Sally Sunshine
Loving the herd life
ps.. after this info (same post) I posted an updated notes thoughts and things I have learned and things I would add and birth pics.
KIDDING SUPPLY LIST & KIDDING NOTES
What did I forget?
Paper towels
Newborn kid coat
Hand sanitizer
Wireless intercom/CAM for keeping track of does
Unwaxed Dental floss
Scalpel and sterile scissors
Vet wrap
Heating blanket / pad / quiet blow dryer
Flashlight
Breeding Calendar
Pad/Pencils marker
Molasses in warm water for dam after kidding
Towels or puppy pee pads for drying off kids
7% Tincture of Iodine
Garbage bags
Stethoscope
Flexible tubing
kid puller
Bottles/nipples/teat cleaner
Surgical gloves
Whole-arm length plastic obstetrical sleeves
KY or OB Lube
Weak kid syringe
Nasal aspirator or straw tickle nose get them sneeze
Weigh tape or scale to weigh kids at birth.
Rectal Thermometer Average goat temp 101-103ish
Extension cord for heat lamps
plastic cup or dixie cups for dipping navels in iodine
Drenching syringe
Balling guns tube (feeding tube fits on end)
Clock
Surgical scrub
pritchard nipples & soda/water bottle
MEDS/VITs/ETC
Probios- Either probiotic gel designed for baby goats to pick up their appetite and get the rumen going. Or Probios powder 5 grams kids 10 grams adults
Baking soda - to treat acidosis, floppy kid SEE FLOPPY KID INFO BELOW for TREAT
Bovi Sera 5 cc of to provide the essential antibodies the babies must have to build a strong immune system. Inject subcutaneously or intramuscularly. PREVENTION as soon after birth as possible. Bovi Sera is an absolute MUST HAVE for any goat owner. Useful in the prevention and treatment of conditions such as pneumonia and enterotoxemia, passive immune failure in newborns and shipping fever complex in adults, Bova Sera provides an immediate boost to the immune system allowing goats to get back on their feet. Bovi Sera acts much the same as Goat Serum although goats are not listed on the label. Dosage of 10 cc sub-Q injection for adults and 5 cc sub-Q injection for newborns
VIT E gel caps Oral 1 1000 IU capsule squirted on grain daily starting 3 weeks b4 kidding
BoSe- (Get from Vet)- 1/4cc per new born to prevent white muscle disease or
Selenium E Gel weak kids or kids with white muscle disease and more. The purpose of having selenium gel in the kidding kit is to administer an appropriate dosage to kids who display those symptoms. Newborn 2ml ~ Adult 4ml To be used once every 30 days.
Colostrom (natural/instant)To bottle feed kids for first 3 days
Keto stix or powder Checks for ketones in doe for pregnancy toxemia. Signs: Weak doe, acetone breath. Administer Propeline Gycol if ketosis is present at freshening. Can supplement sugar or molasses in water
Propylene glycol or a recipe and supplies for homemade ketosis remedy to treat ketosis
Goat Nutra Drench Give orally. Newborns: 4 cc at birth Adults: 1 oz or 30 cc per 100 lbs of body weight
OR Vitamin A, D, E, B12 gel for does and kids after kidding
OR Replamin gel (vitamins and amino acid chelated minerals) for boosting immune systems and great for helping with side effects of copper deficiency : Replamin 2-5 cc per head depending on the weight. This has excellent ratings!
CMPK gel (Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus &Potassium for the does b4 n after kidding)
MFO in case of milk fever DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Administer orally as a drench. The usual dose for adult cattle is 500 mL.
Calcium Gluconate also treats milk fever
Chewable vit C or drench Vit C
Gas relief drops
Pepto Bismol & Baking soda FLOPPY KID SYNDROME SEE BELOW
Fortified Vitamin B Complex – injectable
Antibiotic – to treat illness, re tained placenta - SEE BELOW ANTIBIOTIC CLIPS
MAGIC MIX Stressed or lethargic 1 part Molasses, 2parts corn syrup, 1 part Corn Oil. Always have on hand.
Kidding NOTES & ER info
Month Five in the Gestation Period Vaccinate does for enterotoxemia ( Clostridium perfringens C&D) and tetanus (CDT) (about 2 to 4 weeks prior to kidding.)
Dewormer: treat adult does approximately one week prior to kidding with a safe for pregnant does product. Ivermectin is safe for pregnant does but does not kill tapeworms, Safeguard is safe for pregnant does to kill tapes. PLEASE look up milk withdrawal periods. Valbazen is NOT safe for pregnant does so please do homework before worming!
At 5 weeks prior to freshening, start to increase the doe's daily intake of grain. The major growth formation of the kids is in the last month, it is important that the doe gets enough food for herself and her growing kids. Her daily intake of grain should double over a 7 day span and continue during the last 4 weeks of pregnancy and continue for her lactation period to keep in condition. DO NOT OVERFEED Grains can lead to Toxemia, see PREGNANCY TOXEMIA BELOW
BoSe/ Sel E Gel dose to mom goats 4 weeks b4 kidding. Administer appropriate dosage of Selenium E Gel to weak kids or kids with white muscle disease etc.
sel e gel dosage =Newborn 2ml ~ Adult 4ml To be used once every 30 days.
Fiasco Suggests: Vitamin E 1 capsule (500-1000 IU) oral squirted on grain daily, starting 3 weeks b4 kidding. They find supplementing Vit E before kidding aids in easier delivery.
2 weeks prior to kidding is optional to clip/shave her udder and rear of hair. This enables her to stay cleaner after she does freshen.
In last 2 wks of pregnancy if you put a hand just in front of udder and lift you should feel limbs. This method can also be used during kidding to feel if more kids to come.
Pregnancy Toxemia
Can Occur within 2 weeks of kidding and 2 weeks after kidding, also known as ketosis. The doe uses her own fat to feed her kids and herself, giving off ketones in the system, causing the doe and kids to become toxic. Ketosis is brought on by an imbalance to food intake. This can either happen if fed too much or too little grain. Be careful with how you feed during the late stages of pregnancy. Keto stix Checks for ketones in doe for pregnancy toxemia. Signs: Weak doe, acetone breath. If Ketones are mild = bump grain 10-15% per day and check ketones daily if Ketones are high = give 30-60cc of propylene glycol 2-3x a day AND bump grain 10-15% Repeat urine ketone readings - when gets low to normal, discontinue use of propylene glycol. Administer as drench Propeline Gycol if ketosis is present at freshening. SEE BELOW for more INFO ON PREGNANCY TOXEMIA Treatment.
Getting Closer to Kidding WHEN WILL SHE KID?
As your doe is days away from kidding, you will notice changes in her. She will start to paw her straw as if making a nest, time to place her in her own kidding pen. Restlessness, getting up and down, moving, pawing about 24 - 48 hours before kidding. Mucas plug anytime from a few weeks to days to just at kidding! This whiteish goop was well out two weeks from kidding....
Signs that your doe is going into labor:
Hollowing out of the hips. kids will drop, doe appears to have lost a lot of weight hip bones
Vulva bigger redder softer, but about 5-6 hrs before actual kidding it will suddenly look
Sunken or withdrawn,as seen in 2nd images below, soon after that the first clear liquids
images from MikeLM Mucas plug and later sunken look JUST A FEW HRS BEFORE LABOR NOTE THE CLEARISH GREEN LOOK? it isnt the white look as above image
Bloodshot eyes, she is within hours of kidding.
Mucus plug that is released about 8 hours prior to kidding. It may come in short little lengths at first. A long milky string is a sure sign that the time is fast approaching. But sometimes a wk b4.
Talking to babies
Affectionate
Udder will fill slowly during the last 4 weeks of of pregnancy. Udder will fill, become firmer and may have a shine to it. If no milk in teats the teats are floppy
The teats fill about 24 hours prior to kidding but do NOT milk any out.
Tail ligaments loosen.
Kids moving. If you can feel the kids moving within the doe, you have about 12 hours to wait. Kids can be felt or seen on the right side of the doe. When they move into position, movement becomes almost nonexistent.
Heavy breathing and a worried look. Her breaths will become very long and labored.
