ANSWERS TO OUR MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the normal temperature of the goat?

A. 101.5° to 104° F.

What is the normal pulse of a goat?

A. 70-80 beats per minute.

How often does a female come into heat and how long does it last?

A. Between September and March a doe will come into heat every 21 days. The heat will last 12-36 hours.

What is the gestation period for a goat?

A. 148 - 153 days.

How many kids will a goat have with each pregnancy?

A. Between 1 and 4 kids . . . sometimes 5.

What are some common terms used among goat owners?

A. Kid - baby goat
Doeling - growing female kid
Buckling - growing male kid
Dam - mother goat
Doe - adult female
Buck - adult male
Sire - father goat
Kidding - the birthing process
Lactation - period of time when doe produces milk
Drying Off - end of lactation
Measurement of milk by weight: 1 lb. = 1 pint, 8 lbs. = 1 gallon
Wattles - small hair-covered appendages in the neck area.
Stripping - removing the last milk from the udder
Colostrum - First "milk" after kidding, lasts 3-5 days.

How can I tell if my doe is coming into heat?

A. An early sign for a milking doe is a sudden increase in milk output. Tail wagging, bleating, frequent urination and swell of the vulva are also signs. When introduced to a buck, the doe in heat will show great interest. Ovulation usually occurs in the last few hours of heat. Best conception rates are during the period.

Is there a danger that my goats could get too much copper?

A small amount of copper is necessary for normal body function, but an excessive amount of copper will cause toxicity. The amount of copper in goat minerals should be about 1/4 of a pound of copper sulfate per 100 pounds of mineral mix. It would take 10 times that much for a goat to develop copper toxicity. Goats must never be fed swine feed, as it contains damaging levels of copper.

MAILING ADDRESS:
HOEGGER SUPPLY COMPANY
P.O. Box 331
Fayetteville, GA 30214

PHONE: 770-461-6926     FAX: 770-461-7334

ONLINE: TheGoatStore.com

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Last modified: January 10, 2005
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