| 4-H Club
Goat Guide
Goat competition in the
show arena is increasing every year as 4-H members discover goats are an
excellent choice as a club project. Goats are relatively small, easy to
work with, and require a small amount of space. They can provide a
meaningful livestock experience for a reasonable amount of expense.
Once you decide on a
club goat project, you should determine which shows you will attend. It is
your responsibility to read the rules and regulations governing the shows
you will attend. The rules will determine the number of goats you may
enter, weight limits, ownership dates, and entry deadlines. You can get
show schedules, rules, and regulations from your county Extension agent or
directly from the show. Show dates are important because they will
determine the time of year you should buy your goats.
Some shows may require
that goats have their milk teeth. Goats usually hold their milk teeth
until they are 10 to 12 months of age. Then a goat will probably lose its
baby teeth and become ineligible to show.
Most shows also have
weight limit requirements. Usually goats will gain approximately 2 to 3
pounds per week. Not all goats can be fed to the same final weight because
of differences in frame size. Large-frame goats may be correctly finished
at 120 pounds, while small-frame goats may be correctly finished at 80
pounds. You must learn to look at indicators of frame size and growth
(length of head, neck, cannon bone, and body) to determine at what weight
a goat will be correctly finished. If you know the approximate weight of a
goat at the time of purchase and the length of time until the show, you
can calculate feed requirements (light, moderate, or heavy) needed to let
that goat enter the show at its correct weight. Remember that size does
not make a good goat. There are good small goats and good big goats. Your
management program is the key.
Facilities and Equipment
One of the major
advantages of a club goat project is that you do not need expensive
facilities. A barn or shed where goats can get away from cold, wet, or
drafty conditions and a pen with outside exposure are essential. Adequate
fencing, a feeder, and a water container are required. Other equipment is
optional.
Barns/sheds
Goats need a shed or
barn and an area where they can get outside in the sunshine. Ideally the
shed area has at least 15 square feet of space for each goat. The outside
pen needs to be as large as possible to let the goats exercise. The shed
should be well drained and open to the east or south. Barn temperature is
critical. Structures should be well-ventilated so goats can stay cool and
continue to grow in the summer months. However, if club goats are slick
shorn for shows, you should change the barns in winter to keep goats as
warm as possible. You can do this by closing the front with a tarp or
plastic sheet and by using heat lamps.
Fences
The fence should be at
least 42 inches high to keep goats from trying to jump. Fences should be
predator proof. Net wire fences should be 12-inch mesh rather than 6-inch
mesh to keep goats from hanging their heads in the wire. The most
desirable pens are galvanized livestock panels 5 feet tall with 4-inch
squares.
Feeders
Self-feeders are
preferred for feeding goats. Self-feeders should be at least 6 inches off
the ground. If you hand-feed goats, use movable troughs that hang on the
fence. Hang troughs at the same height as the top of the shoulder of the
goat you are feeding. You should take down these movable troughs and clean
them regularly. Hay and mineral feeders also need to be raised off the
ground. This will help reduce the spread of disease. It also is important
to make sure goats cannot stand in their feed troughs because they will
urinate or defecate on the feed.
Water containers
Fresh water is the
most important nutrient for club goats. Water containers should be small
so you can empty and clean them regularly. Put containers in the shade to
keep water cool.
In the hot summer
months, some goats tend to drink too much water and will appear "full."
Water should never be totally removed from the goat. However, rationing
water before a show will help remove the "fill" and improve the goat's
appearance in the show ring. Remember, maintaining the proper amount of
fluids is vital to the feel and condition of your goat.
Equipment
To feed and exhibit a
club goat properly, you should have the following extra equipment:
-
stiff brush to clean water troughs
-
shovel to clean pens
-
trimming table
-
small animal grooming clippers
-
syringes and needles
-
goat blankets and/or socks
-
halters, collars, and/or show chains
-
hoof trimmers
-
small portable feed troughs
-
soft brush for grooming
-
water bucket
-
extension cords
You may want this
equipment if you are exhibiting several goats at major shows:
-
show box to hold equipment
-
hot air blower or dryer
-
portable livestock scales
-
muzzles
-
electric fans
Selection
Selecting a goat for
your project is one of the most important decisions you will make. The
type of goat you select will have a major influence on the project's
results. Remember, a winning meat goat is a combination of proper
selection, nutritional management, and grooming as well as quality
showmanship.
Some people have a
natural eye for selecting young animals of high caliber. Do not hesitate
to ask for help from someone with these skills. It may be your county
Extension agent, FFA instructor, parent, or another leader in the county.
Many breeders are willing to assist you in your selection.
Muscle and fat are
important when selecting a prospect. Young goats with bloom and fat will
always look good, while young, thin goats might not look as nice. Learn to
look past fat and recognize muscle so you can pick a genetically superior
goat.
When purchasing a
goat, it is important to know something about the producer. Do not
hesitate to ask questions about the goat's bloodline and age.
Consider the following
when selecting a goat: structural correctness, muscle, volume and
capacity, style and balance, and growth potential.
Indicators of Poor Body Conformation

Body Types

Structural correctness
Structural correctness
refers to the skeletal system or bone structure of an animal. A goat
should hold its head erect, and the neck should extend out the top of the
shoulders.
A goat should travel
and stand wide and straight on both front and rear legs, and the legs
should be placed squarely under the body. A goat should have a strong,
level top and a long rump with a slight slope from hooks to pins.
Your goat should be
heavy boned and strong on its pasterns. Avoid goats with open shoulders,
weak tops, weak pasterns, or steep rumps.
Muscle
Generally, a goat that
walks and stands wide is going to be heavier muscled. The goat should have
a deep, heavily muscled leg and rump. When viewed from behind, the widest
part of the leg should be the stifle area.
The goat should have a
broad, thick back and loin that is naturally firm and hard handling. A
good goat should be wide through its chest floor, with bold shoulders and
a prominent forearm muscle. The forearm is the best indicator of muscling
in thin goats.
Volume and capacity
This refers to the
relationship of body length to body depth and body width. Goats should be
long bodied, with adequate depth and spring of rib. Avoid selecting goats
that are short bodied, shallow bodied, narrow based, and flat ribbed.
Style and balance
Style and balance
refer to the way all body parts blend together, how the neck blends into
the shoulder, the shoulder into the rib cage, the rib cage into the loin,
the loin into the rump, or the "eye-appeal" of the goat. When viewed from
the side, a goat should have a smooth shoulder, level top, trim middle,
and straight legs.
Growth potential
An animal's ability to
grow rapidly is very important. Generally, a larger framed goat that shows
a long head, neck, cannon bone, and body will grow faster, be larger, and
be more competitive in the show ring.
Parts of a Meat
Goat

Nutrition
Contrary to popular
belief, there is no such thing as a "magic" ration to make your goat a
champion. Implement a good feeding program and analyze the goat to know
when to make feed changes.
Since goats do not
deposit external fat as rapidly as other species of livestock, a
self-feeding program is most effective. However, sometimes goats can
become too fat during the feeding period and should be hand fed to control
the amount of feed consumed.
All livestock require
five basic nutrients: water, protein, fats and carbohydrates (or energy),
minerals, and vitamins.
Water
Clean, fresh water is
a daily necessity, since water composes more than 70 percent of lean
tissue, and all body fluids must be replenished regularly. Never deprive
your goat of water, because it regulates how much feed a goat will eat.
However, reducing water intake immediately before a show can reduce feed
intake and reduce the size of the rumen for an improved appearance.
Protein
The main ingredient of
the animal body is protein. Dietary protein serves to maintain or replace
protein in body tissues, provides for carriers of other nutrients, and is
a major part of various products such as meat, milk, and fiber.