Off feed
She lies down and vocalizes as the tail rising and falls, the beginning of heavy labor
Water can break
Stage II Labor
Does will lie down or stand up and squat to contract. When the doe starts pushing, you may see a water bag protruding from the vaginal opening. The bag may burst or may come out intact. You will sometimes see a bubble come out and go back in with each contraction and is normal. A 2nd bag, filled with dark fluid, may appear. They are membranes holding amniotic fluid. Sometimes, does will throw their head backwards and "scream" all normal! The contractions will start to come closer and stronger, she will stretch all four legs out as she is lying on her side. As the contractions and pushing become stronger you will see two little feet and then a head come which is resting on the feet. As long as progress is being made, there is no reason to assist. Another good push and the kids shoulders with body following, come out. Does that take longer than 2 hours to deliver or does that have a fetus visible that don’t deliver in 20-30 minutes is a problem. Sometimes assistance is needed sooner depending on the presentation of the baby. REMEMBER 2 feet with the dewclaws toward the floor, followed by a nose, or a foot and a nose. 2 rear feet is not too big of a deal most of the time but in that position dewclaws should be pointing up toward the ceiling. Concern should be when you only see a nose, a front and a back foot, a tail, or possibly 2 feet that seem right position but may belong to different babies, possible coloring or size.
If you must assist as in a single normal birth by GENTLY pulling the kids out and DOWN. Once the first kid is delivered, the others should follow within 20-30 minutes each. IF the time between extends longer than that, assistance in needed.
SEE LABOR DELIVERY SECTION BELOW FOR PROBLEMS/CONCERNS/ASSISTANCE
After kidding, the Dam
She is tired and exhausted, put hay within her reach so she does not have to stand to give her time to regain her strength. Offer some grain to your doe. Once all kids are delivered, give doe warm water and molasses mixture. Molasses is High in iron & sugar! Dont over do it a 1/2 cup of molasses to 2 Gal warm water should be plenty! Goats love really warm water esp in winter!
Your doe will pass an afterbirth or placenta after all kids are delivered. Usually this will occur within 2 hours for delivery, but should happen within 12. Do NOT assist in taking the placenta from the doe. If you pull on it, you can cause permanent damage to the uterus and possible internal bleeding resulting in death. Sometimes when the placenta is passed the doe will have contractions as if delivering another kid. Some does will eat the afterbirth. Some let them eat placenta, some do not. Some feel it's the natural thing to do for nutrients, and others say it can mess up the gut of the doe. For a few days after kidding, your doe will will have a bloody discharge. If it is flowing and looks like hemorrhaging, call your vet STAT. After a few days of the bloody discharge, your doe will continue discharging fluids, but the color and consistency will be that of reddish-brown. All is normal and may come on and off over the next 3 - 4 weeks.The placenta should come out in 6-12 hours. Doe may need some medication to increase the involution of the uterus, such as oxytocin and penicillin. After 24 hours, Call VET. If does become lethargic and have fever. SEE rx OXYTOCIN INFO BELOW! Post kidding sections below.
image from MikeLM a healthy placenta
Umbilical Cords If the umbilical cord not break during delivery, tie it off about two inches from the kids stomach using sterile dental floss and then about 4 inches past the first tie. Dip the dental floss in iodine first. Using scissors cut the cord between the two ties. Sometimes the cord will break during delivery and be long, you can tie it off about two inches from the kids belly with dental floss and cut the cord about an inch from the tie. Leave the floss on the cord and trim close to the knot. Proceed to dip the cord in iodine.
Taking care of the kids
Make sure all are healthy and suckling from their mom. For Nigeria Dwarfs get colostrum into them within a half hour to an hour after birth. Make sure the milk plug is released from each teat prior to getting the kids on the teat. Do this by milking out a couple squirts of colostrum. The smell of the colostrum will help in stimulating the kid to find the teat and suckle. Within a few minutes kids are up on their feet and looking for the udder. Once the kids have had their fill of colostrum if there is time between the kids being delivered, navels should be dipped in 7% tincture of iodine. The first poops of kids comes out in a black tarry type consistency, after a couple of days this will change to a yellow looking stool for a few days and then finally to the greenish black color and shape of the adult goat. Give kids 5 cc of Bovi Sera or Replamin to provide the essential antibodies the babies must have to build a strong immune system.
KIDS LEGS
Sometimes the kids legs are pinned in the womb in some strange positions and they the rear legs to have an almost double-jointed appearance where the hocks bend in the wrong direction. Leg problems generally work themselves out over the first week or two as they get to running around and strengthening their muscles, if they can get to a teat and nurse (you need to help them), they will be fine. Some take a day to get right, others can take a week. As long as are slowly getting straight and improving, all should be fine. Do not splint them as it can make them weak unless absolutely necessary.
LABOR DELIVERY Concerns & 30 Minute Rule
When you see real labor pushing 30 min later you should see bubble, 30 mins later fetal parts, 30 mins later birth. Repeat each kid. If any steps go longer than 30 mins its time to intervene. (sometimes you can't tell the pushing heavy labor part if a doe is low on Calcium or other issue) Your doe is in hard labor, pushing with nothing happening for over 30 minutes. Time to go inside and help her or if you can not handle it yourself, call that friend of yours or the vet. A doe should not be in hard labor for over an hour. If she is, exhaustion will take over and she will not be able to the deliver the kids. There should only be about 30 minutes between multiple birth kids, if the time between extends longer then that, assistance is needed.
If you need to enter the doe, Wash hands and arms thoroughly with antiseptic/ disinfectant up to your elbows. When reaching in the doe, use GLOVES and lots of OB lubricant. Short finger nails. No jewelry. Point fingers straight with thumb along-side. Keep fingers together at all times so you don't poke with a finger. STOP pushing forward with each contraction, just stay where you are and rest until contraction is over and then continue easing forward. As you enter, she will try to push you back out. Continue in slowly until you can feel what is being presented in the birth canal. Become familiar with the anatomy of the kid so as you feel blindly, you can tell what you are feeling. Closing your eyes helps to "see" inside. If you have difficulty with kidding position and can't move the kids inside, use a hay bale and put it under doe's belly to lift her hind legs off ground so that kid slips further back into doe. Need to get both legs together along with head.
Kidding Positions ~Corner Stone Farm A Great visual for Kid Presentations Normal and AbNorm!
scroll to Illustrations HERE http://www.cornerstonefarm.net/kidding.html
ACV (apple Cider Vinegar w/mother) PREGNANCY
Info from Pat Coleby Natural Goat Care: Most common result of potassium deficiency is difficult birth. In short term Cider Vinegar has enough potassium to enable goats to kid normally. She goes into why it helps in detail. ACV is high in potassium, which aids in keeping the blood flowing properly, an activity that is very important for our pregnant does, most especially when she is carrying multiples. It also assists with the uptake and processing of calcium, phosphorous, and copper by individual cells, another very important action for successful pregnancy. Slowly introduce and give 30 ml (2 Tbsp.) of apple cider vinegar per day during late gestation can put in water or on grain. There is an old wives tale about ACV making more does than bucks too.
Post kidding
The placenta of a healthy birth will look like healthy organ tissue. Dark smelly placentas are associated with births having dead kids. Use of oxytocin rx to help the uterus contract is recommended only if the doe comes in with little or no milk, or if you believe there is partial retained placenta. Oxytocin will help in milk let down. It takes about 20 minutes to work and then 20 minutes to contract the uterus, which reduces the uterus to about 2/3 its size in about 40 minutes. USE OXYTOCIN SPARINGLY and only after 48 hours has elapsed after a bad birth.
When can / should I use oxytocin? Oxytocin is a vet-obtained drug so should have instructions for use. First, it can be used when the doe exhibits uterine inertia – when she is fully dilated, the kid is properly positioned, and the doe needs some extra assistance to get uterine contractions. Secondly, oxytocin can be used after kidding to have the milk “let down” – when all kids are delivered and oxytocin can be used for milk production stimulation, third, oxytocin can be used to encourage uterine contractions to expel the placenta, or as an aid to metritis treatment.
Within the first few days after delivery, make sure to check lower inner eyelid color of DAM for signs of anemia. Why and how to do FAMACHA Scoring https://youtu.be/I5rcuvVG56Q WATCH VIDEO Most don't Look at inner eye membrane Correctly! There is more to it than simply pulling the bottom of eye down!
