Needle size varies by the injection route, animal size, and thickness of the injectable. Use the smallest needle possible to reduce discomfort. The smaller the gauge number, the bigger the needle. Sizes most commonly used in goats are 18, 20, and 22-gauge needles. Short needles, ½ to ¾ inches, are preferred for subcutaneous injections.

A normal live birth in goats occurs at 145-155 days. Day 147 is 21 weeks’ gestation, or approximately five months. Lemgth of fetus at 30 days: 1.4 cm; Length of fetus at 145 days: 43.0 cm.

Reproduction and deworming effects of feeding pine to goats.

Are you ready to breed your goats? Consult this checklist for a healthy kidding season.

Indiscriminate deworming, either by deworming on a schedule or without seeing any specific symptoms of a high worm load, can breed medication-resistant worms on your property. Before deworming, conduct a five-point check to assess if treatment is necessary. This involves assessing the eye, back, tail, coat, and jaw areas.

Different goat breeds come in different shapes and sizes. A large belly can mean pregnancy, body fat, a full rumen, or just relaxed ligaments. Weights can help measure medication doses but are not specifically indicative of body fat. A Body Condition Score helps identify obese animals and those needing to gain weight.

Goat relationships are crucial for maintaining harmony. Introducing unfamiliar goats can be traumatic, and fighting and stress lead to health risks and drops in productivity. Even after a short separation, goats will fight to re-establish hierarchy. It is important to get this right from the start.

Premature kids often die from hypothermia, breathing issues, and illness before we can intervene. Evaluating a floppy kid’s needs as soon as possible helps you decide your level of intervention.

Whether you legally must have permanent identification on your goats, or if it’s just a good idea, here are guidelines to tagging your herd.

Caseous lymphadenitis is a chronic, contagious bacterial infection characterized by abscesses near the lymph nodes, usually on the neck or near the udder. Commonly found in goats and sheep, and sporadically in horses, cattle, camelids, swine, fowl, and even people. Two forms of the disease include the external (skin) form and the internal (organ) form.