Protein requirements
for goats vary according to their size, age, and maturity. Young,
fast-growing goats need more protein to let them grow and develop their
muscle potential. Rations that contain 16 to 18 percent protein are useful
during many phases of the feeding program. Remember, goats need protein
daily. If you feed more protein than required, the extra is used for
energy. Using protein as an energy source is very expensive.
When total feed intake
is greatly reduced, protein supplementation may be necessary to provide
the adequate daily requirements for your goat.
Carbohydrates and fats
The most common
limiting nutrients in goat rations are energy producing carbohydrates and
fats. Low energy intake will slow growth and cause weight loss. Enough
energy is necessary for efficient nutrient use. Grains and protein
supplements are high in energy. In goat rations, too high an energy intake
can be just as harmful as too low an energy intake.
Minerals
The most important
minerals in goat rations are salt (sodium and chlorine), calcium, and
phosphorus. You can feed salt free choice.
Calcium and phosphorus
are both necessary for proper growth and development. Feed them at a ratio
of two parts calcium to one part phosphorus. High levels of phosphorus in
relation to calcium can cause urinary calculi. Adding ammonium chloride to
a ration will help prevent urinary calculi.
Any balanced ration
will contain the necessary amounts of minerals to maintain proper growth
and development.
Vitamins
Vitamins are essential
for proper body function. Goats require them in very small amounts. Only
vitamin A is ever likely to be deficient. If you feed goats alfalfa hay or
dehydrated alfalfa pellets in the ration, then vitamin A deficiency should
not be a problem. It is a good practice to occasionally inoculate goats
with a B complex vitamin. This promotes their health and helps maintain
appetite.
Health
The key to a healthy
goat is the development of a preventive health program. Most goats
purchased for club projects should be on a health maintenance program and
have had a variety of vaccinations. However, as you develop your
preventive program, assume the goat you have purchased has had no
treatments. You should include in your program vaccinations and treatments
for certain common problems.
Enterotoxemia
A major cause of death
in club goats is enterotoxemia, or overeating disease. Afflicted animals
seldom show symptoms, and rapid death is usually the result. This disease
is caused by a clostridial organism normally present in the intestine of
most goats. Goats that have their feeding schedules abruptly changed or
take in large amounts of grain are subject to enterotoxemia types C and D.
Feeding changes can
cause the clostridial organism to grow rapidly and produce a powerful
toxin that causes death in a few hours. All club goats should be
vaccinated with a combination (types C and D) vaccine immediately after
purchase. At least one booster vaccination is recommended.
Internal parasites
Internal parasites are
a continual problem. Newly purchased goats should be dewormed immediately
for internal parasites and a second treatment should follow about 3 weeks
later.
Few dewormers are
approved to treat goats for internal parasites. Your veterinarian will
have the best information on the most effective treatments. Because
internal parasites develop resistance to a dewormer over time, it may be
more effective to rotate products.
Urinary calculi
Urinary calculi is a
metabolic disease of male goats characterized by the formation of calculi,
or stones, in the urinary tract. The first sign of calculi is a goat's
inability to pass urine. The goat will be restless, kick at its belly,
stretch, and attempt to urinate.
Because grains are
high in phosphorus and low in calcium, high concentrate rations may cause
urinary calculi. Use a ration that contains ammonium chloride and provide
plenty of clean, fresh drinking water at all times.
Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis causes
weight loss and continued inefficiency in goats. Bloody diarrhea,
dehydration, weight loss, and weakness characterize the disease.
Separate sick goats
and treat them individually as prescribed by a veterinarian.
Most commercial show
goat rations are medicated with a coccidiostat that will help control
coccidiosis.
Soremouth
Soremouth is a
contagious viral disease that causes scabs on the lips and around the
goat's mouth. This virus can affect humans, so be careful when handling
goats with soremouth. You can rub iodine into lesions after the scabs are
removed, and this will help dry the area and reduce the infection.
Vaccines are available to help prevent this problem.
Ringworm
Ringworm has become a
serious problem in the lamb industry. Because most club goats are shown in
the same barns and show rings as lambs, ringworm probably will become a
problem in goats as well. Ringworm can be spread from goat to goat, from
goat to human, or from infected equipment to goat. A good prevention
program is necessary. Consult your veterinarian for the best information
on treatment.
Pinkeye
This contagious
disease is characterized by excessive watering of the eye and clouding
over of the pupil. Goats are especially susceptible to pinkeye when
stressed or after they have been transported to a new location. Dry, dusty
pens and constant exposure to sunlight can be contributing factors.
Several medications are on the market for pinkeye. If you do not notice
improvement within a few days after treatment, contact your veterinarian.
Illegal drugs
State and federal laws
and regulations concerning the use of drugs for livestock and poultry help
protect human and animal health. They state that instructions and
restrictions on product labels must be strictly followed. The labels state
which species or class of livestock or poultry the drug is to be used on,
the recommended way to give the drug, the approved dosage rate, and
specific conditions to be treated.
When giving drugs,
always follow label instructions. Using a drug in a manner other than
stated on its label is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and
may be done only under the control of a licensed veterinarian. The
veterinarian assumes the responsibility for making medical judgments, and
you agree to follow the instructions strictly. Most livestock shows have
strict policies against the illegal use of drugs and will disqualify
animals if such drugs have been used.
Hoof trimming
A goat's hooves will
grow long if they are not naturally worn down by traveling over rough
terrain. You should trim long hooves about every 6 weeks. Always trim
hooves 1 to 2 weeks before a show in case you accidentally cut into the
quick and temporarily cripple the goat. This will allow the goat time to
heal before the show.
If foot rot develops,
trim the hoof closely, treat with an external product, and give an
antibiotic.
Dehorning or tipping
Some shows require
that goats be dehorned. If you plan to dehorn, it is preferred to "disbud"
goats at 10 to 14 days of age. The older the goat is and the larger the
horn, the more stressful it will be on the goat.
Other shows request
only that goat horns be tipped for show. You can easily tip without
causing much stress to the goat. You should tip horns 4 to 6 weeks before
the show to allow the horns to heal properly. Dehorning or tipping rules
are made strictly for the safety of the exhibitors.
Management and Feeding
You have a choice of
feeding a commercially prepared ration or mixing your own. Many complete
commercial rations are available. Since goats are picky eaters, a pelleted
ration is recommended over a textured ration.
Select a balanced
ration; learn how to feed it and how your goat responds. Many young goats
will not know how to eat pelleted feed from a trough. You should start
these goats on good, leafy alfalfa hay that is topped with a small amount
of feed. After 3 or 4 days, slowly increase the selected ration. Hay is
normally fed during the first part of the feeding program but should be
eliminated in the later stages to prevent goats from developing a large
stomach.
Most goats can be put
on a self-feeder for the entire feeding period. However, some goats may
become fat and need to be hand fed.
You must keep check on
fat deposition throughout the feeding program. You can adjust the feeding
schedule to change gain and body composition, but you must continually
keep watch so you can make any more needed changes. Rations not producing
enough finish can be bolstered by adding a high-energy ingredient, such as
corn, during the late stages of the feeding program.
Never make abrupt
changes in your feeding program. Make gradual feed changes so your goat
will stay on feed and continue to grow and develop. A good program cannot
make up for a lack of superior genetics but will let your goat reach its
full genetic potential.
Feeding is a daily
responsibility. Change your program as needed to get greatest results.
Keep check on gain by weighing your goat regularly and recording weights.
Exercise can be very
good for your goat and toward your success in the show ring. Goats are
very active animals, and if given enough room will exercise themselves.
