A young female goat, referred to as a doe (plural does) or a doeling, will typically reach sexual maturity or puberty at 6 to 9 months of age. However, there is a huge variation of when she will actually come into heat and potentially become pregnant. Several factors play into when a young doeling will be ready to conceive. Puberty is a process; let’s break it down for goats in the continental US.
Goats are seasonally polyestrous in temperate regions. Their first estrous cycle begins under the environmental influence of decreasing day length, so does are called “short day breeders.” Older, mature does will begin to be receptive to breeding as soon as the day length begins to shorten in late summer. By the time October rolls around, the majority of the mature does are cycling and will continue to cycle through December until pregnant. So it makes sense to simply say that the majority of goats are bred in the fall. But remember, when a doeling is waiting for reproductive maturity and her first heat cycle, it isn’t just about the length of day. When it comes to puberty, it is a process and starting puberty is a function of three things:
- Exposure to environmental and social cues
- Development of size
- Genetics
Social cues are also important with goats. Yes, goats are gregarious; they want to be around other goats. A male goat, and even another female goat will help to jumpstart cyclicity. The second point, is related largely to feeding and nutrition. Doelings should be 60 to 75% of their mature weight at the time of breeding. If their weight is on target and their genetics are of early reproductive maturity, spring born does can have heats as early as their first fall. Yet, does born in the fall may take twice as long to reach maturity in 10 to 12 months.
About the Author
Dr. Colleen Lewis is a 1996 graduate of Kansas State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Her career has taken her to many places as a practice owner, consultant, embryologist, and mentor. She enjoys mixed animal practice, teaching, traveling, farming and high school sports with her husband, Andrew and their three boys.
