This presentation was originally given on December 8, 2008, at a Lambing and Kidding School at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES).

Preparing for lambing and kidding

Susan SchoenianSheep & Goat Specialist

Western Maryland Research & Education CenterUniversity of Maryland Cooperative Extensionsschoen@umd.edu - www.sheepandgoat.com

Lambing and kidding

Determines profit/success of the enterprise.

Can (shouldn’t) be stressful.

Can (should) be fun.

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.

Proper nutrition is needed

To prevent pregnancy toxemia, milk fever, and white muscle disease.

To ensure proper birth weights.

To support milk production.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Management during late gestation

Provide adequate space. Allow and encourage

exercise. Provide plenty of feeder

space. Check females frequently

for signs of trouble.

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.

Water Most important

nutrient. Water and feed

consumption are correlated.

You need water to make milk.

Clean, ice-free water available at all times.

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

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.

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

Getting ready for lambing and kidding

Facilities Supplies Checking

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Thank you for your attention