Early Signs of Goat Pregnancy

Most goat owners want to know if their goat is pregnant as soon as possible after breeding. Detecting early signs of goat pregnancy can be difficult, but knowing what you should be looking for maximizes your chances of learning your goat̵7;s expectant status more quickly.

  1. Time Frame

    • The first sign of goat pregnancy occurs during your goat̵7;s next heat cycle, which typically takes place 17 to 22 days following the breeding date, according to Gail Damerow, author of ̶0;Your Goats.̶1; If your goat is pregnant, she will typically show no signs of heat at her next projected heat cycle.

    Types

    • Have your veterinarian conduct an ultrasound or collect a blood sample to test for pregnancy. According to BioTracking.com, a lab that provides goat pregnancy testing, you should collect blood samples at least 30 days after your goat̵7;s breeding date.

    Effects

    • During the first month after breeding, progesterone production often causes abrupt changes in your doe̵7;s personality and behavior (such as a friendly goat becoming more aloof).

    Significance

    • Verifying early in pregnancy that your goat is expecting helps you make important management decisions such as feeding her the correct feed ration.

    Considerations

    • Certain early signs of goat pregnancy, such as an ultrasound, cost a significant amount of money, whereas others, including not going into a heat cycle, require only a small investment of time.