Disclaimer
We are not veterinarians. Our management practices have been developed over the years for what’s worked for our herd, based on decades of experience with both dairy and meat goats, and the guidance of our veterinarian. We recommend working closely with your herd veterinarian to develop proper care and management for your region. We recognize that dam feeding carries a risk of CAE transmission. Before the kidding season begins, we test all animals over 6 months old for Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE). This allows us to feel secure in the safety of dam-feeding. We have found that allowing kids to nurse naturally dramatically increases kid health and growth rates - not only because of the milk they are drinking at will but also because they begin browsing with their mothers within days. This helps their rumens develop quickly so that they are able to make full use of forage before they are weaned. Should anything ever happen, we will communicate findings to any affected owners, however we hold no financial responsibility for affected animals without prior biosecurity testing on that exact animal within 30 days of leaving our property. Because our herd is closed, we test regularly and we carefully quarantine and the rare purchase, we do not anticipate any problems. Our most recent biosecurity testing was done October 2024.
Before Birth
Before breeding, we make sure all of our does are in optimal breeding condition. Our animals spend the spring and summer on full browse plus free choice DuraFerm Conceptaid minerals. Does who are in milk receive additional feed on the milk stand based on how much they are producing. We work hard to ensure our does are at the proper body condition - neither too thin nor too fat. Approximately 6 weeks before your kid is born, we vaccinate the dam with CDT, Pneumonia, and Mastitis vaccines. These ensure that her colostrum is as rich with antibodies as possible to give your kid's immune system a good start.
At Birth
We do our absolute best to attend every birth. Kids are weighed, navels are dipped, and the kids are returned to their mama for her care and feeding. We observe to make sure kids are nursing well before we leave the barn. Within 24 hours we examine the kids for: Under or overshot jaws Teat defects Presence of both testicles Once we have confirmed that the kids are healthy and feeding well, we contact their buyers.
At 2 weeks of age
At two weeks, we weigh the kids again and then they receive the following: Buck & Doe kids receive an 840 microchip in the left side tail web Hair is pulled for DNA testing on buck kids All kids are disbudded Market wethers are castrated Kids begin receiving a coccidiostat Kids begin being separated from their dams overnight and are taught to take a bottle in the mornings. We source our bottles and Prichard nipples from Premier1 Supply.
Before they go home with you
At 4 weeks of age, kids are given their first dose of CDT and a Pneumonia vaccine as well as a dose of Bovi-sera that helps prevent shipping fever. We guarantee that your kid leaves our farm in good health, but once off our property we cannot guarantee the care they receive. It is important to us that both parties are satisfied with the transaction, and will do what is in our power to help with any health concerns or illnesses once the animal has left our property. If you have concerns about scours, cough, runny nose or attitude we must hear from you within 24 hours. We are deeply invested in making sure your new kid arrives happy and healthy, but we cannot help with issues we do not know about. In the unfortunate case of an untimely death of a kid purchased from us, Whey Cool Ranch is not responsible for the replacement or refund of the animal. Once the animal leaves our care, we are not responsible in any way for it's care or vetting.