Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
immediately as required. Some goats will rub the bands
until they roll off the horns or they may break. Putting duct
tape over the bands may help the band to not slip off or
break (Gudluck, 2008 ).
bandage for 24 hours. A properly trimmed foot will have
the coronary band parallel to the weight-bearing surface of
the claws. Excessive shortening of the toe by trimming will
cause the animal to break down at the fetlock joint, and
inadequate trimming of the toe will cause the animal to
rock backward on its foot, reducing contact between the
anterior surface of the sole and the ground. If the goat's
feet have been neglected for some time and the toes are
very long, it is usually not practical to bring them back to
normal in one trimming. It is generally better to trim the
feet a little at a time and gradually bring the weight-bearing
surface parallel to the hoof 's hairline (Dawson, 2007b;
Swize, 2007 ).
HOOF TRIMMING
Hoof trimming on goats, if done on a regular basis, will
keep the foot healthy and avoid any lameness associated
with the feet. Many foot and leg problems are either caused
by lack of routine care of the foot or improper trimming
techniques. Frequency of trimming depends on many
factors such as type of terrain, age, level of activity, nutri-
tion, and genetics. Goats raised in confi nement and on
small acreages may require frequent trimmings. A properly
trimmed hoof should look like that of a newborn kid.
The tools for hoof trimming include a set of sharp hoof
shears, hoof knife, work gloves, rasp, silver nitrate sticks,
and Kopertox™ (copper sulphate). Good restraint of the
goat is necessary for proper trimming. A milk stand, a
small ruminant restraint chute, a person holding the goat,
tieing the goat to a fence, etc., are ways to restrain a goat
to do an effective job of trimming the feet.
The fi rst step in trimming is to clean the feet with a
brush, then remove the dirt with a hoof knife or shear, and
then trim excess hoof growth on the outside walls and toe
with a hoof shear. Trimming of the outside wall and toe
could be done with a shear, while the heel and sole could
be removed with a hoof knife (Figure 12.12). When using
a hoof knife, always cut away from the goat and yourself.
Trimming of the wall and sole should be done carefully.
Stop trimming the sole when you see hoof color change to
pink. If there is any bleeding, you can use silver nitrate
sticks. Severe bleeding is controlled with a pressure
KIDDING AND WEANING MANAGEMENT
A kid health and management program should actually
begin prior to parturition with attention to the nutritional
needs of the pregnant doe in late lactation and during the
dry period. Pregnant does should be fed to have a good
body condition (score of 3.0-3.5 just prior to kidding).
Does should be scored in early pregnancy and again 6
weeks prior to kidding. Most fetal growth occurs in the last
one-third of gestation. Feed quantity and quality may need
to be increased during this time to prevent pregnancy
toxemia (see Chapter 9 for more information). Clean, cool
water and free choice trace-mineralized salt should also be
available.
Booster vaccinations for
Clostridium perfringens
C and
D and tetanus toxoid should be given not less than 3 weeks
prior to kidding to produce antibodies in the colostrum.
Vitamin E/selenium injections may be given during the dry
period to prevent white muscle disease in kids, especially
in areas where soils are selenium defi cient and supplemen-
tation is inadequate. However, a nutrition program designed
to provide adequate dietary selenium is preferable to injec-
tions. Provide other vaccinations or boosters for diseases
causing abortion if applicable. Monitor fecal egg counts
or FAMACHA score, and deworm as needed (Dawson,
2007b ; Swize, 2007 ).
Parturition (Kidding)
Although most meat goat does kid on pasture, there may
be times when animals are brought indoors for kidding.
The doe should kid in a clean environment—either a well-
drained clean pasture with proper shelter, or a stall bedded
with straw or other absorbent material. First-freshening
does should be closely watched, especially if bred to bucks
known to sire large kids.
Signs of impending kidding include udder engorgement,
swelling of the vulva, restlessness, loss of appetite, fre-
Figure 12.12
Trimming the outer overgrown
walls on the hoof and trimming the heel. Drawn
by Zeke Proctor.
