Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
at the Washington State University found that 80 percent of the dairy goats they tested carried
antibodies for CAE. An effort has been made since to eradicate it.
The disease progresses slowly and eventually manifests as severe swelling in the joints and
apparent inflammation of the udder. There is no cure for CAE. Applying salves and heat to in-
crease circulation in the affected areas can ease pain. Some goat keepers prevent carriers of
CAE from further breeding. Kids can be separated from the mother at birth and fed with co-
lostrum from a healthy goat or cow. Colostrum can be milked from the infected mother and
cleared of the CAE virus by heating it to 131 F (55 C) for 60 minutes.
Udder Edema:
Udder edema and congestion commonly is observed in high-producing dairy
goats during the late dry period and after parturition (giving birth). Although the problem can-
not be controlled totally, limiting the use of sodium (salt) and potassium (good sources are al-
falfa hay and cane molasses) as well as high-energy feedstuffs, such as corn meal in the dry
period, is helpful. Corn meal should be limited to about 20 percent of the ration. The total ra-
tion dry matter should contain about 0.2- to 0.3-percent sodium and 0.7-percent potassium.
Although a lower energy and higher fiber ration is needed for the dry does, lactating does
need higher energy feedstuffs in their rations with adequate amounts of good quality forages.
