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 Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2012 2:40 pm
The information in this thread is provided to you by animegalash who granted us permission to copy her thread.
If you have any questions concerning goat care please visit her original thread where she will have an easier time answering you.
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Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2012 2:41 pm
Goats Educational Thread Goats have been around for just as long as man has, and has served us in many ways. The provide milk and meat, as well as fiber. Today they are being used in even more unique ways such as showing, packing, and most importantly companion animals
So, You ask, What exactly is a goat? How does it differ from other species in the category of 'Livestock'?
This question can be answered in many ways, however pehaps the best way to answer is to start at the beginning. Goats scientific name is Capra Hircus. It is very closely related to deer, and cattle. They are ruminants, and thier diet consists of herbacious plants and browse, as well as a variety of grasses on occation. Most livestock, are ruminants, meaning they have a 3-4 chambered stomach, and can digest roughages easily. Horses and Hogs do not fall under this category with goats. Goats prefer browse unlike it's cousins the Cow and the Sheep, who prefer grasses.
The Goat: Basic Information and Terminology
Female: Doe
Male: Buck
Under one year: Kid
Castrated Male: Wether
(It is said to be disrespectful to those in the dairy industry to call them Billys and Nannys)
Ok, everyone can see the obvious differences between goats and MOST livestock, but what about sheep?
There are many differences between goats and sheep.
For starters goats have more chromisomes than sheep do, and no you can not breed a sheep and a goat together to get a cross between the two.
Goats tails are erect and sheeps tails droop, however most sheep's tails are cropped at birth.
Teminology is different. A female sheep is a Ewe. A Male sheep is a Ram. A sheep under one year old is a Lamb.
Sheep are sensitive to copper, however goats require copper in thier diet.
Sheep produce wool. Goats produce Mohair and Cashmere.
Sheep meat is Lamb, and Mutton. Goat meat is Cabrito and Chevre.
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Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2012 2:42 pm
Care of goats
There is a lot of care involved in taking care of goats, and one should be prepared for a commitment when purchasing a goat.
Purchasing your goat
Purchasing a goat is as much care of the goats as when you alread have your goat. You do not want to purchase a sickly animal(unless of course you rescue, and are prepared for such a thing).
Auction: The most common place to purchase a goat is an auction. These places are not the best place to purchase a goat. You need to be able to feel, and get a good idea of the animals condition before purchase, which is hard to do at auction houses. Many auction houses place animals very close to one another before and/or after sale. This gives potential for the spread of disease. People who sell thier animals at auction houses often sell due to money issues, including ability to purchase feed, causing many animals that go through auction houses to be weak, and underweight(also causing them to be more vulnerable to disease). Some people may also sell due to sickly symptoms in the animals, and they dont want to, or dont have the money to pay for, vet costs.
Rescues: A very recommended route. Many animals are starved and neglected every year, including livestock, and goats. They need a home. However depending on background, these animals can be tempermental and/or hard to train.
Reputable Breeder: If your looking for a healthy animal, of good quality and temperment this is the route to take. You know exactly what your getting, and a good breeder will answer any questions you may have about the care of your goat(even after you leave thier farm with the animal). If you are looking for a specific breed this would be the place to go.
Care after purchase
After purchasing your goat it should be quaruntined from your other animals for at least two weeks. This is to assure that it did not contract any diseases before purchase, or during transportation. If changing feed it should be done very gradually over these two weeks.
Everyday Care
Feeding- Should be fed a 14-18% protein feed depending on the use and breed. Meat breeds should be given more protien than other breeds. Feed can be pre-mixed, or you can mix it yourself. Water should be provided fresh daily.
Diet should include copper, and other trace minerals. This can be found in enriched feeds or through free-choice minerals. Free choice minerals can be given in block or loose form. Loose is better.
Shelter- Goats should have outdoor space, as well as a place to get out of the weather. Goats can tolerate surprising amounts of cold, however they CANNOT do cold+ wet, so be sure the shelter is water proof, even on windy days.
