Managing the weaning phase successfully

• Vaccinate kids against pulpy kidney before weaning. If possible, use Multivax P, which covers a number of serious diseases.

• Deworm the kids just before weaning.

• Do not castrate at weaning. When castrating, make sure the animal is protected against tetanus, either through its mother’s vaccination or its own vaccination (included in Multivax P).

• Ensure that kids know how to feed on forage before weaning. • Continue to feed them during weaning. Only wean when there is adequate forage for the kids to eat.

• Provide fresh, clean water and adequate shelter.

• Never wean in cold or wet weather.

• Change only one factor at a time. For example, don’t wean and sell the kid on the same day. This is highly stressful on the animal.

Note: all of the foregoing also applies to weaning lambs.