3894 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 coarser 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 