Fortified B Complex-For Dam to replace the B vitamins in the rumen ALWAYS FOR MULTIPLE BIRTHS to help dam regain health 2.5 mL per 50 pounds of body weight. May be repeated daily, if indicated. Normal weight in Nigerian dwarf adult goats after first year 75 lbs
BLOAT? COCCIDIOSIS PREVENTION: Starting at 3 weeks old, Feed 1/2 cc of DiMethox 40% (currently unavailable) or 1.5 cc DiMethox 12.5% ORALLY twice a day for one week, then once a week until weaned. Identify the cause – if a fever, can be infectious cause such as E coli or clostridial. The most common cause is nutritional – too little or too much milk or the wrong quality of milk. No, kids cannot, and do not, get parasites for at least 30+ days – be it coccidia or any other parasite.
BoSe / E Sel dosage to mom goats 4 weeks b4 kidding, and kids if chilled at birth
Floppy kid syndrome (FKS) SEE BELOW FOR MORE INFO and Treatment
A ‘quick n dirty’ test I use is to rub some karo or pancake syrup on the gums of the kid to give an energy boost – if is weak, will see some reaction (usually), a FKS kid will not respond as well as there are bigger issues than lack of calories/energy.
Tube feeding Video links - best equipment and how to tube feed. Video by a veterinarian
and
Bottle Feeding
How often, how much, and how long? Nutrition is about the kid not your sleeping habits.
Feeding is based on an assumption that 20-30% of body weight is to be consumed the first few weeks to support optimal growth and health. Use mama milk or a quality goat kid milk replacer – cow milk recipes are sub-standard and will not provide the same energy and nutrients, and the stomach only holds so much. The amount to feed is *always* going to be 4 oz (120cc) per 5 lbs of body weight (even of colostrum days 0 thru 2 or 3), the interval changes as get older and that then reduces the percentage. Small changes up or down are fine – the animal may have a faster or slower metabolism
Day 0 to 3 weeks – every 4 hours
3 wks to 6 or 8 wks - every 6 hours
6 or 8 wks to 12 wks – every 8 hours
12wks to 14 or 16 – every 12 hours, tapering down to once per day at 14 or 16 weeks, then quit
IMPORTANT BOTTLE FEEDING INFO!
Sudden bloat/death kid that is 7 days or younger, suspect a ruminal drinker or clostridial infection. A ruminal drinker does not get all milk to the stomach, with some of it ending up in the immature rumen and fermenting – this causes bloat. It can be avoided with proper positioning when feeding with a bottle – head down and almost on knees like would be trying to nurse from mom – this allows the “esophageal groove” to direct milk straight to the stomach.
Constipated kids in the first week
First, are they eating enough? Little in = little out. Cow milk is one culprit (low on fat and protein so less solids to defecate) as is not nursing. Poor quality replacers are another cause Is the anus clean? Mom licks it clean regularly and this stimulates defecating, so you can mimic this action with a warm washcloth. If all else fails, get a warm bowl of water t 100 degrees or so, add a drop or two of Dawn plain soap and gently infuse ~1cc per lb of kid weight of water into the rectum – slowly. In a while should get a poop, and if not that is OK as well – usually the water is expelled if there is no feces. If nothing in 10-15 minutes, repeat once. Do *not* use Fleet enema or human types.
Pellets/grains feed Start At 4 weeks is when most kids can be introduced to pellets. You can try as newborns (1st week), but they are just going to play with the pellet.
INFO ON VITS MINERALS MEDS:
(that were listed above)
Replamin Gel Plus DIRECTIONS: GOAT: 2-5 cc per head depending on the weight. Use as a supplemental source of minerals and vitamins during periods of stress (such as weaning, moving and castration) during which feed intakes may be decreased and during which supplemental nutrients may be of benefit or as a source of supplemental nutrition for animals which may have mineral and/or vitamin deficiencies. Ingredients: Magnesium, Potassium, Cobalt, Copper, Maganese, Selenium, Zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Biotin, Thiamine, Choline
Selenium E gel Dosage:
Weak Floppy kid Syndrome Newborn 2ml ~ Adult 4ml if needed 4 wks B4 delivery
Each 10 mL dose of Vitamin ADE & B12 Gel provides minimum:
500,000 IU vitamin A
100,000 IU vitamin D3
100 IU vitamin E
3,000 mcg vitamin B12
and probotics
One (1) dose every 7 days Directions for dosing: goats - 5 mL.
Directions for dosing C.M.P.K. Gel:
Give 1 tube within 6-12 hrs prior to calving
Give another tube within 6-12 hrs after calving
Administer near the back of the mouth and empty contents, allowing the cow to swallow
MFO Solution for Cattle
For use in cattle for milk fever, grass tetany and wheat pasture poisoning.
500 mL contains 10 g calcium, 2.76 g magnesium, 6.03 g phosphorus, 75 g dextrose and 5.25 g potassium. Give orally as a drench. Dosage: Cattle - 250-500 mL.
Calcium Gluconate Solution Administer IV sometimes ORAL.
For prompt treatment of milk fever. May be used when deficiencies of these components appear.
Kaeco Colostrum Oral Gel
Administer 10 mL to newborn goats as soon as possible after birth. Administer 10 mL on the second day and third day. 1 tube is 3 doses.
Contains a source of 5 probiotics, dried colostrum, vitamins A, D3, E and B12 and trace minerals. Supplies a source of maternal antibodies and protein
Goat and Sheep Nutri-Drench
Beneficial in any stress condition. Maximize performance and stamina in show. Delivers high energy, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, electrolytes and antioxidants in minutes.
Dramatic response for Goat and Sheep Nutri-Drench: weak newborns appetite diarrhea
multiple birth antibiotic/vaccine response travel and heat stress
Give orally. Newborns: 4 cc at birth Adults: 1 oz or 30 cc per 100 lbs of body weight
INGREDIENTS: propylene glycol, molasses products, calcium carbonate, choline chloride, DL-methionine, l-lysine, Vitamin E supplement, Vitamin A supplement, Vitamin D-3 supplement, thiamine, niacin, zinc sulfate, ethylenediamine dihydroiodide, magnesium sulfate, manganese sulfate, iron sulfate, sodium selenite, cobalt sulfate, sugar.
My snips of Vit C
My Snips of Antibiotic
Parturient Paresis (Milk fever, Hypocalcemia)
Early hypocalcemia in sheep, the most commonly noted signs are stiff gait, ataxia, salivation, constipation, and depressed rumen motility, progressing to hyposensitivity, bloat, recumbency, loss of anal reflex and, if untreated, death. Tachycardia may be present; heart sounds are quieter than normal. Often when recumbent, ewes are in a sternal frog-lying position, with the hindlegs extended behind. Goats have a similar presentation, although muscle tremors are more commonly seen than in sheep.
MFO Solution for Cattle For use in cattle for milk fever, grass tetany and wheat pasture poisoning. 500 mL contains 10 g calcium, 2.76 g magnesium, 6.03 g phosphorus, 75 g dextrose and 5.25 g potassium. Give orally as a drench. Dosage: Cattle - 250-500 mL.
Calcium Gluconate Solution Administer IV For prompt treatment of milk fever. May be used when deficiencies of these components appear.
Pregnancy Toxemia
This disease occurs within two weeks of kidding and 2 weeks after kidding, also known as ketosis. The doe uses her own fat to feed her kids and herself, giving off ketones in the system, causing the doe and kids to become toxic. Ketosis is brought on by an imbalance to food intake. This can either happen if fed too much or too little grain. Be careful with how you feed during the late stages of pregnancy. Keto stix Checks for ketones in doe for pregnancy toxemia. Signs: Weak doe, acetone breath. If Ketones are mild = bump grain 10-15% per day and check ketones daily if Ketones are high = give 30-60cc of propylene glycol 2-3x a day AND bump grain 10-15% Repeat urine ketone readings - when gets low to normal, discontinue use of propylene glycol. Administer as drench Propeline Gycol if ketosis is present at freshening. SEE BELOW for more INFO ON PREGNANCY TOXEMIA Treatment.
Oral treatment: Molasses & Karo syrup 2 parts Karo(cornsyrup) to 1 part molasses.
