COMPETENCY BASED

LEARNING MATERIALS

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Sector:

AGRICULTURE AND FISHERY SECTOR

Qualification:
ANIMAL PRODUCTION NC II
Unit of Competency:
RAISE SMALL RUMINANTS
By: JULIUS Z. CARDINES Instructor 1
Module Title:

RAISING SMALL RUMINANTS

Technical Education and Skills Development

Authority
KINOGUITAN NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL
SCHOOL
Kinoguitan Misamis Oriental

How to use this Competency- Based Learning Material

Welcome to the learner’s guide for the module: Raising Small

Ruminants. This learning material contains activities for you to complete.

The unit of competency “Raise Small Ruminants” contains the

knowledge, skills and attitudes required for ANIMAL PRODUCTION NC II as
CORE Unit of Competency.

You are required to go through a series of learning activities in order to

complete each learning outcomes of the module. In each learning outcome
there are Instruction Sheets to help you better understand the required
activities. Follow these activities on your own and answer the self-check at the
end of each learning outcome. You may remove a blank answer sheet at the
end of each module (or get from your facilitator/trainer) to write your answers
for each self-check. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask your facilitator
for assistance.

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 Instruction sheets:

 Information Sheet – This will provide you with information (Concepts,

principles and other relevant information) needed in performing certain
activities.

 Job Sheet – This is designed to guide you how to do job that will
contribute to the attainment of the learning outcome.

 Assignment Sheet – The assignment sheet is a guide used to

enhance (follow up) what you have learned in the information sheet,
operation sheet or job sheet.

 Worksheet – are the different forms that you need to fill up in certain
activities that you performed

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

You may already have some or most of the knowledge and skills
covered in this learner’s guide because you have:
 Been working for some time
 Already completed training in this area

If you can demonstrate to your trainer that you are competent in a

particular outcome, you don’t have to do the same training again.

Talk to your trainer about having them formally recognized. If you have
a qualification or certificate of competence from previous training, show it to
your trainer. If the skills you acquired are still current and relevant to the unit/s
of competency they may become part of the evidence you can present for
RPL. If you are not sure about the accuracy of your skills discuss this with
your trainer.

After completing this module ask your trainer to assess your

competency. Result of your assessment will be recorded in your competency
profile. All the learning activities are designed for you to complete at your own
pace.

Inside this learner’s guide you will find the activities for you to complete
and at the back are the relevant information sheets for each learning
outcome. Each learning outcome may have more than one learning activities.

At the back of this learner’s guide is a Learner’s Diary. Use this diary
to record important dates, jobs undertaken and other workplace events that
will assist you in providing further details to your trainer or an assessor. A

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Record of Achievement is also provided for your trainer to complete once
you complete the module.

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : Raise Small Ruminants

MODULE TITLE : Raising Small Ruminants

CODE : AGR621302

MODULE DESCRIPTION : This module covers the skills, knowledge and

attitudes required to raise small ruminants

NOMINAL DURATION : 90 hours

CERTIFICATE LEVEL : NC II

PREREQUISITE :

INSTRUCTIONS
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PRE-REQUISITE MODULES. Before you start this Module, you must already
have finished the Module on Tool competencies and Common competencies;

In his module you will learn and practice how to Raise Swine, you
must do the following activities;

1. Follow the Instructions/ Learning Steps of each Activity Sheet found

before each learning outcome of this module and read the information
sheet.
2 Follow these activities on your own and self-check at the end of each
learning outcome. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to ask
your facilitator for assistance.
2. When you are ready, ask your facilitator for an evaluation.

INTRODUCTION:

This module was prepared to help you achieve the required

competency in Raising Small Ruminants. This will be the source of
information for you to acquire knowledge and skills in this particular trade, with
minimum supervision or help from your instructor. With the aid of this
materials you will acquire the competency and at your own pace.
After going over the Module on RAISING SMALL RUMINANTS, you
are now ready to learn how to Raise Small ruminants; go over the reading
materials and Reference Materials for further reading.

MODULE DESCRIPTOR:

This module covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes Raise Small
Ruminants. You may tear a blank answer sheets at the end of the module to
reflect your answer for each self-check. This unit covers the knowledge, skills and
attitudes required to raise small ruminants such as goats and sheep. It includes
selection of genetically superior animals for breeding, management of does/ewes
and their progenies implement feeding and herd health program and maintain
and analyze records.

Summary of Outcomes:

Upon completion of this module, the trainee/student must be able to:

LO1 Select and manage breeder goats and sheep.

LO2 Manage does/ewes and their progenies;

LO3 Provide feeds and implement feeding practices.

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 LO4 Implement hard health program.

LO5 Maintain and analyze records.

Learning Outcome 1: Select and manage breeder goats and sheep

Assessment Criteria

1. Suitable and superior breeds of goats and sheep are identified based
on industry standard;
2. Bucks and rams are well fed and groomed regularly;
3. Signs of heat are detected among sexually mature does and ewes;
4. Breeder does and ewes are mated with genetically superior
rams/bucks;
5. Pregnant animals are diagnosed/confirmed;
6. Unproductive buck/ram and does/ewes are culled
7. Signs of pre-heat, standing heat and post heat are detected;
8. Breeder buck/rams and does/ewes are properly housed

Learning Outcome 2: Manage does/ewes and their progenies

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Assessment Criteria

1. Signs of approaching kidding/lambing are monitored

2. Placenta and dead kids/lambs are disposed properly
3. Assisted kids/lambs to suckle colostrums
4. Kids/lambs are identified through ear tags/notches
5. Disbudded growing kids/lambs appropriately
6. Dehorning and castration of unwanted growing
7. Weaned lambs/kids properly at 3 months from birth
8. Lactating goats and sheep are kept in clean and quite
environment, and are separated from the breeder males.
9. Forage grasses concentrate, other feed supplement and
adequate water supply are provided.

Learning Outcome 3: Provide Feeds and Implement Feeding Practices

Assessment Criteria

1. Guides in feeding the general herd/flock of goats and sheep are

implemented based n industry standard.
2. Supplementary concentrates and other feed supplements are
identified and provided.
3. Established and maintained pasture grasses for the flock/herd.
4. Alternative feed sources are identified and given during
scarcity/non-availability of usual feeds.

