How to Breed Big Goats

Breeding big goats successfully requires a basic understanding of goat genetics and careful selection of the dam and sire. Large goats produce large kids, so always make sure both parents are large to maximize your chances of producing large-framed, big-boned kids without causing kidding problems for your doe. It is also a good idea to look for a buck and doe that have already reproduced, since more mature goats are more likely to have larger offspring. Before purchasing your breeding goats, ask to see kids from previous kiddings so you can verify that they have the large size you're looking for.

Instructions

    • 1

      Select your sire buck and breeding doe. Look for a large-framed, big-boned doe that is only slightly smaller than the sire, preferably one that is the same breed. If you want dairy goats, stick with Nubian goats, where adult does weigh approximately 135 lbs. and adult males weigh approximately 175 lbs. If you want meat goats, opt for Boers. Adult Boer does may weigh up to 200 lbs. and adult males have been known to top 300 lbs. It is generally best to select a purebred breeding pair, whose kids will typically command a higher price than those of a mixed breed pair of big goats.

    • 2

      Feed the doe a bit of extra grain during the late summer to improve her nutrient intake and ovulation rate, which may increase your chances of having your doe give birth to more than one kid. Give your large doe ½ to 1 lb. of extra grain concentrate each day during the two weeks before and two weeks after introducing her to your buck.

    • 3

      Watch the doe for signs of heat when the breeding season begins, which typically starts in August. Look for unusual behavior, such as excessive bleating, pacing along the fence line nearest the buck, excessive restlessness, constantly flagging her tail and making repeated attempts to mount other goats. Lift her tail to check for physical signs of estrus, which may include a swollen vulva and clear discharge.

    • 4

      Put the doe in with the buck as soon as you notice signs of estrus and leave her in with him for 24 to 48 hours. Watch to see if she allows the buck to mount her, which indicates that she is in standing heat and helps ensure that the breeding will result in pregnancy. Mark the breeding date on your calendar and count forward 150 days to determine the approximate kidding date.

    • 5

      Watch your doe closely for signs of heat 17 to 23 days later. If she shows signs of being in estrus, put her in with your buck again and repeat the breeding process. If she doesn't show signs of being in heat, then she most likely is pregnant and will kid approximately 150 days after her original breeding date.