Selection and breeding of goats and sheep

When selecting a goat or sheep for purchase, consider the following points:

General health

The animal should:

- take its feed and water regularly and display normal rumination.
- have normal skin and coat, bright eyes, alert ears, and moist muzzle.
- pass well-formed, normal dung, and normal urine.

Age

Always select young animals. Count their teeth to estimate their age.

Teeth structure

Female goat

For milch goats For milking goats, look for:

- a well-developed udder with two teats, without defects or disease.
- an angular body, sloping slightly downward from the hind section to the neck.
- hind legs well-apart, allowing ample space for the udder.

Reproduction

Some goats and sheep give birth twice a year, some once a year, and others three times in 2 years. Animals which give birth three times in 2 years are preferred. Choose animals which:

- have high twinning rates (produce twins).
- produce a lot of milk, for quick growth of offspring.

Offspring

Sell kids and lambs at between 3 and 6 months of age. Keep the best animals for replacement stock.

Breeding

Mate your animal 14-20 hours after the onset of estrus. Your breeding ram (male sheep) or buck (male goat) should be strong and healthy with a muscular physique, typical of its breed. Look for good loins, strong quarters, and well-developed testes. One male can serve 30-50 females.

Heat detection

A ewe in estrus will:

- bleat (cry loudly).
- wag its tail frequently.
- stand still when mounted.
- try to join the ram.