2. Selection • No abscesses
• Proper conditioning (not fat or excessively
thin)
• Firm, pelleted manure
When selecting animals for your herd you • Well-shaped udder and teats
must first decide what traits are important to
you and what the animals will be used for. Find Also, ask the producer questions such as what
a producer with the type of animals that you diseases have been problems in the herd, what
are interested in. You may locate producers by is the vaccination/worming protocol, and what
contacting your local Extension agent, searching criteria are used for selection and culling. You
classified ads in goat publications, contacting goat should also ask your veterinarian about diseases
clubs or associations, or by attending meetings that are possible problems in your area. When se-
or seminars for goat producers. Once you have lecting your animals, also observe their conforma-
found a producer with goats for sale, visit the tion. Drawings 1 and 2 illustrate some of the char-
farm to observe the herd and the management. acteristics of good and bad conformation in goats.
The animals will adapt more easily to your farm Dr. Steve Hart of Langston University points
if their prior management and environment are out that for most operations, conformation is a
similar to yours. relatively minor concern; health and soundness
To develop a productive herd it is imperative are much more important. He advises checking to
that you select healthy animals. Never build your see that the bite is correct (not over-shot or under-
herd with animals from the sale barn. These are shot) and that the legs and feet are sound.
often animals that have been culled by another For more details on selection of goats, see the
producer. There is a reason they were culled, pertinent ATTRA publication for the goats you
and you do not want to bring those problems to intend to raise (Dairy Goat, Meat Goat).
your herd. To run an efficient operation, it is necessary
Listed below are some of the signs of a to identify animals (by tattoos or eartags) and
healthy animal. keep records. Breeding, reproduction, and pro-
duction records are helpful in identifying which
• Shiny coat animals are most productive and which should
• Lively manner be culled.
• Easy movement (no limping, no swollen
joints or misshapen udders)
Good
Bad
Dairy Meat
Goat Goat
Drawing 1: Example of poor conformation
Drawing 2: Good conformation for
Dairy and Meat goats
Drawings from Mississippi State University Extension Service 4-H Club Goat Guide.
(http://msucares.com/pubs/publications/p2264.htm)
PAGE 2 //GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW
3. Feeding Ruminants year-round. Therefore, supplementation with
concentrates may sometimes be necessary (see
Supplemental Feeding section of this publica-
tion).
Goats are ruminants; that is, they have a four-
compartment stomach designed to digest large
quantities of forages. Ruminants eat quickly and
swallow their food at first without much chewing. Raising Goats on
Later, they regurgitate their food and thoroughly
chew it and swallow. This regurgitated food is
called the cud, and healthy ruminants will spend
Pasture
as much time chewing their cud as they do graz- Contrary to the popular image of goats thriv-
ing or eating hay. This is thought to be a predator ing on tin cans, goats actually require a more
avoidance adaptation, as the ruminant can find nutritious diet than do other ruminants. Their
a sheltered place to peacefully chew its cud and shorter digestive system does not retain food for
be less vulnerable to predator attack than while as long, and thus does not digest nutrients fully.
grazing. This quicker digestion allows them to eat larger
The ruminants get their name from the rumen, quantities of food to make up for their reduced
which is the largest compartment of the stomach absorption of nutrients, but it is goats’ unique
and serves as a fermentation vat. The health and grazing behavior that really enables them to
productivity of the goat (as with all ruminants) thrive on pasture. With their small mouths and
depends on the rumen function; microorganisms flexible lips, grazing goats are able to select the
in the rumen digest fiber and carbohydrates and highly nutritious parts of plants and leave parts
protein to supply the animal with nutrients. that are less nutritious. This gives them an advan-
Without those microorganisms, the goat will tage over cattle that graze by taking large mouth-
become very sick and may die. Therefore, it is fuls; within that large mouthful there might be a
of paramount importance that the animal be fed great quantity of poor-quality forage, including
appropriately so that the ruminal organisms stay some that is dead or overly mature.
healthy. Each goat is able to consume up to 3 to 5% of
These rumen organisms require fiber, ni- its body weight in dry matter daily (perhaps more
trogen (protein), and energy (carbohydrates). if the forage is highly digestible). To consume
Roughages (forages—pasture, hay, browse) have that amount, however, goats must be pastured
higher fiber content than grains. More mature in an area with a large quantity of available veg-
forages contain more fiber and are less digestible. etative forage. Goats will eat less when they are
Energy is provided by good–quality (digestible) moved to poor pastures. Listed below are some
roughages and by concentrates (grains). of the factors that influence intake.
