2011 HERD HEALTH AND BREEDING MANAGEMENT CALENDAR FOR GOATAND SHEEP PRODUCERS
Developed By Angela McKenzie-Jakes, Extension Animal Science Specialist and Ray Mobley DVM, Extension Veterinarian Cooperative Extension Program Florida A&M University 1
To Our Producers
Florida A&M University College of Engineering Sciences, Technology, and Agriculture Research and Cooperative Extension Programs Small Ruminant Program
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Dear Producers, At Florida A&M University’s Research and Extension Center, the following production and management practices in this calendar has been shown to be beneficial in maintaining optimum health and increasing production levels in the university’s goat herd. However, this calendar should only be used as a guide to remind you when to conduct certain activities with your goats or sheep during the course of the year. Keep in mind that environmental conditions vary from region to region, so some of the activities that are recommended for producers in the southeast, particularly in Florida (i.e., Vitamin E/Se: the soil is deficient in selenium in the state of Florida) may not be applicable for animals raiseded in other regions in the U.S. Furthermore, economics may also play a vital role in which practices are feasible and practical for your farm and which are not. For your convenience, there are two breeding seasons (January and September) on this calendar to correspond to the Islamic and Christian holidays when goat and sheep meat is in most demand. However, does and sheep are seasonal breeders and are not as receptive to breeding when there are long periods of daylight (February to July). During the out-of-season breeding period, the buck’s and ram’s libido is lower and pregnancy rates may be lower among the does/ewes in the herd/flock. Fortunately there are a few drugs (i.e., CIDR) that are available on the market today and can be used to induce synchronized estrus (heat) response in small ruminants. Check with your veterinarian, extension agent or call us for further information. We hope you enjoy this calendar and if you have any comments or questions on how to use it, please feel free to contact us. Sincerely, Angela McKenzie-Jakes and Dr. Ray Mobley, DVM
[email protected] (850) -875-8557
[email protected] (850) 412-5252 3
December 2011 Preparing for the Winter Breeding Season
At least 4 weeks prior to the breeding season, flush the does with ½ pound of grain or concentrate per head per day if their body condition scores (BCS) are below 5. The BCS for ewes should be between 3 and 4. Make sure the males are also in good condition. Deworm (ask your vet to recommend an anthelmintic) all of the breeding animals and vaccinate only the buck/ram with C&D tetanus toxoid. Two weeks prior to breeding, give the does or ewes an injection of selenium/vitamin E to increase ovulation rates (optional). Trim hooves
Important Dates
Tips for the Month
Restock your first aid kit before the breeding season begins. Some of the items you may need include: a dewormer, vaccine (C&D tetanus toxoid), iron, needles, syringes, propylene glycol for (pregnancy toxemia ) ketosis etc. Monitor BCS at least one to two times per month. Always provide fresh, water and good quality hay for your animals if pastures are unavailable. If you have winter pastures, develop a rotational grazing system to reduce infectious diseases in the herd/flock and to prevent overgrazing which can lead to soil erosion in the pastures. Observe for signs of illnesses such as limping, an animal isolating itself, mucous discharge, scouring, poor body condition scores, listlessness etc. Make any necessary repairs on your facility. Update production records.
Eid ul-Adha (Islamic Festival)- December 20th First Day of Winter- December 21st First Day of Hanukah (Jewish Holiday) – December 5th Christmas Eve (Christian Holiday) - December 24th Christmas (Christian Holiday) - December 25th Happy Kwanza (Afro American Holiday) - December 26th
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January 2011 Winter Breeding Program
Make sure all breeding animals are in good condition. January 1st, place the buck with the does for 2 estrous cycles (42 days). January 1st, place the ram with the ewes for 2 estrous cycles (42 days).