20 to 30 ml every 2 hours. Try this first as it tastes better than PG below. Propylene Glycol is an appetite suppressant and it inhibits rumen bacteria, so do not use unless the doe is off her feed. Fiasco dosages 3-4 oz (90-120ml) 2 times a day, for 2 days, and then 1-2 oz (30ml-60ml) 2 times daily until the doe is eating normally. or 10 - 20ml every 2 hours. Nutridrench Goatdrench: 2 oz. 2 times a day. BComplex and Probios. Give Children's Chewable Vitamins w/ extra Calcium: If the doe will eat them, feed her 2-4 a day.
FLOPPY KID SYNDROME! Kids are born healthy, and up bouncing around… But then suddenly, starting anywhere from 3 to 10 days after birth, they're down and showing signs of depression, weakness, and flaccid paralysis. Affected kids can still swallow, but can’t use their tongues to suckle. Rectal temperature is normal... There are no advance warning signs. The one obvious clinical sign is distention of the abdomen. If blood chemistry is done, an unexplainable acidosis is apparent.
TREATMENT SUGGESTIONS VIA Texas A&M University:
The first thing that we recommend is to leave affected kids off milk for 24 to 36 hrs. Again, because the kids look very weak, it has been difficult to convince goat producers that the problem is due to overfeeding and not to lack of energy. However, keeping kids temporarily off milk is probably the single most important thing in treating these cases. Secondly, the acidity of the stomach needs to be neutralized by administering a bicarbonate (baking soda) solution. For this purpose, dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in one glass of water and administer 10-20 ml of this solution orally. Repeat this procedure 2 to 3 times in the following 3 to 6 hours. Most kids will show clear improvement with this treatment within the following 6 to 10 hours. Treated kids first become more active and will initially pass very solid feces that subsequently turn into diarrhea. This is a good sign and an indication that the intestines are moving again. The third part of the treatment consist of administering a wide spectrum antibiotic to prevent secondary infections. After 36 hours the affected kids can be put back with their mothers if they take them. Otherwise they would need to be raised on a milk substitute. Initially, artificial milk needs to be diluted with water and small amounts of milk (100 ml) need to be given 3 to 4 times a day for the first 2 days, then follow the manufacturers instructions.
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UPDATE
So May 25th The Pheebe our brown doe had Healthy Beautiful twin bucklings!
NO ISSUES!!! Thank the Good Lord!
A few notes of things I learned that I didn't know SO FAR!
(remember these are MY notes I jotted down and things I noticed and are for sharing my experiences)
First and foremost, ligaments are unreliable as I checked her a few hours before she kidded and they were solid as before, they are forever changing in elasticity and drove me insane but its true at kidding they are completely gone, by then I would assume I know she is having a kid.
Also unreliable is the ity bits of mucus plug white looking sometimes only a tint of green. I noticed the really clear green stuff is a bit closer to kidding.
Udder: It didnt get a whole lot bigger just before or just after either lol. it filled a bit more meaning the teats had a more frontward tilt, but it wasnt an instant change either. Its really not as big as I thought it would get nor are the teats, but I am new at all this, I guess I had this image in my mind with a hand full of teat milking
perhaps I need bigger goats? more?
BABY CAM in the Kidding PEN: I am so glad I put it in there! Craigslist, Ebay, local sales on FB, where ever ask a friend... WORTH the cash! I suggest you research the distance in feet to your kidding area first and if you have good wi fi you can set up a wi fi system which I wish we had, I would have one in every pen all the time! Anyways, If it wasn't for the monitor, I wouldn't have heard ONE off sounding scream? nah not really a scream just off a bit enough to make me look at the monitor and see her already laying with her legs straight out pushing and a black blob on the ground behind her.... <insert run in oversized night Tshirt, grab basket of kidding supplies, sweatshirt, glasses, barely charged cell, no socks so opt for flip flops..... pouring, wet muddy, this cant go well right?>
NOTE: It wont hurt to have an extra cell charger already in your kidding kit! I know, I know, we didn't have any of these things days gone by, but we do now and I would have liked to share this with my kids via video a bit more if I could have!
Sooo... There is Pheebes laying there licking clean a black and white little adorable kid, I am so excited I am shaking and so happy its head is upright and bobbing! (I breed English springer spaniels so birth is nothing that new to me, but this was still extremely exciting!) I kick my flip flops into the corner and search for the nasal aspirater, duh its still in the package I forgot to clean it! Grabbed the rub alcohol bottle, cleaned inside out and dried well too, then cleaned the kid. Good thing I did because I actually got a big string of goop from the back of the throat, the nose was clear, as the kid sneezed clear just fine.
As far as cleaning the baby, she did it all. It was shivering so I did grab it and take a old bath towel that I had cut in half and rubbed him briskly as mom was still licking him too. Worked great when he was fluffy he stopped being so chilled and started to try to get up right away! I dipped his Cord in the iodine, I forgot the cheap bathroom cups so I had to use the little jar I had aready had in the basket, (the cups I think are well worth getting because we use them to dip teats after milking anyways)
Sooooo The pic belows says 12:15AM first born..... (next born was 12:30)
(yes I was still in my night shirt at that time, dont ask lol)
The puppy pads I didn't like to wipe the kids down, they are nice to put under the does behind and mine or under the kids though! Papertowels well I think that was just wasteful on so much goop and mom tries to eat them but GREAT for my own hands. Hand Sanitizer a BIG bottle is great! I didnt have time to take a water bucket out to wash my hands or anything. Nor did I think to WASH my hands b4 I ran out! I know I am OCD but I may do a bleach teat wash recipe from fiasco, the one drop blue dawn, 2 Tablespoons Clorox to quart water and put in a container I can seal and keep out there so I can just open it to wash my own hands for next girl.
Pheebe was up and walking licking the baby a bit, I was worried as I read to get the kid on the teat withing half hour of kidding, I honestly had no clue of the time. All I can say is, time is going much slower than you probably think it is so try to relax. Pheebe cried one or two times not bad at all looking at her butt and laid back down, one loud scream cry here comes the next baby legs out and just like that the baby slipped out easily, still in the sack.
This is where I will add the VIT E before delivery does WORK! I know it does, I have delivered four of my own children and I also have found the benefits of vit e orally and other before deliver, If I had known for my first kids I probably wouldn't have had as many issues and ripped so bad, sorry it is what it is, its amazing stuff! Info on Vit E is above in the Kidding list....
Pheebe just laid there chewing her cud, the kid was born still in its sack and she is chewing cud? like now? really Pheebe? she looks at me a baaaaahhhh just a light little lazy baaaahhh, I swear she said, go ahead I know you want to... I told her, oh no this is your deal, I had my kids, its all on you girl..... she baaahhh again this time even more pitful. I sat and waited....
and waited
now remember where I just said time is probably going much slower than you think? well ya, IDK I just dont know,
she baah baah one last time and it threw me over the edge, I grabbed a fresh towel and the aspirator and tore open the sack only at its head, dried its head and cleared it. pulled him halfway up to momma and made her do the rest...... she was happy to do so then
12:30 kid 2
ok I had no clue if she was done or not, but cared for this kid the same and checked to see gender etc. moms privates looked fine, she was up and licking them good and urging the new baby up. All went great!
I was going to wipe moms utters off because she was so wet from birthing but noticed the kids licked her because of the amniotic fluids so I will assume that is a natural thing! cool! Anyways with clean hands I gave each teat a good squirt or two and the kids did pretty good on their own learning to stand under her and drink....
This is mom after birth....
Didn't do anything to the hanging out stuffs above image, it was short enough she wasn't pulling on it or anything, And I know we are not to pull on it at all or can bleed the doe. Anyways, about 2 hours later her placenta came out...
NOTE.. <if you have to run to go to the potty> dont let your kids watch them for you unless you explain to them that the placenta may come out and that the white things in it are not worms they are veins
or they will scream to you in the video monitor for their dear lives to come quick its the end of the world. Or you could stand and watch them in the monitor and Laugh your butt off at them.......
pics of them a few hours after they were born.... AND
(I know how could somethings so cute come after such gross images eh? well because it is whut it is I guess)
THANK YOU FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HELPED ME AND ALL THE INTERNET FOR THE LOADS OF INFO OUT THERE FOR ALL OF US TO GRAB AND FILL OUR BRAINS WITH!!!
