160 MODERN MILK GOATS 



not, then, expect your doe to perform the feats of travel 

 accomphshed by the goat in " natural " conditions. 



IDuring the last two months of pregnancy each doe 

 should have, if possible, a separate stall, where she is free 

 from molestation. Above all, every precaution should 

 be taken to avoid the chance of blows, of jamming in 

 small passageways, and of any kind of sudden fright. 

 At this time the presence of any horns in the herd will 

 prove themselves suddenly the ugly menace that they 

 are, adding immensely to the anxiety of the breeder and 

 his risk of loss. 



Abortion. — For all of the dangers listed above lead 

 to the one tragic result, abortion. Abortion means not 

 only the loss of the kids — it often means the death of the 

 doe herself, and in nearly every case her gi'eat suffering 

 and loss of milk. If, however, in spite of all precau- 

 tions it happens, the breeder may want some suggestions 

 as to the best way of dealing with his misfortune. 



Treatment. — We are discussing at present abortion 

 caused by accident, not disease. The first indication 

 that something is wrong will be a bloody discharge, or a 

 string of mucus from the vulva. Nothing can be done 

 to help the situation except to make the doe as comfort- 

 able as possible in a loose stall. The ejection of the 

 foetus may be very slow, taking much longer than in a 

 normal birth. The after-birth is more likely to be re- 



