30 Days Before a Doe is Due – Pre-Birth Preparation

Preparing a doe in the last month of pregnancy is critical for her health and the successful delivery of her kids. This guide covers nutritional adjustments, vaccination schedules, and proper administration of shots to ensure a smooth birthing process.

Key Preparations 30 Days Before Kidding

1. Nutritional Adjustments:

• Increase Caloric Intake:
  • Feed a mixture of COB (corn, oats, barley) and grain.
  • Provide 3 pounds daily (split into 1.5 pounds in the morning and 1.5 pounds in the evening).
• Purpose:
  • Prevent pregnancy toxemia or ketosis, caused by the doe’s inability to meet the high energy demands of late pregnancy.
  • Maintain healthy energy levels to avoid complications like lazy births or a crashing doe.
• Molasses Benefit:
  • COB with molasses provides necessary sugars to support energy levels.

2. Vaccinations:

• CD&T (Clostridium perfringens types C and D and Tetanus):
  • Administer 30 days before kidding to pass immunity to kids via colostrum.
• MultiMin Shot:
  • A trace mineral injection to boost the doe’s health.
  • Helps address mineral deficiencies more effectively than oral supplements like copper boluses.

3. Why Vaccinate 30 Days Before Kidding?

• Boosts the doe’s immune system.
• Ensures kids are born with strong initial immunity.
• Kids cannot be vaccinated directly until 30 days old due to immature immune systems.

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How to Administer Vaccinations

Shot Types:

1. Subdermal (under the skin):
   • Best for CD&T vaccination.
   • Creates a small injection pocket under the skin.
2. Intramuscular (into the muscle):
   • Used for MultiMin shots.
   • Delivers the vaccine directly into the muscle for quicker absorption.

Steps for Giving a Subdermal Shot:

1. Prepare the Shot:
   • Use a 22-gauge needle.
   • Draw 2 ml of vaccine (standard dose regardless of goat size).
2. Technique:
   • Grab a patch of hair to create a wider injection pocket.
   • Insert the needle into the pocket at a shallow angle.
   • Inject the vaccine and remove the needle.
3. Note: A small injection cyst (pus or bump) may form at the site. This is normal and often resolves on its own.

Steps for Giving an Intramuscular Shot:

1. Preparation:
   • Use a needle suitable for thicker solutions.
   • Draw the correct dosage (e.g., 1 ml of MultiMin).
2. Injection:
   • Locate the muscle on the shoulder or hind leg.
   • Insert the needle at a 45-degree angle into the muscle.
   • Push the vaccine slowly to reduce discomfort.
3. Aftercare:
   • Rub the area gently to help distribute the injection.
   • Expect some reaction (e.g., lifting the leg) due to the sting of the vaccine.

Best Practices:

• Use a new needle for each goat to avoid contamination.
• Use the same syringe for multiple injections if needed but switch needles between uses.

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Post-Injection Tips:

• Be prepared for minor reactions, especially with MultiMin shots.
• Keep the doe calm and allow her to rejoin the herd immediately after.
• Monitor the injection site for any signs of infection or prolonged swelling.

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Summary:

1. Adjust the doe’s diet to prevent pregnancy toxemia.
2. Administer CD&T and MultiMin shots 30 days before kidding.
3. Learn and practice proper injection techniques for subdermal and intramuscular shots.
4. Monitor the doe’s health and energy levels closely during the last month.

By following these steps, you can ensure your doe and her kids have the best chance for a healthy and successful kidding season.