Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
or on a concrete fl oor or cage. A vitamin E/selenium injec-
tion may be benefi cial in areas of selenium-defi cient soils.
These injections should be planned with an experienced
veterinarian as part of the herd health management. In
general, injection of vitamins and minerals is not neces-
sary, and if supplementation is necessary, it is done more
safely by dietary supplements. Realize that the fat-soluble
vitamins and minerals are toxic if given in excess.
Kids should be checked carefully at birth for any physi-
cal deformities or abnormalities. Pneumonia is a major
killer of young kids. A clean, dry, draft-free environment
is an excellent preventative measure (Dawson, 2007b;
Swize, 2007 ).
Table 12.2 Feeding schedule and amount for
nursing kids.
Amount of
milk/time
Feeding
Schedule (3,14)
Age a
1 - 3 days
4 ounces
(120 mL)
5 times a day
3 days - 2 weeks
8 - 12 ounces
(240 - 360 mL)
4 times a day
2 weeks - 3 months
16 ounces
(480 mL)
3 times a day
3 - 4 months
16 ounces
(480 mL)
2 times a day
a High quality hay and a grain mix (kid starter) should
be provided as the kid ages.
Artifi cial Raising of Kids
Milk is the principal component of the diet of the pre-
weaning kid. Most meat goat kids will nurse their dam
until weaning. However, in dairy operations where milk is
sold, or for orphaned kids and for kids of does that have
lactation problems, it may be necessary to use a milk
replacer. Goat milk replacers are commercially available.
If necessary, a lamb milk replacer may be used to substi-
tute for goat milk. Typical lamb milk replacers contain
22-24% protein and 28-30% fat (on a dry matter basis).
If no other milk replacer is available, whole cow milk or
calf milk replacers can be used. Maintaining milk replacer
quality after mixing is particularly important when kids are
fed ad libidum (all they can consume).
Milk can be fed by using bottles, pails, or self-feeder
units. The method chosen will depend upon such factors
as the size of the herd and available labor, as well as per-
sonal preference. With any system, the health of the kid,
sanitation, and available labor are the major factors to
consider.
Under natural suckling, kids consume small amounts
of milk at very frequent intervals. Ideally, artifi cial rearing
should mimic natural suckling, but the constraint of
available labor precludes frequent feeding. Nevertheless,
kids should be fed 4-5 times daily for the fi rst and second
week and 2-3 times daily thereafter. Pail or pan feeding
may reduce labor somewhat, but body weight loss and
need for extra “training sessions” at the beginning must be
expected.
For larger herds, self-feeder units such as a “lamb bar”
may successfully reduce labor. The key to use of any
system is the maintenance of a low temperature of the milk
(40°F) that will limit intake by the kid at any one time.
Small, frequent feedings increase digestibility and decrease
digestive disturbances. Rapid consumption of large quanti-
ties of milk may lead to fatal bloat due to entry of milk
into the reticulorumen. Rapid passage of milk through the
abomasum and small intestines can result in diarrhea or
nutritional scours.
The biggest problem with kids bottle fed milk replacer
occurs with the feeding schedule. Frequently kids become
“pets,” and there is a tendency to feed them as much milk
as they will consume each feeding. Unfortunately, this
may result in bloat and sudden death due to enterotoxemia
or diarrhea. It is necessary to adhere to a restricted feeding
schedule and amount (Table 12.2; Dawson, 2007b; Swize,
2007 ).
Dam - Raised Kids
Most meat goat kids will be raised with their dams on
pasture. Although this removes the need for feeding milk
replacer, these kids should not be forgotten in terms of
nutritional and health needs. It must be noted that since
these kids are raised in the same environment as their
dams, they are also exposed to the same health, disease,
management, and grazing conditions. If internal parasites
are a problem in the dams, expect the same in the kids and
take management steps to reduce exposure to internal para-
sites through pasture rotation or other means. Crowding
should be avoided and, if housed at any time, clean bedding
and adequate ventilation are a must. Kids are naturally
curious and will begin nibbling on items in their surround-
ings early in life. If there are toxic substances or plants,
plastic, or other harmful materials lying around, chances
are some kids will eat them. If pasture is of very poor
quality, kids beginning to nibble on grass or hay will not
receive much nutritional benefi t. This can slow down early
growth.
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