Learning Outcome 4: Implement Herd Health Program

Assessment Criteria

1. Preventive measures are instituted based on industry and BAI

standards.
2. Medication and vaccination programs are followed strictly as
prescribed by veterinarian.
3. Sick animals are treated properly and dead animals are disposed of
properly.

Learning Outcome 5: Maintain and Analyze Records

Assessment Criteria

1. Appropriate records are kept, collected and analyzed regularly.

2. Management decision is carried out properly based on records.
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LO1 Select and Manage Breeder Goats and Sheep.

Learning Steps Resources

1. Read Info Sheet on Genetically 1. Info Sheet 1: Genetically superior

superior breeds of goats and breeds of goats and sheep
sheep
2. Perform Self Check Self Check Questionnaire 1.
Questionnaire.
Answer Key 1.
3. Refer to Answer Key.

4. After finishing this Learning

Activity, proceed to the next one.

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 LO1. Information Sheet No. 1

Genetically Superior Breeds of Goats and Sheep

Breeds of Goats

Anglo Nubian

This is the most popular breed. This

breed is large, has long, wide,
pendulous ears, and a roman nose.
Goats of this breed usually are
brown, but can be almost any color.
The Nubian breed originated in the
United Kingdom from British and
Near-East descendants. Nubians
have a high butterfat content in their
milk. Nubian milk is therefore good
for cheese making.

The Alpine is one of the Swiss breeds,

and is acceptable in any color pattern,
although bucks with solid white or
standard Toggenburg color and
markings are faulted. Ears are upright,
the bridge of the nose is straight or
slightly dished.

Color patterns in the Alpine are often

referred to by French names: the
illustration shows a cou clair (light-
coloured neck) broken with a wide white
belt. Other color patterns are cou blanc
(white neck, black rear quarters), sundgau
(black with white facial stripes, white
below knees and hocks, white on either
side of the tail), and chamoisée (any
shade or mixture of brown, often with a
black stripe along the back and white markings on the face) or two-tone
chamoisée (usually a lighter brown on the forequarters). A "broken" pattern
has large white areas obscuring the basic colours.

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 The Boer goat was
developed in South Africa in
the early 1900s for meat
production. Their name is
derived from the Dutch word
"Boer" meaning farmer. The
Boer goat was probably bred
from the indigenous goats of
the Namaqua Bushmen and
the Fooku tribes, with some
crossing of Indian and
European bloodlines being
possible. They were selected
for meat rather than milk
production; due to selective
breeding and improvement, the Boer goat has a fast growth rate and excellent
carcass qualities, making it one of the most popular breeds of meat goat in
the world. Boer goats have a high resistance to disease and adapt well to hot,
dry semi-deserts. U.S. production is centered in west-central Texas,
particularly in and around San Angelo. The original US breeding stock came
from herds located in New Zealand. Only later were they imported directly
from South Africa.

Boer goats commonly have white bodies and distinctive brown heads. Like
the Nubian goat, they possess long, pendulous ears. They are noted for being
docile, fast growing, and having high fertility rates. Does are reported to have
superior mothering skills as compared to other goats. Mature Boer bucks
weigh between 110-135 kg (240-300 lb), and mature does between 90-100 kg
(200-220 lb).

Cherter white
The Saanen is solid white to light cream coloured, a Swiss breed that is well
respected for its dairy qualities. Purebred Saanens were one of the first
breeds imported to North America from Switzerland, and were found to be
productive, cold-resistant and docile.

Because white is genetically dominant, the colour appears often in crossbred

goats. Rarely, a purebred Saanen breeding will produce a coloured offspring;
such kids cannot be registered as purebred but may apply for Special
Registry status to enable their positive traits to be recognized and
documented.

The Toggenburg has been a recognized purebred breed in Canada

since 1917, having come from the Toggenburg Valley in Europe where the
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 breed is centuries old. The goats are generally smaller than other Swiss
breeds, but can be just as productive. They are widely known as good
winter milkers.

The colour pattern of the Toggenburg is strictly enforced: a solid brown coat
with white stripes on the face, white triangular patch on either side of the tail,
and white below hocks and knees. No white spots of significant size are
allowed.

In the early twentieth century, it was noticed that some individuals in large
herds of Spanish meat goats had very short ears. This genetically dominant
characteristic appealed to some dairy breeders, who used dairy goats of
several breeds to develop the LaMancha breed.

LaManchas tend to be somewhat shorter and blockier than most other breeds
of dairy goats, but are widely respected for their even temperament and
steady production of fairly high fat milk. No colour or pattern is discriminated
against in this breed, but ears must be short, especially in bucks.

Instead of being tattooed in the ears like other goats, LaManchas are tattooed
in the bare skin on the underside of the tail.

Breeds of Sheep

Afrino
During the late 1960's, a request was made to the Department of Agriculture
by the wool industry, via the South African Agricultural Union, to develop a
white-wooled breed for extensive sheep grazing areas. In 1976, it was evident
that the crossing of 25 percent Merino, 25 percent Ronderib Afrikaner, and 50
percent South African Mutton Merino best fullfilled the requirements set for the
new breed. It was decided to retain only this cross for further upgrading and
development of the breed known today as the Afrino. Eighty percent of the
income from Afrino sheep is generated through meat production and 20
percent through wool production. The Afrino produces Merino-type wool, with
a fiber diameter ranging from 19 to 22 microns.

