This document provides 10 things that every goat producer should do, including establishing goals and objectives, building good fences, having a marketing plan, learning to feed goats, enrolling in the mandatory scrapie eradication program, developing a veterinary-client relationship, having a biosecurity plan, keeping good records, educating oneself, and joining a goat association. It discusses each of these topics in detail with recommendations and tips for goat producers.
This document discusses housing requirements for different types of pigs. Good housing helps farmers successfully raise piglets to market weight. Pigs' housing needs change with their growth stages and temperatures must be regulated. Specific housing guidelines are provided for boar pens, gilt/sow pens, farrowing pens, weaner/finishing houses, and outdoor options. Key factors discussed include pen sizes, ventilation, temperature control, and infrastructure for feeding, watering, and waste removal. Proper housing is important to the health and productivity of pig farming.
Nutrition is the foundation of good production in small ruminants like sheep and goats. Nutrient requirements depend on several factors including species, size, age, stage of production, level of production like number of fetuses, and climate. Younger and smaller animals require a more nutrient dense diet compared to mature larger animals. Animals in late gestation and lactation have higher energy and mineral needs. Higher producing animals have greater nutritional demands. Proper nutrition is key to optimal health, growth and productivity of small ruminants.
This document discusses intensive sheep production systems that involve confinement in buildings or dry lots with minimal grazing. Some key aspects covered include using confinement for various stages of production like gestation and lactation. Housing, feeding, breeding, nutrient management, animal welfare, and marketing are major considerations. Intensive systems allow for greater control but also have higher costs. While intensive production may have advantages like reducing parasites and predators, it also has disadvantages such as increased investment, feed costs, and labor needs. Producers must evaluate their goals, resources, and markets to determine if an intensive system makes economic sense for their operation.
This document discusses the design of different types of poultry houses for large and medium-sized poultry farms. It describes two main types of houses: open-sided houses and controlled environment houses. It provides details on construction components like foundations, floors, walls, ventilators and roofs. It also covers principles for house layout including separating administrative areas and keeping younger birds away from disturbances. Proper ventilation, humidity, temperature zones, lighting and orientation are discussed as important design considerations. Diagrams illustrate examples of house layouts and internal features.
The document discusses housing and equipment requirements for dairy cows. It provides guidelines for proper location, design, and construction of dairy barns and sheds. Key considerations include adequate drainage, exposure to sunlight, accessibility, and space per cow. Different housing systems like loose housing and conventional barns are compared. Design features of cow sheds like mangers, alleys, and manure gutters are specified. Separate accommodation for calves, sick cows, and young stock is also recommended.
This document provides information for those considering getting goats. It discusses checking zoning laws and HOA rules, developing facilities and budgets, acquiring goats, and different goat production systems. Key points covered include the need to determine goals for goats, legal and neighbor considerations, ensuring adequate housing, fencing and supplies are in place, and acquiring goats through breeders versus auctions to avoid health risks. Production options like dairy, fiber, meat and vegetation control are overviewed.
This document provides tips for improving lambing and kidding percentages through management, genetics, and selection. It discusses establishing benchmarks for lambing/kidding percentages on your farm and compares typical percentages to benchmarks. The key factors that affect lambing/kidding percentages are fertility, litter size, and survival from birth through weaning and beyond. Management practices, genetics, nutrition, and selection can all be used to improve percentages.
This document discusses housing requirements for different types of pigs. Good housing helps farmers successfully raise piglets to market weight. Pigs' housing needs change with their growth stages and temperatures must be regulated. Specific housing guidelines are provided for boar pens, gilt/sow pens, farrowing pens, weaner/finishing houses, and outdoor options. Key factors discussed include pen sizes, ventilation, temperature control, and infrastructure for feeding, watering, and waste removal. Proper housing is important to the health and productivity of pig farming.
Nutrition is the foundation of good production in small ruminants like sheep and goats. Nutrient requirements depend on several factors including species, size, age, stage of production, level of production like number of fetuses, and climate. Younger and smaller animals require a more nutrient dense diet compared to mature larger animals. Animals in late gestation and lactation have higher energy and mineral needs. Higher producing animals have greater nutritional demands. Proper nutrition is key to optimal health, growth and productivity of small ruminants.
This document discusses intensive sheep production systems that involve confinement in buildings or dry lots with minimal grazing. Some key aspects covered include using confinement for various stages of production like gestation and lactation. Housing, feeding, breeding, nutrient management, animal welfare, and marketing are major considerations. Intensive systems allow for greater control but also have higher costs. While intensive production may have advantages like reducing parasites and predators, it also has disadvantages such as increased investment, feed costs, and labor needs. Producers must evaluate their goals, resources, and markets to determine if an intensive system makes economic sense for their operation.
This document discusses the design of different types of poultry houses for large and medium-sized poultry farms. It describes two main types of houses: open-sided houses and controlled environment houses. It provides details on construction components like foundations, floors, walls, ventilators and roofs. It also covers principles for house layout including separating administrative areas and keeping younger birds away from disturbances. Proper ventilation, humidity, temperature zones, lighting and orientation are discussed as important design considerations. Diagrams illustrate examples of house layouts and internal features.
The document discusses housing and equipment requirements for dairy cows. It provides guidelines for proper location, design, and construction of dairy barns and sheds. Key considerations include adequate drainage, exposure to sunlight, accessibility, and space per cow. Different housing systems like loose housing and conventional barns are compared. Design features of cow sheds like mangers, alleys, and manure gutters are specified. Separate accommodation for calves, sick cows, and young stock is also recommended.
This document provides information for those considering getting goats. It discusses checking zoning laws and HOA rules, developing facilities and budgets, acquiring goats, and different goat production systems. Key points covered include the need to determine goals for goats, legal and neighbor considerations, ensuring adequate housing, fencing and supplies are in place, and acquiring goats through breeders versus auctions to avoid health risks. Production options like dairy, fiber, meat and vegetation control are overviewed.
This document provides tips for improving lambing and kidding percentages through management, genetics, and selection. It discusses establishing benchmarks for lambing/kidding percentages on your farm and compares typical percentages to benchmarks. The key factors that affect lambing/kidding percentages are fertility, litter size, and survival from birth through weaning and beyond. Management practices, genetics, nutrition, and selection can all be used to improve percentages.
In the winter, the temperature goes down and the chickens need to be sheltered from extreme cold. One should provide them with heat lamps, a heated waterer, and a heated feeder. Also, one should make sure that they have enough food and water.
Winter management in poultry is important for both broiler farms and backyard poultry owners.
Dan McFarland, an Agricultural Engineering Extension Educator for Penn State University, presented this material for DAIReXNET on January 14, 2015.
Find more information at http://www.extension.org/pages/15830/archived-dairy-cattle-webinars
Goats are one of the oldest species of domesticated animals. There are nine species generally accepted as true goats with around three hundred breeds. Many small farmers or backyard raisers have found that they can earn from raising goats. Goats provide milk, meat, fibre,and hide which raisers can sell or use for themselves. If you are willing enough to try raising goats, you can start by raising one to two goats. Goat-raising is not easy but if you also willing to learn more about them, you can confidently raise goats either as pets or as livestock. This quick-start guide will give you basic information about goats and goat-raising.
