The video discusses the successful birth of exotic Kalahari and Boa goats at a farm in Ghana, emphasizing the detailed care and management practices required from pregnancy to delivery. Key points include record-keeping, medication, feeding, environment maintenance, and ensuring newborn goats receive necessary nutrients and a clean, dry living space.
Exciting News from Our Goat Farm: Successful Births and Best Practices for Goat Care
Introduction
Hello, fellow goat enthusiasts! We have some thrilling updates to share from our farm in West Africa. Last week, two of our exotic breeds from South Africa gave birth. Our Boa goats welcomed two kids, though we sadly lost one. On a brighter note, our Kalahari goats gave birth to two healthy kids. This is an incredible milestone, not just for our farm’s growth but also for proving the viability of these exotic breeds in Ghana and West Africa.
Community of Exotic Goat Breeds
We understand many of you have ordered goats from us and may wonder if they will thrive here. We’re excited to report our success and look forward to hearing your stories. If your goats have given birth, please contact us. We aim to build a community of Kalahari Red Savannah goats and Boa goats, ensuring trust and quality among pure breeds.
Managing Goat Pregnancy: From Conception to Birth
Today, we want to share our journey of managing goat pregnancies, from the moment we realized they were pregnant to their successful deliveries. Here are the key steps we’ve followed:
Record Keeping
Accurate record-keeping is crucial. We use apps and books to track important dates, such as when a goat is crossed or when it delivers. Unlike farms where males and females roam together, we only put the desired male with the females. This practice helps us maintain pure breeds and monitor pregnancies closely.
30 Days Before Delivery
- Medication: Be cautious with medications. Many are not safe for pregnant goats. We focus on deworming and avoid other medications 40-60 days before the expected delivery to prevent abortions or deformities.
- Feeding: Ensure the goats are well-fed, especially 30 days before delivery. Provide enough protein, such as soybeans and corn, to build their immune system and maintain their health for a successful delivery.
Separation Before Birth
Near the delivery date, separate the pregnant goats to a clean, prepared pen. This practice ensures a safe, hygienic environment for the birth. We cover the ground with leftover Bacteria Grass to keep it dry and clean, preventing the kids’ legs from getting stuck and reducing disease risk.
Signs of Impending Birth
Watch for signs indicating your goat is ready to give birth. These include:
- Enlarged breasts
- Changes in walking patterns due to a growing belly
- Lying down frequently or crying out more than usual
Post-Birth Care
Once the kids are born, focus on:
- First Milk: Ensure the kids receive the first breast milk containing colostrum, crucial for their survival.
- Umbilical Cord: Clean the umbilical cord with iodine to prevent infections.
- Clean Environment: Keep the pen dry and clean to avoid diseases and ticks, which can be fatal for newborns.
Bonding and Weaning
We keep the kids with their mothers for about 10 days to allow bonding and ensure they receive adequate nutrition. After this period, the mothers graze outside while the kids stay in the pen, gradually transitioning to more independent feeding.
Conclusion
These practices have helped us successfully manage our goat pregnancies and deliveries, and we hope they will be beneficial for you as well. Share your experiences and any questions in the comments below. Thank you for your continued support, and stay tuned for more updates!
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This blog post aims to provide clear, practical advice for goat farmers, ensuring both experienced and novice farmers can benefit from our experience. Happy farming!
