Caring for young animals during winter

During winter, goat and sheep farmers always have a big task at hand to ensure that the birth of lambs and kids progresses well and without complications to achieve their production targets.

Agribank’s technical advisor for livestock and rangeland Erastus Ngaruka said to effectively manage goat and sheep breeding, farmers need to be observant of breeding times.

“For example, the animals that are giving birth in winter (May to June) were mated between December and January.”

When observing mating activities, farmers should count five months from mating to estimate when to expect the start of the birthing season.

“This will make them aware of and prepare for the prevalent conditions such as parasites, cold and forage scarcity during that particular time or season.”

Intensive care needed

Ngaruka said lambing or kidding is the most demanding stage of the season, where farmers must prepare to provide the necessary support to the female animals and to ensure the survival of the lambs and kids as well.

An important practice is to make sure that the female animals are provided with sufficient feed supplements during pregnancy so that they are able to produce sufficient milk when they give birth.

He said it is important to ensure that animals are not exposed to risky conditions that will compromise their health status and that they are adequately nourished throughout the season.

Ngaruka said most lamb and kid mortalities during the winter are caused by cold stress, hunger and parasite infestations.

Some health conditions in small stock arise from unhygienic or contaminated kraal environments with excessive manure, dust and harmful objects such as wires, thorns and broken bottles.

Lambs and kids are often kept in kraals for long periods, which exposes them to these conditions.

Dust inhalation and cold stress can result in lung infections and eye infections can occur when dust is blown into the eyes.

Health matters

Another major problem is internal and external parasite infestations. The most problematic external parasites attacking lambs and kids during winter are mites, lice and fleas. Common signs of infestation are irritation, hair loss and anaemia.

Parasites can be controlled or eradicated by dipping, spraying, pour-on, or injectable antiparasitic remedies. Internal parasites should also be controlled with either oral or injectable solutions; there is a wide range of products available in veterinary shops.

Ngaruka said shelter or housing structures can be constructed, especially for the most vulnerable animals, to protect and keep them warm.

One of the common and simplest practices by most small-scale farmers is to dig a trench in the ground to keep the young animals overnight, but this can be a health risk because the trench can be dusty, leading to lung infections and suffocating if not well made.

“Generally, animals generate or increase their body heat through metabolism; therefore, it is advisable to ensure that your goats and sheep have enough roughage feed all the time during winter in the evening to keep warm.”

Mother’s care

In addition, Ngaruka said farmers need to ensure that the lambs and kids suckle the colostrum – first milk after birth – at least in the first twelve hours of their lives.

This is crucial for the health, strength, growth and survival of the young.

Subsequently, the ewes and does should be allowed to spend sufficient time with their young to suckle anytime they wish, rather than separating them or letting the mothers out for longer hours before suckling.

“This is because when the lambs or kids are starved for a long time, they tend to consume much more instantly when they suddenly meet their mothers to suckle.”

This can lead to digestive discomfort or problems, he explained.

Ngaruka concluded that the survival and performance of animals depend on farmers timely management interventions.

This starts with the preparation of breeding stock for mating, caring during gestation and parturition, and caring for the young throughout the weaning stage. This includes a supply of enough feed and water throughout, carrying out all necessary vaccinations, protection against adverse environmental conditions, and maintaining a clean kraal environment. All necessary equipment and remedies must be acquired in advance to provide first aid during complications.