Goats are herbivores. They fall under the genus Capra. What we know as the domestic goat is a subspecies of the family Bovidae. Goats are closely related to the sheep so that both animals will often exhibit similar traits. If you are serious about raising goats, you should start to memorize terms related to this venture. A female goat is called a “nanny” or “doe” and a young female is called a “doeling”. A mother goat is
referred to as a dam. A male goat is called a “buck” or “billy” and those that have been castrated are “wethers”. A goat offspring is called a “kid”.In Middle Eastern and Asian countries, goats are kept for agricultural purposes or sometimes as pets. In the US, goat-raising is finding its way
to become a fast growing industry.
Goat care and management depends on factors like age, health, nutrition, and facilities. Young kids have very different needs than mature goats. Goats are bred for milk, meat, fiber, and other purposes. Worldwide there are over 460 million goats producing milk and meat. Housing can be confinement or pasture systems. Feeding requires energy, protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water. Newborn kids need colostrum. Proper health, breeding, and disease prevention are also important for goat management.
This document discusses feeding strategies for high-yielding dairy cows. It notes that milk is synthesized from nutrients absorbed from the bloodstream. High yielders are defined as cows producing over 20 kg/day or buffaloes over 15 kg/day. Feeding strategies for high yielders include providing extra rations of high-quality roughage and concentrates, gradually increasing concentrates, and maintaining 14% crude protein. Challenge feeding involves increasing concentrates before calving to prepare cows for high milk production. Minerals like calcium, phosphorus and magnesium are also important to meet requirements and prevent issues like milk fever. Buffers help maintain rumen pH for optimal fiber digestion and milk fat levels.
This document provides information on raising sheep and goats as an income opportunity. It discusses the basics of sheep and goat production including their digestive systems, common enterprises like meat and dairy production, and the facilities and equipment needed. It also covers breed selection, describing the major sheep and goat breeds and when purebred versus crossbred animals make sense. The key recommendations are to prepare facilities in advance, start with a small herd and healthy animals, and spend more on a high quality ram or buck.
Blue print and specifications for a broiler poultry shedDeepak Nelagonda
This document provides specifications for constructing a broiler poultry shed for 2500 birds. It outlines dimensions for the length, width, and height of the shed. It recommends an east-west orientation to prevent direct sunlight. Foundations should be concrete below and above ground. Doors should open outside and be 6x2.5 feet. Side walls should be 2-2.5 feet. The roof can be thatched, tiled, or concrete and should have overhang of at least 3.5 feet. Lighting and drinkers should be provided appropriately for the birds. Foot baths with disinfectants are recommended at entrances.
This document provides an overview of basic sheep and goat husbandry for land managers. It discusses the differences between sheep and goats, their reproductive basics, nutrition needs, common health issues and diseases, parasite control, hoof care, and strategies for integrated pest management. Reproductive topics covered include breeding seasons, gestation periods and litter sizes. Common diseases addressed are internal and external parasites, foot rot, coccidiosis and other respiratory and digestive issues.
This document provides an overview of rabbit production. It discusses the types of rabbits used for meat production, their housing and feeding needs, and basic reproduction. Rabbits can provide meat and wool. While not widely consumed in the US, rabbit meat production has benefits as a small-scale livestock option. The document outlines management practices and some common health issues to consider in rabbitry.
Three key factors that determine dairy herd health and productivity are nutrition, cow comfort, and reproduction. Cows must be well-fed, in a comfortable environment, and bred in a timely manner to achieve their production potential. Facilities should provide adequate shade, bedding, and access to fresh water and feed. Good hygiene and biosecurity help prevent disease transmission. The dairy cow's life cycle follows a predictable pattern from birth through lactation, breeding, calving, and culling or drying off. Close management during transition periods around calving impacts health, fertility and longevity.
This document discusses feeding of swine, including their nutrient requirements and different diets. Some key points:
- Pigs have high feed efficiency and are classified as omnivores. About 70-75% of production costs come from feed.
- Nutrient requirements vary by age and function. Creep feed for piglets contains 24% protein while finishing pig diets contain 13% protein.
- Common diets include starter, grower, and finisher. Piglets may get anemia without supplemental iron in the creep feed.
- Breeding pigs are fed lower protein (12%) to avoid fattening. Flushing increases ovulation for higher piglet production.
This document provides guidelines for calf rearing, including colostrum feeding, milk feeding amounts and schedules, housing, and general health management. The key recommendations are to feed colostrum within the first 8 hours, provide 8-10% of birth weight in milk daily for 8 weeks, house calves individually until 1 month old, and clean and disinfect housing and equipment regularly. Basic principles like cleanliness, adequate colostrum and nutrition, and preventing stress are essential to successful calf rearing.
The document provides guidance on rearing calves from birth through weaning. It discusses the importance of colostrum for newborn calves, proper feeding and hydration of calves, and the benefits of teat feeding over bucket feeding. The document also covers managing sickness in calves, introducing solid foods, and weaning calves off milk between 5-12 weeks when they consume at least 650g of concentrate daily. Finally, the document discusses yard weaning calves and training them to prepare them for life in the herd.
Freestall barns provide individual stalls for cows to lie down while allowing freedom of movement. Proper stall design and dimensions are important to maximize cow comfort, productivity and welfare. All effluent is collected and drained from the traffic lanes into an effluent management system. Rectangular barns improve cow traffic flow and lying patterns compared to square designs. Stocking rates must not be exceeded to avoid issues like impaired cow comfort and health.
This document discusses feeding and nutrition for horses. It covers different types of roughage including various hays and pasture grasses as well as concentrates, protein supplements, and minerals that can be included in a horse's diet. The document also addresses calculating nutrient requirements, feed management practices, and factors to consider such as individual needs, dental health, and exercise.
This document discusses the reproductive system and egg production process in poultry. It describes each part of the reproductive tract and its role in either producing eggs or sperm. It then covers the requirements for incubating eggs both naturally with a hen or artificially in an incubator. Key steps in brooding and raising chicks like temperature control and feeding are outlined. The document concludes with descriptions of housing systems and daily routines for managing layer flocks.
This document discusses poultry housing, including different types of houses for different stages of production. It covers brooder houses for young chicks, grower houses for older chicks, layer houses for egg production, and broiler houses for meat birds. The optimal design considers orientation, size, foundations, floors, walls, roofs, ventilation and environmental controls. Well-designed housing is important for bird health and performance.
The document describes beef cattle production systems and beef cattle breeding in the Philippines. It discusses the three main beef production systems: ranching/extensive, feedlot/intensive fattening operation, and backyard operation. It also covers beef cattle breeds, classification, characteristics, reproduction, and indicators of good breeding management. Some popular beef cattle breeds from around the world are also outlined such as Angus, Brahman, Charolais, and Limousin.
This document provides an overview of poultry nutrition and feeding. It discusses the commercial poultry production industry and factors that influence feed costs such as disease control and genetic improvement. It describes the general steps in poultry diet formulation and common feed ingredients such as corn, soybean meal, fish meal, and supplemental vitamins and minerals. The document also outlines the nutritional needs and common diet types for different stages of growth in chickens, turkeys, and laying hens including starter, broiler, growing, and laying diets.
This document provides guidance on 10 things every goat producer should do, including establishing goals and objectives, building good fences, developing a marketing plan, learning to feed goats, enrolling in the mandatory scrapie eradication program, establishing a veterinary-client relationship, having a biosecurity plan, keeping good records, educating yourself, and joining a goat association. It emphasizes the importance of setting goals, building fences capable of containing goats, having a marketing strategy, understanding goat nutrition, complying with scrapie regulations, working with a veterinarian, implementing disease prevention protocols, maintaining accurate records, continuing education, and networking with other producers.
