Goat Diseases and Parasites- Part 2

Goat diseases and parasites are always a concern.  Knowing the symptoms and the affects of these parasites is indeed helpful.  Naturally, these various parasites and diseases is a by product of raising animals, In this posts we will cover most common goat diseases and parasites dealt with in the South Central regions of  North America. Hopefully this will be very helpful in proper diagnosis and treatment.

This segment is a continuation of  Goat Diseases and Parasites posted under Goat Diseases Category.  We are going to pick up right where we left off.

Bottle Jaw Worm or ( “Haemonchus contortus “) is a blood sucking worm that drastically effects young kids.  These produce symptoms of diarrhea, bottle jaw noticeable look of fluid under the chin and jaw area. Most often major loss of appetite, and  isolation from herd.  We use a drench made available  by Prohibit called “Levamasole”  It is a drench solution given orally and according to the weight charts on the product label.  Prevent the feeding from the ground after feeding rush is over if there has been rain recently. The haemonchus contortus crawls from the fecal to the nearest leaf or dropped feed etc.  I tend to drag the fecal out of the feeding areas quite regularly in wet seasons.The FAMACHA© eye color chart system  was developed in South Africa to help producers monitor and evaluate level of anemia without having to rely on laboratory testing..  Spraying bleach mixture on feeding areas has been recommended as well after all rains.  This is if you have been effected by the blood sucking worm.  This is  resource: http://www2.luresext.edu/goats/training/parasites.html#abom

Coccidiosis: is a very simple small parasite that thrives in the cells of the intestines.  Normally caused by over crowding or winter conditions seem to make coccidiosis more prevalent.  Contaminated food source or water and stress are also primary causes for this tiny parasite to take hold on the herd. Correcting these is the most common thing to do.  The reason I mention this is  Note: Standard anthelmintics do not control coccidiosis effectively. This may explain the dull shine or over all look of the coat not having a  healthy appearance, even though you have treated your animal.

External Parasites effecting goats is most commonly Ticks, Lice, and fleas. These parasites must be controlled to reduce blood transmitted diseases.  The use of insecticides and even dips if conditions require. Very noticeable constant scratching the under side and inside legs. Take a look and treat as needed.  Lice cause itching so, that it may result in reduction of milk production and even growth rate in young.  Insect control may be applied as a spray form, which makes it very easy treating large numbers of animals. Soaking twice a week.

Mange Is caused by two types of mites.  Indicator for the scab mite is for severe itching even causing scales or hair loss.  The Follicle mite causes small lumps usually on the fore quarters of the entire body.  The mange is very difficult to control and a swim dip must be prepared and soaked properly at two week intervals for an extended time often two to three months.

Ring worm however not common but do exist.  Ringworm is a fungus causing circular scaling area without hair.  Treat effected area with Iodine scrub.  Soaking from rag a couple times a week for two weeks.  Take precaution to ware normal surgical gloves as should with all treating of animals.

Forage Related Health Problems

Forage related problems are caused by metabolic disorders and the most common of these that will be covered in this segment are Acidosis, Indigestion, Impaction, and Urinary Calculi.  Followed by Choking, Bloat,  Poisionous plants, and Green Tetany or grass staggers.

Enterotoxemia or more commonly known as “over eating disease” is probably the most common, because most every one has had a goat get in the feed bin one time or another.  Opening up new fresh pastures to the herd should be done with caution.  Enterotoxemia can be caused by change in normal rate of forage transferred in the rumen.  It can be prevented by dosing animals with “C&D” Colostidinum Perfringens.  Which is a type of C and D Vaccine  (toxoid).  I normally dose my nannies just before increasing feed rations prior to birthing but late in pregnancy.  This takes care if them all year.  The kids however, receive two vaccines in two to three week intervals after weaning or two months of age.

Acidosis is an overeating problem as well. Consumption of high levels of digested starch such as lush pastures and grain.  The Acidosis causes a condition that actually stops normal functioning rumen and death may result within hours.  The milder side of Acidosis is Indigestion.

Impaction can be caused by feeding low or poor quality feed and is consumed faster than it is digested.

