Quick Q about Mortality of Kids

I've Got 11 village goats, a mutt breed. I am in the middle of kidding right now! So far 6 have had there kids. 13 total. Of which 3 were born still and one was born feet first and died within 24 hours. IS this mortality rate normal or acceptable or am i really missing things up??

Thye have grain and hay and fresh water twice a day, a warm barn with plenty of light and fresh air. What do you all say?

I was always told anything above 1 and a half average was good.

What minerals are you giving them? Goats have high mineral needs, and I believe mortality rates are affected by deficiencies. I give copper rods four times a year and dolomite every day, and kelp free choice. The stretch of time I forgot to do this, my goats all contracted pneumonia. Very hard lesson learned.

I would be looking at mineral deficiencies. Grain plus grass hay gives a high phosphorous and low calcium diet which means that the does don't have sufficient calcium to provide the foetuses to enable bone formation. Many does will end up with pregnancy toxaemia or hypocalcaemia as a result so keep a close eye on your girls. You need to aim for a 2: 1 calcium phosphorous ratio. Selenium deficiency during gestation can also cause a lot of problems. Are there any commercially produced goat minerals available where you live? If you can get some I would start feeding them immediately. Minerals formulated for sheep do not contain sufficient copper but those for dairy cows may be the best you can get.

I agree -- I would supplement with minerals and salt. If you can, get horse mineral, but cow mineral will do if it is LOOSE mineral, and does NOT contain urea!

Kathleen