Checking The Ligaments On Pregnant Doe Ligaments: How To

By Deb Haines

One of the best ways to identify an impending kidding is to feel the both (two) tail ligaments located on each side of the tail.

Goats have two cord-like ligaments that run along each side of the rear portion of their spine towards their tail.

Most of the time, these ligaments are firm and feel just a bit smaller than the diameter of your little finger.

As kidding time becomes closer, these ligaments start to become soft and squishy and it’s usually within one to two days before birth, they will disappear altogether. Most cases 24 hours.

Practice….If you have a non pregnant doe take a moment and feel the not pregnant doe. You will notice that those ligaments are very firm.

A goats rear area is normally flat and solid. As the doe gets to the end of her pregnancy, all that that changes. The tailbone of the pregnant doe becomes elevated, and the ligaments that connect it to her pelvis begin to stretch and loosen in preparation for the journey of the kid (or kids) .

Sometimes you can tell that she will kid soon when you see a hollow on either side of the tail.

When the ligaments begin to get soft, and then completely vanish, you know that the goat is due to kid usually within 24 hours. You may make a mistake the first few times you try to read the ligaments, Don’t give up for over time you will find the technique to be almost foolproof.

Good practice always is a few weeks before the doe is ready to kid, start feeling her ligaments routinely. When close to kidding day you will find that the ligaments have turned to mush, and then you will know that it’s time to put her in the kidding pen and make sure you have all your kidding supplies ready.

The diagram below shows you where these cord like ligaments are on each side of the tail, If you look at the 2nd diagram you will see how you can pinch with your fingers together and almost reach completely around the goat’s tail. When things get this squishy, kidding time is getting closer!

We hope this gives you a better understanding of how to check the ligaments of your doe. Enjoy the journey.

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