The rumen microorganisms have preferred
pH ranges; those that digest fiber best thrive in • Age, size, stage, and level of production
a range of 6.0 to 6.8. Rumination (chewing the of the animal
cud—required to digest roughage) increases • Animal’s health
the amount of saliva, which buffers the rumen • Animal’s forage preferences (which are
fluid and maintains the favorable pH. However, influenced by its mother and peers)
grain (especially finely ground grains) decreases • Weather
rumination; which means less saliva reaches the • Palatability of food
rumen, and the pH decreases. Also, in the process • Digestibility (fiber content)
of digesting grain, lactic acid is produced, which • Maturity of forage
can further lower the pH. When a goat eats too
much grain, the rumen pH can drop below 5.5, Goats prefer browsing (eating woody plants)
killing the normal rumen microorganisms and but will also graze on grasses and weeds. Goats
resulting in a very sick animal. are known to stand on their hind legs to reach
The rumen microorganisms are “healthiest” leaves and brush. Since goats, cattle, and sheep
when goats are eating good-quality forages, such prefer different forages, in many pasture situa-
as vegetative pasture. However, it is difficult (if tions these species do not compete for the same
not impossible) to provide good-quality forages food. Therefore, they can be managed quite suc-
//GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW PAGE 3
5. not killed. If you want long-term production of grazing system, also known as management
browse, you must rotate the animals and not al- intensive grazing (MIG, commonly pronounced
low the area to become over-browsed. “mig”). The MIG systems have been used more
Fencing is the most critical factor in raising extensively with cattle than with sheep or goats.
goats on pasture. There is nothing more frustrat- Much work has been done recently with goats
ing than having to constantly chase goats back using MIG, although it is not yet widely pub-
into the pasture. Fencing will also be the greatest lished. However, for a review of studies of goats
expense, other than the initial cost of the animals. and grazing, see “Meat Goats in Land and Forage
The best permanent fencing is 4-foot woven wire Management” (Luginbuhl, 1996b), at <www.
with barbed wire along the top. Some graziers cals.ncsu.edu/an_sci/extension/animal/meat-
are also successfully using four or five strands goat/MGLand.htm>.
of high-tensile electric wire. Goats may have to The basic principle of MIG is to allow ani-
be trained to electric fences by placing them in a mals to graze for a limited time and then move
small paddock to "test" the wire. Once they have them to another pasture or paddock (a subdivi-
been trained to an electric fence, goats can usu- sion of a pasture). The pasture forage plants
ally be controlled with two strands of wire in a can then grow back without using up all of their
cross-fence. Electric netting is also an option for root reserves. Even brush will need a recovery
temporary or permanent fencing in management time if it is being used as forage for goats. In
intensive grazing systems; however, several goat fact, woody plants may need to be rested a full
producers have lost animals that tangled their year to remain a forage source in the pasture.
horns in the netting. It is very important to keep Without this rest period, the goats can kill the
electric fences charged at 4,500 volts or more. brush through continuous browsing. Under
Regular checking and testing are necessary, and MIG, legumes and native grasses may reappear
any problems must be fixed promptly, or goats in the pasture, and producers often report that
will escape. the pasture plant community becomes more
Goats also need shelter. They can tolerate diverse. Management intensive grazing can be
cold weather, but goats will get chilled by wet, used to improve the pasture, extend the grazing
cold conditions. The necessary shelter or shelters season, and enable the producer to provide a
depend on the producer’s operation. A dairy op- higher quality forage at a lower cost with fewer
eration will usually have extensive barn and pen purchased inputs. MIG can also be useful in
set-ups, while a large meat goat operation may reducing internal parasite problems, if farmers
use only trees in the pasture as shelter. Build- are careful to move the goats to a new pasture
ings used for shelter may be minimal, but they before the forage plants are grazed too short (too
should be well-ventilated and clean. Barns and short is less than about 4 inches —see Health
sheds are not the only options for shelter. There section for more about parasites). While the
are portable shelters, moveable shades, and even benefits of MIG are substantial, it does require
old hog huts that can be used as shelters for your increased management skill and adequate fenc-
animals. ing and watering facilities. For more information
Predators are a problem in most areas where on pastures and grazing, see the list of ATTRA
goats are produced. For information on how to publications in the Resources section.
