The success
of a breeding season can depend hugely on correct preparations. Starting now should allow sufficient time to
have everything in place to optimise reproductive performance. Some of the important factors to consider
are:
Culling
The first step in preparing for the breeding season is
selecting and removing does are not going to the billy. Reasons for this could be poor production,
disease, repeated health issues or lameness, producing poor kids or personality
traits such as bullying.
Select
your best goats
Obtaining high quality replacements from your best goats is
the priority, so these animals should receive particular attention to ensure
they are in top condition prior to breeding.
Condition
Score
Condition score has a significant effect on pregnancy rate
and litter size. Go through your goats
and segregate any that are thin. This
should be done at least 8 weeks before breeding to allow them to put on
sufficient body weight.
Minerals
If browsing naturally outdoors, goats can regulate their
mineral intake and deficiencies are rarely a problem. However for housed stock
with a controlled diet it is vital to ensure that breeding animals are receiving
adequate levels of minerals to achieve peak reproductive performance and strong,
healthy kids.
Feet
Check the feet of the breeding does and treat any animals
showing signs of lameness.
Vaccinate
All animals should receive a booster shot for clostridial
diseases every six months. One prior to the breeding season and another 4-6 weeks
before kidding.
Dosing
A faecal egg count should be carried out and a worm dose
administered if required.
Males
All of the above are also important for
males. However it is important to check
out the ‘business end’ of the billy. The
testicles produce the sperm and should be large, symmetrical and firm - like a
clenched bicep. The spongy epididymis runs
along the testicle and is where sperm is stored. Any irregularities in either may indicate a
problem.
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