Pregnancy in Goats

Gestation length in goats is 145–155 days (average 150 days) and can be affected by breed, litter weight, environment, and parity. Generally, first-kidding does have one or two kids, and in subsequent kiddings, triplets and quadruplets are not uncommon. Progesterone production for maintenance of pregnancy depends entirely on the corpus luteum, with a drastic decline in progesterone occurring 12–24 hours before kidding.

Pregnancy toxemia in goats is similar to that in sheep. This condition occurs during the final 6 weeks of pregnancy, when 80% of fetal growth occurs and energy demands are highest (150–200X maintenance). Despite the increased energy demand, the growing uterus begins to restrict rumen capacity, reducing feed intake and predisposing does to developing ketosis.

Does at increased risk of pregnancy toxemia include those that are over- or underconditioned and those with multiple fetuses. These does should be closely managed by increasing concentrate feed and monitoring urine for ketones throughout the last 6 weeks of pregnancy. Oral propylene glycol (or a product containing propylene glycol) may be administered once to twice daily (up to 100–200 mL per day) for a short period of time (1) to does that develop subclinical ketosis to prevent progression of disease.

Does that develop severe ketosis will become anorectic and recumbent and develop neurologic signs due to hypoglycemic encephalopathy and secondary polioencephalomalacia. Veterinary care should be sought immediately. If left untreated, does can die quickly. Treatment protocols depend on the value of the dam versus kids; however, induction of parturition or emergency cesarean section is most frequently recommended, because the viability of fetuses is typically already compromised.

Intensive supportive care of the dam should include administration of IV fluids with dextrose, insulin to inhibit fatty acid mobilization, and anti-inflammatories. Vitamin B₁₂ may also be administered as an appetite stimulant. Calcium supplementation is also recommended, since 30% of does with pregnancy toxemia also have hypocalcemia, but this can be confirmed with a blood chemistry panel if available.

Parturition can be induced using PGF_2α alone; however, adding dexamethasone will promote fetal lung maturation and maximize chances of kid survival. If induction is attempted, fetal viability via ultrasonography should be monitored frequently. If at any point fetal heart rates drop below 120 bpm, an emergency cesarean section should be performed to maximize likelihood of kid survival.

Lactational ketosis is similar to pregnancy toxemia but occurs within the first 3 weeks of lactation in high-producing dairy goat breeds. Clinical signs include irritability, anorexia, reduced milk production, and weight loss. Treatment options are the same as for does with pregnancy toxemia, depending on severity.

Hypocalcemia, or milk fever, occurs in high-producing, older (> 3 years) dairy goats but not nearly as frequently, nor as severely, as in cattle. Early signs include stiff gait, tremors, and ataxia that can progress to complete recumbency, coma, and death if untreated.

Immediate treatment for hypocalcemia requires intravenous administration of calcium gluconate or calcium borogluconate solution, followed by oral or subcutaneous calcium for prolonged absorption. Treatment may be repeated in 24 hours for high-producing does if indicated. As with pregnancy toxemia, symptoms can progress rapidly, so owners should be encouraged to seek veterinary care immediately when clinical signs are noticed.

Vaginal prolapse is fairly common in does and is believed to have a hereditary component. It may intermittently occur during late pregnancy due to increased intra-abdominal pressure and can be managed by decreasing rumen fill (increasing hay quality and supplementing with grain toward the end of pregnancy).

If complete vaginal prolapse occurs, intervention is required to prevent injury, infection, or dystocia. Caudal epidural administration and placement of a prolapse paddle, retention harness, or retention sutures are recommended.

Animals treated for vaginal prolapse should be observed closely for parturition, as many of these retention techniques will need to be released for kids to be delivered. Vaginal prolapses will recur with each pregnancy, and culling or retiring from the breeding program is encouraged.