Health Issues at Weaning:
Weaning health issues include both kid and doe problems. The major problem with the does at this time is mastitis. This problem generally is caused by improper dry-off practices at weaning. Most good does will produce milk as long as the kid is nursing. This can create problems at weaning. The doe’s udder after weaning will fill when the kids have not nursed, and producers may not notice the initial signs of mastitis building until the …
Nutrition Issues: Nutrition of the doe and kids changes at weaning. The kids become totally dependent on the nutrition available from forage and supplement. They are growing rapidly, so the energy and protein requirements are very high. Because of this, the kids need to be placed on high quality pastures. Good hay and concentrate supplements are often continued for a time when they are rapidly growing to insure the kids are getting their nutritional needs met. Buck and doe kids …
Facility Preparation for Weaning:
Weaning can be very stressful on the kids, resulting in outbreaks of coccidiosis and other diseases. This is also a time when your fences and pens are tested. It is important to start thinking about weaning well in advance of the actual date. The first step is to make sure you have a pasture or holding pens ready for the kids when they are weaned. This will include examination of the fences, water system, and feeding …