American Blackbelly
The American Blackbelly is a composite breed resulting from the crossing of
Barbados Blackbelly on the Mouflon and Rambouillet breeds. As the name
implies, the underbelly of the American Blackbelly is black, as is the inside of
the legs, the back part of the thighs, and the hair inside the ears. Two black

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 facial barbs extend down the muzzle medial to the eye, giving the breed an
exotic appearance. Through selective breeding, the American Blackbelly has
retained the coloration of its Barbados Blackbelly parent stock, but can be
easily distinguished by the presence of horns on the rams. It is harder to
identify which breed a ewe represents because American Blackbelly females
may be polled, scurred, or horned, with the majority being polled. Because
this sheep is popular with the trophy hunting markets, "trophy racks" are
heavily selected for in American Blackbelly breeding stock. The American
Blackbelly is a hair sheep, although in some areas of the U.S., American
Middle White
Blackbelly may develop a winter undercoat of fine wool fiber that is shed in
the spring. The American Blackbelly is known for its vitality, thrift, easy
lambing, and lean carcass. [text provided by Carol Elkins]

Aragonesa
The Rasa Aragonesa sheep is the second most important Spanish breed after
the Merino breed. Spanish sheep breeds of medium quality wool are
considered to have originated from the crossbreeding of fine-wool strains
(Merino) and those with coarse wool (Churra and Lacha), though this
viewpoint is overly simplistic. The Rasa Aragonesa breed, which owes its
name to the region where it is of most importance, as well as to the length of
its wool ("rasa" = threadbare), is raised mainly for its meat. Among the
outstanding qualities of the Rasa Aragonesa are its high degree of
ruggedness, gregarious instinct, pasturing ability, and adaptability to the harsh
environment in which it is raised.

Breed category: dual-purpose, medium wool

Distribution: Spain, Europe

Assaf
The Assaf sheep is the result of crossbreeding the Awassi and East Friesian
Milk sheep. In 1955, researchers of the Israeli Agricultural Research
Organization (A.R.O) started this project aiming to improve the fecundity of
the Awassi sheep. A combination of 3/8 East Friesian and 5/8 Awassi blood
emerged as the best cross. Most dairy sheep breeders in Israel have adopted
the Assaf, which is considered not only a top quality dairy sheep and excellent
mutton producer, but is also well-adapted to semi-extensive to extensive
production systems. Under Israeli conditions, in which ewes have
approximately 3 lambings in 2 years, the annual milk yield is 450 liters. The
demand for Assaf sheep is increasing every year. They have been exported
to Spain, Portugal, Chile and Peru.

Breed categories: dual-purpose (dairy and meat)

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Self Check Questionnaire No.1

1. What are the characteristics of a Toggenburg goat?

2. What are the characteristics of the Boer goat?

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Answer Key No.1

1. Toggenburg -The color pattern of the Toggenburg is strictly enforced: a

solid brown coat with white stripes on the face, white triangular patch
on either side of the tail, and white below hocks and knees. No white
spots of significant size are allowed.
2. Boer goats commonly have white bodies and distinctive brown heads.
Like the Nubian goat, they possess long, pendulous ears. They are
noted for being docile, fast growing, and having high fertility rates.
Does are reported to have superior mothering skills as compared to
other goats. Mature Boer bucks weigh between 110-135 kg (240-300
lb), and mature does between 90-100 kg (200-220 lb).

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 LO1. Information Sheet No. 2
Proper Feeding Practices

GUIDE IN FEEDING:

Feeding the General Herd:

1. Should be pastured most of the time to lower the cost of feed.

2. Provide enough space for grazing.
3. Provide fresh water and salt.

Feeding with concentrate schedule:

1. Feed concentrate at two evenly spaced intervals.

2. Feed goats with plenty of hay or pasture forage before they eat
their concentrates to avoid over eating grains which causes rapid
fermentation in the rumen, leading to serious build-up of gas, a
condition called bloat.

General guideline in feeding:

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 1. Begin with enough land to provide the goat/sheep enough hay.
2. Let goats forage in the first until brush is browsed down, or the
pasture is grazed to about two inches.
3. Remove the herd until browse re-grows six to twelve inches, or
pasture reaches six to eight inches.
4. Raise kids away from adults where they won’t pick up worms.
5. Separate wethers to maximize the growth for meat production.

Feeding the Dry Doe. A pregnant, dry doe should be adequately fed with
quality feeds in order to build reserves for coming lactation and also to nourish
the developing fetus or fetuses. Nutritious grasses and legumes, whether cut
or in pasture, will normally be sufficient to support the doe. However, if you
observe that your pregnant doe looks thin, give her about ½ to 1 kilo of
concentrate every day. A concentrate high in fiber such as plain corn and rice
bran can be given a few days before kidding and will act as a laxative. The
lessening of the contents of the digestive tract can help the doe to kid more
easily.

Feeding the Milking Doe. Feed your milking does as much good quality
grasses and legumes as they can eat. For every kilo of milk that a doe gives,
feed her with one kilo concentrate. Fresh water and mineral lick brick or loose
coarse salt should be provided to the doe freely. If the doe does not consume
all her concentrate, reduce the next day’s feeding by the amount she did not
eat. From time to time increase her feed to see if she needs more than you
are giving her.

Feeding the Buck Your buck for breeding should be fed properly. When not
being used, feed him at least one-half kilo of concentrate every day plus give
him, plenty of grasses and legumes. However, do not overfeed your buck
with concentrate for this will make him fat and non-aggressive. But when he
is scheduled for service, increase his concentrate to one kilo per day two
weeks before and during the breeding period in order to keep him fertile and
in good condition.

Feeding the young goats. The goal of feeding yearling or young goats is not
to fatten them, but rather to provide them enough nutrients for maintenance
and growth. Adequate space for exercise plus abundant quality of grasses
and legumes are important for yearlings. Feed each of them ½ kilo
concentrate daily.

Feeding the baby goats. Let the kid be with the mother for the first five days.
This will enable the baby goat to suck milk whenever it is hungry and also get
the colostrums needed for its good health. The colostrums contain antibodies
that serve as protection from disease. You can also bottle feed the kid in

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cases where: a.) there are more than two kids from a doe; b.) a doe is unable
to nurse her own kids due to sickness; c.) a doe died after the delivery; and,
d.) you prefer to use the goat milk for your consumption or for sale.

Self Check Questionnaire No. 2:

1. What are the benefits of colustrum?

2. What are the general guidelines in feeding the goat?

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Answer Key No.2:

1. Colostrum provides antibodies for resistance to disease and is high in

nutrients, including energy, vitamin A, the B vitamins, protein, and
minerals. Overfeeding colostrum or other milk can cause scours. Extra
colostrum can be saved by freezing and fed at body temperature at
some later date. Orphan kids may be left on goat's milk or changed to
cow's milk or a commercial milk replacer after the first days on
colostrum.

