Beginning farmers often ask the question: can a goat go beyond pregnancy and, if so, by how long? Indeed, such a situation occurs periodically and poses a danger to the life of the female. To avoid such problems, it is important to know what factors lead to their occurrence. If the goat's pregnancy still exceeds the permissible period, it needs to be provided with timely assistance.
What affects the timing of gestation
Average, goat pregnancy lasts 140-160 days. Veterinarians operate with a conventional figure of 150 days. It is used to calculate the period of changes in maintenance and nutrition.Such indicators make it easier to work with an impressive livestock and usually correspond to reality.
At the same time, the individual characteristics of animals often affect the development of the fetus and the duration of pregnancy. The period of embryo development is influenced by many factors. Genetics is of particular importance. The smaller the goat breed, the shorter the pregnancy duration. The longest gestation period is observed in large meat breeds. The duration of pregnancy depends on external factors. Nutrition and maintenance characteristics are of particular importance.
The quality of feeding usually shifts labor by 5-10 days in a certain direction. At the same time, there are certain peculiarities. If the quality of nutrition was unsatisfactory at the beginning of pregnancy, the female may carry the cubs to term. If the goat did not receive a sufficient amount of useful elements at the end of gestation, there is a risk of premature birth of weak kids or abortion.
Reasons for delayed lambing
The duration of pregnancy depends on internal and external factors. During autumn lambing, a shortening of the gestation period is observed compared to spring lambing. This is due to lack of nutrition, low temperatures, lack of sun and physical activity.
If a goat is kept on permanent bedding for a whole year, the duration of pregnancy does not change.
The normal course of pregnancy depends on physical activity. There must be a paddock near the barn. It is recommended to leave one part open, and the second to cover it with a canopy. This will give the goats the opportunity to walk in any weather.Lack of movement often causes delayed fetal development and various anomalies after childbirth.
A goat can go through pregnancy due to poor quality nutrition. From the third month, active growth of the fetus is observed. It needs a sufficient amount of useful elements and energy. The shortage of such substances is compensated by maternal reserves. If the animal is exhausted, there is a risk of prolongation of pregnancy or miscarriage.
Sometimes animals experience false pregnancy. In this case, due to artificial insemination or mating, the egg is not fertilized. This anomaly often occurs in goats and can recur every year. However, the goat does not give birth.
To exclude pathology, it is worth examining the animal. During a normal pregnancy, the following signs are observed:
- upon examination, it will be possible to detect fetal movement - while an increase in the size of the udder and abdomen, as well as swelling of the limbs, is also present during a false pregnancy;
- palpation of the abdominal wall helps to detect the fetus;
- Auscultation helps to identify the embryonic pulse and strengthening of the uterine arteries;
- Ultrasound examination is considered the most accurate method;
- Using special tests, it is possible to track changes in the balance of hormones.
Harbingers of lambing - how to detect childbirth
To determine the time of birth, you should focus on the mating date. It is recommended to add 148-157 days to this day. This will be the approximate lambing period.
The following symptoms will help determine the exact date:
- A week before lambing begins, the udder fills. It acquires a tight consistency. This is especially true for dairy goats.
- If the udder becomes hot and has a hard consistency, this indicates that the kid will be born within 24 hours.From this moment on, it is recommended to constantly monitor the pregnant female.
- Before lambing, the belly drops low.
- The lower back becomes more relaxed.
- At the back, in the tail area, depressions form on both sides.
- The animal becomes restless and begins to arch heavily.
- A few hours before the birth of the baby, a stream of mucus begins to flow from the genitals. This lasts until the baby is born.
What to do in case of delays
What to do if a goat has been walking for more than 160 days? In such a situation, consultation with a veterinarian is required. When signs of labor appear, you should be ready to help the goat. If within an hour after the start of mucous discharge there are no efforts and contractions, this indicates weak labor.
To stimulate muscle tone, it is recommended to administer 10 units of Oxytocin intramuscularly. It is also permissible to use Uteroton or other stimulants. If the membranes rupture, it is worth giving the goat amniotic fluid. Goat's milk has excellent stimulating properties.
In difficult situations, there is a need for a caesarean section. However, in practice, the need for surgical intervention is rarely observed. Most often, it is required when there is a lack of equipment, lack of special means or insufficient experience of the veterinarian. In addition, such an operation is quite expensive, and therefore not all farmers can afford it.
Before helping a goat, it is worth performing a detailed diagnostic examination.
It is important to verify the lambing date. If errors are made, the intervention may cause harm to the mother and cubs. A goat can overstay its gestation period, and this poses a real danger to itself and its offspring.To avoid such problems, it is important to provide the female with the right conditions and a balanced diet.
