Goats give birth, also known as kidding, when the doe (female goat) lies down and begins pushing, resulting in the delivery of the baby goat (kid). The process usually involves the appearance of a water bag first, followed by the kid. After all kids are born, the doe will expel the placenta (afterbirth), usually within a few hours.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Signs of Impending Labor: Before the actual birth, the doe exhibits signs of being close to labor. These include:
- Nesting behavior (pawing the ground, isolating herself).
- Restlessness and frequent lying down and getting up.
- Swollen vulva.
- Discharge from the vulva.
- Bagging up (udder filling with milk).
- Stage 1: Cervical Dilation: This stage can last several hours (3-12 hours). The doe will seem uncomfortable, panting, and may be bleating. Her cervix is dilating to allow passage of the kid(s).
- Stage 2: Delivery of the Kid(s): This is the active labor stage.
- The doe lies down and begins to push.
- The amniotic sac ("water bag") appears first.
- The kid(s) are delivered. Ideally, the kid is presented with front feet first, followed by the nose. However, breech (rear-end first) presentations are also possible and can sometimes require assistance.
- Multiple kids can be born, usually within fairly quick succession of each other (minutes to an hour apart).
- Stage 3: Placenta Expulsion: After all the kids are born, the doe will pass the placenta (afterbirth). This usually occurs within 30 minutes to a few hours after the last kid is born. It's important to ensure the placenta is expelled completely to prevent infection.
Potential Complications: While goats are generally good mothers and kidding is usually straightforward, complications can arise. These include:
- Dystocia (difficult birth): This can occur due to the kid being too large, being positioned incorrectly, or the doe having a small pelvic opening. Veterinary assistance may be required.
- Retained placenta: If the placenta is not expelled within 12-24 hours, veterinary intervention is needed.
- Uterine infection: A retained placenta or trauma during birth can lead to infection.
