information on raising healthy goats
How Many Goats to Buy
Our most asked question from year to year is how many goats should I start with? Here is my recommendation based off experience; buy 3 goats to start your herd.
Advantages to owning 3 goats versus 2:
Advantages to owning 3 goats versus 2:
- If one goat dies the other still has a partner
- Three bodies will keep them warmer in cold months
- They often interact and play more because they are a herd
- Goats are generally happier because they seek to be in a group (herd)
- The more the merrier! Goats are addicting and fun to own so what's one more to love
- More hay/grain consumption
- More sleeping/pen space
Horns or Disbud
Like with everything there are always pros and cons. Our farm disbuds all goats born because we sell to 4H exhibitors, we show, and horns are a safety issue. If you raise registered dairy goats and want to show them you will be disqualified from the show ring. In the ADGA guidebook it states all horned animals will be excused from the show ring. Horns are a safety issue in themselves and towards others. Horns can get caught in fencing, feeders collars and can penetrate a goat or human body part. Dairy goat horns are more pointed at the end, usually grow straight up in the air and then curve outwards. Boer goats (a meat breed) are known for leaving their horns because they are more rounded and grow backwards compared to the dairy horns. Horns can unintentional harm humans or other goats. Goats naturally headbutt, when they play the horns can go through skin or get tangled in a leg. Horns are made of keratin just like human nails except they are much stronger. There is no blood supply farther up the horn. The wick is at the base of their head so removing that at a young age is safer and easier. The disbudding process is done around 5 days of age up to 14 days old. Buck kids are disbudded around 5 to 7 days old because their horn nubs grow from the sinus cavity as a result are normally expressed at birth. Doe kids horn nubs grow from the top of their skull so it takes longer for horn growth to express. Disbudding takes at most 15 seconds per head because the iron heats to 1000 degrees. After they are disbudded, I spray with a burn relief spray with lidocaine then hold ice on the head for a couple minutes. Disbudding at a young age is faster and safer in my experience. All babies after being disbudded act like nothing was done and go back to playing. If you ever decide to purchase a goat with horns and want to remove them later this is the process they go through. Dehorning is a surgical procedure performed under anesthesia. Most ruminant species do not do well under anesthesia and end up dying. To remove horns, the veterinarian will wait until the goat is a couple months old and will cut open the skull all around the horn base then cuts into the sinus cavity. The horns and blood supply will be removed. After the procedure the veterinarian will leave the holes open to heal because they can not be stitched close. The goat will be in more pain after the procedure and will be proscribed pain medicine along with antibiotics. To give you a comparison, a baby goat who is disbudded will have a scab the size of a dime up to a nickel in diameter while the dehorning process leaves holes the size of a silver dollar coin. In the long run I would disbud all goats for their safety and yours.
Like with everything there are always pros and cons. Our farm disbuds all goats born because we sell to 4H exhibitors, we show, and horns are a safety issue. If you raise registered dairy goats and want to show them you will be disqualified from the show ring. In the ADGA guidebook it states all horned animals will be excused from the show ring. Horns are a safety issue in themselves and towards others. Horns can get caught in fencing, feeders collars and can penetrate a goat or human body part. Dairy goat horns are more pointed at the end, usually grow straight up in the air and then curve outwards. Boer goats (a meat breed) are known for leaving their horns because they are more rounded and grow backwards compared to the dairy horns. Horns can unintentional harm humans or other goats. Goats naturally headbutt, when they play the horns can go through skin or get tangled in a leg. Horns are made of keratin just like human nails except they are much stronger. There is no blood supply farther up the horn. The wick is at the base of their head so removing that at a young age is safer and easier. The disbudding process is done around 5 days of age up to 14 days old. Buck kids are disbudded around 5 to 7 days old because their horn nubs grow from the sinus cavity as a result are normally expressed at birth. Doe kids horn nubs grow from the top of their skull so it takes longer for horn growth to express. Disbudding takes at most 15 seconds per head because the iron heats to 1000 degrees. After they are disbudded, I spray with a burn relief spray with lidocaine then hold ice on the head for a couple minutes. Disbudding at a young age is faster and safer in my experience. All babies after being disbudded act like nothing was done and go back to playing. If you ever decide to purchase a goat with horns and want to remove them later this is the process they go through. Dehorning is a surgical procedure performed under anesthesia. Most ruminant species do not do well under anesthesia and end up dying. To remove horns, the veterinarian will wait until the goat is a couple months old and will cut open the skull all around the horn base then cuts into the sinus cavity. The horns and blood supply will be removed. After the procedure the veterinarian will leave the holes open to heal because they can not be stitched close. The goat will be in more pain after the procedure and will be proscribed pain medicine along with antibiotics. To give you a comparison, a baby goat who is disbudded will have a scab the size of a dime up to a nickel in diameter while the dehorning process leaves holes the size of a silver dollar coin. In the long run I would disbud all goats for their safety and yours.