KIDDING SUPPLY LIST & KIDDING NOTES
What did I forget?
Paper towels
Newborn kid coat
Hand sanitizer
Wireless intercom/CAM for keeping track of does
Unwaxed Dental floss
Scalpel and sterile scissors
Vet wrap
Heating blanket / pad / quiet blow dryer
Flashlight
Breeding Calendar
Pad/Pencils marker
Molasses in warm water for dam after kidding
Towels or puppy pee pads for drying off kids
7% Tincture of Iodine
Garbage bags
Stethoscope
Flexible tubing
kid puller
Bottles/nipples/teat cleaner
Surgical gloves
Whole-arm length plastic obstetrical sleeves
KY or OB Lube
Weak kid syringe
Nasal aspirator or straw tickle nose get them sneeze
Weigh tape or scale to weigh kids at birth.
Rectal Thermometer Average goat temp 101-103ish
Extension cord for heat lamps
plastic cup or dixie cups for dipping navels in iodine
Drenching syringe
Balling guns tube (feeding tube fits on end)
Clock
Surgical scrub
pritchard nipples & soda/water bottle
MEDS/VITs/ETC
Probios- Either probiotic gel designed for baby goats to pick up their appetite and get the rumen going. Or Probios powder 5 grams kids 10 grams adults
Baking soda - to treat acidosis, floppy kid SEE FLOPPY KID INFO BELOW for TREAT
Bovi Sera 5 cc of to provide the essential antibodies the babies must have to build a strong immune system. Inject subcutaneously or intramuscularly. PREVENTION as soon after birth as possible. Bovi Sera is an absolute MUST HAVE for any goat owner. Useful in the prevention and treatment of conditions such as pneumonia and enterotoxemia, passive immune failure in newborns and shipping fever complex in adults, Bova Sera provides an immediate boost to the immune system allowing goats to get back on their feet. Bovi Sera acts much the same as Goat Serum although goats are not listed on the label. Dosage of 10 cc sub-Q injection for adults and 5 cc sub-Q injection for newborns
VIT E gel caps Oral 1 1000 IU capsule squirted on grain daily starting 3 weeks b4 kidding
BoSe- (Get from Vet)- 1/4cc per new born to prevent white muscle disease or
Selenium E Gel weak kids or kids with white muscle disease and more. The purpose of having selenium gel in the kidding kit is to administer an appropriate dosage to kids who display those symptoms. Newborn 2ml ~ Adult 4ml To be used once every 30 days.
Colostrom (natural/instant)To bottle feed kids for first 3 days
Keto stix or powder Checks for ketones in doe for pregnancy toxemia. Signs: Weak doe, acetone breath. Administer Propeline Gycol if ketosis is present at freshening. Can supplement sugar or molasses in water
Propylene glycol or a recipe and supplies for homemade ketosis remedy to treat ketosis
Goat Nutra Drench Give orally. Newborns: 4 cc at birth Adults: 1 oz or 30 cc per 100 lbs of body weight
OR Vitamin A, D, E, B12 gel for does and kids after kidding
OR Replamin gel (vitamins and amino acid chelated minerals) for boosting immune systems and great for helping with side effects of copper deficiency : Replamin 2-5 cc per head depending on the weight. This has excellent ratings!
CMPK gel (Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus &Potassium for the does b4 n after kidding)
MFO in case of milk fever DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Administer orally as a drench. The usual dose for adult cattle is 500 mL.
Calcium Gluconate also treats milk fever
Chewable vit C or drench Vit C
Gas relief drops
Pepto Bismol & Baking soda FLOPPY KID SYNDROME SEE BELOW
Fortified Vitamin B Complex – injectable
Antibiotic – to treat illness, re tained placenta - SEE BELOW ANTIBIOTIC CLIPS
MAGIC MIX Stressed or lethargic 1 part Molasses, 2parts corn syrup, 1 part Corn Oil. Always have on hand.
Kidding NOTES & ER info
Month Five in the Gestation Period Vaccinate does for enterotoxemia ( Clostridium perfringens C&D) and tetanus (CDT) (about 2 to 4 weeks prior to kidding.)
Dewormer: treat adult does approximately one week prior to kidding with a safe for pregnant does product. Ivermectin is safe for pregnant does but does not kill tapeworms, Safeguard is safe for pregnant does to kill tapes. PLEASE look up milk withdrawal periods. Valbazen is NOT safe for pregnant does so please do homework before worming!
At 5 weeks prior to freshening, start to increase the doe's daily intake of grain. The major growth formation of the kids is in the last month, it is important that the doe gets enough food for herself and her growing kids. Her daily intake of grain should double over a 7 day span and continue during the last 4 weeks of pregnancy and continue for her lactation period to keep in condition. DO NOT OVERFEED Grains can lead to Toxemia, see PREGNANCY TOXEMIA BELOW
BoSe/ Sel E Gel dose to mom goats 4 weeks b4 kidding. Administer appropriate dosage of Selenium E Gel to weak kids or kids with white muscle disease etc.
sel e gel dosage =Newborn 2ml ~ Adult 4ml To be used once every 30 days.
Fiasco Suggests: Vitamin E 1 capsule (500-1000 IU) oral squirted on grain daily, starting 3 weeks b4 kidding. They find supplementing Vit E before kidding aids in easier delivery.
2 weeks prior to kidding is optional to clip/shave her udder and rear of hair. This enables her to stay cleaner after she does freshen.
In last 2 wks of pregnancy if you put a hand just in front of udder and lift you should feel limbs. This method can also be used during kidding to feel if more kids to come.
Pregnancy Toxemia
Can Occur within 2 weeks of kidding and 2 weeks after kidding, also known as ketosis. The doe uses her own fat to feed her kids and herself, giving off ketones in the system, causing the doe and kids to become toxic. Ketosis is brought on by an imbalance to food intake. This can either happen if fed too much or too little grain. Be careful with how you feed during the late stages of pregnancy. Keto stix Checks for ketones in doe for pregnancy toxemia. Signs: Weak doe, acetone breath. If Ketones are mild = bump grain 10-15% per day and check ketones daily if Ketones are high = give 30-60cc of propylene glycol 2-3x a day AND bump grain 10-15% Repeat urine ketone readings - when gets low to normal, discontinue use of propylene glycol. Administer as drench Propeline Gycol if ketosis is present at freshening. SEE BELOW for more INFO ON PREGNANCY TOXEMIA Treatment.
Getting Closer to Kidding WHEN WILL SHE KID?
As your doe is days away from kidding, you will notice changes in her. She will start to paw her straw as if making a nest, time to place her in her own kidding pen. Restlessness, getting up and down, moving, pawing about 24 - 48 hours before kidding. Mucas plug anytime from a few weeks to days to just at kidding! This whiteish goop was well out two weeks from kidding....
Signs that your doe is going into labor:
Hollowing out of the hips. kids will drop, doe appears to have lost a lot of weight hip bones
Vulva bigger redder softer, but about 5-6 hrs before actual kidding it will suddenly look
Sunken or withdrawn,as seen in 2nd images below, soon after that the first clear liquids
images from MikeLM Mucas plug and later sunken look JUST A FEW HRS BEFORE LABOR NOTE THE CLEARISH GREEN LOOK? it isnt the white look as above image
Bloodshot eyes, she is within hours of kidding.
Mucus plug that is released about 8 hours prior to kidding. It may come in short little lengths at first. A long milky string is a sure sign that the time is fast approaching. But sometimes a wk b4.
Talking to babies
Affectionate
Udder will fill slowly during the last 4 weeks of of pregnancy. Udder will fill, become firmer and may have a shine to it. If no milk in teats the teats are floppy
The teats fill about 24 hours prior to kidding but do NOT milk any out.
Tail ligaments loosen.
Kids moving. If you can feel the kids moving within the doe, you have about 12 hours to wait. Kids can be felt or seen on the right side of the doe. When they move into position, movement becomes almost nonexistent.
Heavy breathing and a worried look. Her breaths will become very long and labored.