2. General guideline in feeding:

1. Begin with enough land to provide the goat/sheep enough hay.

2. Let goats forage in the first until brush is browsed down, or the
pasture is grazed to about two inches.
3. Remove the herd until browse re-grows six to twelve inches, or
pasture reaches six to eight inches.
4. Raise kids away from adults where they won’t pick up worms.
5. Separate weathers to maximize the growth for meat production

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SPACE/HOUSING REQUIREMENTS

TYPE
Does:

Open Housing 15 sq. ft.

Stalls 6 x 6 ft.
Stalls partition height 3.5 ft
Yard 200 sq ft.
Fence Height 5 ft.

Buck:
Housing 40 sq. ft
Stall partition height 100 sq.ft
Yard 100 sq.ft
Fence Height 6 ft.

 House buck at least fifty feet from the doe to prevent them from
becoming overly excited during breeding season.

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Learning Outcome 2: Manage Does/Ewes and their Progenies

Learning Steps Resources

1. Read Info Sheet on Management 1. Info Sheet 4: Management of

of does/ewes. does/ewes.

2. Perform Self Check Questionnaire. Self Check Questionnaire 4.

3. Refer to Answer Key. Answer Key 4.

4. After finishing this Learning

Activity, proceed to the next one.

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 LO2. Information Sheet No. 1
Management of Does/Ewes

Feeding the Does

Goats do well on good pasture or browse; however, the mature goat will
require 3 to 4 pounds of hay daily unless she is getting adequate pasture or
browse. In addition, a grain-based supplement might be required during
periods of high production, as in flushing, late gestation, and early lactation.
The amount of supplement needed varies with pasture and/or hay quality and
the quantity fed. The crude protein (CP) content of the supplement also varies
with the forage quality. Two simple gain supplements include the following:
1. 50 pounds of corn or milo
20 pounds of oats or barley
20 pounds wheat bran 10 pounds of cottonseed meal
2. 40 pounds corn or milo 20 pounds oats or barley 25 pounds wheat
bran 15 pounds cottonseed meal

The first ration provides approximately 14 percent CP and the second about
16 percent CP. Goats dislike finely ground, dusty feeds, so grains should be
coarsely ground, rolled, crimped, or pelleted. It is recommended you add a
trace mineralized salt and a balanced, 12 percent calcium:12 percent

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phosphorus supplement to any ration. You can add molasses to the
supplement (5 to 7 percent usually is recommended) to reduce dust and to
enhance palatability. Also, always have salt available to the goats.

Breeding the Does

Most goats are seasonal breeders, with the breeding season initiated by
decreasing daylight hours. The season varies, with some goats breeding
during any season of the year--but reproductive activity is highest from August
through January. Does come in heat (estrus) at intervals of 20 to 21 days and
usually remain in heat 1 to 2 days.

Signs of estrus are easily detected and include uneasiness, an unusual

amount of tail wagging, frequent urination, an abnormal amount of bleating,
reddish and swollen vulva, and mucus under the tail. Riding other animals or
standing for riding is not seen as often in goats near estrus as in cows.
Conception is highest from the middle to the latter part of the heat period, 24
to 36 hours after onset of estrus. The gestation period in goats is 148 to 150
days. Maintaining good records of all heat periods and breeding dates is
important to maximize reproductive efficiency.

Young does tend to reach puberty or sexual maturity at 5 to 9 months of age,

provided they have been grown adequately and are in good condition. Keep
bucks separated from does (except during the breeding season) in order to
breed during the desired time interval. Prepare the bucks for the breeding
season by daily feeding them 1 to 2 pounds of grain plus 3 to 4 pounds of hay
or forage.

If does are thin at breeding time, kidding percent can be increased by

"flushing," which is increasing nutrition during breeding. This puts the animal
in weight-gaining condition and causes an increase in the ovulation rate.
Flushing can be done by turning goats on a fresh, lush pasture if it is available
or by feeding grain. For flushing, corn is most often fed at the rate of ½ to ¾ of
a pound per head per day. Begin feeding 2 to 3 weeks before the bucks are
turned in with the does and continue for 2 to 3 weeks after the introduction of
the bucks (for a total feeding period of 4 to 6 weeks). Flushing generally
results in a 10- to 20-percent increase in kid crop, but does in good condition
generally will not benefit from flushing.

Raising the Kids

It is important that the kid goat receive colostrum (the first milk) as soon as
possible after birth and for at least 2 days. Colostrum provides antibodies for
resistance to disease and is high in nutrients, including energy, vitamin A, the
B vitamins, protein, and minerals. Overfeeding colostrum or other milk can
cause scours. Extra colostrum can be saved by freezing and fed at body
temperature at some later date. Orphan kids may be left on goat's milk or
changed to cow's milk or a commercial milk replacer after the first days on
colostrum.
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Kids must have a warm, dry place to sleep if they are taken from their
mothers. A deep wooden box with a slanted floor is raised off the ground to
provide drainage makes a good bed for new kids. The box should be well-
bedded and draft-free.

For the first 3 to 4 days after birth, a kid should receive 2 to 3 pints of milk in
three to four feedings per day. Kids can be fed twice per day thereafter. A
creep feed containing approximately 20 percent CP and a high-quality hay
should be made available to kids at about 2 weeks of age. Keep clean, fresh
water and salt available at all times, especially when the kids are weaned
from milk at 8 to 12 weeks of age.

As soon as the kid begins eating a little grain and hay, the rumen will begin to
develop, allowing the kid to use roughage materials. The kid will begin
chewing its cud at this time. When the kid is eating hay and grain well, usually
at about 4 to 6 weeks of age, you can discontinue milk feeding. The rumen
will be fully developed at approximately 8 weeks of age.

The kid should have plenty of exercise and as much sunshine as possible.
Provide boxes or barrels for older kids to have something on which to climb
and jump. Separate the buck kids from the does at about 2 to 4 months of age
to avoid premature breeding.

Dehorning
Horn development is a recessive trait of goats and is found in most breeds.
For safety purposes, remove the horns while the animals are young, between
3 to 14 days of age. There are several ways to dehorn goats, including
dehorning pastes or similar caustic compounds, burning irons, or physically
removing the horns.