control predators, see the ATTRA publication The goal of MIG is to have paddocks small
Predator Control for Sustainable & Organic Livestock enough that they can be grazed in a few days
Production. (usually one to ten). The time will depend on the
number of goats and the quality and quantity of
the forage. How long a herd remains in a pad-
Controlled Grazing dock will vary, depending on the intensity of
management, time of year, and stage of growth
In the U.S., continuous grazing is a common
of the forage. When beginning with MIG, make
practice, characterized by giving the animals
big paddocks and use long rotations. As produc-
unrestricted access to the pasture throughout the
ers become more familiar with the pasture plants
season. This works well for goats. However, feed-
and the goats’ grazing habits, they usually sub-
ing goats in a sustainable and economical way is
divide paddocks with electric fence. Temporary
better accomplished by a controlled, rotational
subdivisions allow the grazier to define the pad-
//GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW PAGE 5
6. docks in response to different growing conditions supplements.
and the goats’ changing feed requirements. In some operations—particularly dairies—
Fresh, clean water must always be available. goats are raised in confinement, and all their feed
In a MIG system, the animals either have access is brought to them. However, allowing goats to
to a central water source available from every graze can lower costs in the following ways.
subdivision, or water is provided separately to
each of the pasture’s subdivisions. This can be a • By reducing purchased grain costs
challenge, and it is another capital expense. Feed • By eliminating forage harvesting costs
intake will decrease more for goats than for cattle • By eliminating manure removal costs
or sheep if clean water is not readily available. • By lowering fertilizer costs as manure
Along with water, minerals need to be avail- nutrients are returned to the soil
able to your animals at all times. It is best to feed
calcium, phosphorous, and trace minerals in a Goats have the ability to select the more nutri-
salt mixture to ensure that the animals actually tious parts of a plant. Therefore, they typically
eat them. Test your forages to determine their will consume a higher quality diet if they have the
mineral content and adjust mineral supplemen- opportunity to be selective. With the exception
tation as needed. Your local Extension agent of lactating dairy goats, goats grazing a high-
can have your forage analyzed. Mineral content quality pasture can usually meet their protein
of forage is quite variable across the country, requirements without supplemental feeding. In
and the type, stage, and level of production of some cases an energy supplement (grain) may be
the animals influence mineral requirements; necessary. More information on pasturing goats
therefore, no one mineral supplement formula is is provided in ATTRA’s Dairy Goats: Sustainable
right for all locations or situations. For instance, Production and Sustainable Goat Production: Meat
a heavy-producing dairy goat will need more Goats.
calcium and phosphorus then a dry (non-lactat-
ing) meat goat. Consult a livestock nutritionist
for help in identifying a good mineral mix for Supplemental Feeding
your operation.
It is very important that you consistently offer While good quality forages are usually ad-
this mix (preferably in a loose form), monitor its equate, goats may sometimes need supplemental
consumption, and ensure that all the goats are feeding, especially during the winter. Goats
in fact eating adequate amounts of the mineral need a proper balance of energy in the form of
roughage or grain,
TABLE 1. DIETARY PROTEIN AND ENERGY REQUIREMENTS OF GOATS*. as well as protein,
vitamins, minerals,
CLASS OF GOAT AVG. FEED % CRUDE %TDN2
and clean water.
INTATKE / DAY, LB1 PROTE IN
Protein and energy
requirements vary,
GROWING DOELING, 45 LB A
2.4 8.8 56
depending on the
GROW ING M ALE KID , 66LB B
2.9 9.0 57 type of goat and its
YEARLING DOE , 90 LB C
4.6 10.0 56 stage of production
3 Y R. OLD DOE , 110 LB D
5.0 11.7 69 (see Table 1).