The document provides an overview of considerations for raising sheep, including different breeds and purposes for raising sheep, facilities and equipment needed, health and management practices, and regulations. Key factors that are discussed include deciding the purpose of raising sheep, such as for meat, wool, or dairy; land and fencing requirements; and common challenges like parasites, predators, and profitability. Resources are also provided for those interested in learning more about raising sheep.
In the winter, the temperature goes down and the chickens need to be sheltered from extreme cold. One should provide them with heat lamps, a heated waterer, and a heated feeder. Also, one should make sure that they have enough food and water.
Winter management in poultry is important for both broiler farms and backyard poultry owners.
Dan McFarland, an Agricultural Engineering Extension Educator for Penn State University, presented this material for DAIReXNET on January 14, 2015.
Find more information at http://www.extension.org/pages/15830/archived-dairy-cattle-webinars
Goats are one of the oldest species of domesticated animals. There are nine species generally accepted as true goats with around three hundred breeds. Many small farmers or backyard raisers have found that they can earn from raising goats. Goats provide milk, meat, fibre,and hide which raisers can sell or use for themselves. If you are willing enough to try raising goats, you can start by raising one to two goats. Goat-raising is not easy but if you also willing to learn more about them, you can confidently raise goats either as pets or as livestock. This quick-start guide will give you basic information about goats and goat-raising.
Goats are herbivores. They fall under the genus Capra. What we know as the domestic goat is a subspecies of the family Bovidae. Goats are closely related to the sheep so that both animals will often exhibit similar traits. If you are serious about raising goats, you should start to memorize terms related to this venture. A female goat is called a “nanny” or “doe” and a young female is called a “doeling”. A mother goat is
referred to as a dam. A male goat is called a “buck” or “billy” and those that have been castrated are “wethers”. A goat offspring is called a “kid”.In Middle Eastern and Asian countries, goats are kept for agricultural purposes or sometimes as pets. In the US, goat-raising is finding its way
to become a fast growing industry.
Goat care and management depends on factors like age, health, nutrition, and facilities. Young kids have very different needs than mature goats. Goats are bred for milk, meat, fiber, and other purposes. Worldwide there are over 460 million goats producing milk and meat. Housing can be confinement or pasture systems. Feeding requires energy, protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water. Newborn kids need colostrum. Proper health, breeding, and disease prevention are also important for goat management.
This document discusses feeding strategies for high-yielding dairy cows. It notes that milk is synthesized from nutrients absorbed from the bloodstream. High yielders are defined as cows producing over 20 kg/day or buffaloes over 15 kg/day. Feeding strategies for high yielders include providing extra rations of high-quality roughage and concentrates, gradually increasing concentrates, and maintaining 14% crude protein. Challenge feeding involves increasing concentrates before calving to prepare cows for high milk production. Minerals like calcium, phosphorus and magnesium are also important to meet requirements and prevent issues like milk fever. Buffers help maintain rumen pH for optimal fiber digestion and milk fat levels.
This document provides information on raising sheep and goats as an income opportunity. It discusses the basics of sheep and goat production including their digestive systems, common enterprises like meat and dairy production, and the facilities and equipment needed. It also covers breed selection, describing the major sheep and goat breeds and when purebred versus crossbred animals make sense. The key recommendations are to prepare facilities in advance, start with a small herd and healthy animals, and spend more on a high quality ram or buck.
Blue print and specifications for a broiler poultry shedDeepak Nelagonda
This document provides specifications for constructing a broiler poultry shed for 2500 birds. It outlines dimensions for the length, width, and height of the shed. It recommends an east-west orientation to prevent direct sunlight. Foundations should be concrete below and above ground. Doors should open outside and be 6x2.5 feet. Side walls should be 2-2.5 feet. The roof can be thatched, tiled, or concrete and should have overhang of at least 3.5 feet. Lighting and drinkers should be provided appropriately for the birds. Foot baths with disinfectants are recommended at entrances.
This document provides an overview of basic sheep and goat husbandry for land managers. It discusses the differences between sheep and goats, their reproductive basics, nutrition needs, common health issues and diseases, parasite control, hoof care, and strategies for integrated pest management. Reproductive topics covered include breeding seasons, gestation periods and litter sizes. Common diseases addressed are internal and external parasites, foot rot, coccidiosis and other respiratory and digestive issues.
This document provides an overview of rabbit production. It discusses the types of rabbits used for meat production, their housing and feeding needs, and basic reproduction. Rabbits can provide meat and wool. While not widely consumed in the US, rabbit meat production has benefits as a small-scale livestock option. The document outlines management practices and some common health issues to consider in rabbitry.
Three key factors that determine dairy herd health and productivity are nutrition, cow comfort, and reproduction. Cows must be well-fed, in a comfortable environment, and bred in a timely manner to achieve their production potential. Facilities should provide adequate shade, bedding, and access to fresh water and feed. Good hygiene and biosecurity help prevent disease transmission. The dairy cow's life cycle follows a predictable pattern from birth through lactation, breeding, calving, and culling or drying off. Close management during transition periods around calving impacts health, fertility and longevity.
This document discusses feeding of swine, including their nutrient requirements and different diets. Some key points:
- Pigs have high feed efficiency and are classified as omnivores. About 70-75% of production costs come from feed.
- Nutrient requirements vary by age and function. Creep feed for piglets contains 24% protein while finishing pig diets contain 13% protein.
- Common diets include starter, grower, and finisher. Piglets may get anemia without supplemental iron in the creep feed.
- Breeding pigs are fed lower protein (12%) to avoid fattening. Flushing increases ovulation for higher piglet production.
This document provides guidelines for calf rearing, including colostrum feeding, milk feeding amounts and schedules, housing, and general health management. The key recommendations are to feed colostrum within the first 8 hours, provide 8-10% of birth weight in milk daily for 8 weeks, house calves individually until 1 month old, and clean and disinfect housing and equipment regularly. Basic principles like cleanliness, adequate colostrum and nutrition, and preventing stress are essential to successful calf rearing.
The document provides guidance on rearing calves from birth through weaning. It discusses the importance of colostrum for newborn calves, proper feeding and hydration of calves, and the benefits of teat feeding over bucket feeding. The document also covers managing sickness in calves, introducing solid foods, and weaning calves off milk between 5-12 weeks when they consume at least 650g of concentrate daily. Finally, the document discusses yard weaning calves and training them to prepare them for life in the herd.
Freestall barns provide individual stalls for cows to lie down while allowing freedom of movement. Proper stall design and dimensions are important to maximize cow comfort, productivity and welfare. All effluent is collected and drained from the traffic lanes into an effluent management system. Rectangular barns improve cow traffic flow and lying patterns compared to square designs. Stocking rates must not be exceeded to avoid issues like impaired cow comfort and health.
This document discusses feeding and nutrition for horses. It covers different types of roughage including various hays and pasture grasses as well as concentrates, protein supplements, and minerals that can be included in a horse's diet. The document also addresses calculating nutrient requirements, feed management practices, and factors to consider such as individual needs, dental health, and exercise.
This document discusses the reproductive system and egg production process in poultry. It describes each part of the reproductive tract and its role in either producing eggs or sperm. It then covers the requirements for incubating eggs both naturally with a hen or artificially in an incubator. Key steps in brooding and raising chicks like temperature control and feeding are outlined. The document concludes with descriptions of housing systems and daily routines for managing layer flocks.
This document discusses poultry housing, including different types of houses for different stages of production. It covers brooder houses for young chicks, grower houses for older chicks, layer houses for egg production, and broiler houses for meat birds. The optimal design considers orientation, size, foundations, floors, walls, roofs, ventilation and environmental controls. Well-designed housing is important for bird health and performance.