Castration
Bucks develop musk glands when they reach puberty. These glands emit a
telltale odor that often taints the taste and odor of the meat. Once an animal
reaches puberty, they are more active and are harder to feed to an acceptable
level of eating quality. Male goats not to be used for breeding must be
castrated as soon as possible. Like dehorning, this can be done in several
ways. Consult your veterinarian for best results.

Signs of heat

The following are the signs of estrus goat:

1. Allows the buck to mount her
2. Mucus discharge
3. Raise tail
4. Frequent urination
5. Restlessness
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 6. Loss of appetite

Forages for goats

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 SN : Brachiaria brizantha
CN : Palisade Grass
CP : 10%
N : 2.5%
Ca : 0.3%
P : 05%
Uses : Dual Type
Establishment : Seeds/ Stolons

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SN : Setaria sphacelata
CN : Setaria
CP : 8%
N : 3%
Ca : 0.1%
P : 0.1%
Uses : Cut N Carry
Establishment : Rootstock /
Stem

Pennisetum purpureum(Napier)

CP 14% N 2-4% Ca P

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 SN: Gliricidia sepium
CN: Madre de Cacao
CP: 28% N: 5%
Ca: 1.4% P: 0.4%

SN : Sesbania
grandiflora
CN: Katuray
CP : 24%
N : 5.5% Ca
: 1.3% P
: 0.2

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 SN: Leucaena
leucocephala
CN: Ipil – ipil
CP : 24% N : 4%
Ca : 1.87% P : .27%

SN: Calliandra calothyrsus

CN: Caliandra
CP : 24.8% N : 3.5%
Ca : 1.28% P : 0.2%

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 SN: Gliricidia sepium
CN: Madre de Cacao
CP: 28% N: 5%
Ca: 1.4% P: 0.4%

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 SN : Cajanus cajan
CN : Kadios
CP : N Ca P

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 Samanea saman
(raintree)
CP 21% N 3.5% P 0.2 Ca 1.3%

SN : Brachiaria ruzisiensis
CN : Ruzi
CP : 8%
N : 2.5%

Self Check Questionnaire No.3:

1. What as the space requirement for goat?

2. What are the examples of goat forages?
3. What are the sign of heat?

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Answer Key No. 3:

1. Does:

Open Housing 15 sq. ft.

Stalls 6 x 6 ft.
Stalls partition height 3.5 ft
Yard 200 sq ft.
Fence Height 5 ft.

Buck:
Housing 40 sq. ft
Stall partition height 100 sq.ft
Yard 100 sq.ft
Fence Height 6 ft.

 House buck at least fifty feet from the doe to prevent them from
becoming overly excited during breeding season.
2. Goat Forages:
a. Napier
b. Setaria
c. Ruzi
d. Raintree
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 e. Kadios
f. Madre de Cacao
g. Caliandra
h. Ipil-Ipil
i. Katuray
j. Palisade Grass
3.
1. Allows the buck to mount her
2. Mucus discharge
3. Raise tail
4. Frequent urination
5. Restlessness
6. Loss of appetite

Learning Outcome 2: Manage Does/Ewes and their Progenies

Learning Steps Resources

1.Read Info Sheet on Management of 1.Info Sheet 4. Management of

does/ewes. does/ewes.

2.Perform Self Check Questionnaire. Self Check Questionnaire 4.

3.Refer to Answer Key. Answer Key 4.

4.After finishing this Learning Activity,

proceed to the next one.

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 LO2. Information Sheet No. 1

Determine Signs of Successful Kidding / Lambing

1 week before due date:

Have your birthing kit ready.

Trim your finger nails and keep them short and clean.

Clean out your kidding stall and disinfect it with bleach water (one
"glug" per bucket of water.) Bed it with some nice clean straw. We clean
the kidding stall out totally on a weekly basis.

Shave the does udder, belly in front of her udder, tail and around her
"privates". (See photos below) We use the regular electric hair trimmers
used for humans. You can buy a trimmer for less than $20 and it will last
for years of prebirth hair cuts and shaving the kids' heads before you
disbud them.

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 Why give a hair cut?

1. Having a hair cut is very helpful in keeping an eye on her changing

body (udder & tail head) and will help you determine when she
starts going into labor.
2. This will make it easier to clean her up after the birth
3. It helps make it easier for the new born kids to find her teats and
nurse.
4. It makes to easier and more pleasant to milk her. (See photos
below).
5. If you don't shave the doe's tail, it will get caked in bloody goo when the
doe starts "leaking" blood goo a week after kidding. It's easier to pull
off the hardened goo when it isn't all stuck in the doe's tail hair

Before "birthing haircut" After "birthing haircut"

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 A week before she is due, start putting
mom up at night in the kidding stall.
We like to put her up with one of her
closest friends and/or family members
who she gets along with well and never
fights with. Goats do not like to be alone,
so giving the doe a friend helps keep
down stress. If she fights with everyone,
let her be by herself; she'll deal with in
ok. If she gets picked on up by
everyone, let her be by herself, she may
actually appreciate being "safe" for
while. Putting the doe up at night before the actual kidding time gives her
time to adjust to her "private stall"; this makes for less stress at kidding
time. A barn monitor is nice at this point so you don't have to do
"midnight checks". For years we used just an audio monitor, but finally
invested in a video monitor and that was money extremely well spent!

Keep checking the doe's tail ligaments and tail head.

Place you hand on the doe's spine, right where it starts to angle down.
Put your fingers on one side of the spine and your thumb on the other
side. Now run you hand slowly down her spine toward her tail, feeling
along the spine and the areas just to the sides of the spine (about 1 inch
along each side). As you run your fingers down the spine, you will feel
the ligaments. The ligaments are located on either side of her spine
about halfway between where her back starts to slope down and her tail.
The ligaments seem to come out of the spine and slant down toward her
pin bones. (See picture) They feel similar to the size of pencils. If you
can't find them, keep trying, going slowly down the spine. You need to
learn to feel for the ligaments because as the birth nears, the ligaments
loosen. At first they will feel hard, like pencils. They will gradually start to
soften and once they're "gone" labor is close at hand.

As you feel for the ligaments you'll also be feeling for the physical
changes in the tail head. As labor drawing near, the area along the spine
will seem to sink and the tailhead seems to rise.

