Ag Speech: Goat Is The First Domesticated Animal
Goats were one of the earliest animals to be domesticated and are underrated as farm livestock. Goat meat is the primary source of protein in many parts of the world. Also, over the world, more goat's milk is consumed than cow's milk. Goats are also an important source of skins and fiber. The popularity of meat goats in the U.S has grown rapidly in the last decade. U.S farmers are discovering the profits in Meat Goat Production, and they are not able to keep up with the demand in the United States for goat meat. Today, I am going to discuss three important factors of Meat Goat Production: breeding, kidding, and health of the goats. Starting with breeding the meat goat, although goats can be bred at anytime throughout the year, they cycle more often in the fall. Typically, they are bred from August to March. The heat, or estrus, cycle averages 21 days. The doe will be in "standing heat", being receptive to the buck, for anywhere from 12 to 48 hours. Ovulation (egg release) occurs 24 to 36 hours after the onset of heat. Artificial Insemination, also known as AI, is a reasonable option for meat goats. It can improve the genetics, and provide access to bucks anywhere in the country. AI in goats has been fairly successful and has become more popular over the past few years, but live breeding still remains the first choice for many farmers. Next, my favorite part, the kidding. The gestation length of a goat is approximately 5 months, or 150 days. Goats genarally give birth to one, two, or three kids. Does should kid in a clean environment. Either in a dry pasture or a pen with straw or other absorbent bedding. Not many does need assistance during kidding, although problems are always possible. Normal position of the kid for delivery is front legs and head first. It is also normal for the kid to come backwards, but doesn't occur often. If the doe hasn't made any progress within an hour after the water sac breaking, or hard labor, the position of the kid should be