The document describes beef cattle production systems and beef cattle breeding in the Philippines. It discusses the three main beef production systems: ranching/extensive, feedlot/intensive fattening operation, and backyard operation. It also covers beef cattle breeds, classification, characteristics, reproduction, and indicators of good breeding management. Some popular beef cattle breeds from around the world are also outlined such as Angus, Brahman, Charolais, and Limousin.
This document provides an overview of poultry nutrition and feeding. It discusses the commercial poultry production industry and factors that influence feed costs such as disease control and genetic improvement. It describes the general steps in poultry diet formulation and common feed ingredients such as corn, soybean meal, fish meal, and supplemental vitamins and minerals. The document also outlines the nutritional needs and common diet types for different stages of growth in chickens, turkeys, and laying hens including starter, broiler, growing, and laying diets.
This document provides guidance on 10 things every goat producer should do, including establishing goals and objectives, building good fences, developing a marketing plan, learning to feed goats, enrolling in the mandatory scrapie eradication program, establishing a veterinary-client relationship, having a biosecurity plan, keeping good records, educating yourself, and joining a goat association. It emphasizes the importance of setting goals, building fences capable of containing goats, having a marketing strategy, understanding goat nutrition, complying with scrapie regulations, working with a veterinarian, implementing disease prevention protocols, maintaining accurate records, continuing education, and networking with other producers.
The document provides an overview of considerations for raising sheep, including different breeds and purposes for raising sheep, facilities and equipment needed, health and management practices, and regulations. Key factors that are discussed include deciding the purpose of raising sheep, such as for meat, wool, or dairy; land and fencing requirements; and common challenges like parasites, predators, and profitability. Resources are also provided for those interested in learning more about raising sheep.
This document discusses how animals are viewed and treated under the law. It argues that animals are considered property and commodities rather than clients or individuals. As a result, intensive farming systems prioritize profits over animal welfare, subjecting animals to cruel conditions. While animal welfare laws aim to prevent cruelty, exemptions and industry influence allow practices like overbreeding chickens for meat to continue causing harm. The document calls for challenging speciesism and corporate exploitation through grassroots activism.
Goat farming is an emerging agri-business opportunity in Kenya that can provide income and economic growth. Goats provide meat, milk, fiber and other products to meet the increasing demand for animal protein. Commercial goat farming requires little investment and capital, offers good returns, and is suitable for poverty reduction. Key steps involve selecting suitable land, acquiring quality breeding stock, providing housing, feed, health care and marketing the products. Challenges include disease, lack of knowledge, and low market prices. With proper management practices, goat farming can be a profitable enterprise.
This document contains the schedule and topics for a presentation on five important topics for sheep and goat producers: hoof health, increasing birthing rates, minimizing feed costs, maximizing the potential of orphans, and managing internal parasitism. Each topic includes 3-5 bullet points outlining key information and recommendations. The presentation provides practical advice on maintaining hoof health, improving birthing percentages through genetic and management strategies, balancing rations to reduce feed costs, caring for orphan lambs and kids, and controlling internal parasites.
Goats as Pets.org provides information on keeping a small holding of goats. The site discusses the benefits to the owner such as the supply of milk and meat, and outlines the things to consider when obtaining goat food, appropriate housing and provides more general information on their health and welfare. The site also considers the various goat breeds and which are most suitable for your requirements. The site links to Wendy Hargreaves ebook, ‘Guide To Keeping Goats’, which is available as an electronic download and is suitable for anyone looking for further information on keeping goats.
Shifting the Workload to Your Livestock - Presented by Meg GrzeskiewiczDiegoFooter
Ranching will always be hard work, but it gets much easier when your animals are working for you, instead of the other way around. “Shifting the workload” on your farm requires livestock protocols that are often completely opposite from those of commodity cattle ranching.
This presentation walks my audience through the basics of selecting and breeding, evaluating and culling grass-type beef cattle. The reasons and research behind every recommendation are discussed. All of the strategies I advocate in this presentation have been proven effective on multiple farms I have worked with.
Learn more at permaculturevoices.com.
This presentation offers strategies for making money raising sheep and goats. It was prepared by University of Maryland Extension Sheep & Goat Specialist Susan Schoenian.
Sheep: Sustainable and Organic ProductionGardening
This document summarizes information about sustainable sheep production from the ATTRA publication "Sheep: Sustainable and Organic Production". It discusses selecting suitable sheep breeds, feeding sheep through grazing, and marketing sheep and wool products in a sustainable manner. The full publication provides more detailed information on topics such as health management, facilities, and organic certification.
An Illustrated Guide to Sheep and Goat Production (Hmong language version)Gardening
This document provides an illustrated guide to sheep and goat production. It covers selection of stock, feeding and pasture management, breeding, young stock care, health issues, equipment needs, handling techniques, and marketing options. The guide emphasizes the importance of starting with healthy animals, providing a diverse, high-quality diet and rotational grazing, maintaining animal health, and determining the best market outlets.
1) The US goat meat industry harvested over 800,000 goats in 2009 and imported over 700,000 goat carcasses from Australia. However, the aggregate demand for goat meat in the US is currently unknown.
2) Expanding the domestic goat meat supply could include increasing the number of goat farms and goats per farm, improving reproductive efficiency, and increasing carcass size and quality. However, the high opportunity costs of land present a major constraint.
3) Improving the genetic quality of goat herds through performance testing would help increase supply but is difficult for individual farmers. Overall increases in goat meat production face challenges from high land costs and low rates of return.
This document provides an overview of considerations for starting a meat goat enterprise, including market conditions, costs, fencing, facilities, selection of breeding stock, and breeds. It discusses the increasing demand for goat meat from ethnic groups and outlines key steps in beginning a meat goat operation, such as investigating markets, estimating costs, acquiring quality fencing and shelter, and purchasing healthy starter stock. The document also profiles popular meat goat breeds like Spanish, Boer, Kiko, and Tennessee Meat Goats and their suitability for different production systems.
This document summarizes the state of the goat meat industry in America. It notes that over 800,000 goats were slaughtered domestically in 2009 and an additional 100,000 were killed unreported. Demand for goat meat is currently unknown and supply-driven. Research is underway to better understand demand. Future demand is expected to increase as the ethnic population grows and non-ethnic consumption also rises. Opportunities to increase supply include expanding goat farms and herd sizes, improving reproductive efficiency, and increasing carcass size and quality through genetic selection and nutrition. However, the high cost of land limits profitability for goat farmers.
Gregory S. Archer provides information on starting backyard poultry flocks. The key points are:
1. Careful planning is important, including research on regulations, housing needs, and disease prevention.
2. Sources for birds should be reputable, like university programs or certified hatcheries. Flea markets and newspaper ads are not recommended.
3. New birds should be quarantined from existing flocks for 3 weeks and handled carefully to prevent disease spread.
4. Proper housing, feed, and management are necessary to keep the flock healthy and productive.
Internal Parasite Management in Pasture-Based SheepLaura DeYoung
Internal parasites (GI worms) are the primary health problem affecting sheep. The barber pole worm (Haemonchus contortus) is the worm of primary concern. It is a blood-sucking parasite that causes blood and protein loss (anemia) and edema (“bottle jaw”). Worms have developed resistance to most of the anthelmintics (dewormers). Therefore, it is important to worm only as needed. Bringing sheep onto “virgin land” require careful consideration when managing parasites. Studies have found that they can survive on a site for 180 after sheep leave. Rotational grazing is important, not only to have an intensive controlled “mow”, but in controlling parasites.
