Goat Gestation Calculator

Gestation Milestones

1. End of First Trimester (24 Aug 2024): Around this time, the embryos are well-developed. It's often a point where the risk of miscarriage starts to decrease.
2. Start of Second Trimester (25 Aug 2024): The second trimester begins. The fetuses are more securely established, and the risk of miscarriage continues to decrease.
3. Mid-Gestation (18 Sep 2024): This is the halfway point. The kids are growing, and the doe’s nutritional needs may increase. It's also a good time for a health check to ensure everything is progressing normally.
4. Start of Third Trimester (13 Oct 2024): This is when the final stage of pregnancy begins. The kids grow rapidly during this period, and the doe's nutritional and space needs will increase.
5. Preparation for Birth (22 Nov 2024 - 27 Nov 2024): The doe may start showing signs of impending labor, such as udder development, restlessness, or changes in behavior. This is a good time to prepare the kidding area.
6. Expected Kidding Date (2 Dec 2024): The average gestation period for goats is about 150 days, but this can vary by a few days. It's essential to monitor the doe closely around this time for signs of labor.
7. Post-Due Date Monitoring (2 Dec 2024 onwards): If the doe hasn't kidded yet, she should be closely monitored for any signs of distress or complications. Some does may go a few days past their due date, but prolonged gestation may require veterinary attention.

How Do You Calculate a Goat's Kidding Date?

Calculating a goat's kidding date, which is the estimated date of birth for the kids, involves a simple process based on the goat's breeding date. Here are the steps to calculate it:

1. Determine the Breeding Date: The first and most crucial step is to know the exact date when the goat was bred. This is the starting point for your calculations.
2. Understand the Average Gestation Period: The average gestation period for goats is typically around 150 days, but it can vary slightly depending on the breed and individual factors. Our calculator allows for "Standard" or "Miniature" breeds.
3. Add the Gestation Period to the Breeding Date: To calculate the kidding date, simply add the gestation period to the breeding date. For example, if your goat was bred on June 1st, and you are using the average 150-day gestation period, the estimated kidding date would be around October 29th.
4. Consider Individual and Breed Variations: Keep in mind that the gestation period can vary, so it's a good idea to be prepared for the kids to arrive a few days before or after the calculated date.

It's helpful to keep records of breeding and kidding dates, especially if you manage multiple goats. This data can help you make more accurate predictions in the future and monitor the health and productivity of your herd.

Supported Breeds of Goats

The goat gestation calculator works for all breeds of goat in the table below.

Goat Gestation Reference Table

Below is a reference table showing the kidding date for all days of the year.