Someone new to the business of raising sheep or goats or an old pro can benefit from advance planning. Steve Jones, Associate Professor of Livestock at University of Arkansas Extension in Little Rock offers some practical advice for the coming months.
Lambing and Kidding
Keep a close watch on the ewes and does projected to lamb or kid. It pays to know their usual habits so anything ‘different’ will be noticed. Be aware of the weather. A wet cold is especially dangerous. A lamb or kid that is chilled at birth has a low chance of survival.
Shelter can be a three sided barn or clean pasture with cover.
Being confined will concentrate diseases and parasites. Respiratory problems are more likely without enough fresh air. Adequate ventilation is essential.
Nutrition
Pregnant ewes and does need higher energy and higher protein to deliver healthy babies and stay healthy. Have the hay tested. That’s the only way to know what supplement is needed. TDN should be in the upper sixties and protein between 14 and 16 percent.
Advance Planning
The number one health issue is parasites. De-worming should be done 30 days prior to birthing.
Before the first animal is due, gather tools you might need. Needles, syringes, gloves and disinfectant. It’s important to have colostrum on hand. This can be natural frozen colostrum or the commercial option. Dr. Jodie Pennington, Sheep and Goat Specialist with Lincoln University suggested having a lamb or kid puller and infant nasal aspirator.
Patience
Sheep and goats have very few issues with the birthing process. According to Jodie, less than 10 percent of the animals should need assistance. If a producer is having to pull over 20 percent, he should probably look at the male as part of the problem.
Watch the animal for signs of distress. Notice excess straining. Observe the presentation of the baby. Front feet should be seen first and they should be pointed down. If they are, be patient, these things take time.
Difficulties
“Pay attention to detail,” added Jodie. “Smaller animals and those giving birth the first time are more likely to need assistance. If they seem nervous or are laying for a long time a producer may need to check the birth canal for proper position and to ensure the babies are not tangled.”
Be sure that all the babies are nursing. If the mother doesn’t claim the baby, she may need to be calmed and restrained to allow suckling. It is also a good idea to strip some milk out of the teat to ensure proper flow. If newborns don’t nurse right away, get some warm colostrum in them.
With the current market, a producer can lose close to $100 by not being ready for the situation.