Important Dates
Tips for the Month
Happy New Year Jan. 1st New Year’s Resolution: Attend at least 4 educational training activities. Muharram (First month of the Islamic calendar) The Day of Ashura (Islamic Religious Observation) Martin Luther King’s Birthday Jan. 21st Tu B’ Shevat (Jewish Holiday) Jan. 22nd
Monitor BCS and FAMACHA scores at least one to two times per month. Always provide fresh, water and good quality hay for your animals. If you have winter pastures, develop a rotational grazing system to reduce infectious diseases in the herd /flock and to reduce overgrazing which can lead to soil erosion in the pastures. Observe for signs of illnesses such as limping, an animal isolating itself, mucous discharge, scouring, poor body condition scores, listlessness etc. Update production records. If you have a guardian animal, don’t forget to have its annual check up. Develop a relationship with a veterinarian for when you have situations you can not handle on your farm. Provide a trace mineral block or loose minerals for your herd/flocks daily. *Breeding Calendar on page 28 *Breeding Date = January 1st Kidding Date = June 1st Projected Marketing Date = Oct. 1st
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February 2011 Winter Breeding Program
Check for signs of heat (i.e., red swollen vulva, mucous discharge, mounting other females etc.). If the doe or ewe still shows signs of heat she is not pregnant. Check for signs of abortions (bloody discharge around the vulva area). Administer a second dosage of selenium/ vitamin E to aid in embryonic development (optional). If BCS are low (below 5 for goats and below 3 for sheep) continue to provide additional feed for the herd/flock, but do not over condition (BCS > 7 for goats and BCS > 4 for goats) the animals.
Important Dates
Tips for the Month
Monitor BCS and FAMACHA scores at least one to two times per month. Always provide fresh, water and good quality hay for your animals if pastures are unavailable. If you have winter pastures, develop a rotational grazing system to reduce infectious diseases in the herd/flock and to prevent overgrazing which can lead to soil erosion in the pastures. Observe for signs of illnesses such as lumps, limping, isolation, mucous discharge, scouring, poor body condition scores, listlessness etc. Provide a trace mineral block or loose minerals for your herd/flocks daily. Update production records.
Ash Wednesday – February 8th Happy Valentines Day – February 14th Presidents Day – February 18th
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March 2011 Pre-Natal Care
Maintain BCS between 5 and 7 for does and 3 and 4 for ewes. If the BCS are too low, increase the feed. Check for signs of heat (i.e., red swollen vulva, mucous discharge, mounting other females etc.). If the doe or ewe still shows signs of heat she is not pregnant. Check for signs of abortions (bloody discharge around the vulva area). Remove the buck/ram from the does/ewes breeding pen (March 4th).
Important Dates
Tips for the Month
Prepare pastures for spring and summer grazing (i.e., soil test, fertilize pastures, lime, prepare seed beds for summer grazing). Some warm season grasses that can be grown in North Florida include: Cowpea, Pearl Millet, Bahia grass, Bermuda grass etc. Plan to leave a pasture area rested for the does or ewes and their offspring to graze on after kidding/lambing. Monitor BCS and FAMACHA scores at least one to two times per month. Always provide fresh water for your animals and good quality hay if the pastures are not ready for grazing at this time. Observe for signs of illnesses such as lumps, limping, isolation, mucous discharge, scouring, poor body condition scores, listlessness etc. Network with other producers to meet production and marketing goals. Provide a trace mineral block or loose minerals for your herd/flocks daily. Update production records.
Day Light Savings – March 9th St. Patrick’s Day – March 17th First day of spring – March 20th Mawkid al-Nabi (Islamic Observation) Prophet’s Birthday – March 20th Good Friday – March 21st Happy Easter (Christian Holiday) – March 23rd Western Roman Easter – March 23rd
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April 2011 Pre-Natal Care
Maintain BCS between 5 and 7 for does and 3 - 4 for ewes. Six to eight weeks prior to kidding/lambing, administer C&D tetanus toxoid to all the pregnant does and ewes to prevent overeating disease (enterotoxemia), to prevent tetanus and to pass on the immunity from the vaccine to the fetuses. Check for signs of heat (i.e., red swollen vulva, mucous discharge, mounting other females etc.). If the doe or ewe still shows signs of heat she is not pregnant. Check for signs of abortions (bloody discharge around the vulva area).
