Deciding Between Dam Raising and Bottle Feeding Goats

When raising baby goats, one of the first decisions you’ll make is whether to dam raise (allow the baby to nurse from its mother) or bottle feed. Each method has its advantages and challenges, and this guide outlines what you need to consider.

Dam Raising: Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Natural Bonding: Babies learn natural behaviors by staying with their mothers.
2. Lower Workload: The mother does the feeding, eliminating the need for bottle feedings multiple times a day.

Cons:

1. Limited Human Bonding:
   • Dam-raised goats may not bond as strongly with humans unless significant time is spent handling and socializing them.
2. Handling Challenges:
   • Without early interaction, dam-raised goats may grow up less tame, making hoof trimming, vaccinations, and other handling tasks more difficult.

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Bottle Feeding: Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Strong Human Bonding:
   • Bottle-fed goats are often more friendly, personable, and easier to handle.
2. Flexibility in Socialization:
   • Allows the opportunity to form bonds and train goats early for specific purposes (e.g., pack goats).

Cons:

1. Higher Workload:
   • Requires feeding multiple times a day, especially in the early weeks.
2. Initial Separation Challenges:
   • Separating the baby from the mother can be stressful for both, though this is manageable with the right strategies.

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When to Separate the Kids for Bottle Feeding

1. Ideal Timeframe:
   • The first 1-5 days of life are the best window for separation:
     • Before 5 days, transitioning the baby to a bottle is generally easier.
     • Babies separated after 5 days may resist the bottle more strongly.
2. Immediate Separation:
   • If separating within 24 hours of birth, the baby adjusts more quickly to bottle feeding and does not form a strong bond with the mother.
3. Strategies for Smooth Separation:
   • Place the baby in a location where it cannot hear or see its mother to reduce calling and stress.
   • Expect 1 day of calling from both mother and baby, which typically subsides quickly.

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Bottle Feeding Schedule

1. Day 1 to 5:
   • Feed four times a day to ensure proper nutrition.
   • Consider this intensive period before separating if you want to avoid night feedings.
2. Day 5 and Beyond:
   • Transition to three feedings per day.
   • Babies adapt well to this schedule and thrive with proper care.

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Handling Challenges with Dam Raising

1. Time Investment:
   • If you choose to dam raise, spend significant time daily with the baby to ensure it becomes tame and accustomed to handling.
2. Behavior Risks:
   • Dam-raised goats can become wary or difficult to manage without consistent human interaction.

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Why Bottle Feeding Is Often Preferred

• Ease of Management:
  • A bottle-fed goat is easier to catch, handle, and work with throughout its life.
• Training Opportunities:
  • Bottle feeding encourages goats to see humans as caregivers, making them more cooperative and interactive.

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Tips for Bottle Feeding Success

1. Transition Patience:
   • Transitioning babies from their mother’s teat to a bottle can be challenging but is manageable with patience.
   • Use proper technique (e.g., holding the bottle at the correct angle and simulating the mother’s teat).
2. Consistency:
   • Feed at consistent intervals to establish a routine.

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Summary:

• Dam Raising: Better for a natural approach but requires significant handling to ensure tameness.
• Bottle Feeding: Ideal for creating personable, bonded goats that are easy to manage.

If your goal is to raise goats that are friendly, easy to handle, and well-bonded to humans, bottle feeding within the first 5 days is highly recommended.