Chapter Four:

Goat breeding and breeding performance 4. Introduction

It is important that a farmer has adequate knowledge and control over the selection and reproductive process of the male and female goats. This process is referred to as breeding. Breeding is concerned with purposeful selection of the parents for the next generation for goats. It is important to determine how to breed for better performance in the next generation. This helps a farmer to keep and preserve goats with only desirable qualities. The bad qualities should be eliminated through culling i.e. removing the poor parents and their off springs. Proper breeding methods and plans will help prevent the hazards related to in breeding. Goat farming is only profitable if a farmer always has goats and /or products to sell whenever money is needed.

4.2

Breeding options

There are two broad breeding methods; 1. Close breeding: mating of related parents e.g. inbreeding and line breeding 2. Out-breeding. Mating of unrelated parents; e.g. cross breeding and back crossing In-breeding

Line breeding

Often a necessity rather than choice. It gradually lowers the performance in characters like fertility, survival and size. When one cannot find a good or better sire other than their own. May lead to poor characteristics in the long run In Uganda many goats are in-bred out on ignorance Extension workers must consequences of in breeding. stress the bad

Is a slower inbreeding process Concentrate the genes of a specific ancestor. Gives better results

Cross breeding The basic cross breeding process is outlined in Figures 26 - 28

Back crossing

Usually there is increased phenotypic variation Performance sometimes better than pure bred (Heterosis) Adaptation to environment Can be done between species, breeds, strains or lines F1 crosses in Uganda are sometimes are stronger, bigger and with faster growth rates than the parents. An F2 cross can be achieved crossbreeding or back crossing by further

Often involves breeding back to one of the parents breed. Usually holds some of benefits of the F1 cross. the

An F2 cross can be achieved through back crossing (see Figure 29)

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The basic cross breeding process

Fig. 26: Parent Male

Fig. 29: F2 cross.

Fig. 28: F1 cross.

Fig. 27: Parent Female

4.3

Principles of Goat Breed Selection:

Profitable goat farming is aimed at maximizing production and productivity through efficient utilization of available resources and minimizing the outside inputs. One way to achieve this is through careful selection of the goat breeds. Goat breed selection is a process that allows goats of a certain breed or breeds to be parents of the next generation while depriving others of that chance. The basic principle in selecting a breed is the purpose for which one wants that breed. There are breeds in the world developed for milk, meat, dual purpose or hair production. Once the purpose is known, the following should be considered; The environment in which a particular breed performs best. Ability to live, adjust and perform well in the new environment. Production potential Cost of the breeding stock Cost benefit analysis of the enterprise or gross margin Superiority on performance is based on: i) ii) iii) iv) Individual data. Lifetime performance data Pedigree information (parents and grandparents) Progeny performance (performance of offsprings)
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v)

Performance of the relatives.

All these are based on good record keeping. Performance data in goats: i) ii) iii) iv) v) vi) vii) Number of kids born. Number of kids weaned. Weight of the kids at birth Weaning weight of kids Growth rate Milk yield over a lactation period Slaughter weight
Fig. 30: Pendulous udder

Common problems associated with poor selection and breeding. 1. 2.

Reduced performance of the flock. Deformities which may include: Undershot or overshot jaws Bucks with one testicle. Does with long pendulous/hard udders (See figure 30) Hermaphrodite or Pseudo hermaphrodite (See Figure 31) Infertile females and males.
Fig. 31: Hermaphrodite goat

4.4

Selecting a good and healthy goat.

Characteristics of a healthy goat are, Figure 32 shows what a healthy goat should look like: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Smooth, shiny clean coat Goat eats and drinks well and has good appetite Chews cud after eating. Strong legs and hooves, which are able to walk and run (not lame). Optimal milk production in milk breeds. Animal is alert and inquisitive. Does not isolate itself from the rest of flock. Must pass out firm and pelleted faeces. Body temperature is between 38.7C and 39.5C. On a very hot day, temperature may rise over 40C.
Fig. 32: A healthy goat

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11. 12. 13.

Respiratory rate 12-20 breaths per minute in adults. Mucous membranes are pink, moist and clean. Has no strange discharges from any opening

The buck (male) This is an older male goat, which is used for mating with females. The male goat is the most important animal within the breeding herd. Your buck is half the herd. It should be selected with care at all times. Figure 33 shows a healthy buck (male goat), sound feet, interested in the surrounding does, with no obvious abnormalities. A good buck meets the following criteria: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Two well-developed testes. Testicles easily seen easily from the back. Testicles not hard neither too soft to touch. No wounds nor scars on scrotum Strong limbs with no limb deformities especially of hind limbs. Wide chest, straight body and strong masculine head and neck. Heavy muscles over the loins, hips and upper fore legs. Must look fierce or aggressive, and show Libido (willingness to mount).

