BIRTHING KIT CONTENTS
vaccinations in during that four- to six-week window. Two weeks out from the due date or less, and there isn’t enough time to get the antibody boost you are looking for. About four weeks before her due date, you can give the mother-to-be a dose of dewormer. Read the instructions carefully, but most dewormers are safe for pregnant females. Pre-birth deworming will help reduce risk of worms from the exposure baby will see early in life. This is especially helpful if you will move your females to a different pasture, lot, or stall for birthing. Moving in to a clean area will reduce the mother’s rate of infection as well. Two weeks before the big event, move your animals to the pasture, lot, or stall you will want them to be in during birth. This will allow her to adjust to the new surroundings and settle in. From that point on, minimize moving the mother, and unless she’s by herself, keep the herd structure as consistent as possible. This avoids the stress of readjusting the herd structure and allows her some time to relax. Make sure the pasture is clean and free from debris or junk, and if birthing in a stall, make sure you have a supply of clean bedding. For birthing, straw works best, as shavings or sawdust can irritate the baby’s eyes, nasal passages, and navel stumps. Try to minimize noise and distractions also. A little peace and quiet goes a long way to helping mama relax.
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your speed dial, but in case you aren’t around at the time, make it easy for whoever is keeping tabs on things. A checklist of signs of impending birth for whatever species of livestock you are working with. OB sleeves. These plastic shoulder length gloves will protect you if you have to go into the animal to correct a malpresentation or provide assistance, and will also help protect the mother from bacteria entering the reproductive tract as well. OB lube. Lube is essential for going into the female. Use plenty for her comfort. Rubber gloves. Regular disposable rubber gloves come in handy for picking up stuff like afterbirth or other soiled material. A squeeze bulb. These come in very handy for clearing noses and mouths of some of the inevitable fluid. Gentle Iodine dip or spray. This is essential for cleaning navel stumps. The navel cord acts like a wick, and can easily draw bacteria and dirt up into the baby’s system. You can spray or dip the navel in the solution. This can also help dry up the cord stump. A thermometer. Towels you don’t necessarily want to take back in your house. An old blanket that you don’t mind parting with, as it will get dirty. A watch, clock, or timer. It’s easy to get swept away in the excitement, and it can seem like events are taking place very slowly when it’s just our perspective that has us thinking the animal has been in labor for hours, when it’s only been a few minutes. And if you should have to call your vet, giving him an accurate timeline of events can help him give you good advice.
YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO HAVE ON HAND: ❐ Milk replacer. There are several multispecies types available, but it’s always better if you can ind one that is species-speciic. ❐ Colostrum supplement. Should the worst happen, or should the mother be too weak or stressed to properly look after her baby, a colostrum supplement can help junior get off to a good start. It is high in energy and nutrition, but you only have a few hours to get it into the baby for it to help. ❐ OB chain. These aren’t essential, but handy to have when you need them.
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FOTOLIA/DUTCHSCENERY
Make sure your birthing kit is stocked and ready in advance. You can use a plastic toolbox for a birthing kit, or something as simple as a clean plastic pail with a tight-itting lid. Hopefully you won’t have to
❐ Your vet’s phone number. Yes, it may be No. 1 on