Editor´s note and preface: This article is a re-print of Dr. Homeyers recent contribution to a ChevonTalk discussion group conversation. It is one of the best descriptions of the tubing procedure that boergoats.com has encountered. The tube that both Dr. Homeyer and we use is a 16-inch number 14-French feeding and urethral catheter tube. This type of tube has a funnel-shaped connector for attaching a 60cc catheter-tip syringe. The tube also has a rounded, closed tip with two staggered holes near the end. This configuration provides easier insertion of the tube and reduces the possibility of the flow being interrupted by the tip pressing against the stomach. This type tube is available from local medical supply companies and through goat supply houses such as Furney's, Caprine Supply, and Hoegger.

I unfortunately drowned several kids a couple of years back before I learned an effective method for tubing.

I hold the kid behind his head so that he is hanging in a position perpendicular to the ground. I then put the tube into the milk to moisten the tube and then gently insert the tube into the kid's mouth slowly pushing the tube down into the stomach.

When the tube has been inserted with only about three inches of tube outside of the kid I gently suck on the end of the tube and if I feel a vacuum I know that the tube is in the stomach. If I don't feel the vacuum I am in the lungs so I withdraw the tube and insert it again.

Once the tube is in place I lay the kid on my left knee and connect the 60 cc (2 ounce) syringe onto the end of the tube. I then carefully pour the milk into the syringe. I let gravity flow pull the milk into the kid very slowly. I do not use the plunger from the syringe to push the milk into the kid.

I normally deliver 4 ounces of milk per feeding as this is about all a small, weak kid can handle.

Once I learned how to insert the tube into the stomach I have lost very few kids through tubing. I hope this is helpful to some of you.

Regards, Fred Homeyer

Dr. Homeyer can be contacted at

Antelope Creek Ranch - Robert Lee, TX
800-294-1052
Dr. Fred C. Homeyer
Professor and Head
Dept. of Computer Science
Angelo State University
San Angelo, TX 76909
E-mail: Fred.Homeyer@mailserv.angelo.edu
FAX: (915) 942-2213
Office: (915) 942-2101