Urinary Calculi is very painful and can result in sudden death. While urinary calculi can occur in intact males, wethers are at greatest risk because castration of young males removes the hormonal influence (testosterone) necessary for the penis and urethra to reach full size. The primary cause of urinary calculi is feeding concentrate diets which are excessive in phosphorus and magnesium and/or have an imbalance of calcium and phosphorus.  Lack of water and water sources that are high in minerals are also contributing factors.  I noticed this symptom when using feedlot mixes with corn starch or molasses.  Unless perfection in mixing, the contents are somewhat different every time.  When the mix was high with molasses I could not feed to the young wethers that particular batch.  Feeding pellet feeds and good quality hay straighten the situation right out.

Choking exist but rarely effecting goats unless foraging on plumes such as vegetable and fruit waste.

Bloat is caused by the goats inability to get rid of  gas produced in the rumen.  The symptoms are obvious that the goat is enlarged on her left side of stomach and is in pain.  Many times referred to as “frothing bloat”  Consult with your veterinarian in advanced stages of the bloat. Can result in death rapidly.

Grass Tetany or grass staggers is a result of goats foraging on lush green grass with little or no magnesium.  Symptoms are goat trembling and appear nervous sometimes limited ability to stand.  Easy remedy by supplying good quality hay and grain pellet feed.

Poisonous Plants Are noticed when seasons desirable forage is in shortage and goats feed on undesirable poisonous plants due to hunger. Occasionally, a mineral deficiency or lack of familiar grazing.  Goats should not be allowed to graze in pastures with dense poisonous plants.  When normal forage is at a minimum know your plants. Take samples to your county agent. They will Identify all the poisonous plants for you.  Control by chemical application to help in removal from your lands.

This article was provided by Daniel Truelove.  For a free download version of this most common Goat Diseases and Parasites in PDF format go to:

http://thegoatguy.com/goat_diseases/vol1PDF.htm

Resources:

Understanding and Preventing Urinary Calculi – Onion Creek Ranch Tennessee Meat Goats™
Dealing with Urinary Calculi – Tri Quest Boer Goats

Urolithiasis in Small Ruminants – Ohio State University
Urolithiasis in Small Ruminants – Penn State University

haemonchus contortus resource:

http://www2.luresext.edu/goats/training/parasites.html#abom

Goat Diseases

Goat Diseases

By Daniel Truelove

When talking about many different goat diseases I have found that many people are
not aware of many of the phisiological data that must accompany proper diagnosis.

With that being said here are some facts that we will cover in this section of Goat diseases.   The myths about human contracting goat diseases.  Examining for Goat Diseases,  Examination Checklist, and complete compiled list of all goat diseases.  Covering most common goat diseases and also, a list of rare goat diseases.  I am putting together a complete list of the goat diseases that will be published on the goat guy site in a downloadable,  file format: PDF.

Normal Goat Physiological Info.

Temperature:  104 degrees F

Heart rate:  70-80 per minute ( kids are faster)

Respiration:  12-15 per minute

These are the very basics one must know to maintain a healthy livestock.  Goat diseases are properly managed by crop rotation, eliminate overcrowding, and proper medication.

Examining For Goat Disease Symptoms;

You should observe all your animals at least daily to have some visual comparison to determine if there are any health problems.  You are looking for symptoms, of lagging behind the herd, poor appetite, limping, diarrhea any unusual behavior.  You are also looking for grinding of teeth and grunting.  If you feel you need more proffessional exam contact you veterinarian.  He or she needs to know what your noticable behavioral differences are between and the questioned and the regular herd.

Examining Checklist;

1. We consider the age of the animal being examined.
2. Can it stand on its on.
3. Does it have its vision or is it bumping into objects.
4. Does she seem to be in pain.
5. Does the goat seem bloated and grunting, or swollen area’s
6. Count the respiration’s per minute( here you are looking for swells in belly and the exhales
7. Does she seem to have diarrhea it usually is obvious
8. Does have swollen udder

That is about all you can observe visually from a short distance.  You will next need to examine more therally. You must make contact with your animal.  Heed of caution here she doesn’t need to exert or run this will effect temperature, respiration and pulse reading.  That we will need to make an evaluation.

1. Take the goats temperature.  Thermometer in anal cavity.
2. Count the heartbeat (below the lower rib) beats per minute
3. Check the eyes for vision impairment, objects, running, or if she does blink with hand movement, slowly toward eye.
4. Probe around with palm and feel for rumen movement.  Note: If she shows pain or feels slushy or full of water in this area.
5. Listen to the chest area for rattles, wheezing.  Stethoscopes are readily available. Put your head against the chest areas and listen.
6. Check the mucous glands for color pink or almost white.
7. Doe Lactating: check the udder for swollen, lumps, or hardness in udder. Check milk for blood and texture of milk. Feel for heat on the udder.

