During the winter season, smallstock (goat and sheep) farmers always have a big task at hand of ensuring that the lambing (sheep birth) and kidding (goat birth) season progresses well with fewer or no complications in their kraals to potentially achieve their production targets.
Generally, animals’ breeding activities take place during seasons or times most favorable to their bodily functions and wellbeing. For example, mating commences during times of plentiful forage resources amongst others, and this is because the nutritional status of the animal has a direct influence on its breeding activities or and conception (the better the nutritional status the higher the chances of conception).
Well-maintained animals with good health and body conditions will have higher reproductive performance (e.g., libido and fertility) than those with poor conditions.
To effectively manage your goats and sheep breeding, farmers need to be observant of the timing of the breeding activities. 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 ewes (female sheep) and does (female goat) to start giving birth. This will make them aware of and prepare for the prevalent conditions (e.g. parasites, cold, forage scarcity) during that particular time or season.
Lambing or kidding is the most demanding stage of the season where farmers must prepare to provide the necessary support to the ewes/does and ensure lambs’ and kids’ survival as well. One major practice is to make sure that your ewes or does are provided with sufficient feed supplements during pregnancy so that they are able to produce sufficient milk when they give birth. It is very important to ensure that the animals are not exposed to risky conditions associated with or that will compromise the health statuses of the animals, and that they are adequately nourished throughout the season.
Most lamb and kid mortalities during winter are caused by cold stress, hunger, and parasite infestation. Some of the health conditions in smallstock are predisposed by unhygienic or contaminated kraal environments with, excessive manure, dust, and harmful objects such as wires, thorns, broken bottles etc. Most of the times lambs and kids are kept in the kraals for long, and thus, directly exposed to these conditions. Dust inhalation and cold stress can result in lung infection (Pasteurellosis/Pneumonia), and eye infections when the dust is blown into the eyes.
Pasteurellosis is a respiratory disease caused by several species of bacteria (e.g. P. multocida & P. haemolytica) that inhabits the respiratory system (lungs) of the animal. The disease is predisposed by stress factors such as cold and dusty conditions, and even during transportation amongst others. The symptoms include, fast breathing, coughing, running nose, loss of appetite, and at post-mortem examination, the lungs are attached to the rib cage. Pasteurellosis can be treated with common antibiotics (e.g.Swamycin, Disulfox, Reverin 135 etc.), and can be prevented by vaccinating the animals (young and adult), and proper management of the stress factors such as keeping the kraal environment clean.
Another major problem is the internal and external parasite infestation. The most problematic external parasites attacking lambs/kids during winter are the mites, lice and fleas. The common signs of infestation by these parasites are irritation (restlessness, head shaking, scratching, or itching), hair loss, and anaemia (loss of blood) amongst others.
These parasites can be controlled or eradicated by dipping, spraying, pour-on or injectable antiparasitic remedies. Internal parasites should also be controlled either with oral or injectable solutions , there is a wide range of products available in the veterinary shops.
During winter, extra care against the cold is needed. A shelter or a housing structure can be constructed especially for the most vulnerable animals to protect or keep them warm. for example, one of the common and simplest practices by most small-scale farmers is to dig a trench in the ground to keep the lambs/kids overnight, but this can be a health risk because the trench can be dusty (causing 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 (e.g., Lucerne or grass hay) all the time during winter in the evening to keep warmer.
In addition, 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 life. This is very important for the health, strength, growth, and survival of the young. Subsequently, the ewes/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.
In conclusion, the survival and performance of your animals depend on your timely management interventions. This starts with the preparation of the breeding stock for mating, caring during gestation and parturition, and caring for the young throughout to 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. For example, antibiotics should be readily available for bacterial illnesses such as retained placentas, diarrhea, eye infections, and navel ill.
*Erastus Ngaruka is Technical Advisor: Livestock & Rangeland at Agribank