Sheep and goats produce many marketable products including meat, fiber, dairy, and vegetation control through grazing. Meat from sheep and goats can be sold through traditional markets like auctions or cooperatives, or through non-traditional direct marketing to consumers. Fiber from sheep and goats can also be sold traditionally through pools or warehouses, or directly to consumers as raw fiber or value-added products. Dairy from sheep and goats has similar regulations to cow dairy but with more limited infrastructure and competition from imports. Sheep and goats can also provide vegetation control services through solar grazing programs.
It is customary to replace 20% of the flock or herd each year through culling and deaths. The most common reasons for culling ewes include age, failure to lamb, teeth problems, and mastitis. Producers should cull animals that have health issues like lost udder function, oversized teats, or chronic infections. When selecting replacement females, producers should evaluate them visually for structural correctness and performance based on traits like weights and mothering ability. Raising replacements allows breeding for important traits, but purchasing replacements allows using a terminal sire. Producers must manage replacement females separately with adequate nutrition to support their growth.
This document discusses the use of livestock guardian animals such as dogs, donkeys, and llamas to protect sheep and goats from predation. It provides statistics on predation losses in the US and Missouri. Livestock guardian dogs are the most commonly used type, with over 30 breeds globally originating from areas with sheep herding traditions. Effectiveness depends on the individual animal and proper management practices like early socialization. While dogs provide the best protection, donkeys and llamas can also work well for smaller farms. The best approach usually involves using one guardian per 100 females and combining animal types based on predator types and farm characteristics.
This document summarizes a webinar on selecting replacement ewes and culling underperforming ewes from the flock. The presenter discusses various criteria for selecting replacement ewes, including individual performance records, pedigree information, estimated breeding values, and visual appraisal. Traits like reproductive soundness, conformation, and health are important to evaluate. The main reasons for culling ewes include age, failure to lamb, udder/mastitis issues, parasites, and other health problems. Culling is necessary to improve the overall productivity and health of the flock over time.
Similar to 10 Things Every Goat Producers Should Do (20)
Feed costs usually account for up to 75% of costs in a small ruminant enterprise. Reproductive efficiency and market prices also greatly impact profitability. To increase profits, producers should focus on reducing expenses like feed costs through strategies like maximizing pasture use, proper hay storage, and mixing their own rations. Producers should also focus on increasing income through higher reproductive rates and selling surplus lambs and kids. Achieving reproductive rates over 150% and weaning rates over 100% kids/ewes are important benchmarks for profitability.
This document discusses health care recommendations for pregnant ewes and does. It outlines common nutritional diseases like pregnancy toxemia and milk fever that can occur in late pregnancy. Risk factors and treatment options are provided. Preventative strategies focus on adequate nutrition, calcium intake, and minimizing stress. Vaccination for clostridial diseases prior to lambing/kidding is also recommended. Proper nutrition during late gestation is important to support fetal growth and development while also preparing for lactation. Balancing rations, monitoring intake, and maintaining hygienic conditions can help pregnant females have successful pregnancies and give birth to healthy offspring.
This document provides information on hoof care for sheep and goats. It discusses the importance of regular hoof inspection and trimming to prevent lameness and disease. Factors like genetics, environment, and diet can affect hoof growth rates. Dairy goats may need trimming every 4 months to prevent overgrowth issues. Proper restraint, tools, and techniques are described for safe trimming. Common hoof diseases like footrot, foot scald, and abscesses are explained. The document provides guidance on quarantine, treatment, and eradication protocols to prevent and eliminate footrot from a flock or herd.
This document provides information on proper deworming methods for small ruminants. It discusses the different classes of dewormers available and lists specific dewormers within each class. It also covers topics like determining dewormer resistance, targeted selective treatment, tools for selective deworming decisions, and combination dewormer treatments. The document emphasizes the importance of following proper dosing and administration techniques to effectively deworm animals while preventing further development of dewormer resistance.
This document discusses goat hoof health and management. It covers the importance of regular hoof inspection and trimming to prevent issues like lameness. Factors that influence hoof growth like genetics, environment and diet are outlined. Common hoof diseases in goats like footrot, foot scald and foot abscesses are described along with their causes and treatments. The document provides guidance on developing a prevention and treatment plan for hoof diseases that includes quarantine of new animals, foot bathing, clean pastures and culling infected animals.
This document discusses strategies for minimizing antibiotic and anthelmintic use in sheep through improved management practices and prevention of common diseases. It recommends rotational grazing, genetic selection, targeted selective treatment, and combination dewormer treatments to control internal parasites. Vaccination, clean housing, and nutrition are emphasized for preventing enterotoxemia, respiratory disease, footrot, abortion, and mastitis. Proper use of antibiotics, vaccines, and dewormers is also discussed when drugs are necessary.
This document discusses strategies for minimizing drug use in small ruminant production. It begins by listing commonly used drugs like dewormers, vaccines, and antibiotics. It then discusses the risks of antibiotic resistance and regulatory changes around antibiotic use. For small ruminant producers, this means many antibiotics now require a prescription. The document provides alternatives to drug use like vaccinations, pasture management, genetic selection, and targeted selective treatment to control parasites. It emphasizes preventative healthcare through good nutrition, housing, and sanitation.
This document discusses bacterial diseases in animals caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum and Dichelobacter nodusus which can have similar symptoms. Pregnancy toxemia is more common. Treatment involves using macrocyclic lactone dewormers like Ivomec or insecticides containing permethrins. The diseases can affect the abomasum and small intestines and may be clinical or sub-clinical.
The document provides guidelines for feeding sheep and goats at different stages of production. It discusses nutrient requirements for maintenance, flushing, gestation, lactation, weaning, and growing lambs and kids. Feeding recommendations are given for different forage types and amounts of grain supplementation. Protein levels are outlined for various classes of animals. The goal is to meet nutritional needs at lowest cost while maintaining body condition.
This document outlines the typical yearly cycle for raising sheep, beginning with breeding season in October and ending when the cycle repeats the following October. Key points include: rams are added in October to breed ewes; lambing occurs in March after a 152-day gestation; newborn lambs are jugged with their mothers and receive care; lambs are weaned at around 90 days old; ewes recover over summer before the breeding season starts again in the fall.
This document provides information on managing internal parasites in small ruminants. It discusses the primary internal parasites affecting sheep and goats, including roundworms, tapeworms, flukes, coccidia, and protozoa. An integrated approach to parasite control is recommended, combining management strategies like grazing management with targeted selective treatment. Key management strategies include developing host immunity, husbandry practices, nutritional management, and genetic selection. Diagnostic tools for targeted treatment include FAMACHA, five point check, and fecal egg counts. Combination dewormer treatments are advised to slow development of anthelmintic resistance.
This document discusses strategies for controlling gastrointestinal parasites like Haemonchus contortus (barber pole worm) in small ruminants. It emphasizes using integrated and targeted approaches like selective deworming based on FAMACHA scores, pasture management, and limiting drug use to reduce anthelmintic resistance. Proper administration and alternating between drug classes is also important for effective control. Sustainable practices involve preventing environmental contamination through various animal health and grazing techniques.
This document provides information on dewormer use and resistance in goats from a presentation at Langston University. It discusses proper drug usage, the different drug families and their modes of action, strategies for deworming, and methods to prevent resistance development like the FAMACHA system. The FAMACHA system allows selective treatment by using eye color charts to identify anemia levels and target only animals with scores of 3-5 that likely need deworming.
