About the Author

Karen Kopf

Karen Kopf and her husband Dale own Kopf Canyon Ranch in Troy, Idaho. They enjoy "goating" together and helping others goat. They raise Kikos primarily, but are experimenting with crosses for their new favorite goating experience: pack goats! You can learn more about them at Kopf Canyon Ranch on Facebook or kikogoats.org
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Articles by Karen Kopf

Chlamydia in Goats and Other STDs to Watch For
October 3, 2020 · · Health

When we think of breeding, we think of babies — not biosecurity — but diseases such as chlamydia in goats can be transmitted sexually.

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Geissebei Trekkinggeissen
July 26, 2020 · · Ownership

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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The Dilemma of Euthanasia
June 4, 2020 · · Health

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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Heads, Horns, and Hierarchy
March 4, 2020 · · Health

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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Listeriosis in Goats
December 9, 2019 · · Goat Notes

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.

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Listeriosis in Goats
June 1, 2019 · · Goat Notes

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.

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Goat with The Flow – Enthusiasts Rescue Goats From a Volcano
March 14, 2019 · · Ownership

Add to Favorites This is the courageous story of volunteers donning respirators and donating land and equipment to rescue goats and other livestock from the 2018 Kilauea eruption. And it …

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