Important Dates
Palm Sunday and April Fool’s Day – April 1st Passover (Jewish Holiday) - April 20-27th
Tips for the Month
Monitor BCS and FAMACHA scores at least one to two times per month. Always provide fresh, water and good quality hay for your animals. Observe for signs of illnesses such as lumps, limping, isolation, mucous discharge, scouring, poor body condition scores, listlessness etc. Set aside an area for kidding/lambing. If you have spring pastures, develop a rotational grazing system to reduce infectious diseases in the herd /flock and to prevent overgrazing which can lead to soil erosion in the pastures. Keep stocking rates to 7-10 goats per 2 acres for a year-round basis. Keep stocking rates to 6-8 sheep per 2 acres for a year-round basis. The stocking rates can be increased depending upon the quality and quantity of vegetation available. Update production records.
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May 2011 Pre-Natal Care
Maintain BCS between 5 and 7 for does and 3 - 4 for ewes. High BCS (greater than 7 for does and greater than 4 for ewes) during late pregnancy can lead to pregnancy toxemia or dystocia in does and ewes. Deworm does and ewes 4 weeks before kidding/lambing with the appropriate anthelmintic for pregnant animals. A high number of parasites are released during gestation (kidding/lambing). Consult with your veterinarian. Check for signs of abortions (bloody discharge around the vulva area).
Important Dates
Cinco de Mayo (Hispanic Holiday) – May 5th Mother’s Day – May 11th Memorial Day – May 26th
Tips for the Month
Don’t handle the does or ewes during late pregnancy to prevent undue stress. Provide adequate space for all pregnant animals. It has been observed that does tend to fight more during late gestation if they are in close or confined quarters. For adequate spacing requirements refer to this website http://www.famu.edu/goats/UserFiles/File/Facilities.pdf
Always provide fresh, water and good quality hay for your animals. Observe for signs of illnesses such as lumps, limping, isolation, mucous discharge, scouring, poor body condition scores, listlessness etc. Prepare for the hurricane season and have a disaster plan for your farm. Make all the necessary repairs to your kidding/lambing pens. Don’t feed the herd from the ground or in dirty feeders to reduce the introduction and spread of infectious disease. If you have summer pastures, develop a rotational grazing system to reduce infectious diseases in the herd /flock and to prevent overgrazing which can lead to soil erosion in the pastures. Keep stocking rates to 7-10 goats per 2 acres for a year-round basis. Keep stocking rates to 6-8 sheep per 2 acres for a year-round basis. Update production records. 9
June 2011 Preparing for kidding/lambing
Be around during kidding/lambing. Check for signs of kidding/lambing. Provide clean, dry and well ventilated shelters. Hay, pine shavings or straw can be provided if desired. Supplies to Have on Hand: o Propylene glycol for ketosis o Stomach tube for weak non-nursing kids/lambs. o Milk replacement with colostrum for orphan/lambs. If possible, get some milk from a doe/ewe that just gave birth. o Antibacterial soap or latex gloves just in case you may have to provide the doe/ewe assistance. If you use your hands, make sure your nails are trimmed and thoroughly clean. Other supplies that may be needed include: surgical disinfectant, OB lubricant, towels, OB sheep loop for pulling the kids or lambs if needed. o Antibiotics (consult with your veterinarian). o CDT vaccine for the mother. o Syringes & needles. o Thermometer o Scale for weighing the kids/lambs. o Ear tag gun for identifying the kids/lambs. Signs of Approaching Parturition: o One to six weeks prior to kidding: The udder will enlarge and begin to fill with milk. o Two weeks prior to kidding: The doe may appear hollow on both sides. The muscle and ligaments on both sides of the does tail will began to soften and relax.
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You should be able to feel and see the kid move around on the does right side. If the kid is moving, it probably won’t be born for 12 hours. o Three to four days before labor: The udder will appear quite large. Does that kid for the first time may not show this development until 2 weeks or more after kidding. o One to two days before labor: The doe will begin to show signs of nervousness, pawing at the ground, restlessness and lying down. The doe will also expel a thin mucous discharge from the vulva which will gradually become thicker as parturition approaches. o Last 12 hours of Labor: The doe will make continuously bleating sounds. Her tail may be straight out or slightly elevated. The first several vertebrates of the spine in front of the tail head may appear to stand higher and taller than usually (the ewe will experience many of the same signs of labor as the does, but the time frame may defer slightly).
