Planning For Spring Babes

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In farm animals, fetal growth remains at a relatively constant rate until the last third of gestation (pregnancy). During this time, the fetus will double in size, placing huge energy demands on the dam-this demand can be supplemented through proper nutrition. It is important, if possible, to identify which animals are carrying multiple young and to supplement their feed to accommodate the multiple fetuses. Veterinarians are able to diagnose twins by palpation in the early pregnant cow and horse, or with ultrasound in sheep and goats. Proper nutrition will prevent nutritional deficiencies in the dam and allow complete fetal development.

Pregnancy toxemia can occur in ewes and cows during the last third of gestation, and is a disease state that stems directly from a lack of energy for the dam. We usually see this syndrome in animals carrying twins or triplets which monopolize vast amounts of the energy from the mother's diet, transferring it to fetal growth and development. This state leaves the dam without essential nutrients and energy. In the ewe, the last 4-6 weeks of gestation are a critical period for nutritional support. Implementing an adequate feeding program for ewes relative to the number of

lambs they are carrying will result in ewes with pregnancy diseases, bigger and stronger lambs at birth, decreased lamb mortality and an increase of milk production which allows faster growing lambs.

The importance of nutrition during pregnancy is clear for the production of colostrum, but the dam's nutritional requirements do not stop there. Lactation is the single most energy demanding physiological state, and it is imperative to ensure that the lactating female is getting adequate nutrition to maintain herself and produce milk, either for her young or the bulk tank! Animals nursing multiple young will require additional feed, and, if possible, be prepared to feed these mothers in a separate area to encourage adequate feed intake.

Vaccinations

The second controllable factor in good colostrum production is the vaccination of the dam. When the mother is vaccinated before giving birth, there is a rise in the maternal immunoglobulins that collect in the udder, forming a high quality colostrum. The appropriate vaccines depend upon the diseases encountered in your locality and it is best to consult your veterinarian concerning which vaccines are necessary.

Vaccination of the cow at seven months of gestation and two to three weeks before calving will provide colostrum rich in maternal immunoglobulins. At the time of the second vaccination, the cow should also be given an injection of vitamin E and selenium which is beneficial to both the dam and fetus, especially in areas where selenium deficiency has been encountered. This combination can prevent White Muscle Disease in the calves-a disease that targets the muscles of calves and manifests when the calves are very young. There is another important consideration at seven months of pregnancy in the cow. If the cow is still lactating (milking) at this time, she should be dried off-not milked again until she freshens (gives birth). This six week dry period is critical for the health of the cow's udder. During the first two weeks, the cow's udder will stop producing milk and return to a non-milking state. The following four weeks will allow the udder to repair and ready itself for the next lactation. It is also important not to milk a cow close to calving because of colostrum production. By milking her early you will reduce the quantity and quality of colostrum available for the calf (or two!).

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