Off feed
She lies down and vocalizes as the tail rising and falls, the beginning of heavy labor
Water can break
Stage II Labor
Does will lie down or stand up and squat to contract. When the doe starts pushing, you may see a water bag protruding from the vaginal opening. The bag may burst or may come out intact. You will sometimes see a bubble come out and go back in with each contraction and is normal. A 2nd bag, filled with dark fluid, may appear. They are membranes holding amniotic fluid. Sometimes, does will throw their head backwards and "scream" all normal! The contractions will start to come closer and stronger, she will stretch all four legs out as she is lying on her side. As the contractions and pushing become stronger you will see two little feet and then a head come which is resting on the feet. As long as progress is being made, there is no reason to assist. Another good push and the kids shoulders with body following, come out. Does that take longer than 2 hours to deliver or does that have a fetus visible that don’t deliver in 20-30 minutes is a problem. Sometimes assistance is needed sooner depending on the presentation of the baby. REMEMBER 2 feet with the dewclaws toward the floor, followed by a nose, or a foot and a nose. 2 rear feet is not too big of a deal most of the time but in that position dewclaws should be pointing up toward the ceiling. Concern should be when you only see a nose, a front and a back foot, a tail, or possibly 2 feet that seem right position but may belong to different babies, possible coloring or size.
If you must assist as in a single normal birth by GENTLY pulling the kids out and DOWN. Once the first kid is delivered, the others should follow within 20-30 minutes each. IF the time between extends longer than that, assistance in needed.
SEE LABOR DELIVERY SECTION BELOW FOR PROBLEMS/CONCERNS/ASSISTANCE
After kidding, the Dam
She is tired and exhausted, put hay within her reach so she does not have to stand to give her time to regain her strength. Offer some grain to your doe. Once all kids are delivered, give doe warm water and molasses mixture. Molasses is High in iron & sugar! Dont over do it a 1/2 cup of molasses to 2 Gal warm water should be plenty! Goats love really warm water esp in winter!
Your doe will pass an afterbirth or placenta after all kids are delivered. Usually this will occur within 2 hours for delivery, but should happen within 12. Do NOT assist in taking the placenta from the doe. If you pull on it, you can cause permanent damage to the uterus and possible internal bleeding resulting in death. Sometimes when the placenta is passed the doe will have contractions as if delivering another kid. Some does will eat the afterbirth. Some let them eat placenta, some do not. Some feel it's the natural thing to do for nutrients, and others say it can mess up the gut of the doe. For a few days after kidding, your doe will will have a bloody discharge. If it is flowing and looks like hemorrhaging, call your vet STAT. After a few days of the bloody discharge, your doe will continue discharging fluids, but the color and consistency will be that of reddish-brown. All is normal and may come on and off over the next 3 - 4 weeks.The placenta should come out in 6-12 hours. Doe may need some medication to increase the involution of the uterus, such as oxytocin and penicillin. After 24 hours, Call VET. If does become lethargic and have fever. SEE rx OXYTOCIN INFO BELOW! Post kidding sections below.
image from MikeLM a healthy placenta
Umbilical Cords If the umbilical cord not break during delivery, tie it off about two inches from the kids stomach using sterile dental floss and then about 4 inches past the first tie. Dip the dental floss in iodine first. Using scissors cut the cord between the two ties. Sometimes the cord will break during delivery and be long, you can tie it off about two inches from the kids belly with dental floss and cut the cord about an inch from the tie. Leave the floss on the cord and trim close to the knot. Proceed to dip the cord in iodine.
Taking care of the kids
Make sure all are healthy and suckling from their mom. For Nigeria Dwarfs get colostrum into them within a half hour to an hour after birth. Make sure the milk plug is released from each teat prior to getting the kids on the teat. Do this by milking out a couple squirts of colostrum. The smell of the colostrum will help in stimulating the kid to find the teat and suckle. Within a few minutes kids are up on their feet and looking for the udder. Once the kids have had their fill of colostrum if there is time between the kids being delivered, navels should be dipped in 7% tincture of iodine. The first poops of kids comes out in a black tarry type consistency, after a couple of days this will change to a yellow looking stool for a few days and then finally to the greenish black color and shape of the adult goat. Give kids 5 cc of Bovi Sera or Replamin to provide the essential antibodies the babies must have to build a strong immune system.
KIDS LEGS
Sometimes the kids legs are pinned in the womb in some strange positions and they the rear legs to have an almost double-jointed appearance where the hocks bend in the wrong direction. Leg problems generally work themselves out over the first week or two as they get to running around and strengthening their muscles, if they can get to a teat and nurse (you need to help them), they will be fine. Some take a day to get right, others can take a week. As long as are slowly getting straight and improving, all should be fine. Do not splint them as it can make them weak unless absolutely necessary.
LABOR DELIVERY Concerns & 30 Minute Rule
When you see real labor pushing 30 min later you should see bubble, 30 mins later fetal parts, 30 mins later birth. Repeat each kid. If any steps go longer than 30 mins its time to intervene. (sometimes you can't tell the pushing heavy labor part if a doe is low on Calcium or other issue) Your doe is in hard labor, pushing with nothing happening for over 30 minutes. Time to go inside and help her or if you can not handle it yourself, call that friend of yours or the vet. A doe should not be in hard labor for over an hour. If she is, exhaustion will take over and she will not be able to the deliver the kids. There should only be about 30 minutes between multiple birth kids, if the time between extends longer then that, assistance is needed.
If you need to enter the doe, Wash hands and arms thoroughly with antiseptic/ disinfectant up to your elbows. When reaching in the doe, use GLOVES and lots of OB lubricant. Short finger nails. No jewelry. Point fingers straight with thumb along-side. Keep fingers together at all times so you don't poke with a finger. STOP pushing forward with each contraction, just stay where you are and rest until contraction is over and then continue easing forward. As you enter, she will try to push you back out. Continue in slowly until you can feel what is being presented in the birth canal. Become familiar with the anatomy of the kid so as you feel blindly, you can tell what you are feeling. Closing your eyes helps to "see" inside. If you have difficulty with kidding position and can't move the kids inside, use a hay bale and put it under doe's belly to lift her hind legs off ground so that kid slips further back into doe. Need to get both legs together along with head.
Kidding Positions ~Corner Stone Farm A Great visual for Kid Presentations Normal and AbNorm!
scroll to Illustrations HERE http://www.cornerstonefarm.net/kidding.html
ACV (apple Cider Vinegar w/mother) PREGNANCY
Info from Pat Coleby Natural Goat Care: Most common result of potassium deficiency is difficult birth. In short term Cider Vinegar has enough potassium to enable goats to kid normally. She goes into why it helps in detail. ACV is high in potassium, which aids in keeping the blood flowing properly, an activity that is very important for our pregnant does, most especially when she is carrying multiples. It also assists with the uptake and processing of calcium, phosphorous, and copper by individual cells, another very important action for successful pregnancy. Slowly introduce and give 30 ml (2 Tbsp.) of apple cider vinegar per day during late gestation can put in water or on grain. There is an old wives tale about ACV making more does than bucks too.
Post kidding
The placenta of a healthy birth will look like healthy organ tissue. Dark smelly placentas are associated with births having dead kids. Use of oxytocin rx to help the uterus contract is recommended only if the doe comes in with little or no milk, or if you believe there is partial retained placenta. Oxytocin will help in milk let down. It takes about 20 minutes to work and then 20 minutes to contract the uterus, which reduces the uterus to about 2/3 its size in about 40 minutes. USE OXYTOCIN SPARINGLY and only after 48 hours has elapsed after a bad birth.
When can / should I use oxytocin? Oxytocin is a vet-obtained drug so should have instructions for use. First, it can be used when the doe exhibits uterine inertia – when she is fully dilated, the kid is properly positioned, and the doe needs some extra assistance to get uterine contractions. Secondly, oxytocin can be used after kidding to have the milk “let down” – when all kids are delivered and oxytocin can be used for milk production stimulation, third, oxytocin can be used to encourage uterine contractions to expel the placenta, or as an aid to metritis treatment.
Within the first few days after delivery, make sure to check lower inner eyelid color of DAM for signs of anemia. Why and how to do FAMACHA Scoring https://youtu.be/I5rcuvVG56Q WATCH VIDEO Most don't Look at inner eye membrane Correctly! There is more to it than simply pulling the bottom of eye down!