Have objects like big rocks or wooden spools in your pen for the goat to
climb and jump. This will give your goat an excellent chance to exercise.
A goat that exercises will handle harder and firmer and will give you an
advantage in the show ring.
Fitting
Some shows may enforce
a shearing rule for goats. Since differences in hair length are allowed at
shows, it is important to read the show rules before clipping your goat
for a particular show. It is necessary to wash your goat before clipping,
as clean hair will cut smoother. Use a mild soap sparingly, rinse the
animal thoroughly, and dry the goat completely. Regularly brush your goat
with a stiff brush, because brushing removes dead hair and dirt.
Shear your goat
according to show rules at least 1 week to 10 days before the show. While
shearing, run the clippers parallel to the length of the body rather than
vertically. Do not shear hair below the knees and hocks. Bob the hair on
the end of the tail. Blend in leg hair with the body, and clip legs to
mirror structural correctness. Small animal clippers are preferred to clip
closely around the eyes, ears, pasterns, or delicate areas on the goat.
By R. Kipp Brown,
Area Livestock Agent. Adapted from Publication AS 3-4.059, Texas
Agricultural Extension Service.
Mississippi State
University does not discriminate on the basis of
race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran
status.
Publication 2264
Extension Service of Mississippi State University,
cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914.
Ronald A. Brown, Director
Copyright by
Mississippi State University. All rights reserved.
This document may be copied and distributed for nonprofit educational
purposes provided that credit is given to the Mississippi State University
Extension Service.
Meat Goat
Selection and Care
"Meat goat" is a term new to the southeastern part of the United States.
In this context, the term is used as a breed, even though meat goats do
not qualify as a breed in any technical sense. Other terms referring to
meat goats to distinguish them from Angora and dairy goats include "brush
goat," "Spanish goat," or "common goat." Recently the South African Boer
Goat has provided a new source of genetics for meat goat producers;
therefore, the term "meat goat" can incorporate any combination of all
goats.
The lack of a
well-defined, distinct, and perhaps superior meat goat breed in the United
States has adversely affected meat goat production. However, genetic
improvement through selection and breeding programs can produce a more
desirable animal with a quality carcass that would improve the demand for
the product. This publication discusses several points for the selection
and care of meat goats. A sample production budget that can be adapted to
a particular operation is included and is designed for producers
interested in raising meat-type goats.
Selecting Meat-Type Goats
Selecting meat goats for growth rate and meat qualities has not been
widespread in the industry, primarily because meat goats usually are not a
major livestock enterprise. In selecting goats for meat production,
consider (1) adaptability to environmental and production conditions, (2)
reproductive rate, and (3) growth rate.
The best way to
increase adaptability is to select for the desired traits under your
actual production conditions. Select your breeding stock from animals
maintained under the same natural conditions in which their progenies will
be raised.
Reproductive
efficiency is a major factor contributing to efficient meat production,
but it is difficult to select for under range conditions. To increase
reproductive efficiency, improved management of the breeding
herd--including selection for twinning rate and culling nonproducing
nannies--is necessary and will yield good results.
Selecting goats for
growth rate should be relatively easy because of the fairly high
heritability of the trait. Base growth rate selection on higher
postweaning gains of yearling weights.
Selecting for
growth rate, reproductive efficiency, and environmental adaptability will
greatly improve production efficiency (pounds of production per doe bred)
and the likelihood of making a profit.

PART
OF A MEAT GOAT
Marketing
-
Know where you are going to market the goats before you
purchase any goats.
-
Compare production costs (see
Budget) with a realistic market to determine a profit.
-
Start small and develop a realistic market before
establishing a large-scaled enterprise.
Managing Meat Goats
Feeding the Does
Goats do well on good pasture or browse; however, the mature goat will
require 3 to 4 pounds of hay daily unless she is getting adequate pasture
or browse. In addition, a grain-based supplement might be required during
periods of high production, as in flushing, late gestation, and early
lactation. The amount of supplement needed varies with pasture and/or hay
quality and the quantity fed. The crude protein (CP) content of the
supplement also varies with the forage quality. Two simple gain
supplements include the following:
-
50 pounds of corn or milo
20 pounds of oats or barley
20 pounds wheat bran 10 pounds of cottonseed meal
-
40 pounds corn or milo 20 pounds oats or barley 25
pounds wheat bran 15 pounds cottonseed meal
The first ration
provides approximately 14 percent CP and the second about 16 percent CP.
Goats dislike finely ground, dusty feeds, so grains should be coarsely
ground, rolled, crimped, or pelleted. It is recommended you add a trace
mineralized salt and a balanced, 12 percent calcium:12 percent phosphorus
supplement to any ration. You can add molasses to the supplement (5 to 7
percent usually is recommended) to reduce dust and to enhance
palatability. Also, always have salt available to the goats.
Breeding the Does
Most
goats are seasonal breeders, with the breeding season initiated by
decreasing daylight hours. The season varies, with some goats breeding
during any season of the year--but reproductive activity is highest from
August through January. Does come in heat (estrus) at intervals of 20 to
21 days and usually remain in heat 1 to 2 days.
Signs of estrus are
easily detected and include uneasiness, an unusual amount of tail wagging,
frequent urination, an abnormal amount of bleating, reddish and swollen
vulva, and mucus under the tail. Riding other animals or standing for
riding is not seen as often in goats near estrus as in cows. Conception is
highest from the middle to the latter part of the heat period, 24 to 36
hours after onset of estrus. The gestation period in goats is 148 to 150
days. Maintaining good records of all heat periods and breeding dates is
important to maximize reproductive efficiency.
Young does tend to
reach puberty or sexual maturity at 5 to 9 months of age, provided they
have been grown adequately and are in good condition. Keep bucks separated
from does (except during the breeding season) in order to breed during the
desired time interval. Prepare the bucks for the breeding season by daily
feeding them 1 to 2 pounds of grain plus 3 to 4 pounds of hay or forage.
If does are thin at
breeding time, kidding percent can be increased by "flushing," which is
increasing nutrition during breeding. This puts the animal in
weight-gaining condition and causes an increase in the ovulation rate.
Flushing can be done by turning goats on a fresh, lush pasture if it is
available or by feeding grain. For flushing, corn is most often fed at the
rate of ½ to ¾ of a pound per head per day. Begin feeding 2 to 3 weeks
before the bucks are turned in with the does and continue for 2 to 3 weeks
after the introduction of the bucks (for a total feeding period of 4 to 6
weeks). Flushing generally results in a 10- to 20-percent increase in kid
crop, but does in good condition generally will not benefit from flushing.
Raising the Kids
It
is important that the kid goat receive colostrum (the first milk) as soon
as possible after birth and for at least 2 days. Colostrum provides
antibodies for resistance to disease and is high in nutrients, including
energy, vitamin A, the B vitamins, protein, and minerals. Overfeeding
colostrum or other milk can cause scours. Extra colostrum can be saved by
freezing and fed at body temperature at some later date. Orphan kids may
be left on goat's milk or changed to cow's milk or a commercial milk
replacer after the first days on colostrum.
Kids must have a warm,
dry place to sleep if they are taken from their mothers. A deep wooden box
with a slanted floor is raised off the ground to provide drainage makes a
good bed for new kids. The box should be well-bedded and draft-free.
For the first 3 to 4
days after birth, a kid should receive 2 to 3 pints of milk in three to
four feedings per day. Kids can be fed twice per day thereafter. A creep
feed containing approximately 20 percent CP and a high-quality hay should
be made available to kids at about 2 weeks of age. Keep clean, fresh water
and salt available at all times, especially when the kids are weaned from
milk at 8 to 12 weeks of age.
