Why the goat is losing weight and what to do, methods of solving the problem and prevention
From time to time all owners face the problem of lack of appetite in small ruminants. But it can be difficult to understand why a goat is losing weight quickly and what to do in order for the animal to regain weight. It is dangerous when deviations in the behavior of the animal, changes in appearance are symptoms of the disease. Although sometimes a lack of appetite can be just a whim and unwillingness to eat the proposed food. And then it is not difficult to solve the problem by simply changing the diet.
Why does a goat lose weight quickly?
Excluding the possibility of serious illness, veterinarians and experienced breeders suggest several reasons for cattle weight loss:
- postpartum constipation and refusal to eat. Hormonal system failure can be the cause of constipation. Disorders of the intestines also provoke an illness, which is explained by feeding the goat before giving birth to heavy high-calorie foods;
- a common phenomenon is weight loss during pregnancy and lambing, since in the case of a difficult pregnancy, the female does not have the strength to eat well;
- lack of vitamins, micro and macro elements.
If the goat has lost a lot of weight, do not panic. It is necessary to examine the animal, make sure that the diet is nutritious and that there are no irritating or irritating factors.
How to deal with the problem?
Before starting the fight for weight and appetite, it is advisable to examine the animal. If there are no visual problems with the body, then you need to contact the veterinarian to examine the thin goat. Because weight loss and refusal to feed are common symptoms of a variety of diseases.
A properly composed diet is the key to the full development of any animal. The goat is considered an undemanding animal, however, it will not be surprising to refuse to eat rotten hay or spoiled food. You must always monitor the quality of feed, water.
To prevent rickets, weight loss due to vitamin deficiency, animals are fed green grass in summer and high-quality hay in winter. The diet constantly includes twigs, sprouted grains, sunflower seeds, soy, salt. It should be borne in mind that in extreme heat, animals can also refuse food.
Waste prevention measures
If the cattle are provided with the correct conditions of keeping, select a complete nutritious diet, then there will be no problems with weight loss or lack of appetite.
Of course, given the seasonality. In the cold season, animals are allowed outside for a short time to prevent hypothermia.A reasonable alternative to winter walks is periodic airing of the room during the day for 5-10 minutes.
Keeping animals in cramped, damp or poorly ventilated areas is not conducive to mass growth and development. Therefore, the pens should be spacious and kept clean. It is recommended to periodically disinfect the premises from parasites. Sometimes exhaustion can be provoked by the worms with which the goat has become infected.
Therefore, periodic deworming of both adult goats and young animals is encouraged.
If the decrease in body weight and loss of appetite are caused by illness, the animal must be restored gradually. To awaken the appetite, the goat is fed with treats. Creating the right conditions for keeping, a fortified diet, clean water will contribute to the gain of mass and the full development of goats.
