Frequency

[Alicia]

Hello all.
Quick question, is it safe to breed a Doe two years in a row? Of course making sure she is at a healthy weight first.
Thanks,
Alicia

 

[babsbag]

Yes, goats are bred every year. Some breeders that have Boers or other non-seasonal breeders will even breed more often so that they get three kiddings in two years. With seasonal breeders it is hard to do that as they can only be bred once a year...in the fall and early winter.

 

[Alicia]

Okay thanks. We have all alpines, pretty seasonal here. Should I check her weight before just to make sure? Last pregnancy was her first and she now has a hard time putting weight on....just don't want to hurt her.

 

[alsea1]

My understanding is that nature has designed animals to produce each season. As long as the animal is in good condition. Fed properly and there are no underlying health factors then it would be good to breed every year. Unless of course this is a pet animal and long term homes need to be found. Thats a whole other issue.

 

[Alicia]

She is a pet but keeping her and babies are something we want.
She did have a slight prolapse at end of last pregnancy. Will that get worse the second time around? Am I correct in thinking to get her weight up before breeding again?

 

[Pearce Pastures]

A general rule I have heard from many is that a doe should kid no more than 3 times in a two year span. Of course, condition ad general health factor into that, and there is the seasonal breeder who can make planning more limited.

 

[Alicia]

Thanks, that's a great rule of thumb to go by.

 

[babsbag]

With the Alpines it will be once a year, I have goats that are on their 6th kidding next year and they will be 6 years old. It is good to get her weight up but if you wait too long to do that the breeding season ends and then no kids or milk. I would go ahead and breed her and then feed her well for 5 months. Also think about the possibility or worms.

Many of my goats struggle with weight when they are in milk and it is hot.