This is a pretty thorough examination and with the info gathered you can make educated evaluation.  The veterinarian will need to know these things to help you the most without taking the goat in.

Goat Diseases and Parasites

Goat diseases and parasites are always a concern.  Knowing the symptoms and the affects of these parasites is indeed helpful.  Naturally, these various parasites and diseases is a by product of raising animals, In this posts we will cover most common goat diseases and parasites dealt with in the South Central regions of  North America. Hopefully this will be very helpful in proper diagnosis and treatment.

Here are some of the most common goat diseases and parasites effecting goat herds today.  Various vaccines and medicinal methods of treatment that are used by necessity, or out of precaution also will be covered in this article.

Sore mouth (“contagious ecthyma”) Is a viral disease of sheep and goats.  Sore mouth being a virus can be picked up from the surroundings at anytime.  The virus can be air born and contracted with out notice.  The vaccine is a measure of the live virus similar to our virus vaccine,  and should  only be administered if sore mouth is problematic in the herd.  Some, feel once you treat for the virus you’ll always have it on your farm or ranch.  Orf  is the name for the human form of this virus.  It can be contracted from your animals but it is not likely.  However,  If  your immunity system is a wreck use precautionary measures.  I have been around it for years as others and have never had an instance.  Full contact with the effected animals as well.

Iodine treatment is recommended for sore mouth treatment in kids and adults alike.  Solutions available at your local feed store or local Pharmacy  ranging from 1% to 7% concentrate iodine. While wearing surgical gloves, we treat by pouring iodine solution into rags and applying liberally around and on the effected  area. Soaking the scabs completely.  Being careful not to get it in the eyes of your animal.   Then take the time to remove the outermost scabs or the tops of the scabs. Trash the scabs and burn for disposal.

Treat these symptoms daily until cured.   I have found that the first day sometimes the scabs are in such an infected mass that it is very painful, and tender, perhaps best to remove the drying scab tops only or wait til the next day for removal.  The scabs will indicate some drying overnight after iodine.

When treated early, recovery is within a week or approx.  five treatments as a rule.  Note: 1% iodine solutions should be applied 2-3 times per day.  We still have some from last year that is 7% concentrate and it is applied daily.  We use livestock markers to date the treatment and applications.

Tetanus or Lockjaw is preventable with two doses of tetanus toxoid annually.  I use CD&T, which is tetanus toxoid included in the – Clostridium Perfingens type C and D.  This is an all in one vaccine. CD&T  gives your animal protection from tetanus as well as overeating.  Inject subcutaneously per instructions on bottle. Repeat the treatment on young always a second time 21-28 days later.

Internal Parasites – such as stomach or intestinal round worm along with coccidia causing significant productivity reduction and the goats mortality in general.  Noted as very common.  One can gather fresh fecal from different locations of farm.  Your local Veterinarian can show you how to do a float, determining necessity for deworming.

When using de-wormers exercise discipline and test your animals first.  It is common for your animals not to need treatment.  Parasites tend to develop an immunity to the chemical used.  Keeping track of your results by returning to the Vet.  with fecal for another float at a later date.  If no improvement,  I recommend you change  to other de-wormers.  This segment to be continued.

For more information feel free to visit the site http://TheGoatGuy.com/goat_diseases/

Bottle Jaw Worm or ( “Heamaneous Contoris”) This will be where we jump to the next posts.  There is a lot of info. here  Look for posts “Goat Diseases and Parasites”- Part2 in the Goat Diseases Category

To Your Success,

Daniel Truelove
The Goat Guy

Selecting A Dairy Goat Breed

 The greatest number of goat owners in this country keep goats for family purposes. In Florida, there are three licensed commercial dairy goat operations of which two are processing and marketing Grade A pasteurized goat milk and the other is marketing specialty products such as cheese. Most of the operations in Florida are rather small with less than ten milking does. Many of the dairy goats are registered and are exhibited at various shows throughout the state. The more popular breeds are Nubian, Alpine and LaMancha. The Florida Dairy Goat Association and the annual Florida Dairy GoatProduction Conference have been helpful in recent years in providing needed materials and information to dairy goat producers.

