Safer Sheep Shearing

Article Tools

Image Gallery

Print

E-mail

Comments

RSS

We have a small herd of Cashmere goats and one or two minor or rare breed goats. Is it best to get these animals synchronized for their heat cycles? Can wedo this ourselves?

Jorge Gallegos
 Shelby, MT

Dear Jorge:

Synchronization refers to having all the goats come into heat and be receptive to breeding at or about the same time. This is usually done via progesterone drug implants used in the breeding season. Synchronization makes it very easy for the farmer to breed a large number of goats, and improves the overall herd fertility rate, albeit via artificial methods. Only a few drugs are available and cleared for use in goats in the United States. Usually the drugs are implanted via a special injection needle either in the ear flap or in the skin under the tail. Given the availability of the drugs, the multitude of schedules used for implantation, and the equipment necessary, I would suggest having the herd synchronized by a veterinarian.

Using the regimen dictated by the implant, most does will usually come into estrus (heat) within 24 to 72 hours of implant removal if you implement synchronization in the breeding season. However, you may improve conception rates by detection of estrus. You can do this by using a teaser buck, a male goat that has been surgically altered to arouse and detect does in heat but is not able to impregnate them. Does in heat and ready to breed will stand firmly for a buck to mount. You can also detect estrus by watching for the following signs: restlessness, increased reddening of the vulva, vigorous tail wagging, frequent urination, and standing still to pressure over the tail head.

Decreasing light and temperature will usually bring does into heat. Other ways to synchronize without the use of progestogen compounds include introducing a buck or its smell to the herd at the beginning of the season. This usually brings the whole group into heat in an average of 7 to 10 days.

We have a pet rabbit that is now housed outside. Thumper gets fresh rabbit pellets daily and clean water as well as some alfalfa hay. Are there any vitamins we should give him as well?

-David Johnson
Quincy, MN

Dear David:

Fresh, high-quality rabbit pellets should be offered free choice to rabbits daily. Fresh is a key word here as many bags of rabbit pellets, especially those purchased in large quantities, lose their flavor and freshness over time. In addition, some vitamins are heat- and/or light-sensitive and will deteriorate in an open bag. Buying small quantities of food and storing it in the freezer will prolong the shelf life and prevent loss of nutrients.

You may also want to give him some fruits and vegetables, including lettuce, spinach, alfalfa sprouts, carrot tops, carrots, beet greens, and apples. These should not constitute more than 20 percent of the total diet and you should clean and dry them prior to feeding. Small amounts of grass or alfalfa hay or cubes will provide additional roughage or fiber, as well as prevent your rabbits from becoming bored. Adequate dietary fiber is necessary for normal gastrointestinal functioning, and most commercial pelleted diets do not provide enough fiber for the needs of middle-aged nonbreeding rabbits.

RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print