Goat Labor, Birth and Kid Position
Most goats can give birth without human help, but if you want to raise goats, you need to know the basics of kidding so you can help when you have to. Here are the basics about goat labor.
The first stage of labor
The uterus contracts and dilates, forcing the unborn kid against the cervix (neck of the uterus). This process usually lasts about 12 hours for goats that are kidding for the first time, but every goat is different.
During this stage the goat will be restless. She may look at her side, like she can't figure out what is going on. She may lick herself, or even you. Most goats want to be left alone during this time, and their labor may even slow down or stop if people are around.
Some goats stand up to deliver their kid, and others lie down.
The second stage of labor
This is when the doe pushes the babies out of her uterus. Her contractions get stronger and if the kid is lined up correctly, it will start moving down the birth canal.
From the time the goat starts pushing until the first kid is delivered should be only 30 minutes. If it takes longer than this, the kid may be malpositioned or the doe may have another problem. Investigate whether the kid is stuck or coming out wrong to determine whether you or a vet need to intervene.
You will see thicker discharge, sometimes tinged with blood, and then a bubble at the opening of the vagina. This is the amniotic membrane. If you look in the bubble you usually see a nose and one or two little hooves.
After the bubble appears, the doe will continue to push the kid out, sometimes stopping to gather her strength. Sometimes she will circle around, try to get to that bubble, or lick at her sides or your hand, expecting a baby. Within a half hour, the baby will slide out. Often kids are still in the amniotic membrane.
If the amniotic membrane doesn't break when the kid comes out, break it and clean the fluids from the kid's mouth and nostrils. The kid should breathe, cough, or shake her head to clear excess mucus.
Below Image describes normal presentation:
Birth problems
Breech presentation (back feet first) is fairly normal in goats. If kids are small, even a frank breech presentation (tail first) doesn't present a problem. The risk in a breech birth is the possibility of inhaling amniotic fluid. A gentle, steady pull on the hind legs in a breech birth will help to ensure that the kid's head comes out promptly.
Another position that can cause a problem is and may require assistance and can be difficult to reposition is head back (hooves out but head back, usually to one side), or even crown presentation (the top of the head coming first).
If you encounter a kid in the wrong position, call a veterinarian or an experienced goat owner to assist you or talk you through it. If you are unable to get the kid into the correct position, you need to have a veterinarian perform a cesarean.
Related Articles:
Goat Production System: Choosing Your Production System Goat Production System: Building Your Goat Pen Goat Production System: Purchasing Your Stocks Basic Concepts In Goat Breeding Options to Improve Traditional Goat Breeding: Controlled Breeding Options to Improve Traditional Goat Breeding: Buck Rotation Options to Improve Traditional Goat Breeding: Stock Upgrading Goat Labor, Birth and Kid Position Selecting the Right Forages for Your Goats Management of Forages for Goat Production Technological Alternatives to Traditional Feeding Management Goat Stall Feeding: An Alternative to Traditional Grazing Systems Establishing Feed Resources for Your Goats Preparations for Planting Forages for Goat Feed