A goat gestation calculator is a tool used to Nanny’s gestation period, where Goats average gestation period ranges from 145 to 155 days (5 months).

This useful free tool calculates the goat pregnancy period and provide with estimated due date when a doe (female goat) will give birth.

Knowing roughly when to expect the kidding allows goat farmers and breeders to prepare accordingly, such as having supplies ready for assisting with the birthing if needed.

It can also help monitor the doe for signs of impending labor as the due date approaches.

Goat Gestation Calculator

By using this Nannys gestation calculator, you will get an idea when your does is kidding.

• The typical goat gestation period is 5 months from breeding to kidding.
• Dairy breeds like Nubian, Alpine, Saanen tend to average 150-151 days.
• Meat breeds such as Boer and Kiko also average about 150 days.
• Smaller breeds like Pygmy and Nigerian Dwarf generally have shorter gestation of 144-145 days.
• Knowing the typical gestation length for each breed can help estimate kidding dates.

• Track breeding dates – Record all breeding dates for the doe during the season. The earliest date is most likely accurate.
• Use ultrasound – Ultrasound between 45-60 days of gestation can confirm pregnancy and number of kids.
• Blood testing – BioPRYN blood tests done between 50-120 days can verify pregnancy.
• Monitor for heat – If the doe comes back into heat after breeding, she is likely not pregnant from that session.
• Consider history – Factor in the doe’s history – age, breed, previous kidding dates etc. Adjust your estimate accordingly.
• Plan for variation – Be prepared for does to kid a few days earlier or later than the estimated due date.
• Watch for labor signs – Checking for impending labor signs as due date nears can signal when birth is imminent.

Goat Gestation Chart

Below is detailed Goat Gestation Periods Chart by Breed

What is Goat Gestation Period

Goat gestation is the period from when a doe is bred to when she gives birth. It starts on the day the doe is successfully mated by a buck.

The normal goat pregnancy lasts between 145 to 155 days on average. The most common gestation length is 150 days from breeding to kidding.

Goat breeds and other factors like litter size can affect the gestation period to some degree. Smaller breeds like Pygmys and Nigerian Dwarfs tend to have gestation periods on the shorter end, around 144-145 days.

Larger dairy goat breeds like Nubians, Alpines, and Saanens tend to average closer to 150-151 days gestation. Does carrying twins or multiples often kid a few days earlier than does with single kids.

The doe’s age, health, and nutrition during gestation can also influence how long she carries the kids before kidding. Monitoring the doe’s condition and watching for impending labor signs can help determine when she is close to giving birth.

Goat Breeds and Gestation Periods

There are over 210 goat breeds worldwide. Here are some of the most common breeds and their average gestation periods:

Dairy Goat Breeds

• Nubian – 150 days
• Alpine – 151 days
• Saanen – 150 days
• LaMancha – 149 days
• Oberhasli – 150 days

Meat Goat Breeds

• Boer – 150 days
• Kiko – 150 days
• Spanish – 148 days
• Myotonic (Fainting) – 145 days

Small Goat Breeds

• Pygmy – 145 days
• Nigerian Dwarf – 144 days

In general, standard-size dairy goats average 150-151 days gestation. Smaller breeds tend to be 1-2 weeks shorter. Check our Sheep Years to Human Years calculator as well.

Signs of Goat Labor and Preparing for Kidding

As the due date approaches, here are signs that the doe is close to labor:

• Udder enlargement – The udder becomes tight and full as it fills with milk.
• Sunken ligaments – The doe’s ligaments around the tailhead soften and sink inward.
• Discharge – Thick white mucus discharge from the vagina indicates labor is close.
• Nesting – Does may isolate themselves, paw the ground, get up and down frequently.

To prepare for kidding:

• Set up a clean kidding pen with fresh bedding.
• Gather supplies like towels, gloves, disinfectant.
• Have colostrum and a kidding kit ready.
• Know when to call the vet if labor stalls or help is needed.
• Monitor the doe for progression of labor and assist if needed.

Goat gestation calendar

A goat gestation calendar is a useful tool for breeding and determining when a doe is due to kid. It allows goat farmers to monitor and record breeding dates and make pregnancy management easier.

To use a gestation calendar, mark the date that a doe is successfully bred by a buck. This becomes day 1 of the roughly 150 day gestation period.

From the breeding date, count forward 150 days and mark this as the estimated due date on the calendar. Be sure to note the doe’s identification.

As the due date approaches, watch the doe closely for signs of impending labor like udder enlargement and ligament relaxation. Mark notable changes on the calendar.

The calendar helps track breeding dates for multiple does throughout the season. It provides an organized record that can be referenced year after year for planning.

Keeping detailed notes on the calendar allows farmers to see gestation patterns for each doe. They can gauge if does routinely go longer or shorter than the projected 150 days.

Factors Affecting Gestation

Factors that can influence gestation length and how to manage them:

Doe Age – First timers often go longer. Give slightly more time before intervening.

Breed – Know typical periods for each breed. Nigerian dwarfs kid earlier than Alpines.

Litter Size – Twins may come a bit sooner than singles. Plan accordingly.

Health Issues – Monitor does closely and treat any illness/deficiencies.

Nutrition – Ensure does get proper feed/minerals in late pregnancy to avoid complications.

Weather Stress – Provide shelter, shade, ventilation etc. to minimize heat or cold stress.

