394 THE BREEDS OF LIVE-STOCK 



obvious that they should not be permitted to breed. 

 They reach maturity when about sixteen or eighteen 

 months old, and they should not be bred before this 

 time. If bred earlier, the kids will not be so strong, nor 

 so well developed. The goats are in their prime when 

 two to six years old. Does should not be kept until they 

 are very old, unless they produce kids of exceptional 

 merit, for their mohair becomes coarse* and less valuable 

 as they mature. The average life of goats is about twelve 

 years. 



Bucks usually come in heat about the middle of July, 

 and continue so about six months. Does do not usually 

 come in heat until the latter part of August or the first of 

 September. The period of gestation is 147 to 155 days. 

 The kids should not come before the warm days of spring, 

 or when vegetation begins to put out vigorously. The 

 only objection to early kidding is the extra care required 

 to preserve the life of the kids, for they are delicate for 

 the first few days. 



A buck should be in the best possible condition when 

 put to service, and should be fed some grain during the 

 breeding season. For the best results, about forty or 

 fifty does should be allowed to a buck. The pure-bred 

 Angora does not often drop more than one kid at a time, 

 while the common goat nearly always drops two. The 

 kidding season is the most important in the life of the goats. 

 For several days after the kids are dropped, they naturally 

 demand good care. After a few weeks they are able to 

 care for themselves, and can follow the flock. 



A few days before a doe is due to kid, she should be 

 separated from the flock. Some breeders would put her 

 alone in a pen, while others would put as many as twenty 

 in one pen. If the facilities are at hand, a small pen for 



