Goat Gestation Calculator

Calculate Kidding Date

Understanding Goat Gestation

Goat Pregnancy Duration

The average gestation period for goats is 150 days (approximately 5 months), though normal pregnancies range from 145 to 155 days depending on breed, nutrition, doe age, and number of kids. Most dairy goats kid around 150 days, while some meat goats may carry slightly longer. First-time mothers (first fresheners) sometimes deliver a few days earlier than experienced does.

Factors Affecting Gestation Length

Breed: Miniature breeds like Pygmy and Nigerian Dwarf goats tend toward the shorter end (145-148 days), while larger dairy and meat breeds average 148-152 days. Number of Kids: Does carrying singles often go longer than those carrying twins or triplets. Nutrition: Well-nourished does typically carry to full term, while undernourished does may kid early. Season: Does bred during optimal breeding season (fall) may have slightly different gestation than those bred off-season.

Goat Pregnancy Timeline

Signs of Impending Kidding

Days 140-145 (1 Week Before)

• Udder Development: Udder becomes tight and shiny, significantly larger than before pregnancy. Some does "bag up" weeks before, others just days before
• Ligament Softening: Pelvic ligaments on either side of tail head begin softening, creating hollows
• Behavioral Changes: Increased restlessness, seeking isolation, more vocal
• Appetite Changes: Some does go off feed 1-2 days before kidding

Days 145-150 (24-48 Hours Before)

• Ligaments Gone: Tail head ligaments completely soft—you can wrap fingers around tail head
• Hollow Appearance: Obvious hollows on either side of tail head
• Udder Fully Developed: Udder tight, full, teats point slightly outward
• Pawing and Nesting: Doe paws bedding, circles, repeatedly lies down and stands
• Discharge: Thick mucus discharge (losing mucus plug)
• Separation: Doe separates from herd, seeks quiet spot

Active Labor (Imminent Kidding)

• Contractions: Visible abdominal contractions, doe repeatedly lies down
• Tail Arching: Tail held to side or arched over back
• Pushing: Active pushing, doe vocalizes, water bag appears
• Delivery: Kid appears—hooves and nose first in normal presentation

Pregnancy Care by Stage

Days 0-30 (Early Pregnancy)

Nutrition: Maintain normal feeding regimen. High-quality hay, pasture, and moderate grain for does in good condition. Avoid sudden feed changes that could cause reabsorption. Management: Reduce stress, avoid rough handling, separate aggressive herdmates. Health: Continue normal hoof trimming and parasite management. Avoid unnecessary medications.

Days 31-90 (Mid Pregnancy)

Nutrition: Monitor body condition—does should gain weight steadily but not become obese. Provide free-choice quality hay, adequate water, mineral supplementation. Confirmation: Ultrasound possible from day 30-35. Blood test available from day 30. Palpation difficult but possible by experienced handlers around day 45-60. Exercise: Allow normal activity—exercise important for muscle tone needed for delivery.

Days 91-120 (Late Pregnancy)

Nutrition: Gradually increase grain over final 6-8 weeks—does carrying twins/triplets need significant calorie increase. Provide high-quality alfalfa hay for calcium. Vaccinations: Give CD&T booster 4-6 weeks before kidding to pass immunity to kids. Monitoring: Watch for signs of pregnancy toxemia (ketosis)—especially in does carrying multiples or obese does. Housing: Prepare clean, dry kidding area with fresh bedding.

Days 121-145 (Pre-Kidding)

Final Preparations: Clip hair around udder and tail for cleanliness. Assemble kidding supplies (towels, iodine, lubricant, bulb syringe, feeding tube). Observation: Check doe at least twice daily for kidding signs. Move to kidding stall or separate area a few days before due date. Nutrition: Some does go off feed—normal up to 24 hours before kidding. Ensure constant access to fresh water. Supplies Ready: Have veterinarian contact information readily available.

Kidding Process

Stage 1 Labor (2-12 Hours)

Cervix dilates, contractions begin. Doe appears restless, paws bedding, gets up and down repeatedly, may vocalize. Discharge increases (mucus plug released). Tail arches, doe looks at her sides. Normal duration varies—first-time mothers often have longer stage 1 labor.

