This four-session course discusses the steps necessary to get to milk production in a goat; from breed selection, to mating, to preparing for new arrivals, to kidding, newborn care, and milking. 

This course is full of factual information presented orally and visually, coupled with illustrative pictures from my own herd and many others to show a variety of situations and setups for dairy goat farming, featuring videos coupled with PowerPoint-style presentation. Supplemental materials include a 25m video showing the whole process of mating, waiting, labor, kidding, and newborn firsts for students to watch independently and discuss in the classroom. There is also a home experiment showing the mechanics of milking and letting the students try out a "teat." And yes, it's okay if your learner giggles a bit when using the word "teat." 

Session one: Building your herd
* Buck and doe selection
* The heat cycle, signs of heat, 
* Gestation calendar
* Breeding

Session two: Preparing for arrival
* Nutrition 
* Compiling a birthing kit with emergency numbers
* Setting up a kidding stall

Session three: Labor & delivery
* Birth video discussion
* Kidding assistance
* Nursing assistance
* Umbilical care

Session four: Kid care & milking
* Postpartum doe care & worming
* Disbudding and castration
* Milking mechanics and milk products
* Weaning and bottle feeding

This class is informational in nature and does not feature live goats.

Don't see a time that works for you? This course is also offered in FLEX format: https://outschool.com/classes/beyond-kidding-dairy-goat-breeding-birthing-and-milking-qyEiuqA3?usid=6Sw2nCDl&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link

It is also sometimes offered as a 4-day CAMP: https://outschool.com/classes/beyond-kidding-dairy-goat-breeding-birthing-and-milking-ty8SKQa5?usid=6Sw2nCDl&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link

****Parental advisory: This class talks about sexual reproduction of goats and includes a (brief, wide-shot) video of goats mating and a (graphic, close up) video of a goat laboring and giving birth. Discretion is advised.****

**I am not a veterinarian and information contained in this course is designed for general informational purposes only. For specific medical advice or in the event of a goat emergency, please consult a veterinarian.**