Ritual of Life's Renewal

Usually, you picture newborn animals frolicking across spring meadows, so it appears a strange time of year to be considering the arrival of baby goats. But now, in mid October, I find myself preparing for a major birthing event. Inclement weather and falling temperatures will complicate matters, because at birth, baby goats are fairly weak and helpless. But, with a little assistance, they quickly adapt to their surroundings.

It is that first moment, when they enter this world, which causes me so much grief. A good, experienced momma asks only for a quiet, warm, secluded spot to birth her young. A female goat usually doesn't require a lot of assistance when conditions are in her favor but situations can change so rapidly at this time of year that circumstances can become critical at any moment. For that reason, I now find myself preparing the barn for the arrival of a whole passel of baby goats.

To be politically correct, you must call the female goats does. They are not nanny goats any more. Nor do we have billy goats. The males are called bucks. Their offspring are called kids. Goats are becoming big business as the demand for goat meat continues to rise. Goat is the meat of choice of many ethnic consumers. Doctors are now recommending goat meat as a therapeutic aid in cardiovascular disease due to the meat's low fat content. US Beef imports have fallen but, those of goat meat continue to rise. In 2003, the U.S. imported more than 18 million tons of goat meat because domestic production continues to lag behind demand.

Desire for goat meat is seasonal so now perhaps it will become clear to you why I find myself in the barn, expecting baby goats in October. In pursuit of that almighty dollar, profits are higher for the farm if my goats are born in the fall. This allows my goats to be at the most desirable weight when they go to market. Prices are better because most producers do not want to sit in a damp, frigid barn waiting for a doe to go into labor and thus goat numbers are fewer. This is not so much of an issue for the goat herders in the Southern states and milder climes, but here in Missouri, I can be facing freezing temperatures and ice at this time of year.

Kids come into this world weak and wet. Until they are dried and have consumed that initial, nutrient rich suck, their chance for survival is risky at best. When they are greeted by this world with freezing temperatures, many kids never sustain enough energy to struggle to their feet and stumble in search of a welcoming teat. My job is to be there to assist wherever needed. Does often have multiple kids. Twins are common, even triplets and quadruplets happen occasionally. I keep my birthing kit handy along with a large supply of dry towels so I can jump in and help mom clean up an extra baby or two, often steadying a feeble kid on wobbly legs and making sure that warm milk source is quickly found.

The barn is warm and smells of sweet, fresh straw. Growing wider by the day, the does wait patiently for that first labor pain that will mark the onset of this fall's kidding season. It won't be long now; their udders are full, skin stretched shiny and tight. Outside, the wind is brisk. For now, I pause to lean against the stall to watch the does quietly chewing their cuds and peace envelopes us all.