About the Author
Karen Kopf
Articles by Karen Kopf
Listeriosis in Goats: Dangers of Feeding Moldy Hay
Circling Disease and Silage Sickness are other names for listeriosis in goats, commonly associated with feeding moldy hay.
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Geissebei Trekkinggeissen
While goats are part of the Swiss cultural heritage, for decades they were called “the poor man’s cow.” Not as prevalent as cows, they are gaining popularity with the increasing demand for goat cheese and goat products.
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Goat Care During Fire Season
When raising goats, prepare for many seasons: breeding season, kidding season, show season, winter — and for many in the western states, FIRE season.
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When Should You Use Lutalyse for Goats?
There are risks to using Lute and other drugs. We prefer to avoid intervention in our herd unless there is a clear, unmistakable risk not to intervene.
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The Dilemma of Euthanasia
Most of us would rather not think it, but all life ends in death. When death does not come easily or naturally, and a goat suffers, we can better care for them in their time of greatest need if we are prepared.
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Are You Feeding Straw or Hay for Goats?
If you dread choosing hay for goats, you are not alone … there is much to know about what to feed goats.
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Heads, Horns, and Hierarchy
Most goats, have horns naturally. They are used as tools to scratch, dig, forage, fight, and defend. Horns also dissipate body heat since the blood supply is very close to the surface.
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The Fear of Fescue
Red bag, abortions, thickened placentas, founder, necrosis, failure to freshen — all are symptoms of fescue toxicity … and yet tall fescue is one of the most common forages for livestock in both pasture and baled grass hay.
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Listeriosis in Goats
Listeriosis, also called Circling Disease and Silage sickness, is a life-threatening disease caused by bacteria Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria ivanovii. Listeria is zoonotic and can be transferred to humans. It thrives in aerobic conditions and can withstand temperatures from 34-113 degrees F. It persists almost anywhere, including soil, manure piles, gastrointestinal
tracts, the top layer of silage, and moldy hay or feed. It is also commonly found in the feces of infected birds, animals, fish, and insects as well as sewage.
The Doe Code
Oh, the game is strong with this experienced one… She knows the Doe Code all too well! Contractions about a minute apart. Why is our goat in labor tonight?
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