Get used to running your hand down your doe's spine to check the ligaments and
the raising of the tailhead. Once you no longer feel the ligaments and you can
practically touch your fingers and thumb together around her tail head, the doe

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 will probably kid sometime within the next 12 hours.

She had totally "lost" her

Running fingers down the doe's
ligaments. It feels like you can
spine to feel for ligaments.
practically reach around her
Tailhead.
Start at feeling just below where
the back starts to slant and run
This doe is delivered 3 1/2 hours
your fingers down toward the tail
after I took this photo
head.

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 This does body has noticeably
changed. Her tail head is raised
and there are sunken areas on
Feeling for ligaments either side of the spine near the
tail.

Most noticeably is the angle of

the slant of her back has really
gotten steeper.

Below are photo examples of the how the doe's body changes as she
gets ready to give birth.

Two days before kidding. One hour before kidding.

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 Back arching (having a
Back straight.
contraction); tailhead raised.

Signs of Labor

Always keep in mind that every doe is an individual and every

doe is different.

As much as I'd like to say to new goat owners, "This is exactly what to
look for." Your doe may show any, all, or none of these signs. ALL
DOES ARE DIFFERENT. There is no guarantee what your particular
doe will do. You just have to learn her particularities as you go by
experience and observation.

Be aware that goat midwifery is learned (i.e. presentation, position of

legs, etc.) and also instinctive (i.e. this is taking too long, she's
uncomfortable). Read, learn and be prepared, but also trust your
instincts. Every situation is going to be different.

The best way to tell if your doe is going into labor is to know your
particular doe and look for anything out of the ordinary.

This is a normal udder for a

timer.

Note there is no "goo" or any

sign of discharge from
her vagina. She kidded 2 hours
after this photo.

This doe is entering labor.

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 She is having a mind contraction.
Note the way she is holding her tail.
It looks like she is stretching her
tailhead up and
her tail is arching toward the ground.

Stretching her back out to help get the babies in the correct position.

Another view of the doe having a

contraction.
Tailhead stretching up and tail
arching down
If I see this display from a doe, I
do not leave her side
because she is going to kid
soon.

Normal things to look for after the birth:

 The bottoms of the baby's hooves will "shed" their

protective white coating right after birth.
 The kid may poop and pee right after birth, even before
he has his first meal.
 The kid's first few poops will be soft sticky "black tar".
 The kid will poop "yellow mustard poops" for at least a
week after birth until he begins to eat solid food.
 Some mothers are better than others at cleaning their
babies butts off and keeping them clean. You may need
to clean the kids butts off on occasion. Make sure no
hardened poop plugs up their butt holes, because this
can happen and the kid will not be able to poop.

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  Sometimes it takes a couple days for the babies legs to
straighten out completely and/or work properly (you may
want to give them a Selenium Supplement).
 There is usually one afterbirth per kid, but sometimes
there is only one per kidding even if there are two kids. If
you don't find the afterbirth, the mother probably ate it
(gross, but not a problem)
 Starting about a week AFTER the kidding, the mother will
begin to "leak" blood and goo for about a week or more.
This is normal.

Kidding Positions

Also see the Kidding Positions Albums

for more detailed explanations on how to
assist delivery of various positions.

Birth Related Photo Albums

These illustrations below represent the

possible positions of the kid(s) while they
are inside the dam (mother). These are not
the only positions that the kids may take, but
they give you an idea of what you can
expect.

Sometimes you may need to assist the

kidding. See Assisting Info provided above.

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 Normal birthing position - "Diving
Position"
(Most common)

Both front feet are coming first, with head,

resting on legs, pointing forward.
(Souls of feet are "pointing down".)

Normal birthing position

(Not as common)

Both rear feet are coming out first.

(Souls of feet are "pointing up".)

Normal birthing position

Two kids, in proper positions, "taking their

turns".

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 "Breech Birth"- Butt first

Sometimes the doe can deliver this

position, sometimes she can't.
We have had a few breech births here and
have never had to assist.

To assist (if necessary)- Push kid back,

maneuver one rear leg so it is coming first,
and then maneuver the other leg.

Problem- One front leg bent back.

To assist- Reach in and pull the "bent

back" leg so it is in the "diving position".

Problem- Head bent back.

To assist- Push kid back, reach in and try

to get head to face forward into "diving
position"

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 Problem- Kids are in the correct position
or may also be "tangled", and are trying to
both come at once.

To Assist- Reach in and feel which parts

belong to which kids and try to straighten
them out. You must figure out which legs
go with which kids before proceeding any
further. Push one kid back, to allow the
other to come first.

Kidding Questions

Can you feel the kids move when they are still inside the doe?

I have been able to feel babies about two weeks before the doe kids. I
cannot always feel them, but sometimes, with practice, I can. If you place
your hands on the goat's right side "belly", you can sometimes feel the kids
move. BUT, if you feel the left side, what you think might be a kid could be
the rumen (stomach) movement. Do not think if you feel movement on the
left side, it is a kid.

How many kids can a doe have in a single kidding?

A doe can commonly have between 1-3 kids in a single kidding.

2 kids is the most common.
1 is the second most common ("they" say first timers usually have a singles
kid, but we have not found that to be true; they can have multiple kids just
as often as experienced kidders.)
3 is not out of the question and can happen almost as commonly as a
single.
4 is less common, but possible.
Goats can even have 5 or 6kids, but this is rare.

Management of does/ewes.

After Birth

As soon as the kid is born, wipe its nose so that it can breath freely. Dip the
end of the umbilical cord on the kid with ten percent iodine solution to reduce
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the danger of infection. If there is continued bleeding from the cord, pinch the
end of cord until the blood has clotted or tie the cord with a string.

The Importance of Colostrum

Colostrum is thick, yellow-colored milk given by the dam from

the first day to the seventh day after kidding. Its uses are as follows:

1. Colostrum contains antibodies, which temporarily protect the

kids against certain infections, especially in the digestive tract.

2. Colostrum serves as natural cleansing substance that helps

remove fecal material, which has been accumulated in the
digestive tract.

4. Colostrum helps supply vitamin A. If the kid does not succeed in

getting the colostrums on the first and succeeding days, you have to
help the kid. You may induce the kid to suck by opening its mouth and
carefully milking the teat into it.