As soon as the kid
begins eating a little grain and hay, the rumen will begin to develop,
allowing the kid to use roughage materials. The kid will begin chewing its
cud at this time. When the kid is eating hay and grain well, usually at
about 4 to 6 weeks of age, you can discontinue milk feeding. The rumen
will be fully developed at approximately 8 weeks of age.
The kid should have
plenty of exercise and as much sunshine as possible. Provide boxes or
barrels for older kids to have something on which to climb and jump.
Separate the buck kids from the does at about 2 to 4 months of age to
avoid premature breeding.
Dehorning
Horn
development is a recessive trait of goats and is found in most breeds. For
safety purposes, remove the horns while the animals are young, between 3
to 14 days of age. There are several ways to dehorn goats, including
dehorning pastes or similar caustic compounds, burning irons, or
physically removing the horns.
Castration
Bucks develop musk glands when they reach puberty. These glands emit a
telltale odor that often taints the taste and odor of the meat. Once an
animal reaches puberty, they are more active and are harder to feed to an
acceptable level of eating quality. Male goats not to be used for breeding
must be castrated as soon as possible. Like dehorning, this can be done in
several ways. Consult your veterinarian for best results.
Internal and External Parasites
The
roundworm, stomach worm, and coccidiosis are the most significant internal
parasites that affect goats. Animals become infested by grazing on
pastures contaminated with droppings from other infested goats. Use
several pastures in rotation because parasite carryover can be markedly
reduced by resting pastures for 30 to 60 days between grazing. Treat newly
purchased animals for internal parasites because isolating animals because
of internal parasites is of no value.
Coccidiosis can cause
severe problems in goats, especially those managed in confined or drylot
conditions. Goats managed under these conditions should receive a
coccidostat regularly in their feed. Treatment of coccidiosis with
anthelmintics is not effective. If you suspect coccidiosis, consult
your veterinarian.
Symptoms of parasite
infestation include general unthriftiness, a rundown condition, rough hair
coat, loss of weight, poor appetite, diarrhea, and anemia. If you suspect
your goats are infested with internal parasites, collect fecal samples and
take the samples to your veterinarian. Examination will determine the type
and degree of infestation and recommended treatment.
External
parasites--including lice, ticks, mites, horn flies, stable flies, horse
flies, deer flies, and mosquitoes--might present serious problems. These
pests are most prevalent in the spring, summer, and fall but can be a
problem throughout the year.
Common Diseases
A
number of diseases occur in goats. When a problem occurs in your herd,
consult your veterinarian. Information is readily available concerning
these diseases, their diagnosis, and their treatments. The most
significant diseases are soremouth, tetanus, overeating disease, foot rot,
and bloat.

-
Soremouth is a contagious disease that causes formation
of scabs on the lips and around the mouths of goats. This virus can
affect humans, so be careful when working with goats with soremouth. A
live virus soremouth vaccine, available as a preventative measure, is
applied to a small scratched area in the fore or rear flank or in the
ear. Few medicines help in the actual treatment of soremouth. Iodine can
be rubbed into lesions after the scabs are removed to help dry up the
area and reduce the infection. If your goats do not have soremouth, do
not vaccinate or you will introduce it into your herd.
-
Tetanus (lock jaw)
is a disease usually resulting from a wound infection. The disease is
caused by a powerful toxin produced by a bacterium that grows in the
absence of oxygen. The first sign of tetanus is a stiffness about the
goat's head; the animal often chews slowly and weakly and swallows
awkwardly. Also, the goat's third or inner eyelids protrude over the
forward surface of the eyeballs. The animal shows violent spasmotic
reactions with the slightest movement or noise and usually remains
standing until close to death. All ages are susceptible, but kids
weakened due to castration or dehorning are more susceptible to tetanus.
Tetanus is hard to treat, and death occurs in more than 50 percent of
the cases. Contact your veterinarian immediately; keep infected goats as
quiet as possible. Tetanus antitoxin might help if administered early,
but prevention is the best policy. Reduce the incidence of wounds, apply
sanitary and proper wound treatments, and vaccinate with tetanus toxoid
immediately after dehorning or castration surgery.
-
Overeating disease (enterotoxemia)
generally results in death and seldom exhibits symptoms. This disease is
caused by a clostridial organism that is normally in the intestine of
most goats. Goats that have their feeding schedules abruptly changed or
consume large amounts of grain are the most susceptible to overeating
disease. These changes cause the clostridial organism to grow rapidly
and to produce a powerful toxin that causes death within a few hours.
The two types of enterotoxemia are C and D. Vaccinate all your goats
with the combination C and D vaccine; multiple vaccinations are
recommended. Two or three vaccinations are preferred, with the booster
doses coming at 3- to 4-week intervals following the first vaccination.
A good vaccination program should eliminate losses from overeating.
-
Foot rot is not often seen in goats, but it may occur if animals
spend considerable time in wet, unsanitary yards or barns. The first
symptom is lameness, followed by a swelling of the foot that becomes hot
to the touch. Carefully trim the rotten area away and the foot treated
with a 10- to 30-percent copper sulfate solution or other medication
prescribed by a veterinarian.
-
Bloat is the accumulation of an excessive amount of gas in
the rumen. This may result from overeating tender, young, high-moisture
legumes or other green forages still wet with dew. Symptoms of bloated
goats include the animal's lying down and getting up at frequent
intervals, kicking at the abdomen, making loud grunting noises, or
otherwise showing distress. Prevention includes making sure the animals
have a good fill of dry hay before turning them onto moist pasture.
Animals can die suddenly with bloat; therefore, do not wait too long
before calling the veterinarian for assistance.
Few drugs are
approved for use on goats.
Nonapproved over-the-counter drugs become prescription drugs. Every goat
producer should have a valid client-patient relationship with a
veterinarian. Goats that are kept on adequate browse and grazing have few
disease problems if not overcrowded. Carefully buying new breeding stock
and isolation can help prevent bringing in new diseases. Remember--most
goats will be sold for meat; therefore, after treating goats with any
drug, be sure there is adequate withdrawal time before slaughter.
References
Alford, Calvin F., Georgia Extension Animal Scientist. "Meat Goat
Production," Georgia Meat Goat Association, Vol. 1, No. 1, March-April
1996.
Martinez, Edmundo E.,
Paschal, Joe C., Craddock, Frank, & Hanselka, C. Wayne. Sept. 1991.
Selection, Management and Judging of Meat-Type Spanish Goats. B-5018.
Texas Agricultural Extension Service, The
Texas A&M University
System, College Station, Texas.
Martinez, Edmundo E.,
Paschal, Joe C., Craddock, Frank, & Rollins, Dale. Spanish Goat
Management. B-5021. Texas Agricultural Extension Service, The
Texas A&M University
System, College Station, Texas.
Strickland, James,
Georgia Extension Veterinarian. "Goat Health," Georgia Meat Goat
Association, Vol. 1, No. 1, March-April 1996.
Meat-Type Goat Production Calendar
|
January |
Evaluate pasture and forage conditions. |
|
Monitor body conditions of does; supplement if necessary. |
|
Prepare for kidding. |
|
February |
Sort pregnant from open does. |
|
Begin feeding pregnant does. |
|
Evaluate does and bucks; sell unsound or inferior animals. |
|
Treat for internal and external parasites. |
|
March |
Begin kidding; check teats for milk flow; identify kids. |
|
Separate singles from twins; if possible, pen individual does with
their kids; feed does to maintain milk production. |
|
April |
Finish kidding. |
|
Continue to supplement lactating does. |
|
May |
Consider weaning small, stunted kids. |
|
Discontinue supplement feeding to does. |
|
Monitor internal parasites through fecal samples. |
|
June |
Begin looking for replacement bucks with good conformation, structural
correctness, muscling, and a high weight per day of age. |
|
July |
Continue selecting replacement bucks. |
|
August |
Treat for internal and external parasites. |
|
Vaccinate kids. |
|
Select replacement does and bucks. |
|
Wean kids; supplement replacement does and bucks with a high-protein
(21 percent), high-energy feed. |
|
Evaluate does and bucks; sell unsound and inferior animals. |
|
Criteria for culling:
-
Barren
female--missed two seasons in a row.