The FivePoint Check is a system that extends the FAMACHA eye anemia system to evaluate five criteria for determining if small ruminants need deworming. It examines the eye, jaw, back, tail, and nose to check for anemia, bottle jaw, body condition, scours, and nasal discharge. Considering all five criteria together is important as each sign can have multiple causes. The system was developed by the same scientists as FAMACHA and allows for more selective deworming to slow the development of anthelmintic resistance.
This document discusses strategies for controlling gastrointestinal nematodes in small ruminants while reducing the development of anthelmintic resistance. It covers the biology of Haemonchus contortus and other common worms. Overreliance on anthelmintics has led to widespread resistance. The concept of "smart drenching" and using the FAMACHA system for selective deworming of only infected animals are introduced to preserve drug efficacy and increase the refugia of susceptible worms. Proper dosing, administration, and management can maximize the benefits of integrated parasite control programs.
This document discusses economical parasite control for sheep and goats. It outlines that gastrointestinal parasites are a primary health problem, and that worms have developed resistance to dewormers. It recommends targeted selective treatment to only deworm animals showing signs of need, which reduces costs and slows resistance. Methods for determining which animals need treatment include the FAMACHA eye anemia system, Five Point Check, and monitoring performance. Non-drug control methods include pasture management, nutrition, genetics, and confinement.
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10 Things Every Goat Producers Should Do
1. THINGS
THAT EVERY GOAT PRODUCER SHOULD DO
SUSAN SCHOENIAN
Sheep & Goat Specialist
University of Maryland Extension
sschoen@umd.edu
www.sheepandgoat.com
www.wormx.info
2. 10 THINGS EVERY GOAT PRODUCER
SHOULD DO
1. Establish goals and objectives
2. Build good fence
3. Have a marketing plan
4. Learn to feed goats
5. Enroll in the mandatory scrapie eradication program
6. Develop a veterinary-client-relationship
7. Have a biosecurity plan
8. Keep good records
9. Educate yourself
10. Join a goat association
3. D E T E R M I N E Y O U R G O A L S A N D O B J E C T I V E S
4. THERE ARE MANY REASONS TO RAISE GOATS.
WHY ARE YOU?
Reason(s) $$$
COMMERCIAL
(meat, dairy, fiber)
FOR PROFIT
Land management For profit or not
Hobby Not-for-profit
4-H/FFA project Seldom for profit
Pets and companions for other
5. GOATS PRODUCE MANY PRODUCTS.
WHICH ONE(S) DO YOU (PLAN TO) PRODUCE?
• Meat
• Dairy
• Fiber
• Grazing
• Skins
• Show
• Packing/hikin
g
• Agro-tourism
• Biotech
• Pets
• Other (?)
6. SETTING GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
• Establish your reason(s) for raising
goats.
• Your goals and objectives will affect
every decision you make regarding
your goat enterprise: breeds,
facilities, labor, nutrition,
reproduction, and marketing.
• A mission statement is important
part of a business plan.
• It says what the business does and
what your values are.
Sample Mission Statement
Antietam Goat Farm is going to produce and sell
performance-tested Kiko goats to the commercial
meat goat industry in the Mid-Atlantic states. We
will specifically focus on developing genetics that are
more resistant to gastro-intestinal parasites. Our goal
is to supplement our retirement income and build a
social network with other performance-oriented goat
producers.
7. WHAT MAKES YOU A COMMERCIAL
GOAT PRODUCER?
• Meet your county’s definition of a farm
• Do a business plan
• File a schedule F with your taxes
– 2 out of 5 years tax rule
– 9 factors that determine profit motive
• Operate your goat enterprise like a
business; decision-making on the basis of
economics, e.g. least cost feeding,
performance evaluation.
• There’s nothing wrong with raising goats
as a hobby.
9. “IF IT WON’T HOLD WATER,
IT WON’T HOLD GOATS!”
“GOOD FENCES MAKE GOOD NEIGHBORS.”
10. YOU NEED TO BUILD GOOD FENCES TO
PROTECT AND CONTAIN YOUR GOATS.
• Goats are clever, athletic, and smart.
• Fences that contain other livestock won’t
necessarily contain goats.
• More strands of electric wire are needed,
wires must be spaced closer, gates cannot
have wide gaps, and there cannot be gaps
under fences.
• Goats are more likely to crawl under than
jump over a fence; you need to get rid of
crawlers and jumpers!
• You also need to protect goats from
predators; predators dig under or go
through openings or gaps in fence.
11. FENCING OPTIONS FOR GOATS
PERIMETER OR BOUNDARY FENCES
• Woven wire (field fence) provides a physical
barrier whereas high tensile electric is more
of a psychological barrier.
– Animals should be trained to electric.
– Goats can sense when electric is off.
– You may need a physical barrier during rut.
• HT electric is more economical to build than
woven wire, but you need to keep fence
lines clean (labor).
• 10-12 strands of tightly strung barbed wire
can effectively keep goats in and predators
out, but there is some risk of injury.
36 to 48 inch high fences generally recommended
(need varies by breed).
12. PERIMETER FENCES FOR GOATS
WOVEN
• Smaller openings (2x4, 2x6, 4x4) are better for
predator control, keeping goats from getting
their heads stuck, and keeping kids from
getting out.
• Larger openings (6x12, 6x24) help goats get
horns out, but are less effective at deterring
predators, and keeping kids in.
• An electric off set wire will keep goats away
from fence (prolongs life of fence, too).
• Electric wire on top will prevent fence jumping.
• Fence can also be topped with several strands
of barbed wire.
HIGH TENSILE ELECTRIC
• 12.5 gauge, smooth, HT wire
• 4-6 wires, spaced closer at bottom than top
(example spacing: 6-6-6-6-8-10).
• Less wires for interior fences (?)
• Electrify all wires except under very dry,
frozen, or sandy conditions.
• At least 4000 to 5000 volts on fence.
• Keys: strong corners + proper grounding
• Can rejuvenate or “goat-proof” existing
fences by adding electric wires.
14. THE UNMET DEMAND FOR GOAT MEAT
IN THE UNITED STATES
• There is a strong demand for goat meat
in the United States.
– Shift in demographics towards more
Hispanics, Asians, and Muslims.
– Increase in foreign born population
13.5% of population in 2015
• The US only produces about half of the
goat meat consumed domestically.
• The other half is imported, mostly from
Australia, and mostly from feral goats.
15. WHO ARE YOUR CONSUMERS?
• Goat meat is
consumed almost
entirely by ethnic
markets.
• The ethnic market is a
generic term. It is
composed of many
different sub-groups,
each with different
preferences as to the
type of goat they
want, how, and when.
• While lamb is more
the meat of religion,
the demand for goat
is also affected by
holidays. Source: www.sheepandgoat.com
16. HOW ARE YOU GOING TO SELL YOUR MEAT GOATS?
THERE ARE PROS AND CONS TO DIFFERENT OPTIONS AND NOT ALL OPTIONS ARE AVAIL ABLE EVERYWHERE.
Product Inspection Options
Live animal None
Cash and carry
Facilitate slaughter of animal for customer
Allow on-farm slaughter of animal (if legal in your state)
Broker/dealer and other middlemen (feeder, direct
marketer)
Live markets
Public auctions: local, terminal, special sales
Marketing alliances (transportation pools, co-ops)
Abattoir (slaughter house)
Carcass
Custom
State
Federal
Consumer (freezer trade)
Retail establishment (butcher shop, store, or restaurant)
Meat
State
Federal
Personal consumption
Direct to consumer via
Farm sale or store
Farmer’s market
Internet sale
CSA
17. ALWAYS KNOW WHAT YOUR GOATS
ARE WORTH.
