Livestock Breeding Calendar
Created by: Ethan Brooks
Last updated:
Calculate due dates, heat cycles, and weaning schedules for your livestock. Enter breeding dates for goats, sheep, cattle, pigs, rabbits, and other animals to plan your breeding program and prepare for births.
Livestock Breeding Calendar
HomesteadingCalculate due dates, weaning schedules, and breeding timelines.
Dairy Goats
Gestation: 150 days (145-155 day range)
Heat cycle: Every 21 days, 24-48 hours
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What is a Homesteading Livestock Breeding Calculator?
A homesteading livestock breeding calculator helps you plan breeding schedules and calculate due dates for your animals. Successful livestock breeding requires careful timing — knowing when animals will give birth helps plan for facilities, nutrition, labor, and marketing of offspring.
Understanding Gestation Periods
Gestation length varies by species and can range several days from the average. Cattle carry for about 283 days (9.5 months), while pigs follow the memorable "3-3-3 rule" — 3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days (114 days). Sheep and goats gestate for approximately 5 months (147-150 days).
Seasonal Breeding Considerations
Many livestock are seasonal breeders. Sheep and goats naturally breed in fall as day length decreases, resulting in spring births when pasture is abundant. Horses breed in spring for winter foaling. Cattle and pigs breed year-round. Plan breeding to match births with favorable weather and feed availability.
Heat Detection and Timing
Most livestock show behavioral changes during heat (estrus). Standing heat — when females stand still when mounted — indicates peak fertility. Cattle are in standing heat for only 12-18 hours every 21 days, making detection critical for natural breeding or AI timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate a due date for my pregnant animal?
Add the species' average gestation period to the breeding date. Cattle: 283 days, Goats/Sheep: ~150 days, Pigs: 114 days (3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days), Rabbits: 31 days. Use a calendar or this calculator to find the expected due date range.
What is a heat cycle and how do I detect it?
A heat (estrus) cycle is when females are receptive to breeding. Signs include mounting other animals, restlessness, swelling, mucus discharge, and standing when pressed on the back. Cattle cycle every 21 days for 12-18 hours; goats every 21 days for 24-48 hours.
When should I wean offspring?
Weaning age varies by species and purpose. Dairy calves often wean at 8 weeks; beef calves at 6-7 months. Goat kids at 8-12 weeks. Piglets at 6-8 weeks. Lambs at 60-90 days. Early weaning stresses both mother and offspring but allows earlier rebreeding.
What are induced ovulators?
Rabbits, alpacas, and llamas are induced ovulators — they don't have regular heat cycles. Instead, ovulation is triggered by breeding. This means they can be bred almost any time, but conception timing is more predictable.
How soon after birth can an animal be rebred?
This varies by species and body condition. Cattle have 'foal heat' at 7-10 days but better conception at 60+ days. Goats can breed at first heat after kidding (3-4 weeks). Pigs can breed at weaning. Rabbits can breed immediately but waiting 4-6 weeks is healthier.
Sources and References
- Iowa State University Extension, "Livestock Reproduction Resources"
- Merck Veterinary Manual, "Reproductive Physiology"
- University of Missouri Extension, "Breeding Management Guides"