Goat YMCP

INTRODUCTION - GOAT SYNDROME
Recent research and field management programs have led to a greater awareness regarding the importance of a trouble-free transition period in getting high-producing dairy and meat goats to recover from the stress of kidding and preparing for milk production at the start of lactation. Immediate post-kidding problems such as reduced appetite, hypocalcaemia and retained placentas can individually or collectively impair the doe’s ability to reach her optimum peak in lactation. Later post-kidding problems, such as ketosis or milk fever, are metabolic and digestive disorders that can further challenge the doe’s ability to maximize milk production throughout lactation.

Post-kidding management and feeding programs should be designed to provide does with a supplemental source of essential nutrients the first 24-48 hours after kidding to help the doe make the transition from a dry period, to kidding, to the start of lactation. Goat YMCP was specifically designed to provide the doe with an abundant supply and highly available active sources of yeast, magnesium, calcium and potassium, niacin and betaine.

NIACIN – BETAINE
Goat YMCP has recently been reformulated to provide the doe with an available active source of niacin and betaine. Dairy and meat goat producers can now administer Goat YMCP immediately after kidding and be assured of niacin intake when does frequently have reduced dry matter or feed intake. Recent research has shown that betaine is a very active osmolyte and helps maintain cellular fluids, there by, reducing the chances of dehydration. Betaine also provides energy conserving lipotropic action in animals in an energy deficit condition and should be considered as a logical supplement in all fresh doe products and programs.

YEAST
When does freshen, their feed intake drops 20-25 percent the first 24-48 hours after kidding and with metabolic problems, feed intake usually drops 60-80 percent. A secondary factor influencing dry matter intake following kidding is the transition of the rumen mucosa and papillae in length and texture. Papillae should lengthen and increase in absorptive surface after kidding to help promote absorption of nutrients, especially energy, required for optimum milk production. More and more nutritionists and veterinarians are recommending yeast as an economical tool to help establish and maintain dry matter intake. Most researchers are of the opinion that the complementary action of yeast is through its enhancing microbial action in stimulating rumen fermentation.

MAGNESIUM
The hormone parathormone is considered to be the primary agent mobilizing the assimilation of calcium from the bones following kidding. Most high-producing does cannot assimilate sufficient calcium from their digestive tracts following kidding to meet their calcium needs. Biochemists are of the opinion that magnesium is the primary electrolyte that limits parathyroid gland secretion of parathormone and, as such, it should be fortified in the diet or ration whenever problems with hypocalcaemia are a common occurrence, such as after kidding. Magnesium is also thought to have a complementary role in calcium absorption and it has been used with success by veterinarians to treat nervous ketosis.

CALCIUM
The immediate post-kidding problems of hypocalcaemia or milk fever are related to the absorption of calcium from the bones. Does whose blood calcium suddenly drops to the level at which she metabolically shuts down should be treated to help restore the calcium to the desired serum level. Consult with your veterinarian for treatment options. Supplemental oral calcium should be considered following kidding in an effort to supply additional calcium when feed intake normally drops. Goat YMCP provides four sources of highly dispersible forms of calcium that are absorbed independently of each other. The calcium sources in Goat YMCP are not irritating compared to chloride forms used in many oral preparations and, as such, they can be administered with less danger when used as a drench.

POTASSIUM
During their dry period, does frequently consume too much potassium as a result of the high potassium content of forages, which can result in greater problems with hypocalcaemia and milk fever. However, once does freshen, they generally have insufficient intake of potassium. Inadequate potassium intake after kidding can contribute to problems with ketosis, as potassium is the primary influencing electrolyte in the immobilization of adeno triphosphate (ATP). Virtually all forms of utilizable carbohydrate and blood glucose originate from ATP and, as such, potassium should be considered for supplementation following kidding. Smooth muscle tissue of the rumen, abomasum and uterus are dependent upon adequate supplies of potassium. Recent research clearly illustrates that these organs lose tone and contractility with either calcium or potassium deficits.

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