-
Bad teats or
udders--too big or too small (mastitis).
-
Bad mouths--smooth
or broken mouth or over- or undershot jaw.
-
Structural
defects--bad feet and legs or back.
-
Bad testicles--too
small or infected (epididymitis).
-
Unthriftiness--due
to old age or disease.
|
|
September |
Begin flushing does and bucks; flush with fresh green pasture or ½ of
a pound feed/head/day for 2 to 3 weeks before and after buck turnout. |
|
Treat for lice if necessary. |
|
October |
Turn out bucks with does; breeding ratio 1 buck per 20 to 25 does,
depending on pasture size and breeding conditions. |
|
Continue to flush does for 2 to 3 weeks after buck turnout. |
|
November |
Evaluate pasture and forage conditions. |
|
Determine does' body conditions and plan winter supplemental feeding
program. |
|
Monitor internal parasites through fecal samples. If heavy, treat
after first hard freeze. |
|
December |
Remove bucks and feed to regain body condition. |
|
Evaluate pasture and forage conditions. |
|
Watch body conditions of does; supplement if necessary. |
|
Check for lice and use a pourÐon lice treatment if needed. |
Adapted from Texas
Sheep and Goat Production Calendar.
Estimated annual
expenses for a meat-type goat operation in Mississippi, 1996.
Does on pasture with supplement during breeding and kidding.
Kids are creep-fed grain and sold at 6 to 7 months of age, weighing an
average of 90 pounds.
|
|
|
Item |
Unit |
Price
(Dollars) |
Quantity |
Amount
(Dollars) |
Per doe |
Your
farm |
|
|
|
Direct Expenses |
|
Feed |
|
Does and bucks |
Cwt |
$ 9.00 |
60.68 |
$ 546.12 |
$ 13.65 |
__________ |
|
Kids |
Cwt |
12.00 |
225.00 |
2,700.00 |
67.50 |
__________ |
|
Hay |
|
Does and bucks |
Bale |
2.00 |
369.00 |
738.00 |
18.45 |
__________ |
|
Kids |
Bale |
2.00 |
180.00 |
360.00 |
9.00 |
__________ |
|
Pasture maintenance |
Acre |
10.00 |
10.00 |
100.00 |
2.50 |
__________ |
|
Salt and minerals |
Doe |
0.65 |
40.00 |
26.00 |
0.65 |
__________ |
|
Vet/health management |
Doe |
2.50 |
40.00 |
100.00 |
2.50 |
__________ |
|
Utilities |
Month |
5.00 |
12.00 |
60.00 |
1.50 |
__________ |
|
Gas, fuel, oil |
Month |
10.00 |
12.00 |
120.00 |
3.00 |
__________ |
|
Repairs |
Dollar |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
__________ |
|
Labor |
Hour |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
__________ |
|
Misc. Supplies |
Doe |
2.00 |
40.00 |
80.00 |
2.00 |
__________ |
|
Marketing |
Kid |
2.00 |
60.00 |
120.00 |
3.00 |
__________ |
|
Insurance |
Dollar |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
__________ |
|
Dues |
Year |
35.00 |
1.00 |
35.00 |
0.88 |
__________ |
|
Interest on operating capital |
Dollar |
0.09 |
1,869.42 |
168.25 |
4.21 |
__________ |
|
Total direct expenses |
|
|
|
$5,153.37 |
$128.83 |
__________ |
|
Total fixed expenses |
Dollar |
$6,000.00 |
0.09 |
$540.00 |
$13.50 |
__________ |
|
Total specified
expenses |
|
|
|
$5,693.37 |
$142.33 |
__________ |
|
Break-even point in dollars/cwt sold (direct expenses only) |
$95.00 |
|
|
|
|
Notes:
-
This budget is for planning purposes--use only as a
guide. Use column on the right to adjust these figures to fit your
operation.
-
The market for goats in
Mississippi is not
well-defined. Income figures depend on location and individual access to
market outlets.
-
Expense items are based on the production parameters
specified.
Production Parameters:
|
Acres per doe |
0.25 |
|
Number of does |
40.00 |
|
Number of bucks |
1.00 |
|
Pounds feed/day--does and bucks |
2.00 |
|
Days fed--does and bucks |
74.00 |
|
Average pounds feed/day--kids |
2.50 |
|
Days fed--kids |
150.00 |
|
Pounds hay/day--does and bucks |
3.00 |
|
Days fed hay--does and bucks |
150.00 |
|
Pounds hay/day--kids |
1.00 |
|
Days fed hay--kids |
150.00 |
|
Kids sold per doe |
1.50 |
|
Investment per doe |
$150.00 |
By R. Kipp Brown,
Director of International Livestock Program, Department of Animal and
Dairy Sciences, and Charlie Forrest, Ph.D., Extension Agricultural
Economist, Mississippi State University. Adapted from information by the
authors and from publications by the Texas A&M Extension System; developed
for the Mississippi Agribusiness Council, Fred Heindl, Executive
Director.
Mississippi State
University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion,
national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status.
Publication 2177
Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S.
Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress,
May 8 and June 30, 1914. Ronald A. Brown, Director
Copyright by
Mississippi State University. All rights reserved.
This document may be copied and distributed for nonprofit educational
purposes provided that credit is given to the Mississippi State University
Extension Service.
A QUICK GUIDE TO CLUB GOAT
SELECTION
It is most important to understand
that selection of market goats is different than the selection of breeding
goats. More specifically, market goats differ from the characteristics
used in judging or selecting breeding goats. In Mississippi, age of
prospects selected for Dixie National will be important in achieving
proper weight and finish for your market goat. Prospects with a percentage
Boer influence should hit in the proper weight break when born from March
through May. In the show ring today, ideal market weight ranges from
80-100 pounds. In the industry a 60-80 pound goat demands a top price. The
ideal condition or finish on the market ready goat is a thin, but uniform,
covering over the loin, rib and shoulder. The external fat thickness over
the loin at the 13th rib should be between .08 to .12 inches or
an average of .10 inch. Market goats carrying over .12 inches of fat cover
or weighing over 110 pounds are usually undesirable as goats tend to
deposit internal fat first and more covering over the rib indicates a very
fat goat. This information is important to know when selecting your
prospect in order to determine the direction you will be taking your
project goat and to achieve desired show characteristics. The type goat
you select will have a major impact on the project’s results. A winning
market goat is a combination of proper selection, nutritional management,
health management, and grooming combined with good showmanship.
Selecting the proper prospect is
the most important step to a good project animal. The criteria you should
consider for selection of a prospect meat goat will include muscling
(growth and expression), conformation (structural correctness),
general appearance (style and balance, size, volume and capacity) and
growth potential.
