Birthing Advice

Once the head is through, usually the Cria will begin moving and you can see it breathing. The Mother will sometimes lie down at this point. This is quite normal as it helps the contractions. Once the Mother is standing, the Cria's lungs will clear of any fluid as it hangs in this position, and once the shoulders are through the rest follows very quickly. Time-scale varies, but in our experience, a good hour is usually a guideline. But if you are at all concerned, speak to your Vet immediately. Once the Cria is on the ground, check that it's nose and mouth are clear, rub down with a clean towel to stimulate breathing as well as to dry, spray the Umbilical cord with any antiseptic spray to ward off infection. Do keep a close eye on this area as fly-strike can be a problem. It is crucial the Cria receives its Colostrum (first milk) within a maximum of four hours, as this provides it with all its antibodies. Check that the mother's teats are not blocked. Sometimes there is a waxy plug present and this must be removed. Squeeze gently to ensure the milk is coming through then stand back and let nature take it's course. If there is a problem and the cria does not feed, it can be given 60 mls plasma orally within the first 12 hours, after that, but within 24 hours, intravenously. It is advisable to have plasma spun from your own herd, talk to your vet about this procedure.
 
The afterbirth will appear usually within an hour or so of giving birth. If not, speak to your vet.

Cria Care

Cria feed mainly on mother's milk. Some however start to graze within a few days of birth. At 30 days they need to be given their first Vaccination against Clostridial diseases and again at 60 days. Once weaned at around 5 - 6 months they then receive their worming cover. After this they will then fit into your normal Vaccination/Worming programme.