Normal Delivery: o The kid should be right side up with the front feet first and the head lying between the knees and pasterns. Abnormal Delivery: o If there is any variation in the presentation of the normal delivery of the kid/lamb it is consider an abnormal delivery. Call vet for further assistance. o After the water sac has broken, the doe should start to give birth within 30 minutes to one hour. The ewe will give birth 30-45 minutes after the placenta membranes (water bag) protrude from the vulva. o If the doe/ewe has not progress within one hour than you may need to call a veterinarian for further assistance. Make sure the kids/lambs nurse within 24 hours of life. The “first milk” 11
contains antibodies to assist the offspring in establishing their first immunity. Weigh the kids/lambs and dip their navel cords in 7% iodine solution to prevent navel joint disease. Ear tag the kids/lambs for identification purposes. Record birth weights, litter size, and gender of all offspring. After kidding/lambing place the animals in a clean rested pasture.
Important Dates
Shavuot (Jewish Festival begins at sundown) - June 9th Father’s Day – June 15th First Day of Summer – June 20th Hurricane season starts – June 1st
Tips for the Month
Don’t handle the does or ewes during late pregnancy to prevent undue stress. Always provide fresh, water for your animals. Observe for signs of illnesses such as lumps, limping, isolation, mucous discharge, scouring, poor body condition scores, listlessness etc. Prepare for hurricane season have a disaster plan for your farm. Provide a trace mineral block or loose minerals for your herd/flocks daily. Don’t feed the herd from the ground or in dirty feeders to reduce the introduction and spread of diseases. If you have summer pastures, develop a rotational grazing system to reduce infectious diseases in the herd /flock and to prevent overgrazing which can lead to soil erosion in the pastures. Monitor BCS and FAMACHA scores at least one to two times per month. Keep stocking rates to 7-10 goats per 2 acres for a year-round basis. Keep stocking rates to 6-8 sheep per 2 acres for a year-round basis. Keep pastures free from debris to prevent injuries to man and animal alike. Update production records. Learn About the “Smart Drenching” Technique (Kaplan et. Al.) o Smart Drenching is a strategy used to maximize the effectiveness of drugs used to treat parasites while also decreasing the selection of drug resistance by parasites.
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How to Smart Drench: o o o o o
o o o o o o
Know the resistance status of the flock. Use sound pasture management. Keep resistant worms off the farm. Administer the proper dose. Utilize Host Physiology to Maximize Drug Effectiveness: Restrict feed intake for 24 hours prior to treatment (BZbenzimidazole [Valbazen] and ivermectin). Never use in ewes during late pregnancy. Repeat dose in 12 hours (BZ). Selective treat animals that are infected with parasites by using the FAMACHA system. Identify sheep/goat that often needs the most treatment often. These are the ones contaminating the pasture for others in the flock Cull these and improve genetics of resistance of the flock Resistance/resilience to parasites is moderately heritable (0.3 – 0.4) Use appropriate stocking rates. Practice rotational grazing. Force herd/flock to use all land. Do not buy resistant dewormers. Use the proper technique to ensure the medication has been given to the animal. Use dilution strategies Mix 2 or more species on same pasture (sheep with cattle or horses) when possible. Rotate pastures between different species.
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July 2011 Post Natal Care
Vaccinate (C&D tetanus toxoid) kids/lambs at 30 days of age. If you plan on castrating your males (depending on your market objectives), try to do this procedure before the animal reaches 45 days of age. Introduce kids/lambs to solids 2-4 weeks of age, unless you feel your does/ewes are able to do a good job without supplementing feed. Provide supplemental feed if needed to the does/ewes (BCS lower than 5), Monitor FAMACHA scores to determine if deworming is required for the kids/ewes.
Important Dates
Independence Day – July 4th
Tips for the Month
Always provide fresh water for your animals. Observe for signs of illnesses such as lumps, limping, isolation, mucous discharge, scouring, poor body condition scores, listlessness etc. Don’t feed the herd from the ground or in dirty feeders to reduce the introduction and spread of diseases. If you have summer pastures, develop a rotational grazing system to reduce infectious diseases in the herd /flock and to prevent overgrazing which can lead to soil erosion in the pastures. Keep stocking rates to 7-10 goats per 2 acres for a year-round basis. Keep stocking rates to 6-8 sheep per 2 acres for a year-round basis. Keep pastures free from debris to prevent injuries to man and animal alike. Invite your extension agent to visit your farm for technical guidance. Plan for drought periods (identify alternative water and feed sources). Provide a trace mineral block or loose minerals for your herd/flocks daily. Update production records.
