Goats are one of the oldest domesticated species, commonly raised as livestock for their milk, meat, and fiber. The long history of goat husbandry has led to a specific vocabulary used by breeders and farmers to precisely identify animals within a herd. Understanding this terminology requires distinguishing between gender, age, reproductive status, and the purpose for which the animal is kept.
The Specific Name for a Mother Goat
The standard term for an adult female goat is a doe, used regardless of whether she has given birth. A doe is generally considered mature once she is over one year old. The slang term “nanny goat” is also sometimes used, but “doe” is the preferred and more formal term in agriculture.
The term dam is a more specific designation referring to the maternal parent, particularly in breeding and pedigree records. While every mother goat is a doe, she is called a dam when referencing her offspring’s genetic background. This distinction is important for tracking traits passed down to her kid or young.
Breeders use the term dam to document the maternal side of a goat’s ancestry, complementing the term sire used for the father. This precise vocabulary is important for managing breeding programs and maintaining accurate herd records.
Terminology for Male and Young Goats
The adult male goat is typically called a buck, though the informal name “billy goat” is also common. Bucks are primarily kept for breeding purposes and often develop a strong odor and more assertive temperament during the mating season.
A young goat, regardless of sex, is called a kid until it reaches maturity, typically around one year of age. More specific terms exist for young goats: a young female is a doeling, and a young intact male is a buckling.
A male goat that has been castrated is known as a wether. Wethers are often kept for meat production or as companion animals because castration makes them more docile than bucks. They are generally easier to handle and integrate into a mixed herd.
The Reproductive Process
The act of a doe giving birth is specifically called kidding. This process marks the transition of the doe into a dam and the beginning of her lactation cycle. Gestation for a goat averages about 150 days, typically ranging from 145 to 155 days, depending on factors like breed and litter size.
Kidding is divided into three stages. The first stage involves preparatory labor where the doe becomes restless and the cervix dilates. The second stage is the actual delivery of the kid, which usually takes less than two hours. Most goats deliver twins, and the kids are typically up and walking very soon after birth.
The final stage involves the expulsion of the placenta, often referred to as the afterbirth. Proper postnatal care for the dam includes ensuring she passes the placenta completely and begins bonding with her kids. Successful kidding is important for the health of both the mother and the newborns.