Dr. Robert J. Van Saun, DVM, MS, PhD, Extension Veterinarian, Department of Veterinary Science, Penn State University
(Previously published online with Cornell University)
Introduction
There has 
been much interest over the past decade regarding pregnancy nutrition and its impact on animal health, reproductive, and lactational performance. As a result the pregnant, nonlactating animal has become the most scrutinized animal on the farm. In the not so distant past, and probably still in the present on many farms, management of the pregnant animal was by benign neglect. Everything focused on the animal at the time of parturition and later as a result of the perceived importance of the lactating animal. Marginal quality feeds, unbalanced rations and inadequate housing all characterize poor pregnant animal management practices. Deficient care during late pregnancy can result in decreased colostrum yield and quality; diminished milk yield and component concentration; increased incidence of health disorders in dam and kid; and impaired fertility. The end result is reduced overall productive efficiency and depleted potential profits. A reorientation of our perception of the nonlactating, late pregnant doe is needed. The goat producer as well as the supporting veterinarian can take a lesson from their dairy colleagues in placing a renewed emphasis on the nutritional management of the pregnant doe. Unfortunately, very little specific information is available regarding pregnant doe nutrition. Therefore, current research concepts regarding late gestation nutrition and management for dairy cattle and ewes will be extrapolated to the pregnant doe.