Question about udder development pre-kidding

[journeysend]

I have noticed that my Nigerian mix doe appeared to be developing a small udder. She isn't filling up but feels more fleshy and loose where her udder should be (if that makes sense). I was able to get a slighty tinted, almost clear fluid out of one side. She is a first freshener. If she is pregnant the latest she could be due is August. I know she has not been bred since arriving here late March. Before that she was in with a buck.

So if she is dry, would I be able to express anything? I have been wanting to do a pregnancy test on her and my other doe but haven't had the extra money. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[20kidsonhill]

someone else can correct me if I am wrong, but I don't think it is good to try and express milk from her while she is pregnant, it opens up the orifice in the teat and can increase their chances of an infection.

 

[Emmetts Dairy]

She just may be pregnant?? Is she showing??? Does she seem to be getting bigger??? Some say some goats dont show to much?? Mine always did. But mine will "generally" get an udder going about 1 month prior to kidding. Not all do that...so its hard to say. Also there is whats called a "Precocious Udder" which is not to uncommon. Its when thier udder fills up when they are not pregnant. Also called "Witches Milk" lol. The milk will dry up and its not really an issue. I have never seen an issue with anyones teats or milking volume when they have this.

But if she was with a buck...I would recomend treating her as if she was pregnant. I would give her a CD&T booster and start pulling back a little grain from her diet.

Good luck!!

 

[Emmetts Dairy]

someone else can correct me if I am wrong, but I don't think it is good to try and express milk from her while she is pregnant, it opens up the orifice in the teat and can increase their chances of an infection.

You are not wrong...and I completely agree. Even if she has a "precocious udder" I would just let it be.

 

[journeysend]

The only reason I tried is because my month old Alpine mix doe got a hold of her and was trying to nurse. The doe stood there and the doe kid seemed to be getting something so I took her away and that's when I saw the fluid. I wouldn't have messed with her if it wasn't for that.

She has gotten a good bit bigger but I had attributed it to a better diet since she came her lol. I have been treating her as though she is pregnant as least until I'm sure that she is not. I don't think she has been in heat but I only have a 5 month old buck and he hasn't been interested in her.

 

[20kidsonhill]

The only reason I tried is because my month old Alpine mix doe got a hold of her and was trying to nurse. The doe stood there and the doe kid seemed to be getting something so I took her away and that's when I saw the fluid. I wouldn't have messed with her if it wasn't for that.

She has gotten a good bit bigger but I had attributed it to a better diet since she came her lol. I have been treating her as though she is pregnant as least until I'm sure that she is not. I don't think she has been in heat but I only have a 5 month old buck and he hasn't been interested in her.

That makes sense, I had someone tell me once how they needed milk for a weak kid and they stripped a doe that hadn't kidded yet to get milk, so nothing really surprises me.
Personally, if she is due no later than August, she should be starting to look pregnant eveywhere. Vulva looking swollen and a liitle elongated, rounder belly, ect....... maybe if she was a really fat doe you wouldn't beable to tell as easily.

 

[journeysend]

Now that I think about it, that does make sense lol. I have been very confused by this doe because I want to take her on a 'date' to be bred with a Nigerian buck but I'm not sure if she is pregnant. I get no hints from either of my boys. According to her girlie parts she is either not pregnant or not very far along. It does make me wonder if my little doe Vixen has been getting ahold of her more often than I've noticed. That silly thing will try to nurse on any of the goats, boys included