Goats and humans go through a similar set of hormonal and physical alterations during pregnancy. For example, the hormone relaxin that relaxes pelvic ligaments (and womens' foot arches!) can make a doe look posty-legged and waddle during later pregancy.
Does can get very aggressive in advancing their social standing when they are pregnant. A higher ranking doe will get first turn at the hay rack and intimidate other does away from grain, enabling her to be better fed and make more milk for her kids. Herd queens also make sure that their babies get first turn at feed when they are old enough.
Doelings will start serious fighting when they start coming into heat. They really feel a need to sort out ranks at this time. You'll never see serious fighting with young kids, only in reproductive age animals.
Higher ranking animals in a herd/flock also have fewer stress hormones, which gives them stronger immune systems.
My herd queen is a rammer and an ear biter. I put a bell on her so the rest of the herd has warning. Top ranking does tend to be the best producers, so your crabby Mini-Alpine may soften you with all her milk!
Does can get very aggressive in advancing their social standing when they are pregnant. A higher ranking doe will get first turn at the hay rack and intimidate other does away from grain, enabling her to be better fed and make more milk for her kids. Herd queens also make sure that their babies get first turn at feed when they are old enough.
Doelings will start serious fighting when they start coming into heat. They really feel a need to sort out ranks at this time. You'll never see serious fighting with young kids, only in reproductive age animals.
Higher ranking animals in a herd/flock also have fewer stress hormones, which gives them stronger immune systems.
My herd queen is a rammer and an ear biter. I put a bell on her so the rest of the herd has warning. Top ranking does tend to be the best producers, so your crabby Mini-Alpine may soften you with all her milk!
She is mean to my hubby and 2 of the 3 dogs...she is best buds with the other dog (go figure)
