question for breeders with experience

[3crow]

Okay, here is a question for all you experienced breeders out there. I have two young boer does(18 months) that had been exposed to a young buck(he was roughly 5-6 months at the time). We saw him doing the deed to both and the girls before we got him out (it was an accident and I didn't abort because I wouldn't be upset if we had babies the girls are old enough to be bred). They haven't really showed signs of heat until this week, I saw some tail flashing and one was riding the other girl last night. I am not sure if it was they were "feelin good" because it has cooled off some here. Is there a way to tell if they are pregnant for show other than ultrasounding? I really don't have great vet care, honestly I am on my own when it comes to vet care. I have been feeding them as if they maybe just in case, but now I am getting down to the time I would have to do shots and stuff. I am not seeing anything that shouts "hey, I am pregnant", the only thing I have noticed is the one doe "barks" at feeding time and she is very hungry. I thought I would post to see what you all have to say.

[Alice In TX/MO]

After 28 days, send a blood sample to Biotracking. Look for instructions at www.biotracking.com

[LaManchaPaul]

From dairy goat experience, you won't see much that says 'I'm pooching so I'm preggo' until much later. Most times you'll see the bag growing in a few weeks.

A seasoned poster on here says to not give shots & stuff for the first 50 days of pg. So I don't. What did you have in mind?

when the buckling did the nasty, did the doe do the 'hunchy down butt thing' when bucky dismounted? yes... success. If she just walked away ... no. MOST times the buck is just being a little cabron and messn' with the girls or anything else that he can sneak up on. If she was in heat she'll come back at about 21 days.

As Alice told you, I also use BioTracking when I am unsure. Here's hoping to see baby boer pix in five months.

Here's a calendar to compute so as to have a functional camera: http://www.goatbiology.com/animation...alculator.html
Paul

[RiverPines]

Bucks mount whether or not the girls are in standing heat which is when they are receptive.
But if the girls stood and didnt try to get away and maybe if you saw the happy camper go in, they are most likely pg.

But knowing for sure without a blood test or something..LOL some girls dont show or give any signs till a week or so before actually kidding. I already had a doe who showed no sign, not even bagging up till after the kids were on the ground!

I dont change diet till the last 4 weeks of being pg. An over weight doe has a harder time than a lean doe.