![]() The elastrator band should be used in kids/lambs younger than 1 week of age, typically at the time of disbudding/dehorning. Nonsurgical, or bloodless, methods include the use of elastrator bands or the Burdizzo emascu- latome. There is a growing trend to delay castration in male goats/sheep that are fed a high-concentrate diet (pets, show animals, etc.) to help prevent urolithiasis or urinary blockages.Ĭastration techniques can be divided into two basic categories: nonsurgical (bloodless) and surgical. Complications include underheating, which can lead to scur or horn remnant formation, or overheating, which can be very dangerous and lead to heat-induced meningitis or inflammation of the brain.Ĭastration of a young male is one of the most commonly performed procedures in goats/sheep. If the cautery iron has been applied correctly, a horn cap should be easily removed. A commercial electric dehorning iron or an electric cautery unit can be used to burn the area around the base of the horn until it reaches a copper color. ![]() This procedure is performed with the kid/lamb restrained and sedated, and the site around the horns clipped and locally anesthetized. Disbudding is more commonly performed in dairy goats/sheep to reduce the risk of injuries related to fighting.ĭisbudding is best performed during the first 2 weeks of life. Others (mainly meat, fiber, and pet goat owners) prefer to keep horned animals. Some producers prefer that goats/sheep have their horns removed. ![]() The key is not to overfeed grains, which can lead to rumen acidosis, to maintain a good mineral program, and to ensure an environment that allows for routine wear of the hoof. In addition to trimming, a well-balanced diet with a good mineral program prevents hoof disorders. Proper hoof trimming and management often prevents hoof disorders. The toe, walls, and sole also may be shaped to correct many hoof problems. The goal of trimming hooves is to shape the foot to match the angle of the coronary band so that the sole and the coronary band are parallel. Some larger farms may have hoof-trimming stanchions available for use. Goats/ sheep may be trimmed standing or lying on their side. Routine hoof trimming can be easily performed with good restraint and the use of shears, nippers, and a hoof knife. For animals that have been overfed and suffer from chronic laminitis or rapid hoof growth, hoof trimming may be required every 6 to 8 weeks to minimize problems. Fewer problems are seen in animals that are able to move about on hard, dry surfaces, because they will wear down their hooves naturally. Hoof problems also tend to be more of a problem on soft ground or surfaces. Hoof overgrowth is commonly a result of increased nutritional intake, especially increased protein in the diet. This abnormal hoof growth is most likely due to anatomical abnormalities, environmental influences, and nutritional factors. Lameness associated with abnormal hoof growth is quite common in goats/sheep. The ribs should then be evaluated for the amount of fat cover.Ĭommon Management Procedures Hoof Trimming When evaluating the sternum, scoring is based on the size of the fat pad that can be pinched. As the animal increases in body condition, the bone ends feel more rounded and smooth. In animals with a low BCS, the bones feel sharp. The amount of fat and loin muscle also should be evaluated. The evaluator should feel for the amount of tissue covering the ends of the spinous and transverse processes. In a herd of goats/sheep, a large number of animals with low BCS may represent poor overall nutrition or poor management leading to herd health issues.īody condition scoring is most commonly assessed by evaluating the amount of muscle and fat covering the loin area between the spinous processes and the transverse processes, the sternum, and the ribcage. Low BCS in an individual animal may indicate disease or poor appetite. ![]() Schematic representation of the vertebrae and muscle:fat covering in a goat:sheep (Adapted from Body condition scoring as part of a routine management program can help the producer effectively monitor feeding and herd health.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |