Consumption of colostrum must occur as early as possible and prior to 18 hours after birth as there is a rapid reduction in the permeability of the intestinal wall of the newborn to the antibodies. The colostrum milk should be bottle-fed to the newborn to insure adequate consumption. Excess colostrum can be frozen for use in orphan or bonus kids. An additional practice at birth which enhances the health of the newborn kid is to give 3 injections of iron dextran and vitamins A and D after birth. Kids should be checked carefully at birth for any deformities or abnormalities.
Pneumonia is a major killer of young kids.
A dry, draft-free environment is an excellent preventative measure. For example, a six pound kid will receive 300 ml of colostrum within 12 hours. Kids could be left on does to nurse or started on a good quality milk replacer after they get their colostrum. A lamb milk replacer may be the best substitute for goat milk. Casein, a protein in lamb milk replacer, can be completely replaced with whey protein concentrate, this allows acidification.