Signs of Late Pregnancy in Nubian Goats

Determining signs of late pregnancy in Nubian goats can be exceptionally important in determining the care and attention a female goat should receive. Nubians typically carry their young (kids) for 150 days before birthing. Toward the end of this gestation period, there are several signs to be on the lookout for that can help you in concluding when your Nubian doe is due.

  1. Vulva Extension

    • Between 13 and 14 weeks into the pregnancy, the doe's vulva will begin to look distended and enlarged. The skin around this area may or may not have a tight, shiny look to it, and can even look slightly prolapsed.

    Udder Development

    • In first time mothers, the nipples should begin to look more prominent and full at around 15 weeks into gestation. If the goat has given birth before, udder development is usually not noticeable until a few weeks later, and sometimes as late as 20 weeks. The udder will generally take on a full, tight appearance the day before kidding, though some does may not "fill up" until just prior to labor or even right after.

    Physical Changes

    • Right before labor, the two long ligaments which run parallel to the doe's spine (just below the tail on each side) will "disappear," relaxing to get out of the way for the kid. The doe's spine just above the tail will often arch up as the kid presses against her back, and the tail itself can arch into a J shape instead of hanging in its usual relaxed position. Discharge from the vulva is a final sign that labor is soon to begin.

    Behavioral Changes

    • Any major change from normal behavior in a healthy pregnant goat can be a sign that gestation time is up and she is ready to have her kid. Many does part from the herd to find a safe place to give birth; restlessness, pacing and pawing are also signs that it may be time. Every goat is an individual, and some goats may display very obvious signs of discomfort before birth while others may simply drop their kids as if nothing could disturb them in the slightest. Watching your goats carefully, especially when they are pregnant, is important to being able to determine when labor may begin.