Make the Most of Breeding Season - Start Prepared

The days are getting shorter: the natural breeding cycle is starting up again. This is the ideal moment to breed your kids. With the following tips, you’ll ensure the breeding season goes smoothly.

Tips for Goats
Goats are seasonally in heat, usually from August through January.

• Choose the right time: Breed your goats between September and November. During this period, they are most likely to be in heat.
• Maintain body condition: An overweight kid will have difficulty conceiving. Adjust the ration on time, in consultation with your advisor. Always provide sufficient minerals, since a shortage can cause a weaker cycle.
• Prevent heat stress: Heat stress negatively affects fertility and implantation of the embryo.

 

Tips for Bucks
Your bucks also deserve the right preparation for a smooth breeding season.

• Get them in condition on time: Make sure your bucks are fit. Start at least six weeks beforehand and provide enough minerals.
• Prevent injuries: Trim the horns of your bucks before introducing them to the group to prevent injuries to the does. Be careful to avoid the sensitive tissue.
• Watch out for heat stress: Heat stress reduces sperm quality.

 

Management Tips
With the right approach, breeding season goes a lot smoother.

• Select in advance: Choose your kids before introducing the buck. Keep animals younger than seven months or lighter than 35 kilos separate, and only breed them when they’re ready.
• Sufficient bucks: Place 1 buck per 20 kids in the group.
• Provide small, short stress moments: This stimulates heat activity. For example, moving the buck more frequently between groups creates such a stress trigger. Do note: goats are creatures of habit, so don’t overdo it.
• Scan on time: We recommend scanning 9 weeks after introducing the buck. The earlier you remove pregnant kids from the group, the sooner you can adjust their ration. It also allows the buck to focus more.
• Breeding outside Sept.–Nov.: Use a lighting schedule of 8 hours light and 16 hours dark to stimulate fertility. Start six weeks ahead by gradually shortening the days, so the transition feels as natural as possible.
• Use the buck effect: Did you know the “buck effect” helps does come into heat faster once they’re (re)introduced to a buck? By keeping bucks out of sight and smell first and then introducing them, you can stimulate heat even more.

Want more practical tips for the breeding season? Get in touch with our advisors.