Hay
- Orchard Grass- depending on what kind of grass hay you get protein can vary and nutrition can very. Protein can range from 7-14%
- Alfalfa- a high-fiber legume hay. It has the same long-strand fiber found in grass hays, only it has more protein, energy and calcium. 16% Protein
- Clover- Clover hays are similar to alfalfa because they are legumes. Clover hay is usually mixed with grass hays. There are five kinds of clover hay: red, common white, crimson, alsike, and landino. White and landino clovers are usually grown for pasture. The other three contain 14 to 16% protein
- Teff- Teff is an Egyption grass, low sugar, low carb and palatable. Protein ranges 14 to 18%
- Timothy- a good source of copper and zinc. It has a good balance of protein and energy. 10% Protein
- I do not recommend alfalfa hay for wethers or bucks since this hay is high in calcium. If over fed without balancing the diet with phosphorus their is a higher chance of a build up of stones. Stones can become impacted in the urethra track. It is very difficult to pass stones.
- I do not recommend timothy hay as it is very stemmy. Most goats waste more than they consume.
Loose Minerals
Baking Soda
Grain
Kids begin to eat grain at 2 weeks old. Start with a little handful and gradually increase.
The following grain amounts should be given 2x a day
Kids (4 Weeks Old)- About 1/4 cup
Kids (6-8 Weeks Old)- About 1/4 to 1/2 cup
Kids (12-16 Weeks Old)- About 1/2 cup
Kids (5 Months)- About 3/4th cup
Kids (8-12Months)- About 3/4th to 1 cup
Wethers (12-16 Months)- 1 cup
Wethers (16+ Months) Stop grain depending on body condition. ND wethers should weigh about 50 pounds at 1 years old. They should mature to 60-70 pounds depending on body structure.
**These are approximate feed amounts and should be given according to the goats body structure and growth rate**
The following should be broken into 2 feedings.
Doe Kids (12-16 Months)- No more than 2 cups
Yearling Milkers (18+ Months) Start with 1/2 a pound depending on body structure and litter size. Gradually increase to accommodate milk production and maintain body condition
Aged Milkers (2nd Fresheners+)- 1 Pound per 3 pounds of milk produced
*Give Grain amount based on Body Score Condition*
Healthy Kinds of Treats and Supplements for Goats
Poisonous Plants & Food
http://poisonousplants.ansci.cornell.edu/goatlist.html
https://www.fiascofarm.com/goats/poisonousplants.htm
How to Trim Hoofs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ya17IujktZM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3V1QLYC_rs (Need to trim heels more on this video)
We recommend trimming hooves monthly. If you trim the hooves regularly the chances of hoof rot are low. By trimming on a monthly bases you have the opportunity to evaluate the health condition of your goats more closely. Also with proper trimming their legs and tendons stay stronger well into old age.