MATURE B UCK , 220 LB E
5.3 9.0 55 There is a rule
DAIRY DOE , 150 LB
F
7.5 11.6 71 of thumb for all
goats: browse and
*APPROXIMATIONS; BASED ON DRY MATTER IN THE FEEDS EATEN
1
CALCULATED ON BASIS OF THE DRY MATTER IN THE FEEDS EATEN pasture in the sum-
2
TDN = TOTAL DIGESTIBLE NUTRIENTS mer, hay and grain
A
GROWING AT THE RATE OF .25 LB/DAY in the winter, trace-
B
GROWING AT THE RATE OF .33 LB/DAY mineralized salt at
C
YEARLING FEMALE, LAST TRIMESTER OF PREGNANCY AND GROWING all times. (The min-
D
MILKING 2 QT/DAY - ENOUGH FOR TWINS eral mixture should
E
NOT GAINING WEIGHT, MODERATE ACTIVITY be fortified with
F
NUBIAN, MILKING 1 GALLON/DAY OF 4.0% BUTTERFAT selenium if you live
(PINKERTON AND PINKERTON, 2000)
PAGE 6 //GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW
7. TABLE 2: SUPPLYING PROTEIN NEEDS FOR LACTATING GOATS
% PROTEIN IN ROUGHAGE, DRY MATTER BASIS % PROTEIN NEEDED IN CONCENTRATE
15% AND OVER
EXCELLENT LEGUME HAY OR EXCELLENT PASTURE
HIGH PRODUCTION (OVER 4 QUARTS/DAY) 14
LOW PRODUCTION 12
12 TO 15%
LEGUME-GRASS MIXED HAY OR GOOD PASTURE
HIGH PRODUCTION 16
LOW PRODUCTION 14
10 TO 12%
GOOD GRASS HAY OR FAIR PASTURE
HIGH PRODUCTION 18
LOW PRODUCTION 16
BELOW 10%
FAIR QUALITY GRASS HAY OR POOR PASTURE
HIGH PRODUCTION 20
LOW PRODUCTION 18
(PINKERTON, 1993)
in an area of the country with selenium-poor soil. Sustainable Production. Fiber goats, on the other
Check with your Extension agent or veterinarian.) hand, may not do well with supplemental grain,
When breeding begins in the fall, producer Sue because feeding too much protein to angora goats
Drummond feeds her angora goats not only hay, can make mohair fiber coarser and reduce its
grain, and salt but also vitamins (A, D, and E) and value, and feeding beyond maintenance require-
di-calcium phosphate.(Drummond, 1995) Kelp, a ments will not improve the fiber production of
seaweed high in minerals, is sometimes used as cashmere goats.
a supplement, though it is expensive. Alterna- Goats can be picky eaters, and they may
tive feeds such as roots and tubers (sugar beets, not immediately accept new feeds. Any feed
mangels, sweet potatoes, turnips) may be fed for changes should be made gradually to avoid up-
the energy content of the roots or the nutritious setting the rumen microflora. Feeding very high
green tops. Various milling by-products are com- levels of grain can also upset the rumen. Grain
monly fed to goats as well. should never be more than 50% of the total diet,
Grain is the concentrate most often fed to except for heavily-producing dairy goats. Adult
goats; cereal grains such as oats, corn, barley, meat goats should be fed a maximum of 1% of
and wheat are high in energy (carbohydrate/fat). bodyweight in supplemental grain, with lactat-
Less commonplace grains such as amaranth and ing does reaching a maximum of 1.5%. Feeding
buckwheat are also sometimes used. Soybean an animal a large amount of concentrate (grain)
meal and cottonseed meal are high-protein sup- causes acidosis: the rumen pH will drop and ru-
plements. The choice of concentrate is determined men motility will decrease. Usually the animal
by the composition of the forage. High-quality will go off feed, have diarrhea, and show signs of
forages usually have adequate or even excess depression for a couple of days. In severe cases,
protein; animals eating these will need a higher- acidosis can cause death. If you know an animal
energy concentrate to utilize the protein present has consumed too much grain, you can treat it
in the forages. Lower-quality pastures or hays with an antacid (sodium bicarbonate). Call your
will require feeding a higher-protein supplement veterinarian for help, and offer only forage and
to meet the goats’ protein requirement. water until the animal recovers.