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August 2011 Post Natal Care/ Preparing for the Fall Breeding Season
Vaccinate (C&D tetanus toxoid) the kids/lambs again at 60 days of age. Wean kids (optional-depending on marketing objectives). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- At least 4 weeks prior to the breeding season, flush the does with ½ pound of grain or concentrate per head per day if their body condition scores (BCS) are below 5 for goats and below 3 for sheep. The BCS of the ewe should be between 3 and 4. Make sure the males are also in good condition. Deworm (ask your vet to recommend an anthelmintic) all of the breeding animals and vaccinate only the buck/ram with C&D tetanus toxoid. Two weeks prior to breeding, give the does or ewes an injection of selenium/vitamin E to increase ovulation rates (optional). Trim hooves
Important Dates
N/A
Tips for the Month
Restock your first aid kit before the breeding season begins. Some of the items you may need include: a dewormer, vaccine (C&D tetanus toxoid), iron, needles, syringes, propylene glycol for (pregnancy toxemia ) ketosis etc. Monitor BCS at least one to two times per month. Always provide fresh, water and good quality hay for your animals if pastures are unavailable. If you have spring pastures, develop a rotational grazing system to reduce infectious diseases in the herd/flock and to prevent overgrazing which can lead to soil erosion in the pastures. Observe for signs of illnesses such as limping, an animal isolating itself, mucous discharge, scouring, poor body condition scores, listlessness etc. Make any necessary repairs on your facility. Update production record. 15
September 2011 Post Natal Care/ Fall Breeding Program
Provide supplement if needed. Monitor FAMACHA scores to determine if deworming is required for the kids or lambs. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Make sure all does have a BCS of 5 or 6 prior to breeding for goats. Make sure all ewes have a BCS of 3 or 4 prior to breeding for goats. January 1st, place the buck with the does for 2 estrous cycles (42 days). January 1st, place the ram with the ewes for 2 estrous cycles (42 days).
Important Dates
Happy Labor Day – September 1st Start of Ramadan, month of fasting (Islamic Holiday) – September 2nd Rosh Hashanah (Jewish Holiday) – September 30th
Tips for the Month
Always provide fresh, water and good quality hay for your animals. Observe for signs of illnesses such as lumps, limping, an animal isolating itself, mucous discharge, scouring, poor body condition scores, listlessness etc. Don’t feed the herd from the ground or in dirty feeders to reduce the introduction and spread of diseases. Keep stocking rates to 7-10 goats per 2 acres for a year-round basis. Keep stocking rates to 6-8 sheep per 2 acres for a year-round basis. Monitor FAMACHA scores to determine if deworming is required for the does/ewes. Keep pastures free from debris to prevent injuries to man and animal alike. Cull and remove nonproductive animals on your farm. Update production records. *Breeding Calendar on page 28 *Breeding Date = September 1st Kidding Date =February 1st Projected Marketing Date =April 1st
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October 2011 Market Kidding & Lambing Crop/PreNatal Care for Fall Breeding Program
Provide supplement if needed. Monitor FAMACHA scores to determine if deworming is required for the kids/lambs. Market kids or lambs for Ramadan. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Check for signs of heat (i.e., red swollen vulva, mucous discharge, mounting other females etc.). If the doe or ewe still shows signs of heat she is not pregnant. Check for signs of abortions (bloody discharge around the vulva area). Administer a second dosage of selenium/ vitamin E to aid in embryonic development (optional). If BCS are low (below 5 for goats and below 3 for sheep) continue to provide additional feed for the herd/flock, but don’t over condition (BCS > 7 for goats and greater than 4 for sheep) the does/ewes.
Important Dates
Tips for the Month
Monitor BCS and FAMACHA scores at least one to two times per month. Always provide fresh, water and good quality hay for your animals. Observe for signs of illnesses such as lumps, limping, isolation, mucous discharge, scouring, poor body condition scores, listlessness etc. Network with other producers to meet production and marketing goals. Prepare pastures for fall and winter grazing (i.e., soil test, fertilize pastures, lime, prepare seed beds for summer grazing). Some cool season grasses that can be grown in North Florida include: rye, ryegrass, deermix, oats etc. Update production records.
