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This presentation was originally given on December 8, 2008, at a Lambing and Kidding School at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES).
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Preparing for lambing and kidding
Susan SchoenianSheep & Goat Specialist
Western Maryland Research & Education CenterUniversity of Maryland Cooperative [email protected] - www.sheepandgoat.com
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Lambing and kidding
Determines profit/success of the enterprise.
Can (shouldn’t) be stressful.
Can (should) be fun.
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Last month of gestation
The fetuses are growing. 70% of the total growth
occurs during last month. Mammary tissue is
developing. Colostrum is being
produced. Immunity is developing. Rumen capacity is
decreasing.
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Proper nutrition is needed
To prevent pregnancy toxemia, milk fever, and white muscle disease.
To ensure proper birth weights.
To support milk production.
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Energy is the most limiting nutrient.
Energy is the nutrient most likely to be deficient, especially in females that are carrying multiple fetuses.
Calcium and selenium are also important.
Protein requirements aren’t much higher than maintenance requirements, but extra protein will help female deal with parasites.
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Feeding grain during late gestation It is customary to feed
grain to ewes and does during late pregnancy.
Proper amount varies with size of female, number of fetuses, and composition of whole ration.
Usually ½ to 1 lb. per female per day.
Start with a ¼ of a lb. and increase gradually.
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Calcium (Ca)
Calcium requirements increase during late pregnancy.
Too much calcium in the diet can also cause milk fever, as the female is unable to metabolize calcium.
Low blood calcium has been implicated in prolapses and ringwomb.
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Meeting calcium needs Hay which contains half legume (e.g.
alfalfa) will usually meet the requirements of ewes and does during late pregnancy.
Pure legume hays will provide too much calcium (save these hays for lactation).
If you are feeding a grass hay, you will need to supplement calcium through the grain.
Free choice minerals do not guarantee adequate calcium consumption.
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Selenium (Se) and vitamin E Mid-Atlantic soils are
considered deficient in selenium.
Inadequate selenium and vitamin E can lead to white muscle disease in lambs and kids.
Minerals and feeds should contain adequate selenium.
It is better to supplement Se through the feed than to give injections.
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Management during late gestation
Provide adequate space. Allow and encourage
exercise. Provide plenty of feeder
space. Check females frequently
for signs of trouble.
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Ewe lambs and doelings
Can be bred to successfully lamb and kid at 12 months of age.
Should achieve 2/3’s of their mature weight before being bred.
Should be housed, fed, and managed separately from mature females until they wean their first offspring.
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Water Most important
nutrient. Water and feed
consumption are correlated.
You need water to make milk.
Clean, ice-free water available at all times.
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Passive immunity
Newborns will acquire passive immunity when they consume colostrum.
Antibodies in colostrum reflect diseases on your farm.
Vaccinations during late pregnancy will create passive immunity. Overeating
disease/enterotoxemiaClostridium perfringins type C & D
Tetanus
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Periparturient rise of worm eggs After lambing and kidding,
ewes and does have compromised immunity to internal parasites.
Consider deworming, especially in spring.
Good body condition will improve immunity.
Increase protein in late gestation diet.
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Preventing abortions Non-infectious
Remove males Don’t change groups No narrow openings Adequate feeder space
Infectious Control cats Good sanitation Don’t feed on ground. Feed coccidiostat Feed antibiotics Inject antibiotics Vaccinate
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Getting ready for lambing and kidding
Facilities Supplies Checking
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Set up your barn or pasture
Have a clean barn or pasture for lambing or kidding.
Shelter is necessary during inclement weather.
For shed lambing and kidding, set up jugs (pens) to put females and offspring after parturition.
Have separate pens or pastures for pregnant and lactating females.
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Gather supplies
Halter Rubber gloves, protective
sleeves, or latex gloves OB lubricant Nylon rope, snare, or leg
puller Disinfectant Bearing retainer, spoon, or
prolapse harness Antibiotics Thermometer
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Lambing and kidding supplies
Gentle iodine or other disinfectant for dipping navels.
Lamb/kid feeding tube Frozen colostrum Milk replacer Teats/nipples for bottles Propylene glycol Calcium gluconate 50% dextrose Injectable Se/Vitamin E
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Lambing and kidding supplies
Lamb/kid cover Syringes and needles OB S-curve needle Ear tags Docking and castrating tools
and supplies Hanging scale and sling Towels and rags Clean bucket Record book
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Gestation length in sheep and goats~ 5 months
Longer gestation Later maturing breeds Male offspring Single births Heavier offspring
Shorter gestation Early maturing breeds Female offspring Twins and triplets Smaller offspring
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Start checking~135 days after introduction of fertile males
Check females frequently during lambing and kidding season. At last 4x per day
Do not check females in the middle of the night.
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Signs of parturition (delivery)Initiated by fetus
Udder enlargement Enlarged swollen vulva Vaginal discharge Pendulous Abdomen Relaxed ligaments Separation from flock Restlessness Discomfort Anxiety Nesting behavior Stealing other babies. Reduction in appetite
http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/AS/AS-561-W.pdf
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Thank you for your attention