Muscling is an important
trait for market goats and must be given strong consideration. To
determine muscle you can look at the shape of the loin and size of the
forearm. The loin is a good indicator of muscle throughout. Forearm
circumference will correlate to the loin eye area and is a good an
indicator of meatiness in thinner goats. The goat should have a broad,
thick back and loin that are naturally firm and hard handling. A wide,
symmetrically oval shape on each side of the backbone that carries forward
over the rack or chine is desirable. The goat should show a wedge shape
from front to rear when viewed down the top from behind. At the shoulder,
muscling should increase from the chine to the point of the shoulder with
the thickest muscle occurring immediately above the chest floor. Usually a
goat that walks and stands wide will be heavier muscled. The hindquarters
should show a deep, heavily muscled leg and rump. A long, deeply attached
muscle that shows expression in the stifle is desirable. The goat should
be thickest from stifle to stifle when viewed from the rear. A goat should
be wide through the chest floor with bold shoulders and a forearm muscle
that exhibits a prominent bulge and ties in deep at the knee.
A good conformation market
goat should be rectangular in appearance from the side with a straight,
level top and bottom line. The length of rump, length of body and length
of leg are important. A goat should have a strong, level top and a long
rump with a slight slope from hooks to pins. The goat should be heavy
boned and strong on the pasterns. The feet and legs should be straight and
spaced square and wide under the goat. You should avoid goats that are
post-legged or cow-hocked. Avoid goats with open shoulders, weak tops,
weak pasterns, or steep rumps.
The general appearance of a
good show goat should be one of style combined with balance. The goat
should not look to be pieced together. The goat’s height measured at the
withers should be slightly more than at the hips, and the head should be
in proportion to the body. The goat should blend in smoothly at the
shoulder blades and remain free of excess tissue up through the neck.
Style and balance means the entire body blends together from front to
rear. The relationship of body length to body depth and width equates to
volume and capacity. Goats should be long bodied, with adequate depth and
spring of rib. When measured from the base of the neck to the base of the
tail, an outstanding goat should percentage out at 55 percent hind saddle
or better. This means the goat will achieve a greater percentage of his
overall length down his top from the 13th rib back. Avoid goats
that are short bodied, shallow bodied, narrow based or flat ribbed. Goats
will need to have an adequate length of cannon bone from knee to pastern
and should be above average in overall length of body and general size.
The cannon bone length is a good indication of skeletal size. The legs
should set with the feet pointing straight ahead. The ideal market goat
package, when viewed from the side, will show a smooth shoulder, level
top, trim middle, and straight legs.
The ability to grow rapidly or
growth potential is important. A larger framed goat that shows a long
head, neck, cannon bone, and body will grow faster, be larger, and be more
competitive in the show ring. These qualities combined with good muscling,
structural correctness, volume and capacity, and style and balance
describe a competitive prospect meat goat. Lastly, remember that muscle
and fat will play a part in your selection of a prospect. Young goats that
carry a lot of bloom will always look good while young, thinner goats
might not look as nice. Learn to look past bloom and fat when selecting
prospects. Train your eye to identify muscle and fat and to know the
difference. Thinner goats that are genetically superior and possess the
correct parts, when combined in a balanced package, can provide an
outstanding prospect at a reasonable price.
If you utilize the tools of
selection as you evaluate prospect goats, you will be more likely to have
success with the project animal. Selection of the proper type prospect is
only the beginning of the project. Proper health and nutrition play a
major role in the growth and development of your goat. Likewise, proper
fitting and showing techniques afford you a much better opportunity for
success with your goat in the show ring. The proper selection technique,
feeding program, health program, fitting and grooming, and your
showmanship ability combined with a little luck will go a long way on the
road to success with your club goat project.
Kipp Brown - Area Agent-4-H Livestock-Mississippi State University
Extension Service
Some people are
natural showmen, but all exhibitors can learn ways to improve their
showmanship skills. Showmanship is the one area of livestock exhibition
that gives the exhibitor greatest control of the results.
A good showman has a
sense for effectively showing an animal. In meat goat showmanship you will
be judged on your ability to control and present the goat to bring out its
best characteristics.
Meat goat showmanship
can teach many valuable lessons to be used in daily life. These lessons
include responsibility and learning how to work to reach a goal. This in
turn builds character and increases confidence. You can learn outstanding
showmanship skills with hours of practice at home. Advanced planning,
practice, and hard work are keys to becoming a good show person.
Show Preparation
Training
The time needed to
train a goat for show depends on the goat, the size and experience of the
exhibitor, and the intensity of training. Some goats are easy to gentle
and train for show, while other goats are difficult and nearly impossible
to train. Most goats can be trained if you spend enough time and effort.
Unlike lambs, goats
are shown with a halter, collar, or chain. Halter breaking is an excellent
way to start the gentling process, especially if you have several goats.
You can make or buy collars, chains, or inexpensive rope halters.
Goats should be
caught, haltered, chained, or collared and tied to a fence. Do not tie the
goats where they can hurt themselves, and do not leave tied goats
unattended.
After your goat begins
to gentle, you can start teaching it to lead. Use the collar, chain, or
halter to keep the goat's head up while you teach it to lead. It is best
to have someone assist you by pushing the goat from behind whenever it
stops. Teach the goat to lead with its front shoulder even with your leg.
The goat's head should be in front of your body.
The next step in the
training process is to lead the goat and properly set it up. Set up the
front legs first, then place the hind legs, keeping the body and neck
straight and the head in a high, proud position by using the halter,
chain, or collar.
You should stand at
all times. Do not squat or kneel.
After the training is
complete, you should practice showing. Set up your goat and show it while
someone else handles it. You must make sure the goat looks good at all
times. If the goat responds properly, return it to the pen and do not
overwork it.
Remember, in a major
show, you may have only a short time to actually show your goat. If the
goat does not show properly when the judge handles it, you may get
overlooked.
Appropriate Dress
Dress neatly and
appropriately for show. Leather boots are preferred for safety and
appearance. Wear clean jeans or slacks and shirt. Tuck your shirt in and
wear a belt . You should be neat in appearance but not overdressed. Do not
wear a hat or cap in the show ring. Proper planning and neat appearance
will make a positive impression on the judge.
Show Time
Your planning,
selection, feeding, fitting, training, and grooming all pay off in the
show ring. Your skill in exhibiting your goat in showmanship cannot be
emphasized enough. It is often the difference between winning and losing.
You must be mentally
and physically ready to enter the show ring for competition. By completing
the preparation activities, you should have confidence that you can do an
effective job showing your goat.
Before the show, walk
over the ring to find the high and low spots on the arena surface. This
will help you get the goat set up with the front end uphill rather than in
a hole. By setting the goat's front feet uphill you will give the
appearance of an extended front end and a longer-patterned animal. When
the judging begins, watch the judge if possible and see how he works the
goats. You will feel more comfortable and confident if you know what the
judge will want you to do.
In the Ring
When the appropriate
class is called, take your goat to the show ring. Be sure to enter the
show ring promptly, leading your goat from the left-hand side of the
animal. As the ring steward lines up the goats, set your goat to look its
best. Avoid corners of the ring, and leave plenty of space between your
goat and others.
Quickly, yet smoothly,
set the goat up so all four feet are at the corners of the body and the
weight is distributed evenly to all four legs. Keep the body, neck, and
head in a straight line with the head up and alert.
Never place your hand
on the goat's back or the base of the neck, because this will hide the
judge's view of the goat's top.
To set up, face the
goat with your body and hold the head up with your right hand on the
collar or lead and your left hand over the head and underneath the jaw.
Place your leg in
front of the goat, and stay in front while the judge is viewing the goat
from the rear. As the judge moves around the right side and to the front
of the goat, remain on the left side and then face the judge and step to
the side to provide a front view of the goat. As the judge moves to the
left of the goat, move back to the front of the goat to give the judge a
full view of the entire animal.
