Descenting

Descenting

Descenting of male goats is often necessary because of a strong odor that is produced by multiple oil glands located behind the base of the male’s horns. These scent glands are stimulated by testosterone, making the odor most offensive during the fall breeding season. Other glands located on the neck and shoulders also become active at breeding season. Although the sexually active buck will urinate on his face and forelegs, the buck odor is not in the urine.

Descenting is recommended and easily accomplished at the time of disbudding. It is advised to do this under sedation by a veterinarian.

Reference: Goat Medicine by Mary Smith