Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Early access to a creep feed or creep pasture containing
lush, nutritious forage will benefi t kids becoming accus-
tomed to solid feed, and will aid the development of their
gastrointestinal tract in their early growth. Entry into the
area containing creep feed or pasture should be restricted
to kids by fencing or gates that prevent the entry of adult
animals (Dawson, 2007b; Swize, 2007). Avoid overfatten-
ing of dairy goat kids.
water troughs clean and dry will prevent the larva from
developing into adult fl ies. Preventing the accumulation
of spilled feed, keeping water troughs from leaking or
running over, and removing manure regularly are some
of the good management practices that will aid in the
reduction of fi les.
Integrated pest management using parasitic wasps,
spiders, chickens, Muscovy ducks, etc., may be used to
biologically control barn fl ies. Other systems such as
baited traps, light traps, or stick tapes may be used.
Spreading agricultural lime on the fl oor of the barn will
also control fl ies. Insecticides could also be used to spray
the barn. Always read and follow the label directions on
any pesticide used on animals and surrounding premises
(Dawson, 2007a,b ; Swize, 2007 ).
Weaning
In bottle-fed kids over 2 weeks of age, limiting daily milk
consumption to about 48 ounces (
1.5 L) will encourage
daily consumption of dry feed. No later than 3-4 weeks of
age, a goat/lamb creep feed (kid starter), other suitable
creep feed, or even a calf starter should be offered. As the
hay and grain consumption increases, gradually reduce the
milk being fed. When the kid is eating 0.25 lb or 100 g of
grain per day plus some hay, and is drinking water from a
bucket, it is time for weaning. Research has shown that at
2 months of age, a weaned kid has a reticuloruminal capac-
ity fi ve times as large as suckling kids of the same age (for
more information, refer to Chapter 10).
Kids on pasture should be consuming forage such as
pasture grass or hay by 2 weeks of age and grain within 4
weeks. Careful attention needs to be given to formulation
of a concentrate supplement for the pre-weaning kids (kid
starter). Palatability is a primary concern. Molasses at the
rate of 10% of the total dry matter, corn (preferably cracked
or rolled), and whole or rolled oats make up the energy
“core” of a good pre-weaning diet. Balance the crude
protein needs by adding cottonseed or preferably soybean
meal or another high-protein source. Though few studies
with kids have been done, crude protein contents of the
pre-weaning ration should be within the range
of 14-18%. Ground alfalfa may be added at 5% or
less to provide additional stimulation for reticuloruminal
development.
Several factors need to be considered when making the
decision to wean. The most important consideration is
whether or not the average daily consumption of concen-
trate and forage is adequate for growth and development
to continue in the absence of milk. Fixed weaning ages are
less desirable than body weight goals such as 2.0-2.5 times
birth weight (Dawson, 2007b ; Swize, 2007 ).
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PREDATOR MANAGEMENT
Predator control within a goat herd is probably one of the
single most important factors in maintaining profi table
returns from a goat operation. During 2004, U.S. losses of
goats and kids to predators totaled over 155,000 head at a
value of $18.3 million. About 65% of the losses were from
coyotes, 15% from dogs, 6% from mountain lions, 5%
from bobcats, and the rest were from bears, foxes, and
eagles (USDA, 2005).
There are management practices that keep the predators
away from the prey. Predator management (Integrated Pest
Management [IPM]) is an integrated approach strategy for
reducing and controlling predators within the goat herd.
Many methods are available for predator control ranging
from passive or nonlethal to lethal control practices.
Producers have a choice regarding which method to
employ. However, no one method of control will com-
pletely eradicate predators from the goat herd (Grant,
2001 ; Pugh, 2008 ).
Nonlethal Predator Management
Methods of nonlethal predator management include the
following:
￿ Physical separation — A well - constructed fence or
high-tensile electric fence can keep predators out.
Coyotes prefer crawling and digging under the fence.
An apron fence buried in the ground may be
necessary.
￿ Day herding — Herdsman or a shepherd with the goats
during the day can protect the animals from predators.
This is a common practice in third world countries.
Well-trained guardian animals (dog, llama) could be
used for day herding.
FLY CONTROL
Flies can be a problem especially in a confi ned situation.
Fly prevention should be initiated early in the season. The
best method of controlling fl ies is good sanitation. Keeping
the barn, pens, lots, and bedding around the feeders and
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