The Importance of Artificial Breastfeeding in Goat Breeding – Literature Review
Abstract
It is well established that the breastfeeding period is of crucial importance for a good development of the goats. Breastfeeding may happen naturally or artificially and goats differ from other species due to problems that may occur if they are breastfed naturally, such as the transmission of Caprine Arthritis-Encephalitis (CAE) and inadequate closure of the esophageal gut, leading to problems such as diarrhea, bloating and even death. Goats are ruminants and have an anatomical structure called esophageal gut which closes when animal is breastfed properly and not allow the ingested liquid to reach the rumen and then go straight to the abomasum, in addition to this desired aspect there is the dissemination of Caprine Arthritis-Encephalitis that can only be avoided with quality artificial feeding, since colostrum is the main source of transmission for this disease. This study aims to better understand the artificial breastfeeding in the creation of goats through a bibliographic survey in several databases. The understanding of methods to manage such an important point as the proper feeding of baby goats in order to prevent CAE is of high importance in goats breeding and justify the pursue of specific knowledge for so.