Handling the Goat
If the judge comes in
to handle the goat, be prepared with your leg in front of the goat to keep
it from jumping forward, and hold the head straight in line. Do not brace
the goat as you would a lamb. This will only tend to make the goat steep
out the rump and less desirable in appearance.
As a good showman you
must be alert and know where the judge is at all times. Remain calm and
concentrate on showing. Set up your goat and be ready before the judge
gets to you. Be careful not to cover your goat with your body and block
the judge's view. Always keep your goat between you and the judge.
In large classes it
may take some time before the judge handles your goat. Be patient and let
your goat relax.
Finishing the Class
After handling your
goat, the judge usually will step back and look at it. Be sure to keep the
goat's head up and body, neck, and head in a straight line.
Watch the judge and
your goat. It is your responsibility to pay attention to the judge and not
miss a decision.
At this point the
judge will usually walk the goats and set them up on the profile. Set your
goat up as discussed before. Continue to keep it set up, remain alert, and
watch the judge. If your goat is not pulled the first time, keep trying.
If your goat is pulled, circle it out of the line and follow the
directions of the ring steward while continuing to keep an eye on the
judge.
Move your goat with
style and at a steady, moderate pace. Remember to keep showing at all
times, because a class is not over until the ribbons are given out. Be
courteous to fellow exhibitors. Remain standing at all times, and always
have a pleasant facial expression. Be a good sport, a graceful loser, and
a humble winner.
By R. Kipp Brown,
Area Livestock Agent. Adapted from Publicaiton ANS96-603S/6, North
Carolina Extension Service and Publication AS3-4.060,
Texas
Agricultural Extension Service.
Mississippi State
University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion,
national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status.
Publication 2263
Extension
Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department
of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and
June 30, 1914. Ronald A. Brown, Director
(rev-3M-4-00)
Copyright by
Mississippi State University. All rights reserved.
This document may be copied and distributed for nonprofit educational
purposes provided that credit is given to the Mississippi State University
Extension Service.
Ketosis
Ketosis (also known as pregnancy
toxemia) may occur in pregnant does late in their pregnancy. The doe may
be depressed, weak, uninterested in food, and have poor muscle control and
balance. If untreated, death follows within a few days. Early in the
disease, many does will show a positive test for ketone bodies in the
urine. Ketosis may occur when the doe is carrying two or more kids, or
when the doe is very fat. This disease is caused by the sudden extra
demand for energy by the fast-growing kids in the pregnant goat and the
inability of the goat to eat enough of her normal diet to provide this
energy (due to the kids taking up room in the body). The doe will rapidly
metabolize fat from her body stores producing ketones (a toxic by-product)
and the symptoms of the disease. Treatment with propylene glycol at two to
three ounces twice a day will help. If the doe lies down and cannot stand,
treatment is usually not successful unless she delivers at that time. As a
preventive measure, do not let the doe get fat early in pregnancy and in
the last month of pregnancy provide 1-2 pounds of grain in addition to
hay.
Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis
Syndrome (CAE)
CAE is a viral disease. In young
kids symptoms include a weakness in the rear legs, with no fever, or loss
of appetite, However, the unused legs lose muscle strength and structure
and the infected kids eventually die. In older goats, the same disease is
seen as swollen joints, particularly the knees. The disease develops
slowly, and after 2 or more years, the animal has difficulty using its
legs properly. Infected goats have no fever, remain alert, and eat well.
However, they do not recover from the arthritis. An inexpensive blood test
can be used to diagnose CAE. The disease is spread from older infected
goats to kids, perhaps by contact or through the milk from an infected doe
to her kid. There are no corrective procedures or treatments. Isolating
kids at birth and raising them on pasteurized goat milk is done to prevent
the spread. It's a good idea to make sure a goat is CAE free before
purchasing. However, the blood test only checks for antibodies, and it's
possible that an animal is infected and not (yet) producing antibodies.
Mastitis
Mastitis is an inflammation of the
mammary gland (udder or milk-giving gland) of animals, usually caused by
bacteria. The symptoms of mastitis are heat, pain, and swelling of the
udder. Usually you will notice some discoloration of the tissue and
abnormal milk. The infected udder will change in color from slightly more
pink to a bright red, or to a black and cold udder. The milk from an
infected udder will vary in color, texture, and thickness. The California
Mastitis Test (CMT) is a good test for subclinical mastitis, but is not
100% accurate. Laboratory culture or growth of the bacteria causing the
mastitis is the best way to determine the exact diagnosis. The causes of
mastitis are most commonly rough treatment and unclean milking practices.
Wash the goat's udder before milking, and dip (or spray) the teats after
milking with a teat dip. Wash your hands before milking each goat to
prevent the spread. The treatment consists of an intramammary infusion of
antibiotics, sometimes accompanied by additional antibiotics. Consulting a
vet is important for this disease since there are many different bacteria
that cause mastitis and different antibiotics are best for each. If
untreated the infection spreads and the goat may die or lose the udder.
Acidosis
A drastic change in feed and
possibly too much corn in the goat’s diet most commonly causes acidosis.
When goats eat high concentrate rations, not only do the starches produce
more acid, but the lack of roughage causes a decreased amount of saliva.
Symptoms of acidosis include: Bloat, rapid breathing and/or lethargic
behavior (staring out into "space"). If your goat is diagnosed with
Acidosis, you should treat him or her immediately. Acidosis is potentially
fatal, and if it does not kill your goat, it can burn the rumen and kill
good bacteria leading to other diseases. Allow the animal to drink lots of
water, use antacid preparations like milk of magnesia, oral tetracycline
to prevent bacterial overgrowth, probiocin or rumen contents from a
healthy ruminant and thiamine or B-complex vitamins.
Enterotoxemia (Over-eating
disease)
Enterotoxemia, also known as
"over-eating disease", is caused by the bacterium Clostridium perfringins.
This bacterium is a normal inhabitant of the intestinal tract of goats and
normally, is not a problem. However, there are certain conditions which
trigger excessive bacterial growth in which lethal amounts of toxin are
produced, resulting in death of the animal. Enterotoxemia can have no
symptoms or symptoms such as diarrhea that are commonly confused with
other diseases, so prevention is a MUST. Vaccinate kids once a month from
the time they are 1 month old until they are 5-6 months old. Be sure to
use a vivalent C&D vaccine. Treatment for the disease can be unrewarding,
if your goat has already been diagnosed. Recoveries are rare, but affected
goats can be treated with Clostridium antitoxin, pencillin and flunixen.
Lice
Goats have both biting and sucking
lice. Many sprays are effective but resistance can occur to any of them.
It is best twice 10-14 days apart to remove young lice before they mature.
Cylence is effective and also works well for flies. The avermectins and
moxidectins also help kill lice. Mange can be treated the same way but
also treat topically with Prolate (hog spray) or a Permethrin product.
Treat every 5 days till the hair starts to grow back(mange) or you see no
sign of lice. Slick shearing a goat will also help kill the lice
population. Be sure to treat or remove bedding in sheds and pens.
Pinkeye
This disease is usually caused by
Chlamydia or Mycoplasma in goats, and is not related to Moraxella bovis,
which causes pinkeye in cattle. It is contagious, but species specific.
