During the winter season, small stock (goat and sheep) farmers always have a big task at hand to ensure that the lambing (sheep birth) and kidding (goat birth) season progresses well with fewer or no complications in their kraals to potentially achieve their production targets. 

Generally, animals’ breeding activities occur during seasons or times most favourable to their bodily functions and well-being.

For example, mating commences during times of plentiful forage resources, amongst others. 

This is because the nutritional status of the animal has a direct influence on its breeding activities and conception (the better the nutritional status, the higher the chances of conception). 

Well-maintained animals with good health and body conditions will have higher reproductive performance (e.g., libido and fertility) than those with poor conditions.

To effectively manage your goats and sheep breeding, farmers need to be observant of the timing of the breeding activities. 

For example, the animals giving birth in winter (May to June) were mated between December and January. 

When observing mating activities, farmers should count five months from mating to estimate when to expect ewes (female sheep) and does (female goat) to start giving birth. 

This will make them aware, and prepare for the prevalent conditions (e.g. parasites, cold and forage scarcity) during that time or season.

Lambing or kidding is the most demanding stage of the season, where farmers must prepare to provide the necessary support to the ewes and does, and ensure the survival of the lambs and kids as well. 

One major practice is to make sure that your ewes or does are provided with sufficient feed supplements during pregnancy so that they can produce sufficient milk when they give birth. 

It is very important to ensure the animals are not exposed to risky conditions associated with or that will compromise their health statuses, and that they are adequately nourished throughout the season.

Most lamb and kid mortalities during winter are caused by cold stress, hunger and parasite infestation. 

Some of the health conditions in small stock are predisposed by unhygienic or contaminated kraal environments with excessive manure, dust and harmful objects, such as wires, thorns, broken bottles, etc. 

Hygiene

Most of the time, lambs and kids are kept in the kraals for long. Thus, they are directly exposed to these conditions. Dust inhalation and cold stress can result in lung infection (Pasteurellosis/Pneumonia) and eye infections when the dust is blown into the eyes.

Pasteurellosis is a respiratory disease caused by several species of bacteria (e.g. Pasteurella multocida and Pasteurella haemolytica) that inhabit the respiratory system (lungs) of the animal. The disease is predisposed by stress factors such as cold and dusty conditions – and even during transportation. 

The symptoms include fast breathing, coughing, running nose and loss of appetite – and at post-mortem examination, the lungs are attached to the rib cage. 

Pasteurellosis can be treated with common antibiotics (e.g. Swamycin, Disulfox, Reverin 135 etc.), and can be prevented by vaccinating the animals (young and adult) as well as properly managing the stress factors, such as keeping the kraal environment clean.

Another major problem is the internal and external parasite infestation. The most problematic external parasites attacking lambs/kids during winter are the mites, lice and fleas. 

The common signs of infestation by these parasites are irritation (restlessness, head shaking, scratching or itching), hair loss and anaemia (loss of blood). 

These parasites can be controlled or eradicated by dipping, spraying, pour-on or injectable antiparasitic remedies. 

Internal parasites should also be controlled either with oral or injectable solutions. 

There is a wide range of products available in veterinary shops.

Proper shelter 

During winter, extra care against the cold is needed. 

A shelter or a housing structure can be constructed, especially for the most vulnerable animals, to protect or keep them warm. 

For example, one of the common and simplest practices by most small-scale farmers is to dig a trench in the ground to keep the lambs/kids warm overnight, but this can be a health risk because the trench can be dusty (causing lung infections) and suffocating if not well made. 

Generally, animals generate or increase their body heat through metabolism. 

Therefore, it is advisable to ensure that your goats and sheep have enough roughage feed (e.g., Lucerne or grass hay) all the time during winter in the evening to keep them warmer.

In addition, farmers need to ensure that the lambs and kids suckle the colostrum (first milk after birth) at least in the first 12 hours of their lives. 

This is very important for the health, strength, growth and survival of the young. 

Subsequently, the ewes or does should be allowed to spend sufficient time with their young to suckle anytime they wish, rather than separating them, or letting the mothers out for longer hours before suckling. 

This is because when the lambs or kids are starved for a long time, they tend to consume much more instantly when they suddenly meet their mothers to suckle.  This can lead to digestive discomfort or problems.

The survival and performance of your animals depend on your timely management interventions. 

This starts with the preparation of the breeding stock for mating, caring during gestation and parturition, and caring for the young throughout to weaning stage. 

This includes a supply of enough feed and water throughout, carrying out all necessary vaccinations, protection against adverse environmental conditions, and maintaining a clean kraal environment. 

All necessary equipment and remedies must be acquired in advance to provide first aid during complications. 

For example, antibiotics should be readily available for bacterial illnesses such as retained placentas, diarrhoea, eye infections and navel illness.

*Erastus Ngaruka is Agribank’s technical advisor on livestock and rangeland.