protocols management milking pregnancy

Main Protocols 2021 - Flock Management and Drying Off

Professional protocols for managing drying off, transition between lactations, and preparation for lambing in sheep and goats

Sheeping Professional Team •

General Overview

The original growing protocols were written as an initiative of the Sheep Breeders Association. Since 2012, when the original protocol was written, many changes have been introduced into the professional routine in the industry. The current document aims to implement these changes and add missing points and procedures that the original protocol did not address.

Activities are organized by different professional topics. To present the subject in an easy-to-navigate and clear way for implementation, we chose four main topics, with each topic appearing in a separate chapter.

The Four Main Topics:

  • Young stock rearing
  • Flock exit points
  • Preparation for lambing
  • Breeding control

Chapter 2 - Animal Exit Points from the Flock Due to Productivity

Around Drying Off

Preparation for Drying Off (72-86 Days of Pregnancy)

Day 72 of Pregnancy:

  • After positive pregnancy testing, perform culling of pregnant ewes
  • Transfer to a lean maintenance ration about two weeks before drying off
  • Transition to once-daily milking:
    • In spring-summer: As soon as possible (day 75 of pregnancy)
    • In autumn: Can be slightly delayed (day 80 of pregnancy)

Day 86 of Pregnancy - Drying Off Day:

Three possible drying off methods:

  1. Using Dry Cow Tubes

    • According to recommendations from the Israeli Dairy Board and the treating veterinarian

  2. Gradual Milking Cessation

    • Milking every other day
    • Continue until complete cessation on day 86 of pregnancy

  3. Immediate Cessation

    • Stop milking on day 86

Result: Animals will be dry for 60 days before expected lambing

Additional Treatments During This Period

Prevention of Infectious Abortions:

  • In coordination with the veterinarian
  • Vaccination or antibiotic treatment

Nutrition:

  • Until day 110 of pregnancy - lean dry period ration

Transition Between Lactations

Transition between lactations is a complex activity requiring precision and attention to detail, to prevent fattening of ewes on one hand and lack of energy and protein as pregnancy and lactation progress on the other.

Detailed Timeline - Sheep

Day 60 of Pregnancy:

  • Perform pregnancy testing

Day 72 of Pregnancy:

  • Start drying off and culling
  • Stop feeding concentrated ration
  • Switch to grain hay or 25% concentrate with straw or free-choice grain
  • Switch to once-daily milking
  • After a few days: dry off by pressure release only and avoid emptying udder
  • Feed ration based on straw only for several days to ensure complete drying off

Day 86 of Pregnancy:

  • Ewes are dry

Day 90 of Pregnancy:

  • Feed ration based on 25% concentrate with straw supplement

Day 100 of Pregnancy:

  • Ration based on 50% concentrate with straw supplement or grain hay

Day 110 of Pregnancy:

  • Gradually increase concentrate
  • Provide free-choice concentrate
  • Simultaneously reduce coarse supplement

Last Two Weeks of Pregnancy (Days 133-146):

  • Feed 70-100 grams of glycerin
  • Continue glycerin feeding until breeding time
  • Glycerin level depends on body condition and milk yields

Drying Off Protocol for Goats

Detailed protocol for drying off dairy goats:

Day 80 of Pregnancy - Starting the Process

Dietary Change:

  • Completely remove lactating concentrate
  • Feed grain hay (after chopping in wagon) ad libitum
  • Give milking mix (small daily ration)

Milking Routine Change:

  • Switch to once-daily milking for several days (3-4 days)
  • Then: milk only for pressure release
  • Within 7-10 days should be completely dry
  • Continue for another 2-3 days with grain hay only

Day 90 of Pregnancy

  • Goats are completely dry

Days 95-105 of Pregnancy

  • Mix 30% lactating concentrate with grain hay and serve

Days 105-115 of Pregnancy

  • Mix 50% lactating concentrate with grain hay

Day 115 of Pregnancy and Beyond

  • Switch to lactating concentrate ad libitum

Nutritional Supplements - Last 21 Days of Pregnancy

Glycerin (Coprolin):

  • Supplement of 70 grams per head per day
  • Continue with glycerin after lambing at a rate of 150 grams per head per day

Animate:

  • At a rate of 60-70 grams per head per day
  • For the last 21 days before lambing

Key Points to Remember

For Sheep

  1. Ideal Dry Period: 60 days
  2. Drying Off Time: Day 86 of pregnancy
  3. Importance of Gradation: Gradual increase of concentrate from 25% to 100%
  4. Glycerin: Essential in the last two weeks

For Goats

  1. Start of Process: Day 80 of pregnancy
  2. Complete Drying: Day 90 of pregnancy
  3. Gradual Increase: 30% → 50% → ad libitum
  4. Essential Supplements: Glycerin and Animate in the last 21 days

Importance of the Protocol

Proper execution of the drying off protocol and transition between lactations is vital for:

  • Maternal Health: Prevention of pregnancy toxemia and metabolic diseases
  • Fetal Development: Optimal nutrition supply at the critical stage
  • Next Lactation: Proper preparation for optimal milk production
  • Economic Efficiency: Prevention of health problems and production losses

Practical Implementation Tips

Monitoring and Adjustment

  • Body Condition Scoring: Regular assessment throughout the dry period
  • Feed Intake Monitoring: Ensure animals are consuming the prescribed amounts
  • Health Checks: Watch for signs of metabolic disorders
  • Individual Adjustments: Some animals may need modified protocols

Common Challenges

Challenge: Udder Engorgement

  • Solution: Monitor closely, milk only for pressure relief if severe
  • Prevention: Proper gradual transition

Challenge: Body Condition Loss

  • Solution: Increase concentrate earlier if needed
  • Prevention: Adequate nutrition from day 100 onwards

Challenge: Pregnancy Toxemia Risk

  • Solution: Ensure adequate energy intake, use glycerin
  • Prevention: Monitor body condition, avoid stress

Timing Considerations

Spring-Summer Drying:

  • Can dry off earlier (day 75)
  • Heat stress may affect appetite
  • Ensure adequate water availability

Autumn-Winter Drying:

  • Can extend to day 80 if needed
  • Cold stress increases energy requirements
  • Provide shelter and adequate bedding

Summary

The protocols described here are based on accumulated experience of farmers and experts in the Israeli sheep industry. Attention to detail, proper timing, and close monitoring are key to success. Protocols should be adapted to the specific conditions of each farm and consultation with a nutritionist and veterinarian is recommended.

Additional Resources

For optimal results:

  • Work closely with your veterinarian
  • Consult with a ruminant nutritionist
  • Keep detailed records of:
    • Pregnancy dates
    • Drying off dates
    • Body condition scores
    • Feed intake
    • Any health issues

Regular review and adjustment of protocols based on farm performance will help optimize productivity and animal health.