Reproductive Disorders and Infertility in Goats

Reproductive disorders can affect the ability of goats to conceive, maintain pregnancy, give birth normally, or produce healthy offspring. Problems may include irregular or absent oestrus, repeated failure to conceive, abortions, retained placenta, difficult kidding, uterine infections, reproductive tract abnormalities, and poor semen quality in bucks.

Infertility may also be associated with inadequate nutrition, poor body condition, mineral deficiencies, reproductive infections, heat stress, age, genetic factors, or improper breeding management. Early identification of reproductive problems is important. Goats with repeated reproductive failure should be evaluated by a veterinarian, and farm records should be reviewed to identify possible management or nutritional causes.