Key Terms New Goat Parents Should Know

In this article we will break down key terms you need to know for raising goats. Wether you are new or an aspiring goat parent this list is sure to give you a leg up. Some terms may seem self explanatory and others a bit more confusing. We hope by the end of this article you will have better understanding of your new furry friends. When there is so much to learn its hard to know just where to start. Always feel free to start with us.
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Baking Soda: This mineral is to be given free choice to your goats, to help prevent bloat and other rumen problems.
Bloat: An accumulation of gas in the rumen and reticulum, this requires medical attention asap. 
Buck (Billy): A full grown sexually matured male goat.
Buckling: A young male goat who is not sexually mature.
CDT:Vaccination given to build up antibodies against Enterotoxemia type C and D. and tetanus vaccination. 
Cud: Partly digested food returned from the first stomach (Rumen) to the mouth for further chewing.
Dehorned: A goat who has their horns removed.
Deworming: The process of removing intestinal worms by use of medication.  
Doe (Nanny): A full grown sexually matured female goat.
Doeling: A young female goat who is not sexually mature.
Free choice (Ad Libitum): Feed or supplements made available at all times so they can eat whenever and as much as it chooses.
Freshen: When a doe gives birth and begins to produce milk.
Gestation: The period in which a doe is pregnant (average 150 days).
Heat (Estrus): The period in which the doe is ready more mating.
Kid: A goat less than one year old.
Minerals:  Wether in a lick or a loose powder form a must have for all goats.  
Open: A female that is not pregnant.
Polled: A goat born with a gene that make it so they will not acquire horns.
Rumen: The first compartment of a goats stomach containing microbial population that breaks down forages and roughages.
Scours: Diarrhea.
Wether: A castrated male. 
Yearling: A male or female sheep or goat that is between 1 and 2 years of age.

This is by no means a complete list of goat terminology just a few of what we consider the most important..