Management of Incoming Fall Lambs and Kids

 There are still many lambs and kids finding new homes, from beginning of Fall into October, before the Valdiation deadline expires. Between late born lambs, kids being placed for the first time with large school and county group purchases, Fall trading and upgrading, and some folks who prefer the Fall market, there is always a lot of activity this time of year in Texas. Here is a checklist for new incoming sheep and goats: 1. Fresh feed with a small amount hay each day. (Hand feed reasonable amounts of feed, so you can determine initial consumption levels. 1-2 lbs on goats and 2-3 lbs per day on sheep, depending on size and maturity. Group feeding initially encourages competition and aggression at the feed trough.) 2. If possible, find out about previous worming, vaccinations, and vitamins administered. 3. Within the first 30 days on feed, your sheep and goats need to be wormed, vaccinated with a good 3 way shot for over eating, and tetanus. BarVac CDT is a great one and is available for purchase at Jacoby Feed & Seed, if you are local. 4. A monthly regiment of vitamin shots is highly recommended along with your rotational worming. B12- 2 cc, B1(thiamine)-2cc, and BoSe (90 lbs and under)-1 cc (over 90 lbs)-2cc. Follow label directions! Pro Tip - I do not recommend worming and shots the same day. Alternate weeks to reduce stress. Paste or liquid probiotics are always a good idea, during the week you worm. Also don’t forget the 4 cornerstones for feeding ruminants. 1. A complete feed 2. The right hay 3. Appropriate mineral 4. Clean fresh water