Eid ul-Fitr, Festival of Fasting (Islamic Holiday) – October 2nd Columbus Day- October 13th First Day of Sukkot (Jewish Holiday) – October 14th Happy Halloween – October 31st
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November 2011 Pre-Natal Care
If BCS are too low, increase the feed. Check for signs of heat (i.e., red swollen vulva, mucous discharge, mounting other females etc.). If the doe or ewe still shows signs of heat she is not pregnant. Check for signs of abortions (bloody discharge around the vulva area). Remove the buck/ram from the does/ewes breeding pen (March 4th).
Important Dates
Tips for the Month
Monitor BCS and FAMACHA scores at least one to two times per month. Always provide fresh, water and good quality hay for your animals if pastures are not available. Observe for signs of illnesses such as lumps, limping, isolation, mucous discharge, scouring, poor body condition scores, listlessness etc. Set aside an area for kidding/lambing. Develop a good biosecurity program for your farm to prevent the introduction and spread of disease on your farm. Plan to leave a pasture area rested for the does or ewes and their offspring to graze on after kidding/lambing. Always provide a trace mineral block or loose minerals for your herd/flocks daily. Update production records.
Election Day – November 4th Veterans Date – November 11th Thanksgiving – November 27th Hurricane Season ends this month
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December 2011 Pre-Natal Care
Maintain BCS between 5 and 7 for does and 3 and 4 for ewes. Six to eight weeks prior to kidding/lambing, administer C&D tetanus toxoid to all the pregnant does and ewes to prevent overeating disease (enterotoxemia), to prevent tetanus and to pass on the immunity from the vaccine to the fetuses. Check for signs of heat (i.e., red swollen vulva, mucous discharge, mounting other females etc.). If the doe or ewe still shows signs of heat she is not pregnant. Check for signs of abortions (bloody discharge around the vulva area).
Important Dates
Tips for the Month
Monitor BCS and FAMACHA scores at least one to two times per month. Always provide fresh, water and good quality hay for your animals if pastures are not available. Observe for signs of illnesses such as lumps, limping, isolation, mucous discharge, scouring, poor body condition scores, listlessness etc. Set aside an area for kidding/lambing. Always provide a trace mineral block or loose minerals for your herd/flocks daily. Update production records.
Eid ul-Adha (Islamic Festival)- December 9th First Day of Winter- December 21st First Day of Hanukah (Jewish Holiday) – December 22nd Christmas Eve (Christian Holiday) - December 24th Christmas (Christian Holiday) - December 25th Happy Kwanza (Afro American Holiday) - December 26th
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January 2012 Pre-Natal Care
Maintain BCS between 5 and 7 for does and 3 - 4 for ewes. High BCS (greater than 7 for goats and 4 for sheep) during late pregnancy can lead to pregnancy toxemia or dystocia in does and ewes. Deworm does and ewes 4 weeks before kidding/lambing with the appropriate anthelmintic for pregnant animals. A high number of parasites are released during gestation (kidding/lambing). Consult with your veterinarian. Check for signs of abortions (bloody discharge around the vulva area).
Important Dates
Happy New Year Jan. 1st New Year’s Resolution: Keep good production and financial records and develop a good biosecurity program for your farm. Muharram (First month of the Islamic calendar) The Day of Ashura (Islamic Religious Observation) Martin Luther King’s Birthday Jan. 19th
Tips for the Month
Don’t handle the does or ewes during late pregnancy to prevent undue stress. Provide adequate space for all pregnant animals. It has been observed that does tend to fight more during late gestation if they are in close or confined quarters. For adequate spacing requirements refer to this website http://www.famu.edu/goats/UserFiles/File/Facilities.pdf
Always provide fresh, water and good quality hay for your animals. Observe for signs of illnesses such as lumps, limping, isolation, mucous discharge, scouring, poor body condition scores, listlessness etc. Make all the necessary repairs to your kidding/lambing pens. Don’t feed the herd from the ground or in dirty feeders to reduce the introduction and spread of infectious disease. Keep stocking rates to 7-10 goats per 2 acres for a year-round basis. Keep stocking rates to 6-8 sheep per 2 acres for a year-round basis. The stocking rates can be increased depending upon the quality and quantity of vegetation available. 20
February 2012 Preparing for kidding/lambing
Be around during kidding/lambing. Check for signs of kidding/lambing. Provide clean, dry and well ventilated shelters. Hay, pine shavings or straw can be provided if desired.
