A Detailed Guide to Management Methods for Boer Goats in the Initial Introduction Period
The Boer goat is a meat goat breed that is very famous worldwide, originating in Africa. Boer goats have various advantages such as strong growth capacity, a short cycle and strong reproductive capacity, and they are raised over a relatively wide area in China. After many years of breeding research in China, it has been concluded that the management of Boer goats in the initial introduction period is very important. So below, the editor brings you the management methods for Boer goats in the initial introduction period. Let's take a look!
1. Preparation for Introduction
The Boer goat is a very cleanliness-loving goat breed, suitable for growing in a cool and dry environment. Therefore, before introduction we must do a good job of cleaning the hygiene of the pen and the surrounding environment, and carry out comprehensive and thorough disinfection. The feeding troughs must be cleaned thoroughly, ensuring the pen is highly ventilated and has good shade and moisture-proof performance. It should also effectively keep warm in winter, and cold-proof and windproof facilities should be prepared.
2. Feeding Management
At the time of introduction, because the breeding goats have undergone long-distance transport, after arriving at the destination they are nutritionally deficient and physically exhausted. Therefore, after introduction the Boer goats should be allowed to rest fully and must not be startled, and drinking water should be provided only after they have adapted to the surrounding environment. Pay attention to the water temperature, which must not differ too much from body temperature. Ensure it is clean and fresh, and do not feed spoiled or contaminated water. Also, because the Boer goats have been fasting for a relatively long time, the first feed amount should not be too large; ensuring they are about 60% full is enough, to adjust the gastrointestinal function of the breeding goats.
3. Grouping and Brushing
After the first feeding, let the Boer goats rest for a while longer, and then during the rest period, carry out a count of the Boer goats. Group and raise them according to sex, body size, age and health status. Goats that are thin and weak should receive special care so as to restore their growth as early as possible. After grouping, brush each goat twice a day to promote blood circulation on the body surface of the Boer goats and improve the glossiness of the wool. Also let the Boer goats gradually become familiar with the keepers, increasing closeness, which facilitates later raising.
4. Observation and Disease Prevention
The disease resistance of Boer goats is relatively strong, but after disease occurs it is relatively difficult to detect in the early stage. Therefore, after introduction, the Boer goats' activity, feeding and manure conditions should be observed frequently. If abnormal conditions are found, the cause should be identified promptly and treatment carried out. If coughing, diarrhea and similar phenomena appear 2 days after introduction, this is relatively normal, but if they last a long time then treatment should be carried out promptly.
5. Feeding Transition
The growth environment of Boer goats before introduction will differ somewhat from the growth environment of the raising site, so after introduction the feeding method should be appropriately changed. However, when changing, it must not be changed all at once; the Boer goats should be given a transition process. This prevents the Boer goats from having a stress response. But it is also necessary to ensure that the Boer goats can adapt to the raising environment in the shortest time, restore their growth and give play to their raising advantages.
The above is a brief introduction to the management methods for Boer goats in the initial introduction period. The initial introduction period of Boer goats is very important. It has a direct relationship with the mid-to-late stage raising of Boer goats, so we hope everyone will pay attention to it. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only. Thank you all for reading and supporting.