Kind Of Trimmers to Use
https://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=30e076a8-7b6a-11d5-a192-00b0d0204ae5
https://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=c7fe0e56-75c5-4a6d-b53b-737fbeefb67e
https://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=f14c6b4e-50e9-4ec4-831e-27d28f18847d
*You can purchase these on different sites such as Amazon, TSC, Rural King, JeffersPet, etc*
Diseases to Test For
Reliable Labs
http://johnes.org/testserv/index.html#submissions
http://www.biotracking.com/Lab%20files/BioTSubForms/CAE-OPPSubmissionForm032315.pdf
https://sageaglab.com/content/goat-testing?gclid=Cj0KCQiAhMOMBhDhARIsAPVml-FrzbcvMHspCCyyiWqn4hwZV2qUtBw-cbgSm81G3uKMFRH8DG3NpxIaAsmgEALw_wcB
Yearly Vaccines
Dewormers
DO NOT give pour on dewormers ORALLY as they are petroleum based
Do a fecal before treating.
***BSM Goat Farm deworms our herd 2x a year. One time in March/April then again in September/October as a preventative. We rotate dewormers to prevent parasite resistance.***
Basic Starter Kit For New Goat Owners
Storage container for grain
Mineral Container
Grain Bowl
Hay Rack
Hoof Trimmers
Poly Rope Sheep Halter
Collar
Pitchfork
Shovel
Wheelbarrow
Straw/Woodshavings
Hay
Grain
Loose Goat Minerals
Baking Soda
Probios Bovine Tube (Live Microorganisms to aid in gut movement)
Containers for Storage/Water Bowls/Mineral Container
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/fortiflex-flat-back-bucket-5-gal-capacity?cm_vc=-10005 (5 Gallon Water Bucket)
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/fortiflex-flat-back-bucket-2-gal-capacity?cm_vc=-10005
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/fortiflex-sf-6-small-feeder-5-qt-capacity?cm_vc=-10005 (Grain Bowl)
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/fortiflex-mf-2-mineral-feeder-2x175-qt-capacity-black?cm_vc=-10005 (Mineral/Baking Soda)
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/bergan-stack-n-stor-65-lb-capacity?cm_vc=-10005 (Grain Storage Container)
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/rubbermaid-brute-container?cm_vc=-10005 (Grain Storage Container)
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/317785317441425100/ (DIY Mineral Container)
Delivery Kit Supplies
Gloves
Scissors
Durvet Triodine 7 (Iodine should be a strong solution) (Used to dip naval cord)
Paper Towels
Disinfecting Wipes or Baby Wipes
Lubricating Jelly
Puppy Pads
Manna Pro Molasses Treats (Handful a day)(Energy)
Gatorade or Powerade (Energy while delivering)
Baking Molasses (Energy drink)
Old Towels
Baby Nose Aspirator
Camera
Pop Bottle (Bottle Feeding)
Producer Pride Nipples (Bottle Feeding)
Dropper (Aids in giving colostrum to newborns)
Milking Supplies
Machines- They must pulsate to prevent udder damage. Constant suction can damage the udder internally and externally.
American Dairy Goat Association Website
http://adga.org/
How to get Started with Milk Test
Most important thing to know first
***You DO NOT have to own registered goats to participate***
Find a company to participate in milk testing. I use DHI CoOperative in Columbus, Ohio
Contact a representative to sign up.
Milk testing is very simple. I am on Standard Test. Once every month I have a tester weigh each individual goat's milk output in the am and pm milking. That will be recorded on the Barn Sheet provided to you through a representative. You collect a vial full of milk, label with the cow index, put herd code on 1 vial, and cows name. The milk vials will be shipped out to the DHI lab to be tested. We test Somatic Cell Count, Butterfat % and Protein %.
You need to purchase a scale that can zero out. The scale must be approved by a representative.
There are benefits if you have registered goats on milk test. Through the American Dairy Goat Association and American Goat Society, a goat can earn milk stars, superior genetics, elite and top ten doe.
Why milk test?
Milk testing aids in keeping track of milk production. Dairy goats/cows are suppose to produce adequate amounts of milk per their breed standard. By maintaining lactation records you can evaluate who meets, exceeds or does not produce adequate amounts of milk. You can track which goat maintains long lactation or those who dry up quickly. This is the best opportunity to breed better livestock and cull those who do not meet breed standards. High performing animals sell for more money. More income = more profit.
