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.

Caprine arthritis and encephalitis is a viral infection often manifested as arthritis in adult goats and, less
commonly, as progressive inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) in kids. Most often found in dairy goat breeds and sometimes in sheep.

Developing a euthanasia plan with your veterinarian ensures animal welfare in the worst situations. While some goat owners prefer other euthanasia methods, this sheet focuses strictly on the gunshot and captive bolt methods. Check your local laws to ensure all parts of this tutorial are legal within your area and decide if this is the best plan for your farm.

Each state has different requirements if you wish to enter with your goats. Check this list, and verify that no requirements have changed, before you begin your journey.

Like magic, a simmering pot on the stove can transform a few simple ingredients into a rich and creamy caramelized concoction to be used on ice cream, crêpes, pancakes, cinnamon rolls, cheese-cake, scones, fresh fruit, cheeses, and more.

When goats can’t browse, they need hay (3% to 4% of their body weight, per day) for their rumens to function properly. This can be fed free-choice or twice a day.

Typical goat hoof trimming should be completed every two to three months. Spring and fall are especially important, as folds in overgrown hooves can trap mud and moisture, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to invite rot and scald.