NEWARK, MD - The Worcester Technical High School’s (WTHS) Agricultural Program is providing a unique perspective into the science of animal health with their new livestream “Kidding Kam.”
In partnership with the University of Maryland Extension, WTHS’ Kidding Kam allows animal science students to observe a livestream of two expecting female goats - Faith and Samantha. Over the next four to six weeks, the students will learn about proper nutrition, health checks, general care, and assisting the pregnant goats in “kidding,” or giving birth, WTHS says.
Kidding Kam will also be available to the public to view and can be found here:
Faith and Samantha are distinguished by their coloring, with Faith being a lighter brown and white while Samantha is a dark brown (almost black) and white.
The school announced that Faith gave birth to twins on March 26. On April 14, Samantha also gave birth to twins.
"The anticipation is really getting to us," said Jack Phillips, a student at Worcester Tech.
Students were prepared for the births thanks to the teachings of Jessica Flores, an agriculture science teacher at Worcester Tech and Worcester County FFA Advisor.
"Has her abdomen dropped? Is she starting to wax on her teets? Is she starting to lay down more? You know has her behavior changed?" said Flores. "These are all management aspects that the students are being challenged to take ownership of."
Students are also responsible for daily goat care.
Daily Goat Care Checklist:
- Refill H2O bucket with freshwater
- Check baking soda and mineral in pan
- 1 scoop grain total for both
- Refill hay feeders to top
- Pick out manure/dirty shavings
- Dump wheelbarrow in raised garden beds
- Lock gate!!!
"It's just really important to be able to care for goats and stuff like this because you learn how to connect with not only animals but people as well," said Maddie Webster.
Students can also keep an eye on Faith and Samantha through the live webcam embedded above or on Youtube.
Outside of this being a fun, hands-on project, Flores said her students will pick up skills that will translate to their ventures outside of the classroom.
"It's a very intertwined learning experience that even though their interest may be in animal science, they still have to know the business, the healthcare and then the plant science aspect that makes these animals healthy," said Flores.
Hailey Renshaw is thankful for the real world experience she's picking up before heading out into, well, the real world.
"Bosses expect you to be ready for the workforce and that's kind of what our teacher does is get us prepared," said Renshaw.
Two momma goats, in the trusted hands of Worcester Technical Highschool and under the watchful eye of everyone on Delmarva.
