Kidding and lambing season is coming, and there are steps that owners should take to ensure their herd or flock is prepared. By taking the time to prepare the animals and facilities, owners can mitigate potential issues and position their animals for the best possible outcome during that stressful time.
Step one is to implement a vaccination program for the herd or flock. Four to six weeks before the animals are due to deliver, they should receive a Clostridium perfringens type C + D and tetanus, or CDT, vaccine booster and an appropriate dose of BoSe if not already providing selenium through feed or mineral mix. BoSe is recommended for the prevention and treatment of white muscle disease -- selenium-tocopherol deficiency -- syndrome in lambs and kids.
Step two is to monitor the feeding program to meet nutritional needs of the gestating animals. Does and ewes in the final trimester of pregnancy should have their feed intake monitored to ensure they are meeting the growing nutritional needs in late gestation. Those nutritional needs can be difficult to meet and can be further complicated by the reduced size of the rumen due to the increased space occupied by multiple fetuses. It is important to feed a highly digestible forage such as good quality hay and an energy-dense supplement such as corn to meet those demands. Failure to meet the needs of the expectant animals can result in ketosis or other metabolic conditions.
Step three is to source the necessary supplies to have on hand. When preparing for kidding/lambing season, it is important to have some basic supplies on hand to assist with the delivery process if needed. Producers can consult with their herd veterinarian on what supplies should be kept on hand.
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