Ensure the kids suckle and receive colostrum "the first milk" within the first 6-24 hours after birth. Observe and note whether the doe passed placenta. Additional action items should include:
- Dipping the kids' navel cords in a 7% solution of tincture of iodine to prevent bacterial infections such as “navel joint” ill.
- Identify gender of the newborn.
- Record kids' birth weights and ear tag or tatoo to identify them as part of the herd .
- Offer creep feed to kids as soon as possible to stimulate rumen development, early weaning, and early forage consumption.
- Provide feed that has 14 to 16% crude protein “free choice" to the doe.
- After weaning, increase that feed to one-half pound per head per day or according to forage quality and the condition of the animal.
- When kids reach 1-2 months (30 and 60 days) of age, vaccinate with C&D tetanus toxoid.
- Castrate males at two days of age or when at the time of C&D vaccination.
Also see Kidding.