New Holland, PA (per head) San Angelo, TX (per pound)
18. MARKETING OTHER GOAT PRODUCTS
DAIRY
• About 10% of US goat operations focus on
dairy; majority for personal consumption.
• There is a slow, steady growth of goat milk
and cheese consumption in US.
• More than 50% of goat milk cheese
consumed in US is imported, mostly from
France.
• Most dairy goat producers rely on direct
market sales.
• Dairy regulations, including raw milk
regulations vary by state.
• Dairy usually requires a significant
investment.
FIBER
• The Angora industry has been in a
state of decline since subsidies ended
in 1995.
• Currently 152,000 Angora goats in US
5.7 lb. clip x $4.65 =$26.51 per head
• Largely a niche market.
• Other fibers (cashmere, cashgora,
pygora) are also very specialized
markets.
20. FEED COSTS ARE THE SINGLE LARGEST
COST ASSOCIATED WITH RAISING GOATS.
NUTRITION IS THE CORNERSTONE OF GOOD PRODUCTION.
• What it costs to maintain a doe and grow out kids varies by farm and geographic area.
• There is no “one size fits all” feeding or grazing program for goats.
• Pasture, browse, and range are often the most economical source of nutrients for goat, but not
always.
• Farms and geographic areas vary in the type and cost of feed they have available to them.
• The most economical feeding program will be the one that maximizes your resources, meets the
nutritional needs of your goats, and delivers nutrients at the most economical cost.
21. TIPS FOR FEEDING GOATS
• Do a feed budget.
• Maximize your forage (pasture,
browse, range) resource.
• If necessary, supplement forage diet to
meet nutritional requirements and/or
production goals; supplement most
limiting nutrient.
• Price feedstuffs by weight.
• Learn what feedstuffs are available in
your area and learn how to compare
costs of feedstuffs based on nutrient
costs.
• Feed by weight.
22. TIPS FOR FEEDING GOATS
• Learn to balance simple rations: various
tools available.
• Have forages analyzed for nutritive
value.
• Can have feces analyzed to determine
quality of diet being consumed by goats.
• Regularly body condition score goats to
assess nutrition (and health) of goats.
• Can do liver biopsies to determine
mineral status of animals.
23. E N R O L L I N T H E M A N D ATO R Y
S C R A P I E E R A D I C AT I O N P R O G R A M
24. SCRAPIE
• Scrapie is a degenerative disease
that affects the central nervous
system of sheep and goats.
• It is among a family of diseases
classified as transmissible
spongiform encephalopathies
(TSEs); same family as mad cow
disease and chronic wasting
disease (in deer and elk).
• There is no treatment or cure;
scrapie is always fatal.
25. SCRAPIE
• Scrapie is transmitted primarily at
birth, through birth fluids,
colostrum, and milk.
• Signs of the disease usually appear
until 2-5 years after infection (or
later).
• Genetics determines susceptibility
to scrapie (if exposed to infective
agent, believed to be a prion).
– 30% of US sheep are believed susceptible
– 100% of US goats (still doing research to
identify resistant genotypes)
26. SCRAPIE WAS INTRODUCED TO US IN 1947 VIA SHEEP FROM CANADA.
SCRAPIE ERADICATION
• In 2001, USDA initiated an accelerated
program to eradicate scrapie from USA
(primarily mandatory ID, slaughter
surveillance)
• The goal is to eradicate “classical” scrapie
from US and meet the World Organization for
Animal Health (OIE) criteria for disease
freedom.
• Since 2003, there has been a 99% decrease in
scrapie incidence in sheep and goats.
As of June 1, 2016
0.001% prevalence in cull sheep
0.002% prevalence in cull goats
27. MANDATORY SCRAPIE IDENTIFICATION
• All goats are required to be identified
when they move into commerce: change
ownership, or leave farm of birth.
• Exceptions: low risk goats, goats in
slaughter channels, and castrated goats.
• Exceptions vary by state.
• Can check your state’s requirements at
http://www.eradicatescrapie.org/ [click on State ID
requirements]
28. OFFICIAL IDENTIFICATION DEVICES
1. Ear tags
2. Transponders (electronic ID)
3. Tattoos
• ALL ID MUST BE APPROVED BY USDA APHIS.
• USDA provides official tags FREE of charge.
Call 1-866-USDA-TAG (1-866-873-2824)
Call to be connected to your USDA Veterinary Services Office or state
veterinarian and request a premise ID number. Request free tags (enough for
one year) or contact an approved tag company to purchase the tags or
devices of your preference.
29. IDENTIFYING GOATS AND KEEPING RECORDS
• Goats don’t need to be identified until
they leave premises
• Do not buy goats that do not carry
official ID.
• Do not remove scrapie tags.
• Do not sell or give tags to another
person.
• Unused tags should be destroyed or
returned to USDA APHIS
• Keep records for 5 years: ID, breed, sex,
dates, and ownership.
30. THE LAST CASES OF SCRAPIE WILL BE THE HARDEST TO FIND.
WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO?
• Report scrapie-suspect animals to your
veterinarian and/or animal health authority.
• Submit heads for testing (from animals over
18 months of age), particularly if you market
animals through non-traditional channels
(non USDA inspected plants).
• There is also a voluntary certification program
that qualifies “scrapie-free” flocks and herds
for export.
31. E S TA B L I S H A V E T E R I N A R I A N - C L I E N T R E L AT I O N S H I P
32. WHY DO YOU NEED A VETERINARIAN?
BECAUSE OF EXTRA LABEL DRUG USE
• Few drugs and dewormers are FDA-approved
for goats.
• Extra-label drug use is usually required to
keep goats healthy and productive.
• Use of any drug that is not consistent with its
labeled use requires extra label drug use
(ELDU).
– Only licensed veterinarians can use or
prescribe drugs in an extra-label manner.
– Some drugs can only be obtained from a vet,
including water soluble antibiotics such as Di-
Methox®) which recently transitioned from
OTC to Rx (2017 VFD). None of these commonly-used products is labeled for goats.
33. WHY ELSE DO YOU NEED A VETERINARIAN?
BECAUSE THEY KNOW STUFF YOU DON’T
AND CAN DO STUFF YOU CAN’T
• Access to their knowledge and skills.
– Comprehensive veterinary education
– Knowledge of pharmacology (drugs),
including proper dosages and withdrawal
periods.
– Some treatments, obstetrics, post-mortem
• Diagnostic testing
• Better access to other veterinary experts
34. HOW DO YOU FIND A VETERINARIAN
• Ask other goat and livestock producers
in your area.
• Visit large animal clinics in your area.
• Search American Association for Small
Ruminant Practitioners web site at to
find a member in your area.
– www.aasrp.org
• Remember: neither Dr. Google or your
friends on Facebook are veterinarians;
they do not replace sound veterinary
advice.
35. DEVELOP A VETERINARY-CLIENT-
PATIENT RELATIONSHIP (VCPR)
• The VCPR Is the basis for interaction among veterinarians, their
clients, and their patients.
• A VCPR is present when the following requirements are met:
1. The veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making clinical judgments
regarding the health of the patient and the client has agreed to follow the
veterinarians' instructions.