Hoof Trimming- Hooves should be trimmed about every 6 weeks. This is done with a set of hoof shears. Hooves should be trimmed along the bands seen in the hoof wall when washed. Dont just trim the wall, the heel may need trimming too. Dont worry it doesnt hurt them. Its similar to us cutting our nails.
Medicating- Goats are usually vaccinated and de-wormed.
Vaccinating can be done by you or your doctor. Goats should be vaccinated with CD&T vaccination yearly to prevent types C&D Enterotoxyma, and Tetanus. D not vaccinate with this if your animal has any wounds. The prevention agent for tetanus is a toxoid, meaning it has a little bit of the bacteria in its formula. Give a shot of Tetanus Anti-toxin when castrating, and if the animal has an open wound, and hasnt been vaccinated with a Tetanus Toxoid.
De-worming is usually done by administering oral medication. I use Cydectin Cattle Pour-On at 1cc per 20lbs. Other medications that can be used are Ivermectin, Safe-guard, or a pelleted de-wormer. Ivermectin is losing its effect in many areas due to overuse. Safe-guard is only effective for certain worms at very high dosages(more than whats labeled on the package). Pelleted de-wormers can accedentally be given in irregular amounts if animals are not fed seperatly.
Things to have on hand in case of emergency:
Gauze
Tape
Syringes
Penticillin
Epinephrine
needles
leads
collars or haulters
Blood stop powder
Iodine
topical ointment(neosporin)
Scissors
Probios
Baking Soda
Common Medical Emergencies, and what to do
Diarrhea- Make sure animal has plenty of fluids and electrolytes. Probios should be administered. Keep a very close eye on goat, and if it goes further downhill call a vet.
Bloating- Mix baking soda with water, and administer orally. If goat is not moving around make sure it keeps moving. Lead it around, and if you have to chase it. Do until goat seems comforable, and no longer bloated
Cut, or wound- Use topical ointment. If wound is large then cover. If wound is bleeding then use blood stop powder.
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Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2012 2:43 pm
Common Breeds of goats
Meat goats
Boer:
The boer is a large goat that typically has a red, reddish orange, brown, or black head, and white bodys. Droopy ears. It is very muscular, and orignated in South Africa. The boer is commonly used in youth market shows, and for eating. It is often mixed with other breeds for cheaper meat producing animals, and for more disease resistance. Horns often curl back.
Kiko:
The kiko is a newer breed to the United States. It is fastly gaining popularity for its disease resistance. It is mostly used for meat production, however in other parts of the world it is used for milk due to large production capacity. Colors vary. The kiko is medium in size, with large horns.
Spainish:
The spainish goat is said to be the first goats brought over from spain. These goats spread throught the americas. Today the term spainish goat is used to identify a goat of unknown origin. All traits vary from animal to animal.
Milk Goats
Nubians:
Nubians are the most popular milk goat in the united states. They are large with droopy ears and roman noses. They produce large amounts of milk. Males are often used for meat. Nubians are said to be loud. High butterfat content in milk.
LaMancha:
LaManchas are among the most unique of the goat breeds. These goats do not or have very small ear flaps. They are known for thier milk production as well as thier sweet personalities. It is the only goat breed to originate in the united states. Swiss breeds were mixed with earless spainish goats to produce this breed.
Alpine:
Alpines are often known for thier unique array of colors. They are mostly used for milk, however males are used for meat, and packing due to large size. Erect ears.
Toggenburg:
A brown milk breed, with white frosting, of average size. Erect ears.
Sannen:
The largest Milk breed. Sannens are completely white with erect ears. Sannens born with color are called Sables, and considered a seperate breed. Produce large amounts of milk.
Nigerian Dwarf:
Nigerian dwarfs are the smallest milk breeds. They come in a wide variety of colors and have eract ears. They produce smaller amounts of milk than thier full-sized counterparts. today Nigieran dwarves are being used in breeding prgrams to creat minis of other breeds. New breeds being created include: Mini-nubians, Mini-lamanchas, mini-sannens, and more.