Pinkeye can be brought on by stress. Early signs of Pinkeye include runny,
red, and swollen eyes. The dark part of the eye (cornea) becomes hazy and
then turns opaque (clouds over). The goat begins to lose its sight. If
left untreated, blindness can occur. Most goats recover without any
treatment however, so be certain the treatment you choose does not cause
any harm. If the eye looks like it is going to rupture, a conjunctivial or
third eyelid flap should be used to protect the eyeball. If your goat has
been diagnosed with pinkeye, there are a few means of treatment. If the
eye has not ulcerated, apply tetracycline (Terramycin) ophthalmic ointment
three or four times a day (minimum twice a day) , using disposable gloves
to prevent spread of the infection. Powders and aerosols are not
recommended because they can be more irritating especially if the eye is
ulcerated. In severe cases of Pinkeye, injectable oxytetracycline (LA200
or equivalent) may be used in addition to topical eye ointments. If the
goat is pregnant, however, remember that oxytetracycline is known to
interfere with bone and teeth formation in the unborn kid.
Soremouth
Soremouth is spread by a
parapoxvirus that is highly contagious. It is more commonly found in sheep
than goats, however goats are still susceptible. It affects primarily the
lips and noses of young animals. If they are nursing off dams which have
not previously had the disease or been vaccinated, the dams will also
display identical sores on the teats and udder where it may cause
mastitis. The sores start as small red spots which form blisters that
burst to form ulcers. These are followed by characteristic grayish-brown
cauliflower-like scabs. There will be spontaneous healing and the scabs
will fall off in about three weeks. The skin at the corona of the hooves
can also be affected. To prevent the disease, there is a soremouth vaccine
that is available, but because it is a live virus vaccine, many farmers
have mixed feelings whether the vaccine helps or hurts. We suggest you
speak with your vet to see if the vaccine would be beneficial to your goat
or flock. If your goat has been diagnosed with soremouth, immediately
isolate him or her from the rest of the herd. You can apply antibotical
cream to the infected area to prevent secondary diseases. (Antibiotics
WILL NOT kill a virus, they only work on bacteria.)
Coccidiosis
Coccidia are tiny intestinal
parasites, actually protozoans, which can cause foamy, bloody diarrhea or
a dull, dry coat. Sometimes a goat with coccidiosis (coccidia infestation)
has an on-again-off-again soft stool or no obvious symptoms at all. You
might not suspect a problem until you notice that your kids are not
growing as well as they should. Coccidiosis is characterized by a foul
smelling diarrhea and along with diarrhea comes dehydration and fever. The
organism, which causes Coccidiosis, is an intestinal parasite named
Coccidiosis and the oocysts are present to some degree in all goats.
Babies are particularly susceptible to the disease because their immune
systems are not developed. It is passed through fecal-to-oral contact,
usually as babies first begin to eat solid foods. If your goat has been
diagnosed with Coccidiosis, Banamine (prescription required) should be
administered intramuscularly (IM) at a rate of 1 cc per 100 pounds of body
weight. Banamine should not be used but once every 36-72 hours, because it
causes stomach ulcers if used too frequently. A severely dehydrated goat
should receive Re-Sorb electrolytes, both in an oral drench and in the
water bucket. Young kids up to four months of age are at highest risk and
should be treated at least once with the medication Albon or Corid. Our
veterinarian recommends that they receive Albon or Corid for one week
beginning at about three or four weeks of age and again if they are very
stressed, such as when separated from their mother. If in doubt, take a
stool sample to a veterinarian who regularly treats goats.
Urinary Calculi
Male goat (buck) kids that are not being kept as
future herd sires are usually castrated so that they will no longer be
fertile. It is less traumatic to castrate the kid when he is very young
but this will make him more susceptible to urinary calculi because his
urethra (the tube that carries his urine from his bladder to the opening
in his penis) will not develop to its full size and is easier to clog up.
Urinary calculi occur when the urethra gets blocked
up with mineral deposits and urine cannot pass through it. If the deposits
or "stones" are not somehow passed or dissolved, the kid’s bladder will
burst and he will die. Ideally, you should wait until your kid is 10 weeks
old to castrate him but this is not always possible. Other preventions for
urinary calculi that you should practice include:
-
Feeding a ration
with a 2:1 calcium to phosphorus ratio
-
Adding ammonium
chloride to his feed at a rate of about 15 lbs. per ton of feed or else
giving him about ½ ounce (about a tablespoon) to 1 ounce (2 tbsp.) per
day depending on his size unless his feed already
contains it
-
Making sure he gets
plenty of exercise and drinks lots of water (keep his water in the shade
if hot and unfrozen if cold, always have salt available to him)
-
Checking daily to make sure he is urinating easily without straining
and has no blood in his urine.
A Suggested Health Program for
Club Goats
At Purchase
- Inquire about previous vaccination history. If
you did not see it go in, vaccinate.
- Give a booster or start CD/T vaccinations.
- Deworm with Ivomec sheep drench orally (4cc per
20 #) or some other type-deworming product at 1.5 times the cattle rate.
-
Treat with a rumen microbal culture to stimulate appetite (probios).
-
Use an insecticide for lice control (permectrin) if needed.
-
Get the goats located and establish a feeding routine using a feed
with a coccidiostat.
-
The goat should be on feed and healthy before any dehorning or
castration is done.
Injection sites- IM-under the front
leg or on side of the neck; Sub Q-under the front leg. Never inject in the
rear half or top of the goat. Change needles often.
Follow-up
-
CD/T booster in 2-3 weeks, then every 2 months
thereafter.
-
Deworm monthly.
-
Re-treat with the microbial culture at any signs
of stress, feed changes, and treatment with antibiotics.
Treatments
-
Use ruminant food animal approved drugs only.
Goats have high metabolic rates and need 1.5 times the label dose. A
veterinarian-client-patient relationship is needed. Extend label slaughter
withdrawal times, 1.5 to 2 times, because of off-label use.
What to use:
Wounds and/or Surgery - Penicillin G at
1cc per 20-50 # daily for 3-5 days.
Respiratory - Excenel at 1.5 times the
cattle dose daily for 3-5 days, or Nuflor at 1.5 times the cattle dose
alternating days for 3 doses, or Penicillin G at 1cc per 20-50 # daily for
3-5 days.
Digestive Problems – Treat with a
microbial culture, then encourage and/or force fluid and electrolytes.
Check for worms, coccidia and stress.
Pinkeye – Start ophthalmic antibiotic
ointment early, not powders or irritating injectable antibiotics like LA
200. Penicillin G dripped on the eyeball works well. They may have
associated respiratory problems. You can help prevent problems by
controlling dust, fly and undue stress on the premises.
Skin Fungus\Ringworm – Isolate and treat
early and aggressively!! Clip hair, remove scales/crust, scrub with
Nalvasan or Betadine, apply topical antifungals often and continue for up
to 6 weeks. Disinfect all equipment and area daily. May need a systemic
antibiotic like Penicillin G or Nulfor if deeper than the skin only. May
need a systemic antifungal drug. These will have a long withdrawal time.
Always use insecticides to remove lice. Lice do not cause fungus! Remember
that a skin fungus is contagious to humans and hard to treat. Take
precautions.
Urinary Calculi – Prevention is the best
policy! Demand proper Calcium: Phosphorus ratios (2:1 to 4:1) in your
feed. A corn based ration is much better than milo. Ammonium Chloride
should be added in feed at a rate of 10-20 lbs/ton. Don’t add a bunch of
junk to the feed! (Corn, cottonseed, dog food, m & m’s etc.) This will
throw the ration out of balance and increases the risk of urinary
calculi. Clean, fresh, cool and high quality water is a must and should
be always available. Check the pH of your water source if in doubt! A
high calcium/low phosphorus mineral with added NH4CL can be left out
free choice.
Inappropriate Drug Uses:
Micotil – not safe for sheep or goats and
especially for people!
Gentocin – Very long slaughter withdrawal
time!
Baytril – Restricted to beef calves
only!
Almost any systemic drug should be
discontinued 30 days prior to a terminal show or possible slaughter.
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