Fortified B Complex-For Dam to replace the B vitamins in the rumen ALWAYS FOR MULTIPLE BIRTHS to help dam regain health 2.5 mL per 50 pounds of body weight. May be repeated daily, if indicated. Normal weight in Nigerian dwarf adult goats after first year 75 lbs
BLOAT? COCCIDIOSIS PREVENTION: Starting at 3 weeks old, Feed 1/2 cc of DiMethox 40% (currently unavailable) or 1.5 cc DiMethox 12.5% ORALLY twice a day for one week, then once a week until weaned. Identify the cause – if a fever, can be infectious cause such as E coli or clostridial. The most common cause is nutritional – too little or too much milk or the wrong quality of milk. No, kids cannot, and do not, get parasites for at least 30+ days – be it coccidia or any other parasite.
BoSe / E Sel dosage to mom goats 4 weeks b4 kidding, and kids if chilled at birth
Floppy kid syndrome (FKS) SEE BELOW FOR MORE INFO and Treatment
A ‘quick n dirty’ test I use is to rub some karo or pancake syrup on the gums of the kid to give an energy boost – if is weak, will see some reaction (usually), a FKS kid will not respond as well as there are bigger issues than lack of calories/energy.
Tube feeding Video links - best equipment and how to tube feed. Video by a veterinarian
Bottle Feeding
How often, how much, and how long? Nutrition is about the kid not your sleeping habits.
Feeding is based on an assumption that 20-30% of body weight is to be consumed the first few weeks to support optimal growth and health. Use mama milk or a quality goat kid milk replacer – cow milk recipes are sub-standard and will not provide the same energy and nutrients, and the stomach only holds so much. The amount to feed is *always* going to be 4 oz (120cc) per 5 lbs of body weight (even of colostrum days 0 thru 2 or 3), the interval changes as get older and that then reduces the percentage. Small changes up or down are fine – the animal may have a faster or slower metabolism
Day 0 to 3 weeks – every 4 hours
3 wks to 6 or 8 wks - every 6 hours
6 or 8 wks to 12 wks – every 8 hours
12wks to 14 or 16 – every 12 hours, tapering down to once per day at 14 or 16 weeks, then quit
IMPORTANT BOTTLE FEEDING INFO!
Sudden bloat/death kid that is 7 days or younger, suspect a ruminal drinker or clostridial infection. A ruminal drinker does not get all milk to the stomach, with some of it ending up in the immature rumen and fermenting – this causes bloat. It can be avoided with proper positioning when feeding with a bottle – head down and almost on knees like would be trying to nurse from mom – this allows the “esophageal groove” to direct milk straight to the stomach.
Constipated kids in the first week
First, are they eating enough? Little in = little out. Cow milk is one culprit (low on fat and protein so less solids to defecate) as is not nursing. Poor quality replacers are another cause Is the anus clean? Mom licks it clean regularly and this stimulates defecating, so you can mimic this action with a warm washcloth. If all else fails, get a warm bowl of water t 100 degrees or so, add a drop or two of Dawn plain soap and gently infuse ~1cc per lb of kid weight of water into the rectum – slowly. In a while should get a poop, and if not that is OK as well – usually the water is expelled if there is no feces. If nothing in 10-15 minutes, repeat once. Do *not* use Fleet enema or human types.
Pellets/grains feed Start At 4 weeks is when most kids can be introduced to pellets. You can try as newborns (1st week), but they are just going to play with the pellet.
INFO ON VITS MINERALS MEDS:
(that were listed above)
Replamin Gel Plus DIRECTIONS: GOAT: 2-5 cc per head depending on the weight. Use as a supplemental source of minerals and vitamins during periods of stress (such as weaning, moving and castration) during which feed intakes may be decreased and during which supplemental nutrients may be of benefit or as a source of supplemental nutrition for animals which may have mineral and/or vitamin deficiencies. Ingredients: Magnesium, Potassium, Cobalt, Copper, Maganese, Selenium, Zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Biotin, Thiamine, Choline
Selenium E gel Dosage:
Weak Floppy kid Syndrome Newborn 2ml ~ Adult 4ml if needed 4 wks B4 delivery
Each 10 mL dose of Vitamin ADE & B12 Gel provides minimum:
500,000 IU vitamin A
100,000 IU vitamin D3
100 IU vitamin E
3,000 mcg vitamin B12
and probotics
One (1) dose every 7 days Directions for dosing: goats - 5 mL.
Directions for dosing C.M.P.K. Gel:
Give 1 tube within 6-12 hrs prior to calving
Give another tube within 6-12 hrs after calving
Administer near the back of the mouth and empty contents, allowing the cow to swallow
MFO Solution for Cattle
For use in cattle for milk fever, grass tetany and wheat pasture poisoning.
500 mL contains 10 g calcium, 2.76 g magnesium, 6.03 g phosphorus, 75 g dextrose and 5.25 g potassium. Give orally as a drench. Dosage: Cattle - 250-500 mL.
Calcium Gluconate Solution Administer IV sometimes ORAL.
For prompt treatment of milk fever. May be used when deficiencies of these components appear.
Kaeco Colostrum Oral Gel
Administer 10 mL to newborn goats as soon as possible after birth. Administer 10 mL on the second day and third day. 1 tube is 3 doses.
Contains a source of 5 probiotics, dried colostrum, vitamins A, D3, E and B12 and trace minerals. Supplies a source of maternal antibodies and protein
Goat and Sheep Nutri-Drench
Beneficial in any stress condition. Maximize performance and stamina in show. Delivers high energy, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, electrolytes and antioxidants in minutes.
Dramatic response for Goat and Sheep Nutri-Drench: weak newborns appetite diarrhea
multiple birth antibiotic/vaccine response travel and heat stress
Give orally. Newborns: 4 cc at birth Adults: 1 oz or 30 cc per 100 lbs of body weight
INGREDIENTS: propylene glycol, molasses products, calcium carbonate, choline chloride, DL-methionine, l-lysine, Vitamin E supplement, Vitamin A supplement, Vitamin D-3 supplement, thiamine, niacin, zinc sulfate, ethylenediamine dihydroiodide, magnesium sulfate, manganese sulfate, iron sulfate, sodium selenite, cobalt sulfate, sugar.
My snips of Vit C
My Snips of Antibiotic
Parturient Paresis (Milk fever, Hypocalcemia)
Early hypocalcemia in sheep, the most commonly noted signs are stiff gait, ataxia, salivation, constipation, and depressed rumen motility, progressing to hyposensitivity, bloat, recumbency, loss of anal reflex and, if untreated, death. Tachycardia may be present; heart sounds are quieter than normal. Often when recumbent, ewes are in a sternal frog-lying position, with the hindlegs extended behind. Goats have a similar presentation, although muscle tremors are more commonly seen than in sheep.
MFO Solution for Cattle For use in cattle for milk fever, grass tetany and wheat pasture poisoning. 500 mL contains 10 g calcium, 2.76 g magnesium, 6.03 g phosphorus, 75 g dextrose and 5.25 g potassium. Give orally as a drench. Dosage: Cattle - 250-500 mL.
Calcium Gluconate Solution Administer IV For prompt treatment of milk fever. May be used when deficiencies of these components appear.
Pregnancy Toxemia
This disease occurs within two weeks of kidding and 2 weeks after kidding, also known as ketosis. The doe uses her own fat to feed her kids and herself, giving off ketones in the system, causing the doe and kids to become toxic. Ketosis is brought on by an imbalance to food intake. This can either happen if fed too much or too little grain. Be careful with how you feed during the late stages of pregnancy. Keto stix Checks for ketones in doe for pregnancy toxemia. Signs: Weak doe, acetone breath. If Ketones are mild = bump grain 10-15% per day and check ketones daily if Ketones are high = give 30-60cc of propylene glycol 2-3x a day AND bump grain 10-15% Repeat urine ketone readings - when gets low to normal, discontinue use of propylene glycol. Administer as drench Propeline Gycol if ketosis is present at freshening. SEE BELOW for more INFO ON PREGNANCY TOXEMIA Treatment.
Oral treatment: Molasses & Karo syrup 2 parts Karo(cornsyrup) to 1 part molasses.
