Neonates are every farmer’s future gains, yet many breeders lose them due to avoidable mistakes after birth. The first critical step is confirming milk let down from the doe immediately.

Failure to check milk availability can weaken newborns quickly. If milk is absent, oxytocin may be administered for milk let down while proper care continues under guidance. Action saves lives.

During this waiting period, newborns should receive milk replacer and glucose until sufficient milk returns. Within twenty-four hours, most does should provide enough milk for healthy suckling when conditions allow.

This simple practice helps protect valuable offspring and improves survival rates among young animals. Farmers should observe mothers carefully and seek assistance whenever challenges occur during early nursing periods today.

Saving neonates begins with awareness, patience, and proper management from birth onward. Share this message with fellow breeders because knowledge prevents losses and strengthens livestock production for a better future.

Have a wonderful day.

Abdullah Opeyemi Akande
B.Agric. (FUNAAB)
GAS (NIAS)
M.Sc. Animal Sci. (UI)
RAS (NIAS)
M.Sc. Int’l Business (UU, UK)
Ph.D. in view