- Manna Pro Goat Mineral
- Sweetlix Meat Maker
- Kalmbach 2:1 Game Plan
Baking Soda
- Helps a goat's digestive system when bloated. Offer free choice
Grain
- Kalmbach Milk and Meat Pellet (6016) 16% Protein
- Formula of Champions Game Plan Starter-Developer (6616) 18% Protein
- Kalmbach Start Right Kid Feed (6618D) 18% Protein
- Kalmbach Milk Maker (6617DG)
- Nutrena Brand
- Kent Brand
- Purina Dairy Goat Parlor 18% Protein
- Any kind of Sweet Feed.
- Any kind of Corn Products
- Multi-Specie Feed.
- Feeds without Ammonium Chloride
- Any kind of grain that contains ammonium chloride (prevents UTI/Stones/Crystals)
- Specie specific grain
Kids begin to eat grain at 2 weeks old. Start with a little handful and gradually increase.
The following grain amounts should be given 2x a day
Kids (4 Weeks Old)- About 1/4 cup
Kids (6-8 Weeks Old)- About 1/4 to 1/2 cup
Kids (12-16 Weeks Old)- About 1/2 cup
Kids (5 Months)- About 3/4th cup
Kids (8-12Months)- About 3/4th to 1 cup
Wethers (12-16 Months)- 1 cup
Wethers (16+ Months) Stop grain depending on body condition. ND wethers should weigh about 50 pounds at 1 years old. They should mature to 60-70 pounds depending on body structure.
**These are approximate feed amounts and should be given according to the goats body structure and growth rate**
The following should be broken into 2 feedings.
Doe Kids (12-16 Months)- No more than 2 cups
Yearling Milkers (18+ Months) Start with 1/2 a pound depending on body structure and litter size. Gradually increase to accommodate milk production and maintain body condition
Aged Milkers (2nd Fresheners+)- 1 Pound per 3 pounds of milk produced
*Give Grain amount based on Body Score Condition*
Healthy Kinds of Treats and Supplements for Goats
- Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
- Beet Pulp (Shreds or Pellets) Soak the Pellets for 15 minutes to prevent bloat
- Alfalfa Pellets (Dumor Horse Pellets or Standlee Premium Western are recommended)
- Manna Pro Goat Treats
- Calf Manna
- Manna Pro Goat Balancer
- Animal Crackers
- Unsalted Shelled Peanuts
- Carrots/Apples/Bananas/
Poisonous Plants & Food
http://poisonousplants.ansci.cornell.edu/goatlist.html
https://www.fiascofarm.com/goats/poisonousplants.htm
How to Trim Hoofs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ya17IujktZM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3V1QLYC_rs (Need to trim heels more on this video)
We recommend trimming hooves monthly. If you trim the hooves regularly the chances of hoof rot are low. By trimming on a monthly bases you have the opportunity to evaluate the health condition of your goats more closely. Also with proper trimming their legs and tendons stay stronger well into old age.
Kind Of Trimmers to Use
https://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=30e076a8-7b6a-11d5-a192-00b0d0204ae5
https://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=c7fe0e56-75c5-4a6d-b53b-737fbeefb67e
https://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=f14c6b4e-50e9-4ec4-831e-27d28f18847d
*You can purchase these on different sites such as Amazon, TSC, Rural King, JeffersPet, etc*
Diseases to Test For
- CAE- Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis
- CL- Caseous Lymphadenitis
- Johnes
- Q-Fever
- Brucellosis
Reliable Labs
http://johnes.org/testserv/index.html#submissions
http://www.biotracking.com/Lab%20files/BioTSubForms/CAE-OPPSubmissionForm032315.pdf
https://sageaglab.com/content/goat-testing?gclid=Cj0KCQiAhMOMBhDhARIsAPVml-FrzbcvMHspCCyyiWqn4hwZV2qUtBw-cbgSm81G3uKMFRH8DG3NpxIaAsmgEALw_wcB
Yearly Vaccines
- CD&T (Rabies/tetanus shot)
Dewormers
- Cydectin Oral Sheep Drench
- SafeGuard (Tapeworm Only)(Not effective on any other parasite)
- Ivomec
- Ivermectin
- Quest
- Valbazen
- Herbal
DO NOT give pour on dewormers ORALLY as they are petroleum based
Do a fecal before treating.