20 to 30 ml every 2 hours. Try this first as it tastes better than PG below. Propylene Glycol is an appetite suppressant and it inhibits rumen bacteria, so do not use unless the doe is off her feed. Fiasco dosages 3-4 oz (90-120ml) 2 times a day, for 2 days, and then 1-2 oz (30ml-60ml) 2 times daily until the doe is eating normally. or 10 - 20ml every 2 hours. Nutridrench Goatdrench: 2 oz. 2 times a day. BComplex and Probios. Give Children's Chewable Vitamins w/ extra Calcium: If the doe will eat them, feed her 2-4 a day.
FLOPPY KID SYNDROME! Kids are born healthy, and up bouncing around… But then suddenly, starting anywhere from 3 to 10 days after birth, they're down and showing signs of depression, weakness, and flaccid paralysis. Affected kids can still swallow, but can’t use their tongues to suckle. Rectal temperature is normal... There are no advance warning signs. The one obvious clinical sign is distention of the abdomen. If blood chemistry is done, an unexplainable acidosis is apparent.
TREATMENT SUGGESTIONS VIA Texas A&M University:
The first thing that we recommend is to leave affected kids off milk for 24 to 36 hrs. Again, because the kids look very weak, it has been difficult to convince goat producers that the problem is due to overfeeding and not to lack of energy. However, keeping kids temporarily off milk is probably the single most important thing in treating these cases. Secondly, the acidity of the stomach needs to be neutralized by administering a bicarbonate (baking soda) solution. For this purpose, dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in one glass of water and administer 10-20 ml of this solution orally. Repeat this procedure 2 to 3 times in the following 3 to 6 hours. Most kids will show clear improvement with this treatment within the following 6 to 10 hours. Treated kids first become more active and will initially pass very solid feces that subsequently turn into diarrhea. This is a good sign and an indication that the intestines are moving again. The third part of the treatment consist of administering a wide spectrum antibiotic to prevent secondary infections. After 36 hours the affected kids can be put back with their mothers if they take them. Otherwise they would need to be raised on a milk substitute. Initially, artificial milk needs to be diluted with water and small amounts of milk (100 ml) need to be given 3 to 4 times a day for the first 2 days, then follow the manufacturers instructions.
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UPDATE
So May 25th The Pheebe our brown doe had Healthy Beautiful twin bucklings!
NO ISSUES!!! Thank the Good Lord!
A few notes of things I learned that I didn't know SO FAR!
(remember these are MY notes I jotted down and things I noticed and are for sharing my experiences)
First and foremost, ligaments are unreliable as I checked her a few hours before she kidded and they were solid as before, they are forever changing in elasticity and drove me insane but its true at kidding they are completely gone, by then I would assume I know she is having a kid.
Also unreliable is the ity bits of mucus plug white looking sometimes only a tint of green. I noticed the really clear green stuff is a bit closer to kidding.
Udder: It didnt get a whole lot bigger just before or just after either lol. it filled a bit more meaning the teats had a more frontward tilt, but it wasnt an instant change either. Its really not as big as I thought it would get nor are the teats, but I am new at all this, I guess I had this image in my mind with a hand full of teat milking
perhaps I need bigger goats? more? BABY CAM in the Kidding PEN: I am so glad I put it in there! Craigslist, Ebay, local sales on FB, where ever ask a friend... WORTH the cash! I suggest you research the distance in feet to your kidding area first and if you have good wi fi you can set up a wi fi system which I wish we had, I would have one in every pen all the time! Anyways, If it wasn't for the monitor, I wouldn't have heard ONE off sounding scream? nah not really a scream just off a bit enough to make me look at the monitor and see her already laying with her legs straight out pushing and a black blob on the ground behind her.... <insert run in oversized night Tshirt, grab basket of kidding supplies, sweatshirt, glasses, barely charged cell, no socks so opt for flip flops..... pouring, wet muddy, this cant go well right?>
NOTE: It wont hurt to have an extra cell charger already in your kidding kit! I know, I know, we didn't have any of these things days gone by, but we do now and I would have liked to share this with my kids via video a bit more if I could have!
Sooo... There is Pheebes laying there licking clean a black and white little adorable kid, I am so excited I am shaking and so happy its head is upright and bobbing! (I breed English springer spaniels so birth is nothing that new to me, but this was still extremely exciting!) I kick my flip flops into the corner and search for the nasal aspirater, duh its still in the package I forgot to clean it! Grabbed the rub alcohol bottle, cleaned inside out and dried well too, then cleaned the kid. Good thing I did because I actually got a big string of goop from the back of the throat, the nose was clear, as the kid sneezed clear just fine.
As far as cleaning the baby, she did it all. It was shivering so I did grab it and take a old bath towel that I had cut in half and rubbed him briskly as mom was still licking him too. Worked great when he was fluffy he stopped being so chilled and started to try to get up right away! I dipped his Cord in the iodine, I forgot the cheap bathroom cups so I had to use the little jar I had aready had in the basket, (the cups I think are well worth getting because we use them to dip teats after milking anyways)
Sooooo The pic belows says 12:15AM first born..... (next born was 12:30)
(yes I was still in my night shirt at that time, dont ask lol)
The puppy pads I didn't like to wipe the kids down, they are nice to put under the does behind and mine
or under the kids though! Papertowels well I think that was just wasteful on so much goop and mom tries to eat them but GREAT for my own hands. Hand Sanitizer a BIG bottle is great! I didnt have time to take a water bucket out to wash my hands or anything. Nor did I think to WASH my hands b4 I ran out! I know I am OCD but I may do a bleach teat wash recipe from fiasco, the one drop blue dawn, 2 Tablespoons Clorox to quart water and put in a container I can seal and keep out there so I can just open it to wash my own hands for next girl. Pheebe was up and walking licking the baby a bit, I was worried as I read to get the kid on the teat withing half hour of kidding, I honestly had no clue of the time. All I can say is, time is going much slower than you probably think it is so try to relax. Pheebe cried one or two times not bad at all looking at her butt and laid back down, one loud scream cry here comes the next baby legs out and just like that the baby slipped out easily, still in the sack.
This is where I will add the VIT E before delivery does WORK! I know it does, I have delivered four of my own children and I also have found the benefits of vit e orally and other before deliver, If I had known for my first kids I probably wouldn't have had as many issues and ripped so bad, sorry it is what it is, its amazing stuff! Info on Vit E is above in the Kidding list....
Pheebe just laid there chewing her cud, the kid was born still in its sack and she is chewing cud? like now? really Pheebe? she looks at me a baaaaahhhh just a light little lazy baaaahhh, I swear she said, go ahead I know you want to... I told her, oh no this is your deal, I had my kids, its all on you girl..... she baaahhh again this time even more pitful. I sat and waited....
and waited
now remember where I just said time is probably going much slower than you think? well ya, IDK I just dont know,
she baah baah one last time and it threw me over the edge, I grabbed a fresh towel and the aspirator and tore open the sack only at its head, dried its head and cleared it. pulled him halfway up to momma and made her do the rest...... she was happy to do so then 12:30 kid 2
ok I had no clue if she was done or not, but cared for this kid the same and checked to see gender etc. moms privates looked fine, she was up and licking them good and urging the new baby up. All went great!
I was going to wipe moms utters off because she was so wet from birthing but noticed the kids licked her because of the amniotic fluids so I will assume that is a natural thing! cool! Anyways with clean hands I gave each teat a good squirt or two and the kids did pretty good on their own learning to stand under her and drink....
This is mom after birth....
Didn't do anything to the hanging out stuffs above image, it was short enough she wasn't pulling on it or anything, And I know we are not to pull on it at all or can bleed the doe. Anyways, about 2 hours later her placenta came out...
NOTE.. <if you have to run to go to the potty> dont let your kids watch them for you unless you explain to them that the placenta may come out and that the white things in it are not worms they are veins
or they will scream to you in the video monitor for their dear lives to come quick its the end of the world. Or you could stand and watch them in the monitor and Laugh your butt off at them.......
pics of them a few hours after they were born.... AND
(I know how could somethings so cute come after such gross images eh? well because it is whut it is I guess)
THANK YOU FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HELPED ME AND ALL THE INTERNET FOR THE LOADS OF INFO OUT THERE FOR ALL OF US TO GRAB AND FILL OUR BRAINS WITH!!!
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