If breeding doe kids is postponed much beyond 10 months of age, they will be less productive. Older kids are not as easily settled at first breeding and may have lower lifetime productivity. 3 Breeding does, as the season approaches should be ''flushed'', i.e. prepared by having them gain weight at least 2-3 weeks before breeding. This increases the number of ovulations. Records should be kept carefully on all heats, lengths of heat, intervals between heats and all breeding dates.
Most goats are seasonal breeders, and their season is initiated by decreasing daylight.
Thus, their season is from late August through January usually, but tropical breeds of goats may cycle year around. 4 Seasonal breeding results in seasonal peaks and valleys of milk production which makes it difficult to maintain a level fluid milk market. However, goats can be milked longer than the standard 305-day lactation by delaying breeding to a later heat. However, this requires an investment in housing which is suitable for light control. 5 Hormonal reproductive problems are not common in goats.