Important Dates
Tu’ Shevat (Jewish Holiday) – February 9th Happy Valentines Day – February 14th Presidents Day – February 16th Ash Wednesday – February 25th
Tips for the Month
Don’t handle the does or ewes during late pregnancy to prevent undue stress. Always provide fresh water and good quality hay for your animals. Observe for signs of illnesses such as lumps, limping, isolation, mucous discharge, scouring, poor body condition scores, listlessness etc. Prepare for hurricane season have a disaster plan for your farm. Provide a trace mineral block or loose minerals for your herd/flocks daily. Don’t feed the herd from the ground or in dirty feeders to reduce the introduction and spread of diseases. Monitor BCS and FAMACHA scores at least one to two times per month. Keep stocking rates to 7-10 goats per 2 acres for a year-round basis. Keep stocking rates to 6-8 sheep per 2 acres for a year-round basis. Keep pastures free from debris to prevent injuries to man and animal alike. Update production records.
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March 2012 Post Natal Care
Vaccinate (C&D tetanus toxoid) kids/lambs at 30 days of age. If you plan on castrating your males (depending on your market objectives), try to do this procedure before the animal reaches 45 days of age. Introduce kids/lambs to solids 2-4 weeks of age, unless you feel your does/ewes are able to do a good job without supplementing feed. Provide supplemental feed if needed to the does/ewes (BCS lower than 5), Monitor FAMACHA scores to determine if deworming is required for the kids/ewes..
Important Dates
Tips for the Month
Prepare pastures for spring and summer grazing (i.e., soil test, fertilize pastures, lime, prepare seed beds for summer grazing). Some warm season grasses that can be grown in Florida include: Cowpea, Pearl Millet, Bahia grass, Bermuda grass etc. Plan to leave a pasture rested for the does or ewes and their offspring to graze on after kidding/lambing. Monitor BCS and FAMACHA scores at least one to two times per month. Observe for signs of illnesses such as lumps, limping, isolation, mucous discharge, scouring, poor body condition scores, listlessness etc. Provide a trace mineral block or loose minerals for your herd/flocks daily. Update production records.
Day Light Savings – March 8th St. Patrick’s Day – March 17th First day of spring – March 20th Mawkid al-Nabi (Islamic Observation) Prophet’s Birthday – March 9th
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April 2012 Post Natal Care/ Market Kidding & Lambing Crops
Vaccinate (C&D tetanus toxoid) the kids/lambs again at 60 days of age. Wean kids (optional-depending on marketing objectives). Potential markets sell kids/ewes during late spring and early summer (May).
Important Dates
Palm Sunday and April Fool’s Day – April 1st Easter – April 12th Passover (Jewish Holiday) - April 9-16th
Tips for the Month
Monitor BCS at least one to two times per month. Always provide fresh, water and good quality hay for your animals if pastures are unavailable. If you have spring pastures, develop a rotational grazing system to reduce infectious diseases in the herd/flock and to prevent overgrazing which can lead to soil erosion in the pastures. Observe for signs of illnesses such as limping, isolation, mucous discharge, scouring, poor body condition scores, listlessness etc. Make any necessary repairs on your facility. Update production record.
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Glossary 1.
Body Condition Score (BCS): Body Condition Score or BCS refers to the amount of fat covering the body. External fat can be measured by palpating the spine, ribs and hip bone area. The goats are then assigned a numeric value between 1 (thin) and 9 (obese) to determine fat density. BCS are a good indicator of the nutritional status of the herd. Meat sheep on the other hand, are assigned a numeric value between 1 (thin) and 5 (obese) to determine fat density.
For more information BCS visit the websites below: Sheep: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/html/ec/ec1433/ Goats: http://www.famu.edu/goats/UserFiles/File/Selecting_Goats.pdf 2.
