A normal live birth in goats occurs at 145-155 days. Day 147 is 21 weeks’ gestation, or approximately five months. Lemgth of fetus at 30 days: 1.4 cm; Length of fetus at 145 days: 43.0 cm.

When selecting a mineral supplement for your herd, choose one made specifically for goats. Supplements made for other species will not provide optimum levels and may even be harmful.

Whether you are planning to build a herd or building a goat shelter, what goat predators do you need to think about? Here are the nine most serious goat predators from the least number of kills to the most with details on how to determine what predator you may be dealing with.

Kefir is a probiotic-rich milk drink similar to thin yogurt. Traditional kefir is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, cultured by kefir grains composed of polysaccharides, bacteria, and yeast living in symbiosis. It is not possible to harness these in nature like with sourdough yeast; they must be acquired from someone who already has them.

Edit this schedule with your specific dates and goals. Once you have a calendar that works for you, it will help keep you on track when things get hectic.

Listeriosis, also called Circling Disease and Silage sickness, is a life-threatening disease caused by bacteria Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria ivanovii. Listeria is zoonotic and can be transferred to humans. It thrives in aerobic conditions and can withstand temperatures from 34-113 degrees F. It persists almost anywhere, including soil, manure piles, gastrointestinal
tracts, the top layer of silage, and moldy hay or feed. It is also commonly found in the feces of infected birds, animals, fish, and insects as well as sewage.

Before calling your veterinarian, take note of all goat symptoms and get a temperature reading using a rectal digital thermometer.

Do you have poisonous plants for goats on your property? Check this list then consult your local veterinarian, county extension office and your state or local jurisdiction veterinary college can give you a list of additional problem plants often found in your area.