The estrus cycle of dairy goats is seasonal and regular, typically occurring from September to October of the same year through early spring of the next. To improve breeding efficiency in dairy goats, several key strategies should be implemented.
Proper nutrition for both male and female goats is crucial before mating. Goats that have been lactating for a long time consume large amounts of nutrients, which can lead to poor body condition. Studies show that the average milk yield per goat during lactation is about 15 times its body weight, with a significant 18% to 33% loss in body mass. Bucks that are not bred for extended periods often have poor physical conditions. A well-conditioned buck exhibits strong libido, high fertility, and quality sperm. Therefore, it's essential to improve the nutritional status of both males and females before breeding by implementing short-term feeding programs.
Starting one to two months before the breeding season, provide high-quality forages and feeds. For rams and ewes, supplement their diet with protein-rich feed. Each ram produces about 70-80 grams of protein per ejaculation. Green fodder is rich in vitamins and minerals, enhancing sperm motility and promoting estrus in does. The ideal ratio of green fodder to dry feed is generally 1:8 to 1:10, with additional fine feed added during short-term feeding. Daily supplements of 0.5 to 1 kg of feed are recommended, with dry forage making up about 3% to 4% of the goat’s body weight. If using fresh grass, consider the conversion rate (e.g., 0.5 kg hay = 2.5 kg fresh grass).
Selecting breeding stock with high reproductive performance is vital for improving breeding rates. First, ensure a good proportion of fertile ewes in the flock. Lambs can be bred at 15 to 18 months old, weighing between 30 to 40 kg. However, young ewes must be carefully selected and retained to avoid breeding those that are underweight or unhealthy, as this can negatively impact both the ewe and future generations.
Second, select ewes that give multiple births, as they tend to have higher lambing rates. Third, remove low-quality animals, especially those over seven years old or those that fail to conceive. Ewes that do not become pregnant in their first year should be evaluated, and if they remain infertile in the second year, they should be culled. Also, ewes that die shortly after giving birth should be removed from the flock.
Timing of mating is critical. Does go into estrus every 20 days, with each estrus lasting 20 to 28 hours. Ovulation usually occurs 30 to 40 hours after the start of estrus. Sperm can fertilize an egg within 24 hours, so breeding should occur around the middle of estrus. Older ewes have shorter estrus periods, while younger ones have longer ones. As the saying goes, "Old bucks breed early, young ones late, and middle-aged ones fall in between."
During mating, proper care of rams is essential. They need rest after each mating session—ideally 2 to 3 hours. If multiple matings are needed, arrange them in the morning and afternoon. Artificial insemination can also be used to maximize the use of semen. Additionally, maintaining clean environments and increasing light exposure helps improve breeding performance.
Finally, for ewes that repeatedly fail to conceive, hormonal treatments such as progesterone and pregnant mare serum gonadotropin may be used. Herbal remedies like motherwort can also support reproductive health. Overall, a combination of good nutrition, proper selection, timing, and management significantly improves breeding success in dairy goats.
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