Expecting kids and lambs; vaccinations?

[NachoFarm]

So I know that normally there would be a traditional vaccination schedule for pregnant does/ewes and for kids/lambs. We would like to not give anyone anything at all but I'm curious for personal opinions on what vaccines, if any, you feel SHOULD be given?

And I know there are people who don't vaccinate at all ever, I'm curious about that sort of management practice.

We also don't worm, we just test. Is this a reasonable practice for kids and lambs as well?

 

[Meat Goats]

Only vaccine I give is CDT vaccine. I worm when needed (very rare. have goats that have never been wormered) and I run my own fecals to know when to worm. I try not to give anything to my goats if not needed. I don't give BOSE, I don't give copper bolus, I don't give antibiotics unless needed and will not just give it to them if I think they need it, I must know they need it.

Point is I really don't give mine alot and don't like to. I know some like to vaccine for everything under the sun but that makes weaker goat imo and I want no part. Best preventive for issues is culling, not more vaccines.

 

[Shelly May]

X2 CDT is a must have!!!!!!

 

[NachoFarm]

So is there anything diet or supplement wise I should be aware of late in pregnancy for them? And when is CDT given?

 

[SheepGirl]

CD/T given 4-6 wks before lambing. I do 30 days exact.

Feed should be increased in the last 4-6 wks before lambing also as 70% of the fetal growth occurs during this time and the ewe needs the extra nutrients. I do this at 30 days exact also.

 

[NachoFarm]

CD/T given 4-6 wks before lambing. I do 30 days exact.

Feed should be increased in the last 4-6 wks before lambing also as 70% of the fetal growth occurs during this time and the ewe needs the extra nutrients. I do this at 30 days exact also.

Oh no. Well I can tell when my goats are due but the situation with our ewes is different and our window for expecting lambs is March 25th all the way to June 11th. How am I supposed to handle that?

As well, we're new to this but if I have to get the vet out at least twice in the next few months that's going to get expensive. Do you do these sort of vaccinations yourself?

 

[SheepGirl]

Yes, you can buy needles & syringes at any feed store (I got packs of 100 for I think it was like $13 or $15 each) and the vaccine (50 mL, good for 25 doses) is about $7 or so.

 

[NachoFarm]

But when would I do the sheep if I can't pinpoint a lambing date?

 

[SheepGirl]

I guess to be on the safe side, start doing it when their udders start to fill with milk.

But if you can't, then give the lambs a shot of CD/T antitoxin at birth and then a couple days later give the toxoid. Then booster them in 3-4 wks.