Pre-Birth Nutrition for Goats

Proper nutrition is crucial for goats during gestation, especially in the last 60 days leading up to birth. This period is critical for supporting both the pregnant doe and the healthy development of her kids. Here’s a guide to preparing your does nutritionally for a successful birthing process.

Gestation Basics

• Length of Gestation:
  • Smaller goats: ~150 days.
  • Larger goats: ~155 days.
• Tracking the breeding date ensures:
  1. Accurate prediction of due dates.
  2. Proper timing for drying off milk production.
  3. Nutritional adjustments.

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Key Nutritional Goals

1. Preventing Ketosis:
   • Ketosis occurs when a doe’s body begins breaking down its own reserves to support pregnancy due to insufficient caloric intake.
   • Symptoms include languishing, difficulty birthing, and potential fatality.
   • Prevent ketosis by providing high-energy foods with carbohydrates and sugars.
2. Maintaining Calcium Levels:
   • Does become hypocalcemic (low calcium) when the growing kids draw on the mother’s reserves.
   • Calcium supports fetal bone development and the doe’s health.

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Feeding Schedule

60 Days Before Birth:

1. Introduce Grain:
   • Start with 1 pound of grain per day.
   • Feed in two portions: morning and evening.
   • Choose high-quality grains like:
     • Whole oats.
     • Dairy-grade grain mixes.
   • Avoid low-quality pelleted feeds.
2. Free-Choice Alfalfa:
   • Provide high-grade alfalfa hay for protein and calcium.
   • Critical for bone and muscle development in kids and milk production in the doe.

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30 Days Before Birth:

1. Increase Grain Intake:
   • Increase to 3 pounds of grain per day, split across morning and evening feedings.
   • Continue with high-quality grain mixes for sustained energy.
2. Optional Molasses Water:
   • Provide a secondary water source with molasses mixed into it.
   • Acts as a sugar boost to prevent ketosis.
   • Allow free choice; goats that need it will drink it, while others won’t.

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Nutritional Red Flags

1. Coat and Condition:
   • A rough or dull coat may indicate a lack of nutrients.
   • Monitor body condition to ensure the doe is maintaining healthy weight.
2. Languishing Behavior:
   • Watch for signs of weakness or lethargy, which can signal ketosis or other issues.

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Additional Tips

• Birthing Stall Prep:
  • Ensure birthing areas are clean and stocked with heat sources, bedding, and water buckets hung safely out of reach of newborns.
• Vitamins and Supplements:
  • Consider administering a multi-vitamin shot at 60 days and again 30 days before birth for added support.
• Record Keeping:
  • Document breeding dates, feeding adjustments, and other health observations for each doe.

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Summary

A proactive approach to pre-birth nutrition ensures healthier does and easier birthing. By providing high-quality alfalfa, grain, and optional sugar water, you can prevent complications like ketosis and hypocalcemia. Start adjusting their diet 60 days before the due date, with increased care during the final 30 days, to set your herd up for success.