New Kids born & gone today.

[annie716]

We had 2 Boer kids this morning but they seem to maybe be to early, very small & weak no movement or noise after the initial blat when born. Last year we had a couple w/weak hind legs but these were just total body weak couldn't even move heads, the hooves seemed really large compared to legs and legs didn't seem to have much hair cover. I thought maybe she had more than 2 and that's why they were so small but it's been hours now and she appears to be done. Has anyone else had premature births? We just bought this doe a month or so ago and didn't have any info on when she was bred. I didn't really know she was due except she has been laying down as soon as done eating for the last 2 days. She doesn't appear to have any milk either. It's a beautiful day here so it would have been a perfect kidding day in normal circumstances. This is the first of about 20 that will be surprises as they came from farms that didn't keep track of dates, hopefully the rest will be more sucessful, if not I'll be broke!! If anyone thinks this might be something else I'd like to hear it.

[sixstrothers]

My first guess would have been Hypoglycemia. Hope it helps and so sorry about your kids.

I have an article from Sue Rieth on Hypoglycemia but it is too long for posting. I will try to send you an email.
Lori

[sixstrothers]

Well your email is private so I will send you mine and you can email me and I will send you the information. nubians@hallelujahdairy.com
Lori

[goatkid]

It sounds like the kids were premature. Sometimes this happens, and it doesn't mean all your does will kid early. When the babies are born too soon, especially in does who are not dairy animals, it's not unusual for them to not have much milk. If your other does do kid early, then you need to look into a bacterial source such as toxoplasmosis or chlamydia. If your doe is eating and drinking normally and has passed her afterbirth, I'd think she'll do OK. If she has hypocalcemia, she'll be off feed, have a subnormal temperature and act ill. Last May, I had a Nubian yearling kid about a week early with a single doeling. I was there, so managed to save the kid, but it took awhile for the doe's milk production to be where the other Nubian yearlings is. From what you describe, those kids were probably born 2-3 weeks early and were too immature to be saved.

[DocM]

Weak kids and a doe without milk can be selenium deficiency too. Give the rest of your does a Bo-Se and keep some around to boost your next kids. 1/2 CC within 2 hrs of birth.