Goat Herd Health; Reproductive Management, Feeding The Doe, Care Of The Kid

Abstract

Reproductive management practices
Regardless of the species of small ruminant the clinician is treating, there are several herd/flock health practices that are useful in enhancing productivity and improving reproductive health. Included in these practices are: (1) Perform pregnancy diagnosis on all bred females 45 to 60 days after breeding (Note: a linear array 3.5-5 mHz transducer can be used in most small ruminant females). Proper restraint, use of a coupling agent, and knowledge of the reproductive tract of each species lends itself to excellent results. (2) Maintain a separate area for confirmed pregnant females and do not mix any new animals with pregnant small ruminants. (3) If the herd has a history of disease-associated pregnancy wastage, and efficacious vaccines are available, then the breeding females should be vaccinated for those specific abortion causing diseases one month before the start of breeding. In herds with a history of infectious abortion, consider adding ionophores and/or tetracycline to feeds or mineral mixtures. (Note: The clinician should always be mindful of United States Department of Agriculture regulations concerning feed additives). (4) Monitor and record all herd members’ body condition score. Prevent overconditioning and provide plenty of exercise for parturient does. Scores of 2.5 to 3.5 (on a 5-point system) for goats are desirable. Periodically check pregnant does for ketones with urine sticks in herds with a history of pregnancy toxemia. If animals examined have higher than normal ketone values, take steps to correct the problem (e.g., feed niacin and/or ionophores, feed more grain, force more exercise). (5) Trim feet as needed, and maintain good hoof care. Avoid hoof disease late in gestation. (6) Provide a clean, dry, draft-free area for maternity pens, or a well-drained, clean pasture with shelter. (7) Give yearly vaccination boosters of toxoids for Clostridium perfringens type C and D and C. tetani and other required vaccinations for that herd 30 days before kidding. (8) Insure a well-designed parasite control program is instituted. Preference should be given to programs that minimize the need to deworm, and enhance refugia by selective or targeted deworming (FAMACHA©).