Fiber Breeds:
Kashmir:
Commonly used for high cashmere production.
Angora:
Commonly mistaked for sheep, Angoras grow long hair that is harvested every few months. This hair is called mohair.
Other breeds:
Pygmy:
Pygmys are typically used as companion animals, however they are also used for meat. They are very small and are typically a variation of grey. Very large horns. Erect ears.
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Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2012 2:44 pm
Recreation with your goat?
Recreation is very possible to do with goats. Things from Hiking and packing to Showing and and much more. I can imagine goats have even been used in parades!
Showing:
There are typically three types of shows that are most common. These include meat/market, dairy, and breed specific. Showing of any kind includes leading, and setting up your goat while the judge evaluates it's confirmation.
Market shows are often seen in fairs, and put on by local FFA and 4H groups. Youth are those that participate in it. Most commonly Boer, and boer mixes are used in these shows, however there is no specific breed requirement. Animals are judged on meat prduction, as well as confirmation and soundness.
Dairy shows can be either put on by local 4H and FFA groups, or by dairy groups such as ADGA(American Dairy goat association). Animals are judged on udder capacity, confirmation, soundess, and breeding ability. Youth and Adults can participate depending on the show's rules.
Breed Specific Shows are usually put on by breed organizations and animals are judged on thier confirmation to the specific breed's standards. Youth, and Adults can participate, and some organizations even have a seperate youth membership.
Hiking and Packing:
If you enjoy hiking this is a great thing to do with your animal in your free time. Goats can even eat along the trip, and carry baggage for you. No matter the size of your packing herd, or length of trip this can be fun. Be sure all goats in your packing/hiking herd is tame, because you want to be able to catch the luggage that they may be carrying. Goats of any breed can participate in hiking, and if you bring a doe that is freshened (in milk) you could have a drink along the way.
Goats eat the browse along the way, so they may not require as much feed, though be sure to bring some. Always have fresh water, however if you come across a body of water they can use that instead.
Cart Goats:
Ever wanted to ride in a cart, but you dont have enough space for a horse or a pony? Get a few goats! Goats can be used for pulling carts, even with people in them. In some places there are even cart goat races and shows!
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Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2012 2:45 pm
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Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2012 2:47 pm
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Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2012 2:48 pm
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Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2012 2:48 pm
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Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2012 2:49 pm
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Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2012 4:26 pm
I just joined the guild, and will try to get on more often, but if anyone has any questions about goats they can post here or message me.
I raise goats on my land here at home. I have a decent herd of Boer goats and one LaMancha, and a Saanen/Nubian mix. I typed all the stuff above about a year ago, and I could probably come up with more to add, especially in the aspects of breeding. If you would like me to type something up about that let me know.
I can also probably add a bit more in the breeds section, and the care section too.
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Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2012 4:35 pm
animegalash I just joined the guild, and will try to get on more often, but if anyone has any questions about goats they can post here or message me. I raise goats on my land here at home. I have a decent herd of Boer goats and one LaMancha, and a Saanen/Nubian mix. I typed all the stuff above about a year ago, and I could probably come up with more to add, especially in the aspects of breeding. If you would like me to type something up about that let me know. I can also probably add a bit more in the breeds section, and the care section too.
Welcome to the guild. And thanks again for allowing us to use your thread.
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Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2012 6:12 pm
A-B0T animegalash I just joined the guild, and will try to get on more often, but if anyone has any questions about goats they can post here or message me. I raise goats on my land here at home. I have a decent herd of Boer goats and one LaMancha, and a Saanen/Nubian mix. I typed all the stuff above about a year ago, and I could probably come up with more to add, especially in the aspects of breeding. If you would like me to type something up about that let me know. I can also probably add a bit more in the breeds section, and the care section too.
Welcome to the guild. And thanks again for allowing us to use your thread.
No problem. I have all week off so let me know if there is anything else you would like me to add to it. mrgreen
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Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 6:39 pm
and they taste good too 3nodding
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