To ensure optimal health and reproductive success in goats, it's essential to focus on their nutrition, breeding management, and prevention of pregnancy loss. After breeding male rams, they should have access to sufficient high-quality forage. Depending on their body condition, the number of matings, and their libido, it is recommended to supplement their diet with 0.5 to 1.0 kg of wheat bran, soybean meal, or cake concentrates daily. Additionally, feeding 2 to 3 eggs per day can help improve their energy levels and fertility. To support bone development and mineral balance, include 10 grams of bone meal and 15 grams of salt in their feed. It's best to feed them 3 times a day, with an extra portion at night to help them recover and rest properly.
Proper breeding management is crucial. Monitoring the ewe’s estrus cycle is key to successful mating. Ewes typically show signs of estrus for 1 to 2 days, with the most fertile period occurring around 30 hours after the onset of estrus, especially toward the end of this phase. Normally, one mating is sufficient, but in practice, a second breeding is often performed 12 hours after the first to increase the chances of conception. This helps ensure that the ewe is fully receptive and maximizes the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.
Preventing miscarriages is another important aspect of goat care. Once a ewe is confirmed pregnant, she should not be fed moldy or toxic forage, and she should avoid strenuous activities such as jumping over ditches or running in open pastures. It is also important to minimize stress by avoiding overcrowding, sudden movements, or exposure to dogs and other animals that might startle her. For ewes with a history of habitual or congenital abortions, it's advisable to administer fetal protection injections or take other preventive measures within the appropriate time frame to reduce the risk of early pregnancy loss.
By focusing on proper nutrition, timely breeding, and careful management during pregnancy, goat farmers can significantly improve reproductive outcomes and overall herd health. These practices not only enhance fertility rates but also contribute to the long-term sustainability of goat farming operations.