Placenta or Afterbirth

Normally, the afterbirth or placenta is expelled almost immediately but

if the doe retains it for twenty-four hours or more, competent assistance
should be given.

Intra-uterine drugs could be used to induce expulsion. NEVER pull or

put weight on the placenta or try to remove it by force.

Tagging/identifying kids/lambs properly

There are management practices, which are essential to the successful

operation of your goat project. It is important that you carry them out properly
and promptly so as to save time and labor, as well as money. Here are some
essential management practices in raising goats.

1. Marking

Each goat in the herd should be permanently marked in some manner for
these reasons:

1. To identify ownership;
2. To distinguish each animal of the herd for record-keeping purposes;

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 3. To facilitate easy selection of the individual animal from the herd in
case you want to cull, dispose, medicate or segregate.

Individual goats should be identified as soon as they are purchased or born

into your herd. Marking should be done by the use of plastic or light metal ear
tags, by notching or by tattooing the ears. Below is the explanation of each;

1.1 Ear tagging: Ear tags are usually of plastic or light metal and are
numbered consecutively. You can purchase ear tags from livestock supply
houses or make them yourself. The tag can be easily read if it is placed in the
middle of the ear, taking care however not to pierce the ear between the
visible cartilage ridges. Use either an ear punch or self -piercing tags,
preferably the ear punch because there would be more room around the tag
after healing. This makes the ear not so sensitive with the tag. To prevent
infection, put tincture of iodine on the wound where the tag has been pierced
through.

1.1.2 Tattooing: Making a tattoo is very simple. You can do it by using an

ordinary needle or a special tattoo instrument. If you prefer the latter, it
is an instrument, which looks like a pair of pliers into which numbers or
letters are inserted.

Tattooing can be done in two ways:

a. In ears (but extra careful not to hit the cartilage)
b. In the soft tissue on one side of the tail.

Whichever of the above locations, you need to follow these procedures: first,
clean the part of the ear or soft tissue area that has no veins or ridges. Then,
print your tattoo code (be it numbered or letter) by piercing through the area to
be marked with a needle or tattoo machine. After this, rub the tattoo ink into
the pierced holes with your finger.

1.1 Ear notching: Notching the ears can be done with a sharp pair of
scissors or knife. Notches on certain parts of the ears indicate certain
numbers, the sum of the numbers represented by the notches being the
number of the goat.

2. Disbudding

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Goats should not be allowed to grow horns. Horns are not only dangerous to
other goats but also to human beings as well. It is advantageous, therefore,
that you will always disbud your kids when they are about one week old.
However, not all goats have horns. Some are pooled and or naturally
hornless. You can determine whether your newborn kids will grow horns by
feeling the skin on the top of their heads. If the skin moves freely, then no
horns will grow. If the skin is attached, you will also feel the small horn buds
—then your goat will grow horns. Have someone hold the kid firmly, either
on the ground or in their lap. Clip the hair around the horn bud with a pair of
scissors to an area about the size of a five-centavo coin. You will then be able
to see the small, shiny horn bud. Then proceed using the method below.

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Self Check Questionnaire No. 4:

1. What are the importances of colostrums?

2. What is the importance of marking animals?

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Answer Key No. 4:

1. The Importance of Colostrum

1. Colostrum is thick, yellow-colored milk given by the dam from

the first day to the seventh day after kidding. Its uses are as follows:

2. Colostrum contains antibodies, which temporarily protect the kids

against certain infections, especially in the digestive tract.

3. Colostrum serves as natural cleansing substance that helps remove

fecal material, which has been accumulated in the digestive tract.

4. Colostrum helps supply vitamin A. If the kid does not succeed in

getting the colostrums on the first and succeeding days, you have to
help the kid. You may induce the kid to suck by opening its mouth and
carefully milking the teat into it.
2. The importance of marking the animals;
1. To identify ownership;
2. To distinguish each animal of the herd for record-keeping purposes;
3. To facilitate easy selection of the individual animal from the herd in
case you want to cull, dispose, medicate or segregate.

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 LO2. Information Sheet No. 2
Health Practices for Goat/Sheep

Implements Herd Health Program

Health checks:

Be familiar with the common goat problems so you can act quickly if
they appear in your herd. Notice the shape, color, and texture of feces.
Be alert for changes in barn odor. Watch for changes in the way
each anima eats and moves. Milk should be sweet, pure white, free
of odor and flow freely without lumps or stringy masses.

Temperature:

Use thermometer designed specifically for livestock, however if it is not

available, you can use rectal thermometer.

Steps: 1. Lubricate the thermometer and shake it down until it reads 100oF or
less or 35o C.

2. Grasp the tail and slowly insert the thermometer into the rectum
about two inches deep.

3. Wait for five minutes, read the temperature.

4. Wash and disinfect the thermometer after use.

Oral Medication:

Usually used for digestive problems, diarrhea, worms, and bacterial

infections.

Terminologies:

Drench – liquid medication

Drenching – administering of liquid medication.
Bolus – a large pill given to goats and other livestock.
Balling gun – are designed to get the bolus behind the
tongue so the animal cannot spit it.

Injections:

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 Any type of injection, to be successful requires knowledge of the exact
location of muscles, nerves and blood veins as well as complete restraint of
goat.

Different Routes of Administration

Route Location Purpose

Subcutaneous Under loose skin on Slow, sustained

neck, flank, elbow, or absorption
withers

Intramuscular (IM) Muscle of hindquarters Rapid absorption

or side of the neck

Intravenous (IV) Jugular vein, milk vein Very rapid absorption

into the blood stream

Intra peritoneal (IP) Abdominal cavity on Slow, sustained

right side in hollow near absorption
hip

Intra dermal Between skin layers in TB testing

caudal fold of tail

Intra ruminal Rumen at the left flank Administer anti-foaming

agent for bloat.

Intra mammary Udder Treat for mastitis

Needles and syringes must be sterile.

Disposable ones are cheap and are far easier, safer, and less time-
consuming than trying to sterilize them after each use.

A good health program for sheep and goats involves prevention, rather
than treatment, of disease and parasites. Sheep and goats do not respond
well to treatment.

