4.0 MANAGEMENT OF DOES AND BUCKS Flashcards
At what age should young female goats (does) first be mated?
Young female goats should first be mated at the age of 12 months to ensure they are mature enough to handle reproduction without affecting their growth and future reproductive performance.
What are the consequences of mating female goats too early?
If female goats are mated before they are 8 months old, they can become stunted and experience poor reproductive performance throughout their lives.
How long is the pregnancy period for goats?
The pregnancy period for goats lasts between 145 to 150 days, approximately five months.
What indicates that a female goat is on heat and ready to mate?
Signs that a female goat is on heat include shaking of the tail, mounting other animals, seeking males, continuous bleating, and mucous discharge.
What special care should pregnant female goats receive?
Pregnant female goats should be separated from the main flock at least two months before kidding for close monitoring and to reduce the loss of kids. They also need quality feed supplements to ensure a healthy kid and sufficient milk production.
At what stage are male goats (bucks) known to be fertile, and how should they be managed to prevent unplanned mating?
Male goats are fertile at an earlier stage than females. To prevent unplanned mating, males should be raised separately from females.
Why should bucks with horns be used for breeding purposes?
Bucks with horns should be used for breeding to avoid the risk of haemophrodism (incukubili/bisexual), which is associated with the use of hornless or polled bucks.
How should bucks be selected for breeding purposes?
Bucks should be selected based on their birth weight, with a preference for those weighing about 2.5kg or more. Preference should also be given to bucks from twin births to increase the chances of twinning, and those that are heavier and faster growing should be selected for future breeding. Males not suitable for breeding should be castrated or culled.
