When it comes time to breed your goats, having the right supplies on hand makes the process smoother for both you and your herd. Whether you’re prepping your does and bucks before breeding season or keeping track of breeding dates, these tools can help.
For more details on breeding management and planning, check out my full blog articles: Breeding Goats: What You Need to Know and Signs of Goats in Heat.
Below I’ve pulled together the supplies we use on our farm during breeding season, with notes on how they fit into the process. Most of them are easy to access through Amazon or Tractor Supply.
All links are affiliate links, which come no cost to you. I only share products we use on our farm. I do earn a small commission by sharing.
Supplies to use prior to breeding (a few weeks to a month out)
Use these supplies a few weeks to a month or so out before breeding your goats.
Hoof trimmers
Before putting your buck in with the does, make sure he’s in top condition. That includes trimming hooves so they’re not overgrown. The same goes for your does, healthy hooves mean less stress and better mobility during breeding season.
Drench gun for deworming
Depending on body condition, your buck (or does) may need deworming before the rut. Drench guns make it easier to administer dewormer or other treatments if needed, especially when working with multiple animals.
Goat mineral
Your herd should always have access to a free-choice loose mineral, but it’s especially important heading into breeding season, during breeding, and while does are bred. Minerals support everyday health, fertility, and developing kids. My go-to is Purina Goat Mineral.
You can order it online for delivery to your local Tractor Supply Store, or ask about them at your local farm supply co-op/feed dealer that carries Purina products.
Supplement tub
Feeding high quality feed matters for both does and bucks as breeding approaches. It ensures they’re getting the nutrients needed for fertility and overall health. While not essential, supplement tubs can help fill forage gaps, especially when pasture quality drops later in the season. I like Purina’s Accuration Sheep and Goat Tub since it fits well with our herd’s seasonal nutrition needs.
You can order it online for delivery to your local Tractor Supply Store, or ask about them at your local farm supply co-op/feed dealer that carries Purina products.
Supplies to use during breeding
Breeding harness
A breeding harness straps onto your buck and holds a crayon marker. When he mounts a doe, she’ll be marked with the crayon, helping you track which does were bred and on what dates. Estimated due dates are roughly five months later, so good records here make kidding season easier.
Marking crayons
These go with the harness. I like to keep multiple colors on hand:
- Change colors with each estrus cycle for the does.
- Use different colors for different bucks in the same group.
- Switch colors if groups get combined after a set time.
You can even choose crayons designed for warm or cold temperatures depending on your climate.
Raddle (marking paint)
Instead of a harness, another option is applying raddle (a colored paint or powder) to the buck’s chest. When he mounts a doe, the mark transfers. You can find this on Premier’s website.
Disposable gloves
Always handy when working with vet supplies, medicines, or bodily fluids. They also help when handling bucks in rut — gloves keep that strong odor from lingering on your hands.
Marking paint
Color-coded paint can be useful for sorting does into breeding groups before turning in the bucks. It’s a quick visual tool to keep groups straight.
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