Long term under nutrition is required for primary hypocalcaemia to develop. Goats require calcium rich diets after kidding. Alfalfa hay can provide this. Cereal crop forages such as wheat or oat hay are very low in calcium (0.15% and 0.24% dry matter (DM) basis respectively) as opposed to alfalfa hay (1.4% DM) and should be avoided unless the ration is balanced with other calcium sources. Over-feeding of calcium in late gestation by feeding alfalfa without balancing with anionic salts has been associated with hypocalcaemia in cattle. Feeding an anionic ration in late gestation will also improve calcium absorption from the gut and from the bones. The ration in late gestation and early lactation should also have a calcium:phos-
Goat
phorus ratio of greater than 1.5 to 1. Prevention of pregnancy toxaemia will also help to prevent hypocalcaemia as well.
Tetanus Tetanus is a highly fatal disease that occurs when spores
elective surgeries and then give a booster at the time of
of Clostridium tetani enter a wound and set up an infection
surgery. If vaccination is not possible, the use of tetanus
from which a potent neurotoxin is released. Wounds can in-
antitoxin should provide protection for 10 to 20 days. Anti-
clude those caused by humans when live tissues are injured
toxin and toxoid can be given at the same time without any
and blood drawn during hoof trimming. Tetanus can result
interference.
from any of the following wounds: castration (especially
If signs are apparent, treatment includes high doses of
with rubber bands), dehorning or disbudding, parturition or
penicillin, anti-inflammatories and tetanus anti-toxin. How-
obstetrical procedures, tattooing, hoof trimming, puncture
ever, treatment, according to the USDA, is not successful.
wounds, and dog bites. The organism is sensitive to oxygen,
The initial site of injury and bacterial proliferation should
so deep puncture wound are of the most concern.
be searched for, and whenever is possible, the wound or
Signs of illness can include muscle stiffness, unsteady gait, drooping eyelids, changed voice, erect ears and tail and inability to eat or drink. The signs often get progres-
infection site should be opened to the air and infiltrated with penicillin. The area can be infiltrated with tetanus antitoxin before
sively worse and convulsions may occur. Death occurs from
the wound-cleansing process is begun to reduce the chance
asphyxiation secondary to respiratory paralysis.
that more preexisting toxin will be absorbed during tissue
Tetanus can only be treated in the very early stages of the disease so prevention is very important. It is best to
manipulation. Excessive tissue manipulation may make the animal dramatically worse.
vaccinate for tetanus with a toxoid two weeks prior to any
The Boer Goat - 13