The selection of milk goats for commercial dairy herds and breeding herds must be accomplished in terms of keeping and maintaining good records, and becoming familiar with the different strengths that dairy goats possess. They may or may not be registered, but must be able to produce milk over a long period of time with good care. Good herds frequently consist of goats having herd averages of 1,500 to 3,000 pounds of milk. The top three dairy goat herds in Florida in 1992 completed DHI 305 day lactation records above 2,100 pounds of milk with the top herd at 2,934 pounds. For those that are interested in getting involved in raising or showing dairy goats, start with two kids (three to five weeks old) so they can get to know you and you can have the enjoyment of watching them grow. It is best that they be of the same sex, preferably does if you plan to expand. If a buck is preferred, have the breeder castrate and dehorn the animal prior to taking it home. Also at this young age, about a quart of milk is needed daily until about 8 weeks of age. At the time of weaning, the doeling should be eating some grain on a daily basis.

The choice of breed is purely a personal one. We recommend visiting a goat dairy or a dairy goat shows prior to making the final decision on breed. Generally, the breed you start with will end up being your preference.

Breeding and Artificial Insemination
The normal breeding season for the dairy goat is from late August to mid-March. Most of the does are bred in September, October and November and produce offspring in February, March and April. Because goats are seasonal breeders, the milk supply may be short for 2-3 months during the late fall and winter months. Planned matings through good record keeping and a sound breeding program will largely overcome this.

Age to Breed Does
Doelings reach puberty by 6 to 8 months of age and are usually bred at 7 to 10 months of age. At the time of breeding they should weigh about 80-90 pounds (60% of adult weight). If the doelings are not at an optimum weight, breeding should be delayed since puberty is more dependant on body size than age. However, delaying breeding much after 10 months of age decreases the reproductive performance. Growth rates of replacements should be monitored and their nutrition adjusted accordingly.
For two to three weeks prior to the breeding season does and doelings should be gaining weight. This is achieved by increasing the amount of energy being fed. Does managed in this manner will have an increased number of ovulations.

Signs of Estrus
Estrus is the period when the doe will receive the buck (or the time of Artificial

 

Dairy goats

Insemination). Usually this period will last from a few hours to 2-3 days and is characterized by frequent and insistent “talking”, tail wagging, and pink color as well as swelling in the external genital region-sometimes with a discharge. A lactating doe will usually drop in her milk production. The period between estrus’ is from 17-21 days. To achieve the highest conception rate , it is best to breed the doe on day two of her estrus period.
During the breeding season bucks have a strong odor and should be kept in separate pens at all times. This will aid you in being able to get the does bred over an extended period of time in order that milk will be available over a 12-month period and reduce the possibility of off flavors in the milk. Maintain good records and record all heat periods. Breed to the best buck available if you plan to retain the kids. Any notes of her behavior may help in out-of-season breeding or in detecting estrus early in the next heat period.
Gestation Period
The gestation period is the time from conception to kidding. Normally this is a period of 145-155 days or on the average 5 months. Does producing milk at the time of breeding will be at their peak production. The doe is usually bred at 45 to 60 days in lactation and will normally be producing milk over a 305 day period. The kidding interval should be about 12 months.

Artificial Insemination
Artificial Insemination (AI) is nothing more than the placement of semen in the female reproductive tract by mechanical means rather than by natural mating. While the term AI does not necessarily imply that the semen used be preserved through prior freezing, this is the most common situation in dairy goats.
The main value of AI lies in its use as a tool for the improvement of livestock, by extending the use of bucks that possess desirable characteristics. There is probably no other sufficient reason (cost, ease, disease control) to consider AI.

I am very thankful for the information provided by the University of Florida,  Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS)  I have made a post of all the resources and  links and contacts used in the study to provide the best information possible. This article was produced by Barnet Harris, Jr., and Frederick Springer2

Thanks again for visiting  See you at the site  http://thegoatguy.com

Dairy Goats

Dairy Goat Production Guide ¹

Barnet Harris, Jr., and Frederick Springer²

It is quite certain that the goat was one of the earliest domesticated animals in Western Asia. The goat is thought to have descended from the Pasang or Grecian Ibex, a species of wild goat found in Asia Minor, Persia and other nearby countries. A reference to the use of mohair from goats can be found in the Bible at the time of Moses when he told the children of Israel to bring white silk and goat’s wool to weave altar cloths for the Tabernacle.

