CHAPTER 74 Postpartum Care of the Doe and Kid
PREPARTUM PREVENTION OF POSTPARTUM PROBLEMS
Maintenance of a clean, draft-free kidding area is critical for optimal doe and kid health. Kids are born agammaglobulinemic, so the magnitude of initial pathogen challenge will influence neonatal morbidity and mortality. Incidence of postpartum metritis and mastitis in does is minimized if build-up of environmental organisms is avoided. Factors affecting environmental challenge (persistence and replication of pathogens in the environment) include population density, ventilation, and maintenance of clean, dry bedding areas. Overcrowding in the maternity area and in the area housing neonatal kids increases the build-up of fecal organisms. Environmental pathogens proliferate under warm, moist conditions. Soiled bedding in the maternity area should be removed and replaced frequently. Adequate ventilation and exposure to sunlight will reduce pathogen numbers. Inadequate drainage promotes moist conditions. Shelter from wind, rain, and other inclement weather reduces stress on the doe and is critical for kid survival. Kids exposed to extremely hot or cold weather conditions, particularly during the first 72 hours of life, have increased mortality rates.
POSTPARTUM CARE OF THE DOE
Postpartum does should be watched closely for signs of hypocalcemia or ketosis. Maximizing dry matter intake of fresh does will help to prevent metabolic disease and ensure maximal peak milk production. Does should be monitored for their ability to compete at feeders (and moved if needed), and fresh supplies of water and high-quality forage should be provided immediately to encourage early return to normal feed intake.