Goat Reproduction

Reproduction

Photo of dam nursing kids.

Understanding reproduction in goats is essential to increasing productivity, which is largely a function of pregnancy rate, the number of offspring born and weaned and the frequency with which kids are produced. Therefore, goat reproductive management should produce a high level of fertility (greater than 90 percent) and an optimum litter size (two kids) with a high rate of survival to weaning. Understanding reproductive processes in the goat will help producers manage their herd more efficiently and breed their does to produce kids that will fit a specific market niche to command a maximum price. Major constraints to reproductive management of goats are the seasonal nature of breeding and a lack of data on the reproductive performance, especially of domestic goat breeds.

Anatomy

Puberty and Sexual Maturity

Reproductive Biology

Selection

Nutrition Impacts on Reproduction

Seasonal Impacts on Reproduction

Estrus Synchronization

Mating Systems

Preparing for the Breeding Season

Gestation (Pregnancy)

Parturition/Kidding

Lactation

Reproductive Techniques

Reproductive Failure