The first goat importations into this country came from Switzerland. Records of early settlements in Virginia and New England indicate that milk goats were brought to the United States by Captain John Smith and by Lord Delaware. There were very few Swiss goats in the United States prior to 1904. In that year, a consignment of ten Saanens and 16 Toggenburg goats were brought in, followed by more in the next two decades. These goats spread all over the country and have provided the basis for the development and improvement of milk goats in this country.

In the United States, milk goats are found in every state, with California, Wisconsin, Texas and several eastern states leading in goat population. In recent years, Florida has been rapidly becoming a popular state for dairy goat breeders.

Breeds of Dairy Goats

The American Dairy Goat Association recognizes six breeds of dairy goats in the United States. The five principal breeds are listed in Table 1 . They are Alpine, American LaMancha, Nubian, Saanan and Toggenburg. A lesser known dairy breed is the Oberhasli. They range in color from light to deep red with black stripes down the forehead and black legs below the knees. Additional information may be obtained on any particular breed from the various breed organizations, and the American Dairy Goat Association. Also, the Dairy Goat Journal is a monthly publication that provides a lot of good information as well as information on the names and addresses of different breed organizations.

The Alpine, Saanen and Toggenburg breeds originated in the French and Swiss Alps and are often referred to as the “Swiss” type breeds. They are very similar in conformation, all having upright ears, straight or slightly dished faces and an alert, graceful, deer-like appearance.

Alpine

The Alpines are composed of several varieties including the most popular French Alpine and the less numerous British, Rock and Swiss Alpines. They are medium to large in size, with color variations from pure white through shades of fawn, gray, brown, black, red buff, and combinations of these colors in the same animal. (See Figure 1 .)

 

Figure 1.

LaMancha

The LaMancha was developed in the U.S. from crossing a short-eared goat of Spanish origin with purebreds of the Swiss breeds. They are distinguished by very s hort, or the total lack of, external ears. There are two types of La Mancha ears: the “gopher” ear and the “elf” ear. The allowable length of the elf ear is about two inches and the gopher ear is one inch. There is no preference for ear type in does, but bucks must have the “gopher” ear type to be eligible for registration. The American LaMancha is medium in size with any color or combination of colors and a short, glossy hair coat. (See Figure 2 .)

 

Figure 2.

Nubian

The Nubian is a relatively large, proud, and graceful dairy goat of Oriental origin, known for high quality, high milk fat percentage. They are characterized by long drooping ears, convex noses and a short, glossy hair coat. Since any color or pattern is allowed, it is the distinctive convex facial profile between the eyes and the muzzle, and the long bell-shaped ears, that immediately identify the breed. The ears should extend about one-inch beyond the muzzle. They are medium to moderately large in size with good stature. (See Figure 3 .)

 

Figure 3.

Saanen

The Saanens are white or light cream in color with white preferred. Spots on the skin are not discriminated against. Small spots of color on the hair are allowable, but not desirable. They are medium to large in size with rugged bone, plenty of vigor yet feminine throughout. The ears should be of medium size and carried erect. A tendency toward a roman nose is discriminated against. (See Figure 4 .)

 

Figure 4.

Toggenburg

The Toggenburgs are medium in size, sturdy and vigorous. The Toggenburg may be various shades of brown with white markings. These white markings appear as two stripes on the face from eye area to nose, around the outer edge of the ear, from foot to knee, from foot to hock and as a triangular patch on each side of the tail, covering the pin bone area. Ears are of medium size and alertly carried. (See Figure 5 .)

 

Figure 5.

Oberhasli

The Oberhasli dairy goat breed is a newer breed to Florida. The dairy goats are of medium size, vigorous and alert in appearance. The color preferred is chamois but does may be black. The chamois color varies from a light bay to a deep red bay with the latter most desirable. Markings include two black stripes down the face with the forehead nearly all black, black legs below the knees and hocks, and ears black inside and bay outside. The face is straight. (See Figure 6 .)

 

Figure 6.

