RADIO TRANSCRIPT
April 1, 2025
Damon Pollard

This is Damon Pollard, Livestock agent with The North Carolina
Cooperative Extension Service-Burke center. Today's topic is Kidding
Preparations.

With a good number of small ruminants in Burke County, It seems
appropriate during this time of new births to talk a bit about kidding
preparation.

For does, it is a good idea to have a few kidding pens in the corner of
a barn or shed to confine does as they give birth. Ideally, pens should be 4x5
with clean dry bedding material. Wire stock panels work well, and can be
easily fastened together with hog rings. The whole concept of kidding pens
is to provide a warm secure environment for does to kid, where they can be
observed, protected from predators and can bond with their young. Heat
lamps overhead can provide warmth, but can be a fire hazard.

Prior to kidding its a good idea to deworm does and to give CD& T
boosters to provide passive immunity to kids. Parasite control is particularly
important now, as lactating does suffer a temporary loss of immunity due to
hormonal changes, resulting in a rise in worm eggs. Deworming now will
help to rid does of excess worms and reduce kid exposure. Valbazen should
not be used on pregnant does. Vaccinations should be done 2-4 weeks prior
to kidding so that immunity will be passed to newborns through colostrum.
Does should be given a coccidiostat during late gestation to help reduce the
risk of coccidiosis infections in the kid crop. Two weeks before your first
does are due to kid gather your supplies and set your facilities up for
kidding. If you are pasture kidding, bring the does to the pasture where they
will be kidding.

This is Damon Pollard, Livestock agent with The North Carolina
Cooperative Extension Service-Burke center. If you would like more
information call us at 764-9480.