Care of the Pregnant Mother

10.4.1 Care of the Pregnant Mother Protection The pregnant mother should not be stressed during pregnancy. Therefore, she may need a shelter or pen to protect her from excessive heat, sun, wind, cold, or fighting with other animals. Try to make the mother gentle and accustomed to humans, so she will not be stressed during delivery and milking, when humans may need to assist her. Do not let a mother become too thin or too fat.

Fresh feed and water A pregnant mother should have clean drinking water available at all times. She should also have a “complete feed” (See the nutrition chapter regarding the special needs of pregnant mothers). Use local feeds and give the mother as much variety as possible, especially green feed. This will minimize the risk that the diet is missing some essential vitamin or mineral.

Never depend on only one type of feed! In some places it is common practice to give a pregnant mother only one type of feed and nothing else. This practice should be avoided as it often leads to nutrient deficiencies.