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Care of the doe at kidding
A successful birth and a good start to the future productive life of a kid depend upon how well you care for the doe during the pre-kidding period, and on the kid’s weight at birth. The kid should weigh 3.5 to 4 kg at birth, although lighter and heavier kids (2 to 5 kg) are not uncommon. Kids weighing less than 3 kg have a reduced chance of survival.
A few days before kidding, move your does into a kidding paddock where you can observe them easily. A well-sheltered paddock that is safe from predators, or goat housing near the house or dairy, is ideal. Keep in mind that for a doe to produce well during lactation, she needs to be fed adequately before kidding so that she is in good body condition when she kids.
Care of the newborn kid
It is most important for kids to receive colostrum (the doe’s first milk) during the first 24 hours of its life. A healthy newborn kid rarely needs help to suck from its dam (refer to the section Colostrum).
Kids can become infected with diseases via the navel. You can reduce the risk of this by dipping the navel cord in a solution of iodine and water (0.5 per cent iodine) as soon as possible after birth (see Health, and disease prevention).
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