FAMACHA: The FAMACHA© Anemia Guide was developed in by faculty of Veterinary Science from the University of Pretoria in Africa. Support for this project was provided by the Onderstepoort Veterinary institute, the Worm Workshop of the South African Veterinary Association Intervet of South, the Food and 24
Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the National Wool Growers’ Association and the National and the Provincial Departments of Agriculture in South Africa. This system was developed to combat the emergence of drug resistant worms in sheep and goats. The guide allows you to evaluate the color of the animal’s eyelids and compare the results to an eye color chart. The chart has five eye color scores. A score of one or two should result in the eye color that is rosy red or reddish pink and require no deworming treatment. Goats with a score of 3 may not require any treatment. However, goats that exhibit a score of 4 or 5 eye color (range from pinkish white to white) will require deworming. Note this guide can only be used to check for anemia in goats and sheep as a result of the Haemonchus Contortus worm. When using this guide, make sure you are also integrating sound management practices (i.e., pasture rotation, a bio-security program) on your farm to assist in reducing economic losses due to parasitic infestations in your herd.
3.
Kidding: The act of giving birth.
4.
Teaser Buck: A teaser buck is a male who has been vasectomized (other methods can also be used). The buck thinks he can still breed the does, but he can not get them pregnant. His main function is induce synchronize heat in the females. .
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Ewe Reproduction Facts Age at puberty
5 to 12 months
Length of estrus cycle
17 days (13-19)
Duration of estrus
30 hours (18-48)
Timing of ovulation
20-30 hrs. after start of estrus
Gestation
146-147 days (138-159)
Breeding Weight
70% of the adult weight
Litter Size
1 to over 3 ewes in some cases
Female
Ewe
Male
Ram
Offspring
Lamb Doe Reproduction Facts
Age at puberty
4 to 12 months
Length of estrus cycle
21 days (18-22)
Duration of estrus
30 hours (12-36)
Timing of ovulation
20-30 hrs. after start of estrus
Gestation
146-155 days
Breeding Weight
67% of the adult weight or 80 pounds body weight
Litter Size
1 to 4 kids (4 kids and over are rare)
Female
Doe
Male
Buck
Offspring
Kid 26
Ram/Buck Usage during the Breeding Season: The following are common ratios of females to males:
Ratio of Ewes per Ram or Does per Buck: Ram lambs and buck kids (approx. 8-10 months of age): 15 to 30 ewes or does per 1 ram lamb or buck kid. Yearlings (approx. 12-16 months of age): 25 to 50 ewes or does per 1 yearling ram or buck.
Mature rams and bucks: a general rule is 100 ewes or does per 2.5 to 3 rams or bucks. (Infovet)
Reasons to Cull (remove animals from your herd/flock):
Has single birth more than once Weaning weight poor and lowest in herd/flock Reoccurring health problems Unthrifty kids/lambs Not pregnant during the kidding/lambing season Poor milk production Poor mothering ability Birth defects Reproduction performance declines. 27
Breeding and Marketing Calendar Kidding Date
Marketing Age (4 months1)
Holidays
June
October
Sukkoth and Id al-Fitr
February
July
November
Thanksgiving
March
August
December
April
September
January
X-mas, Hanukkah and Id al-Adha Eid al-Adha, Al Hijra and Ashyra
May
October
February
Month to Breed January
1
June
November
March
N/A Mawlid
July
December
April
Easter and Purim
August
January
May
September
February
June
Cinco de Mayo and Shavuot N/A
October
March
July
4th of July and Tisha B’av
November
April
August
N/A
December
May
September
Ramadan , Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkoth
Marketing age is determined by the consumer’s preference (Hispanics 15-25 lb. kids etc.). This date changes from year to year (Easter, Ramada etc.).
28
2
2
Examples of records
Treatmen t Date &Time
ID #
TREATMENT RECORD Condition Lbs. Body Treatment Withdrawa Treated Wt. given Drug l complete Dose Date & &Route Time
29
Extralabel use Vet & Instructions
Antibiotics Treatment Record II ID of animal
Name of drug
Used for
Route
Amt
30
W/T
Cost
Date given
VCPR
Deworming Treatment Record ID of Animal
Name of Dewormer
Date
31
Wt
Route
Withdrawal
Cost