Selecting A Dairy Goat Breed

The greatest number of goat owners in this country keep goats for family purposes. In Florida, there are three licensed commercial dairy goat operations of which two are processing and marketing Grade A pasteurized goat milk and the other is marketing specialty products such as cheese. Most of the operations in Florida are rather small with less than ten milking does. Many of the dairy goats are registered and are exhibited at various shows throughout the state. The more popular breeds are Nubian, Alpine and LaMancha. The Florida Dairy Goat Association and the annual Florida Dairy Goat Production Conference have been helpful in recent years in providing needed materials and information to dairy goat producers.

The selection of milk goats for commercial dairy herds and breeding herds must be accomplished in terms of keeping and maintaining good records, and becoming familiar with the different strengths that dairy goats possess. They may or may not be registered, but must be able to produce milk over a long period of time with good care. Good herds frequently consist of goats having herd averages of 1,500 to 3,000 pounds of milk. The top three dairy goat herds in Florida in 1992 completed DHI 305 day lactation records above 2,100 pounds of milk with the top herd at 2,934 pounds. For those that are interested in getting involved in raising or showing dairy goats, start with two kids (three to five weeks old) so they can get to know you and you can have the enjoyment of watching them grow. It is best that they be of the same sex, preferably does if you plan to expand. If a buck is preferred, have the breeder castrate and dehorn the animal prior to taking it home. Also at this young age, about a quart of milk is needed daily until about 8 weeks of age. At the time of weaning, the doeling should be eating some grain on a daily basis.

The choice of breed is purely a personal one. We recommend visiting a goat dairy or a dairy goat shows prior to making the final decision on breed. Generally, the breed you start with will end up being your preference.

I am very thankful for this educational information, provided by the University of Florida, IFAS extension for the link to the UF/IFAS

Go to:      http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ds134

Shared Topics; Authors : Barnet Harris, Jr., and Frederick Springer²

Levamisole Hydrochloride “swine label”

Here last week or so, I drove to Abilene TX to purchase Levamisole content product for my herd.   John Beckmeyer said he really thought it had dropped there problems in parasite control down to bare minimum.  I bought several bottles and when I got home, to my suprise there was no brakedown from mg to ml per body weight.  So I contacted the Vet. with this email:  CRranch@moment.net

Coni,  I was talking to John Bekemeyer, from CCity,  He said you were the go to gal for a question like mine.
Project; Primary control Heamanous Contorus, and various other parasites
 We are using the FAMACHA charts.  Purchased Levamisole Hydrochoride for swine. 

Durvet product.-Swine Label- Mixes 0.712 oz. powder to 500 ml water, which is for 50 head per /100 lbs.  Now this stuff wants to then mix 2tsp to 1 gal for swine, without delution that is 10ml per head from 500ml bottle.  Of coarse no label for goats. Ivemectin cased out here at 12-15% or so cure ratio. 

My question, should I delute a second time for use as drench for goats or  administer 2-5ml doses or delute partial and increase dose per head.  Honestly 10 ml, that is a lot of product for drench.
I tipped my finger in it and it tastes as bad as others but that is a touch not even a cc  I have 1360 head to do yet.  We are  40-60% pregnant on meat goat side .  Needless to say I have an abundance on hand. 26/$19.00 bottles. We did 10 this morning 2 ways they didn’t like it at all. Seemed strong to me. Will share ill-effect results with you tomorrow or soon.
 Looking for your reply,
 Daniel Truelove
RE: Daniel
I would have to see the label.
Have you called Walco or one of the other supply companies? They have the pkts. of Prohibit( Levamisole) for cattle, and there is a gallon jug with powder in it that is filled to the line on the jug with water, then 4cc per 100lbs oral is given. The jug will worm 300 head of 500lb calves, so it should worm 1200 125 lb goats. In the Valley Vet catalog, it is $179. for this jug.  The smaller pkt is diluted with 17.5 oz of water, with the same dose. The price is $17.49. . I could not find the # of milligrams in the hog product, so would be reluctant to recommend using it until I see the # of milligrams per ml it is supposed to be. I would bet goats won’t drink it if it is mixed by the gallon.
I would recommend you have a bottle of Atropine on hand. The dose is 1cc/100lbs IM if you have a goat react, this is the antidote. Levamisole is a cholinesterase inhibitor, and can be toxic even when dosed correctly. I will tell you that in the past 30 years, I have had only 3 reactions, and two in one day several weeks ago. If the goat is valuable it is more likely to die to spite you. One of my friends lost a really good buck because of not having atropine on hand.
 I mix it in a quart jar for small groups of goats,  and that dose is 4cc/100lbs. I run 1,000 now, but have cut down because of our drought. I will try to be down to 750 by Sept. if we don’t have rain. Feed is high, and we have only had 5” of rain since Sept. of last year.
Do you have flukes up there? I would worm the goats, dry lot for 24-48 hours, and put on fresh pasture.
Valley Vet:  800-468-0059  or www.valleyvet.com. I think they are as competitive as most of the catalogs.
 
