Care and Management of Pregnant Ewes and Does

Introduction

Sheep (ewes) and goats (does) are important small ruminants in Indian livestock farming. Proper care and management of pregnant ewes and does is essential to ensure healthy offspring, reduce pregnancy losses, and improve farm profitability. Pregnancy is a critical phase where nutrition, housing, health care, and management play a major role.

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Duration of Pregnancy

• Sheep (Ewe): ~147 days

• Goat (Doe): ~150 days

Pregnancy can be divided into:

1. Early pregnancy (0–50 days)

2. Mid pregnancy (51–100 days)

3. Late pregnancy (101 days to parturition)

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1. Nutritional Management

Early Pregnancy

• Normal maintenance diet is sufficient

• Avoid underfeeding and overfeeding

• Sudden change in feed should be avoided

Mid Pregnancy

• Gradual increase in concentrate feeding

• Good quality green fodder + dry fodder

• Mineral mixture and common salt should be provided

Late Pregnancy (Most Critical Stage)

• Foetal growth is maximum (70% growth occurs)

• Increase energy and protein intake

• Provide:

  • Good quality legume fodder

  • Concentrate mixture (250–400 g/day)

  • Clean and fresh drinking water

⚠️ Underfeeding may cause pregnancy toxemia and weak kids/lambs

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2. Housing Management

• Clean, dry, and well-ventilated shed

• Protect from cold, rain, and heat stress

• Provide separate pen for advanced pregnant animals

• Avoid slippery floors to prevent abortion

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3. Health Care and Disease Management

• Regular deworming (as per veterinary advice)

• Vaccination against:

  • Enterotoxemia

  • PPR (goats)

  • Sheep pox / Goat pox

• Control external parasites (ticks, lice)

• Observe animals daily for abnormal signs

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4. Management Practices

• Avoid stress, long-distance walking, and rough handling

• Do not mix pregnant animals with aggressive animals

• Provide exercise but avoid overcrowding

• Record expected date of lambing/kidding

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5. Care During Last Month of Pregnancy

• Prepare clean lambing/kidding area

• Trim long hair around udder and tail

• Keep clean bedding material ready

• Observe signs of parturition:

  • Swollen udder

  • Relaxed pelvic ligaments

  • Restlessness

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6. Care at Time of Parturition

• Provide quiet and hygienic environment

• Assist only if required

• Call veterinarian in case of difficult birth (dystocia)

• Allow mother to lick the newborn

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7. Post-Partum Care (After Birth)

• Provide warm water and light feed to dam

• Ensure colostrum feeding to lamb/kid within 1 hour

• Clean and disinfect navel cord

• Observe dam for retained placenta or infection

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Sudden feed change
❌ Poor housing hygiene
❌ Neglecting mineral supplementation
❌ Stress and rough handling

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Importance of Proper Care

• Healthy lambs/kids

• Higher survival rate

• Better milk production

• Reduced economic losses

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Conclusion

Care and management of pregnant ewes and does is a crucial aspect of small ruminant production. Balanced nutrition, proper housing, timely health care, and stress-free management ensure successful pregnancy and healthy offspring. Farmers and students should understand these practices to improve productivity and sustainability in sheep and goat farming.