You certainly want your goats to be healthy, for healthy goats are
profitable and productive. Below are the signs of good health in your goats.

1. Contentment
2. Alertness

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 3. Eating with relish
4. Sleek coat’ pliable and elastic skin;
5. Bright eyes and pink eye membrane;
6. Normal temperature /Pulse Rate & respiration Rate
Goat (38.8 – 40.2 oC), pulse rate (70-80 / min.),
and breathing rate (12-15 / min.).
Sheep (38.3 -39.9oC); pulse rate (70-80/min.);
and breathing rate (12-15/min)
7. Normal feces and urine.

New goats coming into the herd should be isolated for at least 30 days
before mixing with the herd to prevent outbreak of the disease that could still
be incubating. You don’t want disease and pest-infested animals in your herd.
Such animal is uneconomical, require a high cost of production and are not
profitable. This means that it is a losing proposition to keep sick and infested
animals.

These are the signs of poor health in your goats:

1. Standing off from the group;

2. Loss of appetite;
3. Decreased milk production in milking does;
4. Dehydration;
5. Above or below normal temperature
6. Pale mucosa around eyes and in mouth;
7. Diarrhea;
8. Heavy mucus in nose and mouth
9. Runny eyes
10. Limping;
11. Abnormal general posture and manner of walking;
12. Hair falling out or rough in appearance; external changes in the
different regions of the body;
13. External changes in different regions of the body;
14. Emaciation in advanced cases

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Self Check Questionnaire No. 5:

1. What are the signs of good health in your goats?

2. What are the signs of poor health in your goats?

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Answer Key No. 5:

1. The signs of good health in your goats.

1. Contentment
2. Alertness
3. Eating with relish
4. Sleek coat’ pliable and elastic skin;
5. Bright eyes and pink eye membrane;
6. Normal temperature /Pulse Rate & respiration Rate
Goat (38.8 – 40.2 oC), pulse rate (70-80 / min.),
and breathing rate (12-15 / min.).
Sheep (38.3 -39.9oC); pulse rate (70-80/min.);
and breathing rate (12-15/min)
7. Normal feces and urine.

2. Standing off from the group;

1. Loss of appetite;
2. Decreased milk production in milking does;
3. Dehydration;
4. Above or below normal temperature
5. Pale mucosa around eyes and in mouth;
6. Diarrhea;
7. Heavy mucus in nose and mouth
8. Runny eyes
9. Limping;
10. Abnormal general posture and manner of walking;
11. Hair falling out or rough in appearance; external changes in the
different regions of the body;
12. External changes in different regions of the body;
13. Emaciation in advanced cases.

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 Learning Outcome 2 .
Implementing Herd Health Program to Small Ruminant Animals

OPERATION SHEET # 1

Health checks:

Be familiar with the common goat problems so you can act quickly if
they appear in your herd. Notice the shape, color, and texture of feces.
Be alert for changes in barn odor. Watch for changes in the way
each anima eats and moves. Milk should be sweet, pure white, free
of odor and flow freely without lumps or stringy masses.

Temperature:

Use thermometer designed specifically for livestock, however if it is not

available, you can use rectal thermometer.

Steps: 1. Lubricate the thermometer and shake it down until it reads 100oF or
less or 35o C.

2. Grasp the tail and slowly insert the thermometer into the rectum
about two inches deep.

3. Wait for five minutes, read the temperature.

4. Wash and disinfect the thermometer after use.

Oral Medication:

Usually used for digestive problems, diarrhea, worms, and bacterial

infections.

Terminologies:

Drench – liquid medication

Drenching – administering of liquid medication.
Bolus – a large pill given to goats and other livestock.
Balling gun – are designed to get the bolus behind the
tongue so the animal cannot spit it.

Injections:

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 Any type of injection, to be successful requires knowledge of the exact
location of muscles, nerves and blood veins as well as complete restraint of
goat.

Different Routes of Administration

Route Location Purpose

Subcutaneous Under loose skin on Slow, sustained

neck, flank, elbow, or absorption
withers

Intramuscular (IM) Muscle of hindquarters Rapid absorption

or side of the neck

Intravenous (IV) Jugular vein, milk vein Very rapid absorption

into the blood stream

Intra peritoneal (IP) Abdominal cavity on Slow, sustained

right side in hollow near absorption
hip

Intra dermal Between skin layers in TB testing

caudal fold of tail

Intra ruminal Rumen at the left flank Administer anti-foaming

agent for bloat.

Intra mammary Udder Treat for mastitis

Needles and syringes must be sterile.

Disposable ones are cheap and are far easier, safer, and less time-
consuming than trying to sterilize them after each use.

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UNIT OF COMPETENCY : RAISE SMALL RUMINANTS

MODULE TITLE : RAISING SMALL RUMINANTS

PERFORMANCE TEST

Learner’s Name: ________________________________ Date: _____________

Directions: OVERALL EVALUATION

Call instructor, ask Level PERFORMANCE LEVELS

him/her to assess your
performance in the
following critical task and
performance criteria below
You will be rated based on
the Right side
Achieved
4- Can perform this skill without
supervision and with initiative and
adaptability to problem situations.
3- Can perform this skill satisfactorily
without assistance or supervision.

2- Can perform this skill satisfactorily but

requires some assistance and/or
supervision.

1- Can perform parts of this skills

satisfactorily, but requires considerate
assistance and/or supervision.

Instructor will initial level achieved.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS YES NO N/A

For acceptable achievement, all items should receive a “Yes” or

“N/A” response, during the demonstration of skills, the
candidate:

Select and manage breeder goats and sheep.

 Manage does/ewes and their progenies;

 Provide feeds and implement feeding practices.

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Implement hard health program.

Maintain and analyze records.

Learner’s signature: Date:

Instructor Signature: Date:

Questions to prove the candidates underpinning Satisfactory

knowledge response
The candidate should answer the following questions: Yes No
1. How do you Select and manage breeder goats and sheep?

2. How do you Manage does/ewes and their progenies?

3. How do you Provide feeds and implement feeding practices?

4. How do you Implement hard health program?

5. How do you Maintain and analyze records?

Learner’s signature: Date:

Instructor Date:
Signature:

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LEARNER’S DIARY

DIARY NOTES

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 Date Date
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