2. The veterinarian has sufficient knowledge of the patient to initiate at least a
general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the patient. This
means that the veterinarian is personally acquainted with the keeping and care
of the patient by virtue of a timely examination of the patient by the
veterinarian, or medically appropriate and timely visits by the veterinarian to
the operation where the patient is managed.
3. The veterinarian is readily available for follow-up evaluation or has arranged for
the following: veterinary emergency coverage, and continuing care and
treatment.
4. The veterinarian provides oversight of treatment, compliance, and outcome.
5. Patient records are maintained.
Source: American Veterinary Medical Association
36. TIPS FOR WORKING WITH A
VETERINARIAN
• Set up appointment for an initial visit.
Share particulars of your operation.
• “Educate” your veterinarian if he/she is
inexperienced with small ruminants.
• Call your veterinarian in a timely fashion,
not when it’s too late to save an animal.
• Follow your veterinarian’s instructions. Let
him/her know about results of treatment.
• Form a animal health “partnership.”
• Read https://attra.ncat.org/attra-
pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=497
38. HAVE A BIOSECURITY PLAN
• Biosecurity is a series of management practices designed to prevent the introduction,
delivery, and spread of disease pathogens that can harm or adversely affect livestock,
crops, environments, and people. These practices may also help eliminate or control
diseases already existing on the premises. It is recommended that you have a written
biosecurity plan.
39. ONE WAY TO REDUCE BIOSECURITY RISK
IS TO MAINTAIN A CLOSED HERD.
0
20
40
60
last 12 months 1-2 years 3-9 years
22
41
55
% Goat Farms That Introduced New Animals
• Adding new animals from outside of the
herd is one of the best ways to improve
stock and bring in new bloodlines.
• Limiting introductions to new bucks, as
most genetic improvement comes though
the males.
• Use artificial insemination (AI) to reduce
disease risk.
• Showing and/or exhibition is a biosecurity
risk.Source: NAHMS, 2010
40. GOATS PURCHASED AT SALE BARNS ARE A
HIGH RISK FOR DISEASE TRANSMISSION.
• 23.5% of goat farms that added adult goats to their herds purchased them at an auction markets.
Source: NAHMS, 2010
41. REDUCE DISEASE RISK BY
QUARANTINING NEW ANIMALS.
Always
quarantine
d
49%
Did not
quarantine
51%
• A minimum of 30 days is
recommended.
• Average was 21 days.
• Quarantined animals
should not have fence
line contact with other
animals.
• They should be fed last.
Source: NAHMS, 2010
42. VARIOUS HEALTH MANAGEMENT PRACTICES CAN
MINIMIZE RISK OF DISEASE TRANSMISSION.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
Any practice
Inspect for abscesses
Internal parasite Tx
Any vaccinations
Foot trimming
External parasite Tx
Disease testing
Require vet inspection
Medicated foot bath
Other
82%
66%
66%
45%
45%
31%
12%
9%
9%
8% % farms implementing health
practices on new animals
Source: NAHMS, 2010
44. WHY KEEP RECORDS?
• Improve herd performance by identifying
superior producers.
• To help you price your products.
• Use as a forward planning tool.
• Taxes
• Insurance
• Requirement for mandatory scrapie program.
• Required for organic and other certifications.
• To apply for a loan
• To apply for government
programs/assistance
47. LEARN AS MUCH ABOUT GOATS AND
RELATED TOPICS AS YOU CAN.
48. VISIT YOUR LOCAL COUNTY
EXTENSION OFFICE
• Cooperative Extension is unbiased and research-based.
• There are Cooperative Extension offices in most counties and
cities in the US.
• Some extension programs are cluster (multi-county) based.
• There may be a livestock educator that covers multiple counties.
• There may be a livestock or small ruminant team that covers the
state.
• 4-H extension educators can also be good sources of information
and support.
• Some states have state goat (and sheep) specialists.
• If your local extension office does not have small ruminant
expertise (or interest), he/she should be able to refer you to
someone who does.
49. VISIT OTHER GOAT FARMS
• Get a “feel” for raising
goats
• See how other farms do
things
• Ask where they get things
• Ask if they have a good
veterinarian (who?)
• Ask them what they would
do differently
51. FIND INFORMATION ON THE WEB
1. Oklahoma Basic Meat Goat Manual
http://agecon.okstate.edu/meatgoat/manual.asp
2. American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control (ACSRPC)
www.wormx.info – www.acsrpc.org
3. Goats @ eXtension
http://articles.extension.org/goat
4. American Goat Federation (AGF)
www.americangoatfederation.org
5. International Goat Association (IGA)
http://www.iga-goatworld.com/
6. Maryland Small Ruminant Page
www.sheepandgoat.com
52. HAVE SOME GOOD REFERENCES ON HAND
• Goat Medicine 2nd Edition (2009)
Mary Smith and David Sherman
• Goat Science and Production (2010)
Sandra G. Solaiman
http://anatomiayplastinacion.wikispaces.com/file/view/Goat+and+science....pdf
• Meat Goat and Dairy Goat Production Handbooks
Langston University
• Nutrient Requirements of Small Ruminants (2007)
National Academies Press
• Goat Resource Handbook (2008)
Ohio State University (4-H)
• Raising Goats for Meat and Milk (2008)
Heifer Project International
https://meatgoats.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Rosalee-
Sinn.pdf?fwd=no
53. BEWARE OF SOCIAL MEDIA/INTERNET
• Social media is being used increasingly
as an information source.
• There are many Facebook groups and
blogs dedicated to goat production.
• Social media can be a great place to
buy/sell animals, equipment, feed etc.
• Facebook is a great place to share ideas
and interact with other goat
enthusiasts.
• Facebook is not always the best place
to get information about raising goats.
– Misinformation spreads rapidly.
– Always consider source and bias of all
information on internet. https://www.facebook.com/agfgoat/
55. GET INVOLVED: JOIN YOUR LOCAL, COUNTY,
STATE OR REGIONAL ASSOCIATION
• Network with other
producers.
• Learn from each other.
• Find sources for feed,
supplies, equipment, and
veterinary expertise.
• Promote goats and their
products.
• Participate in programs and
activities.
• Make friends.
56. BREED ASSOCIATIONS AND REGISTRIES
• There are many
breed
registries.
• Besides
registering
animals, breed
registries often
hold shows,
sales, and
conferences
and provide
other services
to their
members.
57. Join your national association
American Goat Federation (AGF)
• The American Goat Federation was organized in 2010 to
represent the interest of all organizations and producers
engaged in the sustainable production and marketing
of goat milk, meat, fiber, pack, and grazing services
across the United States.
• The goal of AGF if to unify, improve, and advance the
American goat industry by providing input to agencies
on public policy and research, and providing
information and education to producers to achieve
maximum success.
• Anyone who is involved with the goat industry is
encouraged to join.
• Individual memberships are $30 per year. www.americangoatfederation.o
rg
58. 10 THINGS EVERY GOAT PRODUCER
SHOULD DO
1. Establish goals and objectives
2. Build good fence
3. Have a marketing plan
4. Learn to feed goats
5. Enroll in the mandatory scrapie eradication program
6. Develop a veterinary-client-relationship
7. Have a biosecurity plan
8. Keep good records
9. Educate yourself
10. Join a goat association
59. SUSAN SCHOENIAN
Sheep & Goat Specialist
University of Maryland Extension
sschoen@umd.edu
www.sheepandgoat.com
www.wormxinf
Can view/download
PowerPoint presentation at
whttps://www.slideshare.net/s
choenian/10-things-every-
goat-producers-should-do