colostrum question

[Suburbanfarmer]

My doe is due in 2 weeks and we plan on letting her raise the baby(s), but I do have colostrum paste on hand. My question is, if I need it, how much and for how long do I feed it before switching over to milk? One dose? Or several days worth? Just want to be prepared.

Thanks,
-K

 

[Mf628]

Are you asking as if you had to bottle raise them? In that case I would feed LIQUID colostrum for 3 days (3rd day half milk) and then switch to whole milk. For a standard sized doe I would say as much colostrum as they will take, but at least 2-3 ounces every few hours.

If you're just supplementing them with the paste, then one dose should be fine. Unless you think the kid isn't recieving a sufficient amount, or just looks weak, give them another dose.

Good luck, and Happy Kidding! I also have a doe soon, Valentines day!

 

[rinksgi]

I am no expert, but unless there is a problem with the doe, I would leave the kids on the doe for a few days to get the colostrum from her. You can't really use the first milk for anything else anyway, and a few days won't make a difference on bottle feeding. Just my opinion.

 

[Suburbanfarmer]

I am planning on letting them be on the doe. I only have the colostrum for an emergency. I got the same brand that was suggested from FiasCo Farms:

"It you do not have any real goat Colostrum, it is a good idea to have a real colostrum replacement on hand that contains viable antibodies. Sterling Technology makes a real nice Colostrum supplement called NursemateASAP specifically designed for goats that comes in a tube/syringe that is easily administered to newborns."
http://fiascofarm.com/goats/feeding.htm#colostrum


I am not planning on using it unless I absolutely have to. But, if I absolutely have to I'd like to know how long/how often I need to give it. Thanks,
-K