This breed is thought to have descended from Spanish goats brought by early settlers to California.
The LaMancha dairy goat is born with its unique small ears. In fact, that is the distinguishing feature of this breed. The breed has excellent dairy temperament and is an all-around sturdy animal that can withstand a great deal of hardship and still …
Angora goats originated in Turkey and are raised primarily for their luxurious mohair fiber.The Angora dates back prior to early biblical history.Mohair became a valuable product in commerce early in the nineteenth century. In order to increase the supply of mohair available for export to the European countries, the Turks crossed the Angora goat with common stock to increase the poundage of saleable hair. The most …
Progestagens are reproductive hormones like ones that are used in birth control for women. Progestagens are a form of the natural progesterone produced in the body. Various forms of progestagens with different routes of administration have been used for estrus (heat) synchronization. It can be used to extend the lifespan of the corpus luteum during the breeding season when goats are already cycling and it is required for getting goats to show estrus and breed in the non-breeding …
Exposure to males after a period of isolation — at least three weeks and one mile away — can be used for induction and synchronization of estrus during the breeding and non-breeding season without additional treatments in goats. The physiological basis for this response is due in part to smell and sight, with neither stimulus completely accounting for the response. It is not effective if the males and females are together …
This hormone is naturally secreted from the non-pregnant uterus of the goat during the estrous cycle. It lyses (destroys) the corpus luteum so the cycle can start over. It is also secreted when it is time for birthing to help with the birthing process. Early studies with few animal numbers have shown that prostaglandin and similar hormones can be used for synchronization in cycling females. Studies have shown that during the breeding season, prostaglandin administered at a dose of …
The female reproductive tract is made up of the ovaries, oviduct (fallopian tube), uterus, cervix, vagina and vulva. The ovaries produces the eggs and the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone. At birth, the female is born with all of the eggs she will ever have in life. At ovulation, the egg is released from the follicle (fluid-filled “blister”) on the ovary into the fallopian tube (oviduct). Once the egg is released from the …
Understanding estrous cycles, mating, pregnancy and birth is important in managing animals for high reproductive rates. However, in order to understand these things, an adequate understanding of anatomy is crucial. The anatomy sections below describe the sexual and reproductive organs present, outside and inside the goat’s body, as well as their functions in both females and males.
Photo of kid nursing
Because the length of the day determines breeding in goats, light treatment to alter this photoperiod response is a well-known method to help get a doe to come in heat for breeding during the non-breeding season, especially in the dairy goat industry. Artificial lighting is used to mimic a long day (16 hours of either sunlight or artificial light) followed by eight hours of darkness. Then, the does are exposed to 8 …
The male reproductive tract consists of the scrotum, testis, epididymis, vas deferens, accessory glands and penis. In addition to surrounding and protecting the testes, the scrotum also aids in temperature regulation of the testes due to the presence of numerous sweat glands. The sperm and the male sex hormone, testosterone are made in the testes. Unlike the female, the sperm is produced throughout the reproductive life of the the male. The sperm is …
Practical goat nutrition involves providing sufficient nutrients for a desired level of productivity (milk, meat, or kids) at a reasonable cost. Nutrients are supplied via a combination of pastures, supplements, and other feedstuffs; adequate amounts are required for animals to produce at an economically viable level. For commercial meat goat production, the economics of nutrition are of paramount importance due to their great impact on cost of production and subsequent profit. For show, …