With close observation of the doe, proper preparation, and quick action during labor if needed, goat breeders can help ensure a successful, healthy kidding.

Signs of Impending Labor

As the due date approaches, look for these physical and behavioral signs that indicate the doe is close to labor:

• Udder enlargement – The udder becomes fuller and tighter in the days leading up to kidding.
• Discharge – Thick, white vaginal discharge may be present up to 24 hours before labor starts.
• Ligament loosening – The ligaments around the tailhead begin softening and sinking in.
• Nesting behavior – Does may isolate themselves, paw the ground and get up and down frequently.
• Physical unease – Does appear agitated, vocalize more and may lose appetite.
• Bloody discharge – Blood-tinged discharge is present once labor starts, up to 12 hours before the kid is born.

Preparing for the Birth

Some key things farmers should do in the days before the estimated due date include:

• Supplies – Have clean towels, medical gloves, disinfectant, dental floss, feeding tubes etc. ready to assist with the birth if needed.
• Kidding kit – Prepare a kidding kit with medications, supplements, colostrum etc.
• Separate doe – Move the pregnant doe to a clean, quiet kidding pen or stall a few days before the due date.
• Monitor condition – Check that the doe is in good health and has no pregnancy complications. Take rectal temperature and monitor appetite.
• Nutrition – Ensure the doe gets proper nutrition and hydration in late pregnancy and early lactation. Provide high quality hay and grain.
• Familiarize with process – Review the stages of labor so you can identify progression and assist if needed.

What Affects Goat Gestation Length?

Several factors can cause variations in the goat gestation period from the normal 145-155 days:

Doe Age and Parity

• First-time does often go past their due date by several days. Gestation is shorter in subsequent pregnancies.
• Very young does under a year old may have longer gestation periods. Older does over 10 years may also go slightly longer.

Breed

• Breed affects gestation length. Nigerian Dwarfs and Pygmies have shorter gestation than standard-size dairy goat breeds.

Litter Size

• Does carrying multiples tend to have slightly shorter gestation by a few days compared to single kids.

Health and Nutrition

• Poor health and malnutrition can prolong gestation period. A healthy, well-fed doe will carry kids for the normal time frame.

Environmental Stress

• Heat or cold stress, overcrowding, transportation etc. during pregnancy can potentially affect gestation length.

Individual Variation

• Natural individual variation between does can result in slightly shorter or longer gestation periods.

How Goat Gestation Calculator Works

A goat gestation calculator is a simple tool that allows you to estimate the due date for your pregnant does. Here are the steps to use it:

1. Determine the breeding date – Note the date when the doe was bred. This is day 1 of gestation.
2. Enter the breeding date – Input the breeding date into the gestation calculator.
3. View estimated due date – The calculator will automatically count 145-155 days from the breeding date and display the estimated due date range.
4. Monitor for signs of labor – As the estimated due date approaches, monitor the doe for signs of impending labor like udder enlargement, discharge, nesting behavior.
5. Have supplies ready – Prepare any supplies needed for the birth like towels, disinfectant, feeding tubes etc.

Important Questions

How do I calculate my goat’s due date?

You can calculate a goat’s due date by counting forward from the breeding date. The average goat gestation is 150 days. Take the date your doe was bred and count 150 days from that date to estimate the kidding due date. Mark your calendar and watch for labor signs as it approaches.

What is the gestation timeline of a goat?

A typical goat pregnancy lasts 150 days from breeding to kidding. Gestation can range from 145-155 days depending on breed, litter size, etc. Here’s a general timeline:

• Days 1-30: Fertilization and embryo implantation
• Days 30-90: Embryo develops into a fetus
• Days 90-120: Rapid fetal growth, development
• Days 120-150: Fetus matures, doe’s udder enlarges
• Day 150: Average kidding date

How can you tell how far along a goat is pregnant?

Ways to estimate stage of pregnancy include:

• Breeding dates – Count days from last breeding
• Ultrasound – Confirm pregnancy and fetal development from 60 days onward
• Udder development – Enlargement signals late pregnancy
• Body shape – Abdomen expands in mid to late pregnancy
• Kidding history – Previous labor patterns offer clues

How many months does it take a goat to be pregnant?

The typical goat pregnancy lasts about 5 months. Goats are pregnant for 150 days, which is just over 5 months. Some large breeds can go slightly longer at 151-155 days. Small breeds like Pygmys tend to average 5-10 days less than 5 months’ gestation.

Can you induce labor in goats?

Labor can be induced by injecting hormones like dexamethasone or prostaglandin. This is only done when medically necessary and not for convenience. Labor should start within 24-48 hours of injections.

Do goats show signs before giving birth?

Yes, goats display physical and behavioral signs like udder enlargement, discharge, nesting, pelvic ligament relaxation in the 12-24 hours before labor starts. Does may become restless and vocalize more as well.

How long after water breaks do goats give birth?

Once the amniotic sac ruptures, active labor follows quickly. Kids are usually delivered within 30 minutes to 2 hours of the water breaking in goats. Fast action may be needed if labor stalls after this point.

When should you assist with a goat birth?

Assist if the doe struggles to deliver or if 30 minutes pass with no progress. Check for kid malposition. Gently pull kids if the doe cannot push them out. Ensure airways are cleared after birth.