Normal Values
Maxine Kinne
Q. What is the goat's normal temperature? Should I know any other medical numbers?
As you have probably noticed, there are many variables where goats are concerned. Normal values and variations are given in the table below. Temperature, pulse, respiration and rumen motility may all vary outside the normal when a goat is ill, but these values are also different for kids than they are for adults. Temperatures can be elevated after exercise and during hot weather. It is often a good idea to take evaluate normal values in more than one animal of the same approximate age to get a good reading on a questionable animal.
Temperature, respiration and rumen motility are the three most important criteria to use to determine whether or not a goat is ill. Learn how to measure these on healthy animals to avoid stressing yourself out when you think you have a sick one. Buy a rectal thermometer.
Although many different authors say that 104o F is within a normal range, I have always found that a goat with that high a temperature is ill. At that temperature, a sick goat will usually go off feed and become lethargic.
The key to recognizing illness is watching behavior. When you are an observant herd manager, any odd behavior is worth investigating.
| Value | Normal Range |
| Temperature One degree lower in the morning.  Take at the same time every day. |
101.5o - 104.0o |
| Respiration | 12 - 15 per minute |
|
Rumen Motility |
1 - 4 per minute |
| Rumen pH | 5.5 - 7.0 |
| Pulse | 70 - 80 per minute |
| Estrus Length Estrus Interval |
12 - 48 hours 16-24 days |
|
Gestation Length |
144 - 155 days |
| Blood pH | 7.35 ± 0.30 |
| Urine pH | 7.2 - 8.0 |
| Salivary pH | 8.2 - 8.6 |
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Copyright 2000 |
