Hi everyone, Well the huge uddered doe had her babies on thursday. And I, for the very first time, had to pull them out into the world. I'm sorry but that was too scary. Had a very good friend miss the first bit of her son's track meet to come and help coach me though it. Thank God for friends like this! 2 were breech and 1 was a head no legs. But all are healthy and huge and, gosh darn, all BUCKS! I was so hoping for a doe from this old girl. This is her last kidding. I do have a very nice granddaughter from her son so that will have to do.

Anyway on to my question. She does have a very congested udder. I have been hot packing it 2-3 times a day and trying to milk her out. A very slow process that she objects to. I thought I read some where that a shot of oxytocin (sp?) will help bring her milk down. Is this true? If so how much for a 185# goat? Is there anything else I can do to help her bring that milk down. She does seem to be feed all the kids just fine. Thanks for your time.

-- Pamela (pmsmith@hevanet.com), April 22, 2002

Answers

Shoot I am sorry Pamela, I thought this was the first part of the next thread entitled "2 year old doe with triplets - very little milk" Sorry!

Most of the information on the other thread is the same advice for you. The kids will help with the edema, make sure you have her CAE tested. Saanendoah.com has all the drug dosages for everything, including oxytocin either used for milk let down or contracting the uterus for retained placenta. Milking her releases natural oxytocin.

Why have you decided not to breed her anymore? Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), April 23, 2002.

Vicki, Thank you for all your answers to my questions as well as other people questions. I always learn something from you.

First I do have her tested for CAE. Her last test was 2 month prier to kidding. It came back neg. Her udder is much better today, still a little congested up at the top. Hopfully that will be gone in a day or two.

After reading your response to the other question I think maybe feeding alfalfa with her grain the last few weeks of pregnancy may have caused her udder to get congested. She always has been a heavy milking doe.

With not breeding her next year, don't laugh everybody, my DH has forbided it! OK it's not as bad as it sounds. This doe was our first Nubian and she is a special pet and 9 years old. DH tolerates all my criiters. The only ones he really loves is one of the cats and this doe. She has had to have the kids pulled out of her the last 2 years. Last year was very scary, didn't think we would get them out (3 huge bucks last year too!) and this year was tough but not as scary. DH didn't want me to breed her for this year kids and I did anyway and had to pull. We both would be sad to lose her in a kidding so she can just be a "nanny" goat for all the other babies from now on. Silly I know but she is pretty special to us.

-- Pamela (pmsmith@hevanet.com), April 24, 2002.