***BSM Goat Farm deworms our herd 2x a year. One time in March/April then again in September/October as a preventative. We rotate dewormers to prevent parasite resistance.***
Basic Starter Kit For New Goat Owners
Storage container for grain
Mineral Container
Grain Bowl
Hay Rack
Hoof Trimmers
Poly Rope Sheep Halter
Collar
Pitchfork
Shovel
Wheelbarrow
Straw/Woodshavings
Hay
Grain
Loose Goat Minerals
Baking Soda
Probios Bovine Tube (Live Microorganisms to aid in gut movement)
Containers for Storage/Water Bowls/Mineral Container
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/fortiflex-flat-back-bucket-5-gal-capacity?cm_vc=-10005 (5 Gallon Water Bucket)
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/fortiflex-flat-back-bucket-2-gal-capacity?cm_vc=-10005
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/fortiflex-sf-6-small-feeder-5-qt-capacity?cm_vc=-10005 (Grain Bowl)
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/fortiflex-mf-2-mineral-feeder-2x175-qt-capacity-black?cm_vc=-10005 (Mineral/Baking Soda)
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/bergan-stack-n-stor-65-lb-capacity?cm_vc=-10005 (Grain Storage Container)
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/rubbermaid-brute-container?cm_vc=-10005 (Grain Storage Container)
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/317785317441425100/ (DIY Mineral Container)
Delivery Kit Supplies
Gloves
Scissors
Durvet Triodine 7 (Iodine should be a strong solution) (Used to dip naval cord)
Paper Towels
Disinfecting Wipes or Baby Wipes
Lubricating Jelly
Puppy Pads
Manna Pro Molasses Treats (Handful a day)(Energy)
Gatorade or Powerade (Energy while delivering)
Baking Molasses (Energy drink)
Old Towels
Baby Nose Aspirator
Camera
Pop Bottle (Bottle Feeding)
Producer Pride Nipples (Bottle Feeding)
Dropper (Aids in giving colostrum to newborns)
Milking Supplies
Machines- They must pulsate to prevent udder damage. Constant suction can damage the udder internally and externally.
- Simple Pulse- https://simplepulse.com/
- Hamby Dairy Supply- https://hambydairysupply.com/
- Caprine Supply- https://www.caprinesupply.com/
- Stainless Steel Bucket or Glass (No Plastic) (Plastic holds bacteria)
- Iodine 1% Solution for pre dip (Disinfects the orfice and teat)
- CHG Teat Dip (I prefer this over iodine because it does not dry the teats out)
- https://www.delaval.com/en-us/our-solutions/milking/udder-health--hygiene/teat-dips/
- Teat Dip Cups
- Soft Paper Towels (wipe the teats)
- Gloves (If you choose, helps keep your hands cleaner)
- Mastitis Test Strips
- Milking Stand
American Dairy Goat Association Website
http://adga.org/
How to get Started with Milk Test
Most important thing to know first
***You DO NOT have to own registered goats to participate***
Find a company to participate in milk testing. I use DHI CoOperative in Columbus, Ohio
Contact a representative to sign up.
Milk testing is very simple. I am on Standard Test. Once every month I have a tester weigh each individual goat's milk output in the am and pm milking. That will be recorded on the Barn Sheet provided to you through a representative. You collect a vial full of milk, label with the cow index, put herd code on 1 vial, and cows name. The milk vials will be shipped out to the DHI lab to be tested. We test Somatic Cell Count, Butterfat % and Protein %.
You need to purchase a scale that can zero out. The scale must be approved by a representative.
There are benefits if you have registered goats on milk test. Through the American Dairy Goat Association and American Goat Society, a goat can earn milk stars, superior genetics, elite and top ten doe.
Why milk test?
Milk testing aids in keeping track of milk production. Dairy goats/cows are suppose to produce adequate amounts of milk per their breed standard. By maintaining lactation records you can evaluate who meets, exceeds or does not produce adequate amounts of milk. You can track which goat maintains long lactation or those who dry up quickly. This is the best opportunity to breed better livestock and cull those who do not meet breed standards. High performing animals sell for more money. More income = more profit.