A healthy kid is the beginning of a successful chain of raising goats. However, achieving that is not only due to genetic factors or good breeds, but also depends greatly on postnatal care.
Kid goats are born weak, underweight, and slow to develop, resulting in slow growth, susceptibility to disease, and reduced herd productivity. How to care for kid goats after birth so they are healthy, grow quickly, and are resistant to disease, helping to improve the farm’s economic efficiency.
1. IMMEDIATE CARE AFTER BIRTH
Clear fluids and stimulate breathing:
Right after birth, use a soft towel to clean mucus from the kid’s nose, mouth, and body to clear the airways and prevent asphyxiation.
Gentle massage may be used to stimulate breathing and circulation.
Image of kid goats
Colostrum feeding:
Feed colostrum within the first 1–2 hours after birth to provide natural antibodies and enhance immune response.
The earlier the kid is fed, the higher its chances of survival and healthy development.
Umbilical cord care:
Use sanitized scissors to cut the umbilical cord, then dip it in iodine solution to prevent infection.
2. CARE DURING THE FIRST WEEK
This stage is critical for the survival and future productivity of the kid.
Housing:
Newborn kids are highly sensitive to cold and drafts, which may lead to pneumonia.
Ensure that the pen is well-ventilated but draft-free, clean, and dry. Use dry straw bedding and replace regularly.
Image of kid goats
Nutrition:
Ensure the kid gets sufficient maternal milk. If the dam produces insufficient milk, supplement with milk replacer.
Vitamin and mineral supplementation:
Inject vitamins A, D, E, and iron to support immune system development, bone growth, and red blood cell formation.
Products such as FERRON 100 and VITOL 450 can be used as per manufacturer’s instructions.
3. CARE FROM DAY 10 TO 30
Introduce forages and concentrates:
From day 10 onwards, introduce clean forage, soft grass, and mixed concentrates to stimulate the development of the rumen and reticulum, promoting earlier weaning.
Digestive probiotics such as HASPRO can be added to balance intestinal microflora.
First deworming (around 20–25 days old):
Administer anthelmintics like Albendazole (e.g., ALBENOL 100 ORAL) for internal parasite control.
Repeat every 3–4 weeks depending on farm conditions and regional epidemiology.
Vaccination:
Administer vaccines according to local disease prevalence, such as against hemorrhagic septicemia, contagious ecthyma (orf), etc.
Image of kid goats
4. WEANING TECHNIQUE
Weaning period:
Begin weaning between 60–75 days of age, once the kid is strong and eats well.
Method:
Gradually reduce milk intake instead of abrupt cessation to allow smooth adaptation.
Post-weaning care:
Continue supplementing with digestive enzymes and mineral additives to boost growth performance.
Postnatal kid care is not just a matter of survival—it is the cornerstone of high productivity in meat and breeding operations. Careful attention from birth to post-weaning ensures a healthy, uniform herd with minimal losses, contributing significantly to the economic success of goat farming.