| Author | Message | ||
     Maggie Leman New member Username: mleman Post Number: 52 Registered: 07-2005 Posted From: 72.185.188.253 Rating: N/A |
Well fed (fat) does do not metabolize calcium well, setting them up for hypocalcemia. They also do not have the capacity to eat enough to support the growing fetuses and themselves with all of that abdominal fat. A goat that is showing a layer of fat under the skin is FULL of abdominal fat, further decreasing her capacity to hold food and babies. The dog sitting doe is trying to rest but laying down with a full rumen, a load of fat in her abdomen and kicking babies can't breathe, so she sits like a dog to make all of that fall away from her lungs and heart so she can breathe better. I do feed some grain to all of my does year round, but it is such a small portion (about 1/4 cup twice a day) that it barely counts. It does help make up for a lesser quality hay in our area. It provides a bit more calcium (since this is added to our ration to balance the calcium to phosphorus ratio). My minerals also have a good bit of calcium to offset the lower calcium in my hay. I feed grass hay only, alfalfa would put me in the poor house... Alfalfa is fairly high in calcium... Preventing hypocalcemia is all about keeping that calcium to phosphorus ratio balanced. There is a good article on hypocalcemia and its causes at http://kinne.net/hypocal2.htm | ||
| Alex Cripps New member Username: hazydaynubians Post Number: 68 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 142.167.13.5  Rating: N/A |
Hi! That is normal for some goats to sit like dogs. We have a boer doe that is no with kids and shes only 12 months she sits like a dog agaisnt the wall i will post a picture soon! it's very funny to see! I have never cut grian but i think i may now! they all eat in a feeder so they get what they can! Check out www.FiasCoFarm.com it will give some good info but if you feel the ligiments it asn't always away of telling i have a doe that lost her ligiments 3 weeks ago and still hasn't kidded! So it can be a drag waiting for kids! Hopfuly this helps! Alex Cripps Hazy Day Nubians raising Nubians, Boers, Indian Runner Ducks www.hazydaynubians.piczo.com Apohaqui New Brunswick Canada | ||
| Cindy Hance New member Username: chance Post Number: 146 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 65.255.132.140 Rating: N/A |
Oh sorry, my toxemic doe isn't sitting like the other one. She ate her grain tonight-have been giving her the Magic solution and it seems to be helping. She has not had her baby yet but expecting her to go this week. As for the grain we don't change any feeding habits throughout the year; they get the same amount of grain all year. I've never heard of cutting out the grain. I would figure that's when they would need it the most. Why do "well feed" goats get toxemia like Maggie said? I don't want to cut it out altogether but I guess I could cut it back... The one who was sitting today has had a bit of gaping in the vagina when she lays down for about 1 - 1 1/2 weeks but no leaking. I was hoping for something today but nothing so far. Thanks for your help! Cindy Cindy | ||
| Gary Pfalzbot Board Administrator Username: admin Post Number: 89 Registered: 07-2005 Posted From: 67.142.130.24  Rating: N/A |
Hi Cindy, Yes it sounds like she is positioning the kids or making herself comfortable. When they are getting ready to kid, most goats seem to spend alot of extra time pawing at the ground and acting different than normal. The timeframe I am used to in seeing this is anywhere from 24 hours to a couple of weeks so it's not always the best indicator. But they do show a sudden and even the slightest change in behavior. Really for me, the best indicator is seeing the vulva protrude quite a bit beyond the normal position and appear enlarged. It usually seems to be the case 24 to 48 hours before they kid. And consequently, the further the vagina protrudes, the more likely you will see twins or more (or exceptionally big kids). After you've gone through a few kiddings, you kind of get a feel for when they are just about ready. As per your toxemic doe, chances are she isn't poisoning her kids - need to know if she has had her kids yet and if not, if you've been feeding her grain prior to pregnancy? I always cut the grain out of their diet a couple of months before they are due. Best regards, GP Gary Pfalzbot, GoatWorld | ||
| Cindy Hance New member Username: chance Post Number: 145 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 65.255.132.140 Rating: N/A |
My doe who is due any day now and she sat like a dog earlier. Anyone every seen anything like this? Have been checking her tail and the ligaments seem to be a lot looser but first time I've used this information and not sure about it. I have been checking them the past couple weeks so they are definately looser. Also one of my other does has toxemia but this doe ate normally this morning and seems ok. Could she be positioning her babies? Any ideas? Cindy |