September 2010

Goats are generally social animals, being naturally calm and peaceful. Understanding the goat’s social and physiological dynamics is an aspect in goat care and goat management that becomes more challenging as the goat raiser encounters goat behaviour problems. Goat behaviour problems will arise no matter how good-natured goats are. Methodical approaches on the part of the goat care giver will be helpful in managing behavioural problems of goats. Approaches in goat care must be appropriate to the problem. read more

Health is wealth, even for goats. Having goats, in fact any other animals, means that you need to provide proper care for them. You need to ensure you goats are healthy. This articles provides some valuable tips to help you with your goat-raising enterprise.

There are important things one must know to ensure the goats are healthy and one must be able to read the signs of illness in their goats.

Here are 10 signs that will help you identify any health problems with your goats:

1. Goats normally go with their herd. If a goat extracts itself from the herd, seems to stay away from the herd, walks with its head low and seems to have an unusual belly shape, then it could be a sign of illness or pregnancy.
2. During feeding, goats usually run to the feeder. If a goat tends to stay away from the rest of the goats or if the goat is not eating, then it is not normal because goats are ferocious eaters.
3. Check their droppings. Very hard droppings, or diarrhoea are signs of illness and you should call the vet straight away
4. If the goat limps or drags its legs when walking, check out for swollen feet, hooves and legs. Consult the veterinarian for the slightest symptom of swelling.
5. Deteriorating health of the goat will manifest in unexpected and unexplainable weight loss. Consult with your vet if one or more goats seem to be loosing weight.
6. Parasite infestation in goats can cause swollen goat’s chin. An enlarge throat may also be a sign of goitre. Please ask your vet to have a look.
7. A limping or staggering goat may be a sign of illness. If the goat is unsteady and seem disorientated, off its feed and away from the other goats, it could be food poisoning and you should call your vet immediately.
8. Another illness that may cause an abnormal gait is tetanus. Tetanus could be due to an infected wound. Check your goat for cuts, puncture wounds, bruised feet or foot abscess. Clean the wound with iodine and call your vet immediately
9. A goat exhibiting dull or rough coat may be a symptom of nutritional deficiency or pest infestation. Immediate attention from a veterinarian must be sought.
10. Lastly, observe body secretions or discharges like blood, pus or mucus from the goat’s eyes, vulva, mouth, and eyes or any other part of the goat’s body. Any internal infestation may cause the goats to be sick very quickly. Call your vet and discuss a worming program for your goats.

I hope these tips will help you in ensuring your goats stay healthy. read more