Final answer:
Antitoxins should be administered to the offspring of unvaccinated ewes and does during procedures like castration and dehorning to prevent clostridial diseases. While antibiotics can control infections, only antitoxins can neutralize preformed toxins.
Step-by-step explanation:
At the time of castration, horn and bud removal, dehorning, and/or tail docking, antitoxins should be administered to the offspring of ewes and does that were not vaccinated against clostridial disease during pregnancy. This preventive measure is crucial because while broad-spectrum antibiotics like penicillin and erythromycin are effective against Clostridium diphtheriae infections, they do not neutralize preformed toxins. If these toxins are present, it is essential to administer antitoxins, which are preformed antibodies that can neutralize the toxin, although they may cause serum sickness as a side effect due to their production in horses. This information highlights the necessity of proper vaccinations and immediate care in livestock management to prevent diseases.