tawandamusarurwa
Word From The Market
By Lindani Ncube
MANAGING pregnant goats is important in maintaining their health and ensuring successful delivery of kids.
Pregnant goats require a diet that is high in protein, calcium and other nutrients to support the growth of the foetus.
It is vital to feed them a balanced diet that consists of good-quality hay or pasture, grains and supplements, if needed.
Pregnant goats need access to clean and fresh water at all times to ensure they stay hydrated. This also helps to keep health problems at bay.
It is important to schedule regular check-ups with a veterinarian to monitor pregnancy.
In addition, it is essential to have an emergency plan in place if complications arise. Farmers should not hesitate to contact the Veterinary Department for help in case they are not sure about the application of vaccines.
It is also advisable to have a veterinarian kit on the farm.
Comfortable environment
Pregnant goats should be kept in a clean, dry and comfortable area with adequate ventilation and bedding.
They should also have shelter to protect them from direct rain, sun and wind.
Allow pregnant goats to move freely around the barnyard or pasture to promote good blood flow and reduce the risk of complications due to lack of exercise.
You need to take note of the issues we will discuss below.
Kid management
Managing kids is important in ensuring their health and growth.
Goat kids need to be fed a balanced diet to support their growth and development.
They should receive milk or replacers for at least the first eight weeks of life.
After that, they can be introduced to hay, grain and water.
It is necessary to feed them a well-balanced diet to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Kids should be housed in a clean, dry and secure area.
Provide them with a warm and dry shelter to protect them from harsh weather conditions.
Arrange regular check-ups with a veterinarian to monitor their health.
This will also help to identify any potential health issues early. Vaccinate the kids to protect them against diseases.
Consult a veterinarian to determine which vaccinations are applicable.
Allow them to play and exercise in a safe and secure area, as it helps improve their physical and mental well-being.
Control parasites such as lice, ticks and worms by maintaining a clean living area and regularly deworming the goats.
Socialise the kids with others, especially during their early life, to promote healthy behaviour. This will also aid in their growth and development.
By following these guidelines, the farmer can help ensure the goat kids grow up healthy and strong.
Weaning kids
Weaning is an important process in goat farming as it involves transitioning the young ones to a diet of solid food.
Weaning promotes growth; it allows kids to start eating solids, which are crucial for development.
Solid food provides them with the necessary nutrients to grow and develop properly, and fight disease.
Goats can transmit diseases through their milk.
Weaning helps to prevent the transmission of diseases such as mastitis from the mother to the kids.
It also allows for better management of the kids, as they can be separated into groups based on age, size and gender.
This makes it easier to monitor their health, feed them properly and ensure they receive the necessary care.
Record keeping and tagging
Keeping records of the kids is important for tracking their genetics, growth, health and productivity. The farmer should keep track of their birth date, weight, vaccinations, treatments and any other important information that may be useful in managing your herd.
This information can be recorded manually or digitally, depending on preferences.
Tagging is an important part of identifying and tracking kids. It helps to keep track of the individual goats and makes it easier to monitor their growth and health.
There are different types of tags available. They include ear tags, leg bands or collars. Ear tags are the most common, and are usually applied soon after the kid is born. They should be properly applied to avoid causing discomfort or injury to the kids.
Kids can be tagged with a unique identification number that can be traced back to the mother and farm. This helps in marketing goats as well. Keeping accurate records and tagging kids can provide many benefits, including improved herd management, better disease control and increased productivity.
It can also help in identifying and culling unproductive or unhealthy goats, and making informed breeding decisions based on the performance of your herd.
Meanwhile, the Agricultural Marketing Authority, in partnership with Woodlands Farm, will next week conduct training in Kwekwe to enhance the productive capacity of local farmers to tap into the export market.
* Lindani Ncube is Michview Enterprises manager. Word from the Market is a column produced by the Agricultural Marketing Authority to promote market-driven production. Feedback: [email protected] or WhatsApp +263781706212
Online Reporter