL.