Stage 2 Labor (Active Delivery)

Water bag appears (may or may not break), followed by kid's hooves and nose in normal presentation. Doe pushes actively. First kid usually delivered within 30 minutes to 1 hour of active pushing. Subsequent kids follow within 15-30 minutes. Doe typically stands and cleans kids immediately after delivery. Kids should attempt to stand within 30 minutes and nurse within 1 hour.

Stage 3 (Placenta Expulsion)

Placenta passes within 12 hours after last kid (usually much sooner). One placenta per kid, though they may be attached. Never pull on retained placenta—can cause hemorrhage. If not passed within 12 hours, consult veterinarian. Does often eat placenta—normal behavior that reduces predator attraction in wild.

When to Assist or Call Veterinarian

Post-Kidding Care

Immediate Care for Kids

• Clear Airways: Remove mucus from nose and mouth with towel or bulb syringe if doe doesn't lick clean immediately
• Dip Navel: Dip umbilical cord in 7% iodine solution to prevent infection (within 30 minutes of birth)
• Colostrum Critical: Kids must receive colostrum within 4 hours (ideally within 1 hour). Test colostrum quality with refractometer if possible
• Warmth: Ensure kids are dry and warm—hypothermia major cause of newborn death. Use heat lamp if needed
• Weigh Kids: Record birth weights—helps monitor growth and health

Care for Doe

• Hydration: Offer warm water with molasses immediately after kidding
• Nutrition: Gradual return to full feed over 24-48 hours. Alfalfa hay supports milk production
• Monitoring: Check udder for mastitis signs (heat, swelling, hard areas, discolored milk)
• Milk Fever: Watch for signs of hypocalcemia (weakness, trembling, inability to stand)—emergency
• Uterine Health: Monitor discharge—should decrease and lighten over 2-3 weeks. Foul-smelling discharge indicates infection

Common Questions

How long are goats pregnant?

Goats are pregnant for approximately 150 days (5 months), with normal range of 145-155 days from breeding to kidding. This equals approximately 21-22 weeks. Miniature breeds tend toward 145-148 days, while larger dairy and meat breeds average 148-152 days. Record your breeding date carefully to accurately predict kidding and prepare appropriately.

Can you tell if a goat is pregnant?

Yes, through several methods at different stages: Ultrasound (day 30-35, most accurate), blood test (day 30+), tail ligament softening (final weeks), udder development (final 2-4 weeks), abdominal enlargement (after day 90, especially with multiples). Experienced handlers can sometimes feel kids moving after day 120. First-time owners may not notice signs until late pregnancy—ultrasound or blood test provides early confirmation.

How many kids do goats usually have?

Most goats have twins (most common), though singles, triplets, and occasionally quadruplets or more occur. First fresheners (first-time mothers) more commonly have singles. Older, well-conditioned does on excellent nutrition often have multiples. Breed also influences: Nigerian Dwarf goats commonly have triplets or more. Litter size affects nutrition needs during pregnancy and milk production capacity after kidding.

When should I separate a pregnant goat?

Separate does 2-4 weeks before kidding if kidding in barn/stall or if managing individually. Benefits: easier monitoring, ensuring adequate nutrition without competition, preventing other goats from interfering during labor, controlling colostrum access for kids. Some farmers leave does with herd in pasture situations—works if adequate space, shelter, and doe is experienced. First fresheners benefit more from isolation and close monitoring.

What should I feed a pregnant goat?

Early pregnancy (days 1-90): Maintain normal diet—quality hay, pasture, minimal grain. Avoid obesity. Mid pregnancy (days 91-120): Gradually increase grain, provide alfalfa hay for calcium, ensure minerals available. Late pregnancy (days 121-150): Increase grain significantly (1-2 lbs daily depending on doe size and condition), high-quality alfalfa hay, constant access to clean water. Adjust based on body condition and number of kids—does carrying multiples need substantially more calories.

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