Financial success in sheep and goat production depends greatly on good management during the calving period, which directly results in production costs. To maximize profit for sheep and goat farmers, the period of 6 weeks before and two weeks after calving is very important.
Transfer of sheep and goats to separate cages after calving
- The size of the brooding cages must be at least 120 cm x 120 cm; for larger breeds with a greater number of lambs or kids in stock, the cage size must be greater than 180 cm x 180 cm
- The first two days after calving are very important for the animals
- During this time, the sheep/goat and the lamb/billy goat get to know each other and connect with each other. The cage also helps farmers keep the sheep and goats under control at all times
- At the time the lamb/kid is placed in the cage, the umbilical cord must be cut and soaked in iodine
- Applying iodine helps prevent infections and also aids in drying out the navel.
- Colostrum is sheep's or goat's milk, produced after calving and up to 18 to 24 hours after birth, and it has high nutritional value for lambs and young kids.
- Besides its nutritional role, colostrum also has an immunological role, thus providing protection for lambs and young kids
- Lambs/kids should receive an adequate amount of colostrum within 30 - 60 minutes after birth
- In the first two hours, the first dose should be given up to 120–150 ml at temperatures of 35–40 °C.
- While the second meal should be given after 4–6 hours
Ensuring adequate colostrum intake - Colostrum should be stored in the refrigerator in a humid environment.
- When giving colostrum, care must be taken to ensure that the colostrum does not enter the lamb's or goat's lungs. For this very reason, the lamb or goat should not be given colostrum while lying down, but should be given in a raised position
- If early weaning of lambs or kids from the udder is practiced, good feeding management should be applied to prevent diseases such as mastitis
- 5 to 10 days before weaning lambs or kids, sheep or goats should be fed a low percentage of protein and energy
- 3 – 5 days after weaning lambs and kids, sheep or goats should be fed a low percentage of protein and energy
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