Fig. 33: A good Boer buck

The doe (female) This is an older female, which is ready to reproduce (have kids). If records are not accurate, it is always better to select pregnant females or those with a history of giving birth to normal offspring. Figure 34 shows a Toggenburg Doe, which is alert, with sound feet, not obviously lame or other abnormalities. A good doe meets the following criteria: 1. 2. Good-sized udder Udder soft to touch, with 2 well-separated teats, pointing slightly forward and functional. Udder not sensitive or inflamed Good strong hind legs. Wedge shaped conformation if dairy goat. Voluminous (large) chest area and wide on weaning. No split hooves or signs of lameness
Fig. 34: A good Toggenburg Doe

3. 4. 5. 6.

Kids A young animal can only be selected for breeding if there are records of its parents. The parents should have proven records, which in addition to the above list includes:
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1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Known number of kids (young ones) born alive per kidding. Ability of mother to nurse and raise her kids. Records of good milk production in case of a dairy goat. Good temperament of the goat including its feeding habits. No previous history of difficult kidding, prolapsed uterus or difficulties in falling pregnant.

4.5 Planning for Breeding

Breeders must select the time of the year when here is plenty of food supply available for the animal until when the kids stop suckling. This means that food must be available for at least 3-4 months in order to rear the kids as cheaply as possible. Ensure that the Does are not very fat one month before mating. This can be achieved by administering feed in the form of residues plus regular mineral lick supplement and/ or small amounts of maize daily or kitchen refuse. Males should not be used for breeding until 8 9 months in case of pure lines and 10- 12 months in case of cross breeds at the earliest and then considered ready for breeding. It is only at this age that they will produce enough sperm, which is of good quality for breeding. In comparison, the females should not be used for breeding until 7 months in some breeds but preferably 12 months in most breeds. At this time the female reproductive organs are developed enough to allow the goat to go through the process of mating and reproduction. Every 18 21 (average 21) days, the adult female (doe) is ready for breeding and therefore comes on heat. Extension workers should stress to farmers the importance of proper records for such days. Farmers must be aware and ready to present a male goat to the female for mating as soon as she is ready. The doe should be mated or inseminated during oestrus. This is the only time that a doe will get pregnant. If the goat does not show signs of heat, you may place a teaser male with it before mating time. The following signs will help the farmer to know when the goat is on heat: The goat is restless and bleats. Vulva is swollen, reddish and with slimy mucous discharge. The discharge is clear at the beginning of heat period but turns white towards the end of the heat period. The goat wags her tail frequently and rapidly to the sides and also upwards Sometimes she shows frequent urination The goat may mount other goats and in many cases she will accept to be mated. If there is a male in the herd, the goat on heat will be seen to stay within the vicinity of the male.

The Mating Season For mass mating, it is recommended that one buck (Male goat) is given 35 40 females for effective function of the animal and for maintaining good semen quality. Where single mating is practiced, one male can be given a maximum of 50 does for mating. During daytime of the mating season, the billy goats must be kept in confined places, which have shelter from direct hot sunshine. The does on heat can be brought to them while in the evening the billy goat can be let loose and run with the females. The
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breeding buck also needs extra care in terms of extra nutritious food, water and if mass mating, regular veterinary examination may be recommended. The females on heat may be let to run with the males for 2- 3 days from the time when signs of heat are detected. This will maximize the chances of fertilization /pregnancy. Once a female goat is pregnant, it does not stand to be mated by a male and does not show signs of heat again for the next 5 months. If it shows signs of heat 18-21 days after the last oestrus, it means that the goat did not get pregnant during mating. Managing a pregnant doe Once the doe is pregnant, it requires extra care in terms of nutrition and protection from playful young males, which may mount it and cause abortion. The goat remains pregnant for a period of 5 months (144 152 days). A good plane (level) of nutrition during pregnancy will improve fertility and increases the chances of giving birth to twins. Flushing does in the last days (3 weeks) of pregnancy will improve the chances of normal delivery, because two thirds of the growth of the foetus takes place during the last three weeks of pregnancy. The farmers must be very familiar with signs of heat, which are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Restless and bleating. Vulva is swollen, reddish and with slimy mucous discharge. Discharge is clear at the beginning of heat period but turns white towards the end. Frequent and rapid tail wagging sideways and upwards. Frequent urination. Mounting other goats and accepting to be mounted Searching for and getting close to males in the herd

Tips to remember 1. Mass mating, 1 buck to 35 40 females 2. Single mating 1 buck to 50 does. 3. Billy goats must be kept in confinement. 4. Does on heat to be bought to buck. 5. Breeding buck needs special care in terms of nutrition, water and regular veterinary examination. 6. Females on heat run with males for 2- 3 days. 7. Pregnant females do not stand to be mated. 8. Signs of heat after 18 - 21 days indicate no conception.