Coni Ross
CR Ranch
13285 Ranch Rd 2325
Blanco, Tx 78606
Email: crranch@moment.net
Website: www.crranch.org

Why Meat Goats

Why Meat Goats
                                                                            By Daniel Truelove

This is a question I have heard for years since I got in the goat business. To me there is nothing else.  The world population outside of the United States consumes goat on a daily basis much like we do with beef.  Near 72% of the world population eats goat.  All across the world goat meat is known to be lean, tender and healthy alternative to beef, poultry, pork and lamb. It has less in fat than the previous mentioned meats and actually is quite delicious.  ABGA has prepared a nutritional chart for comparison

http://www.abga.org/nutritional.php

 Do to the Euro-Asian influence into the United States. This is one of the reasons demand has provided an increase in goats. On the Western seaboard as well as North-Eastern regions of the United States.  Lamb and goat are available in restaurants and meat markets much more than the South and Central regions.  Goat meat definitely is becoming more in demand. Where the dairy goat has been established for some time now in North and South America. It too has its qualifications in nutritional benefits and very pleasant taste. Many people in passing express a strong desire and have asked me for milk from goats. This industry is regulated by FDA.  In the last decade there has been a dramatic increase in the goat industry. A contributing factor is the large scale Mohair industry in Australia and New Zealand. This has contributed as well as general progress a technological advancement in disease recognition.  The advancements in artificial insemination and embryo transfers have unleashed new innovative advancement for the goat industry as a whole. This brings us to the introduction of the Boer goat into America.

The United States only produces 1% of the goats in the world market. It is estimated that Asia holds 56.5% of the world population of goats. Africa holds 32.4%.  Now for decades the many various types of goats that had been introduced the United States were small mountain, Spanish, and dairy goats.

Due to the Boer introduction just over five years ago into America. We have noticed that the size has increased and price has doubled and tripled to say the least. My wife Granddad Ollie Cox, brought over a thousand goats into Nolan County back in the early 1920″s.  It was years later sometime after the great depression that the goat value was as much as $15- $20 dollars per head.  Now herds are purchased every day of 200 head and up for a standard price of $120.00-$150.00 per head. This is good quality breeding stock.

Now to answer the question “why goats.”  The front runner in the goat auction market is San Angelo Texas. The price yesterday was $1.43 per pound in 2008.  This is the price on goats at 60-80 pounds. The goats with Boer influence have been recorded and are bred, for rapid growth. Closer than ever before, approx. one pound, per day gain after birth.  I feed a supplement feed at a rate of 14 cents per day, per animal for approx. 100 days.  I also need to mention I provide ample hay for the little ones. They are ready for auction at 70-80 pounds in that time frame. Now for the best part. The goat will birth 6 off-springs in a two year period. 

Many people in the meat goat industry don’t feed at all. Only to maintain herd appearance so to be observed and doctored as needed. Now a captive goat needs 10-11 pounds of hay per day. That is the equivalent to 3.75 pounds per day of feed.  In the winter I feed three round bale of hay per 200 head, per week in the pasture. That is approx. 2250 pounds per 100 head of hay weekly to supplement in harsh winters. They do fine with that. That is a cost of $2.40 per animal per month. Compared to beef which consumes 300 pounds per day per animal of hay and needs huge amounts of protein, mostly fed in cubes.  Cattle prices are up or down but of late, right at 1.00 per pound on hoof.  For the most part every cow will be wintered before bred or sold.

 It is simple, to do the math.  You can actually lease land and make profit on goats.  Wintering an animal is your greatest cost. With winter oats and wheat, if blessed with cultivation, greatly offsets your cost. The goat will do fine in pasture with a little hay during winter.  While we are on the subject it is estimated that you can run four to six goats per acre. With proper crop rotation and or irrigation you’ll find an improvement on that. Where cattle need 10 acres per head in this part of the country.