CCM is used for feeding goat kids from birth. It is usually used from the second day of life. This is recommended if the volume of mother's milk is insufficient in case of multiple lambing. To achieve normal development of pets and avoid negative consequences for their health, it is necessary to strictly follow the rules for preparing the solution. The technology of feeding the cubs is of no small importance.
The importance of the first feeding after lambing
In the first hour of life, the newborn should receive colostrum. If this does not happen, there is a risk that the baby will be stunted.A delay of the first feeding by 2-3 hours in 50% of cases causes the death of young animals.
With multiple lambing, kids may not have enough mother's milk. In such a situation, they have to be fed with whole milk substitutes. Such products have a balanced composition and contain a lot of easily digestible proteins and energy. They contain pasteurized milk ingredients that are free of harmful microorganisms.
How to breed milk replacer for kids
To prepare the composition, it is recommended to dilute the product with warm water in a ratio of 1:4 or 1:5. Sometimes the manufacturer may indicate other ratios. To prepare the composition you need to use warm water. It should be heated to 45 degrees. In this case, you cannot use boiling water.
The composition must be thoroughly mixed so that there are no lumps in it. After this, it is recommended to strain the mixture until it becomes completely homogeneous. If lumps remain in the composition, they may clog the opening of the nipple. Then pour the milk replacer into special bottles and start feeding the kids.
It is not recommended to make the composition too thick. This mixture can cause indigestion and other problems in the functioning of the digestive organs.
Artificial feeding technology
Raising goat kids on a whole milk substitute lasts 1.5-2 months. During this period, the cub eats about 9 kilograms of dry mixture. It is important to strictly follow the instructions for use of the composition. The daily intake of the substance depends on the age of the kid:
- in 1-7 days – 900-1200 milliliters;
- at 1-3 weeks – 1300-1600 milliliters;
- up to 2 months – 1700-1900 milliliters.
Subsequently, the kids are transferred to the diet of adult animals. At this stage, there is no need to use CCM. It is recommended to use bottles or buckets with nipples to feed your pets. It is prohibited to use cups or troughs for this purpose. If a large amount of milk is swallowed, babies may choke.
In addition, if too large portions enter the digestive organs, milk may curdle. This leads to diarrhea and exhaustion. It is permissible to use baby bottles to feed goats. They are sold in pharmacies or children's stores. To optimize the feeding process, it is recommended to use special devices - buckets with nipples. With the help of such a device, it is possible to feed several cubs at once.
When using whole milk substitutes, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:
- Observe drinking volumes. It is strictly forbidden to overfeed goats. Excess food can cause diarrhea. The appearance of stomach upset in goat kids even provokes death.
- Reduce the number of feedings as the volume of food increases. The older the kid, the less often he needs to be fed. In the first weeks of life, the cub needs five feedings a day. By the age of one month, 3 feedings a day are enough for him. In this case, it is recommended to gradually replace the diet with non-dairy foods, introducing new products.
- The mixture cannot be a substitute for colostrum. If the goat died after giving birth, it is recommended to use frozen colostrum. Transitional milk from another uterus is also suitable. By feeding the kid colostrum in the first 4 days of its life, it is possible to build immunity.
- It is recommended to gradually transfer cubs to milk replacer. This will help prevent digestive disorders. It is important to note that many milk replacers include antibacterial ingredients.
- If colostrum, milk or substitute is not available, cow's milk is used. However, it is worth switching goats to this product gradually. With such nutrition, the pet can survive, but in terms of performance it will be significantly inferior to kids that were raised under the uterus.
- It is important to keep sippy cups clean. They must be installed in such a way that the kids cannot pollute the water.
Which one is better to choose?
To choose the right composition, it is recommended to focus on the following criteria:
- manufacturer's reputation and product popularity;
- composition of the mixture, presence and volume of plant ingredients;
- compliance of actual nutritional parameters with those declared by the manufacturer;
- availability of instructions for the use of powdered milk depending on the age of the cubs.
The most popular products on the market include:
- "Spectolak 20";
- "Kormilak";
- "Novilam W";
- "BIOLAC-16";
- "Ovilak".
Are there any side effects and contraindications?
When using the composition in the recommended dosage, there are no side effects or contraindications. At the same time, products intended for kids cannot be used for other animals. In terms of safety for the life and health of animals, a milk replacer must comply with veterinary and sanitary requirements, which are approved in the prescribed manner.
If the proportions specified in the instructions are violated, there is a risk of problems with intestinal function and negative consequences.
To prepare the composition, it is important to use clean dishes. It is recommended to pour boiling water over the container.Violation of the rules for diluting the composition provokes the occurrence of diarrhea. CCM is often used to feed goat kids. This product is used when there is a lack of milk in a goat. It is important to strictly follow the instructions and dosage.