Signs that show that the doe is about to give birth: 1. 2. 3. 4. The udder is large, firm and tender to touch. Fluid oozes out of the teats if the udder is pressed hard. The muscles of the hip joints soften and they appear to sink in. The vulva is swollen and shows a red inner part, which opens slightly showing a thick white discharge which may flow. The female goat becomes restless and wanders about aimlessly.

5.

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4.6 The Kidding process

(See Fig a)

Animal does not want to eat. Breathes rapidly Constantly turns & gazes at her flanks
Fig a

Fig. 35: A goat strains in labour

Fig b:

Animal strains in labour pain (See Figure 35) Appearance of a water bag at the vulva (See Figure 36)

Water bag
Fig b: Fig. 36: A goat showing water bag at the vulva

Fig. c. Muscles of the abdomen are frequently seen to contract (See Figure c) The water bag protrudes further until it breaks There is a sudden rush of water from behind
Fig. c.

Fig. d. Appearance of two front legs of the young one Appearance of the head resting on the front legs The rest of the body is pushed out In case of twins or triplets, the other kids also come out at 10 20 minutes interval
Fig. d.

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Fig. e.
The mother starts to clean her young Cleans away the mucus from the nostrils and mouth The young begins to breath and may immediately attempt to get up

Fig e

If there are abnormalities you will need a qualified assistant, either a veterinary scout or a veterinary surgeon.

4.7 Requirements for kidding

The period of kidding requires a great deal of attention and care and therefore the farmer should be prepared for it. There is need to keep the pregnant goat under observation by an attendant. Before the pregnant goat kids, prepare appropriate supplies.
Tips for Preparation: Feed bottles e.g. used for children A tincture of iodine Some antibiotics. Attendant must be available to keep watch. Intervention is recommended 20 minutes after water bag has ruptured or 45 minutes after onset of labour with no sign of advancement

Tips after successful delivery

i) Check that the kid is breathing by removing the mucus from the mouth and muzzle using a clean cloth. If the kid still appears life less, hold it by its hind legs in an upside down position and swung. The sides of the newborn may be pressed until it shows life. Apply tincture of iodine on the umbilical cord. You can also clean the umbilical cord using diluted dettol detergent liquid. If the dam has no milk, any other goat with milk, may be utilized as foster mother. Assist the kid to suckle by holding it and guiding its mouth to the teats of the dam. Check that the teats are not blocked. Where all fail, then feed the kid on milk from a cow using a feeding bottle.

ii)

iii) iv) v) vi) vii) viii) ix)

4.8 Raising Kids

Day 0 - 14 1. 2. 3. Kids stay close to dam during day Kids stay with dam at night first nights. Subsequently kid stay in kid box. A kid box is where kids are put for the night and are kept warm. Kids suckle at least every 4-6 hrs

x)

The kid must suckle colostrum within the first 12 48 hours after which it will not have the intended impact

4.

2 8 weeks 1. 2. Kids fed at least x3 times per day. After the 2nd week, provide leafy material for the kids to nibble, to develop their rumens. Goat kids weaned at the age of 3-4 months. Kids graze alone for up to 4 months.
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3. 4.

Between 8 and 10 weeks, 1. 2. Kids join flock. Ensure kids are de-wormed.

4.9 General tips on goat breeding

Young females from the age of 3 months should be separated from males until mature. Female goats that are mated earlier than 8 months will stop growing and get stunted. Often times they even produce weak kids, which may also grow very slowly. Select breeds that suit the farm environment and purpose for farming. Breeding males must be sold or exchanged before they get close to breeding their siblings and own offspring. Old males must be disposed off after 7-8 years of breeding. Young males not wanted for breeding must be castrated or sold. Female offspring from good parents must be retained in the herd. Stunted and unthrifty animals must not be used for breeding. Always give the goats proper animal health care, adequate housing and satisfactory nutrition because all of these factors affect the breeding performance of the goats.

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