Dairy goats need both high-quality forage Enterotoxemia can also occur if there is a sud-
and supplemental grain to reach their full poten- den change in diet that stimulates certain rumen
tial, especially during peak lactation or growth. microbes to overpopulate and produce toxins
More information on supplemental feeding of that cause symptoms similar to acidosis. Entero-
dairy goats is available in ATTRA’s Dairy Goats: toxemia usually results in death. To prevent this
//GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW PAGE 7
8. disease, all animals should be vaccinated for balancing rations for any class of goat. See
enterotoxemia (see Health section) and their ac- Contacts section for Langston University’s Web
cess to grain or lush pasture should be controlled site. The Ohio Dairy Goat Ration program is
(increase access cautiously). available by contacting a local county office of
There are programs available to help goat Ohio State University Extension or
producers determine rations for their herd.
Langston University has developed a calcula- Ms. Cheryl Hall
tor (available on-line) that will be helpful in Department of Animal Sciences
2027 Coffey Road
Columbus, Ohio 43210
614-688-3143
Score 1 Very poor body condition
- Deep cavity under tail and around tail Some county Extension offices may have ac-
head. Skin drawn tight over pelvis with cess to software that is helpful, or your agent may
no muscle tissue detectable in between. refer you to a ruminant nutritionist.
- No fatty tissue felt at loin. Pins, hooks,
and short ribs can be seen; edges feel
sharp. Body Condition Scoring
Score 2 Poor body condition
- Cavity around tail head is evident, but Your goal in feeding your animals is to meet
less prominent. No fatty tissue felt be- their nutritional requirements (economically)
tween skin and pelvis, but skin is supple. and to keep them in a productive condition. One
- Ends of short ribs are sharp to the touch, way to monitor the animals’ condition is to as-
but individual ribs can no longer be seen. sign body condition scores (BCS). Body condition
While bones are less prominent, they scoring evaluates the body fat reserves of your
are still angular and can be easily distin- goats and is an easy method to evaluate the ef-
guished by touch. fectiveness of your feeding program. Scores range
from one to five and are determined by looking
Score 3 Good body condition
at the tail-head and loin areas. Use the following
- Slight cavity lined with fatty tissue ap-
parent at tail head. Area between pins guidelines to determine each goat’s score.
has smoothed out. A good source for meat goat body condition
- Ends of short ribs can be felt with moder- scoring can be viewed at <http://bedford.exten-
ate pressure. Slight depression visible in sion.psu.edu/agriculture/goat/Body%20Condi
loin area. Hooks and pins can be felt but tion%20Scoring.htm>.
have some covering of flesh. Hook, pin, When scoring your herd, take into consider-
and back bones appear smooth. ation the herd average; every herd has individu-
als that are too fat or too thin. If the herd average
Score 4 Fatty body condition is under or over optimal condition, usually a
- Depression between pins and tail head
score of three, you need to change your feeding
filling in. Patches of fat apparent under
the skin. Pelvis felt only with firm pres- regimen. Body condition will vary depending
sure. on the time of year. You should try to have your
- Short ribs cannot be felt even with firm animals in good body condition before winter, so
pressure. No depression visible in loin they can tolerate the cold and still have adequate
between backbone and hip bones. Back reserves at kidding season. The animal’s stage
and area between hooks and pins appear of production also influences body condition;
flat. for example, a doe in early lactation will almost
always lose condition.
Score 5 Grossly fatty body condition
- Tail head buried in fatty tissue. Area be-
tween pins and tailbone rounded, skin
distended. No part of pelvis felt, even
Reproduction
with firm pressure. Female goats (does) reach puberty at seven
(Fredricks, 1993)
to ten months of age, depending on the breed
and nutrition, and should be at 60 to 75% of their
PAGE 8 //GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW
9. adult weight at breeding to prevent difficult kid- bet. At the very least, you should observe both
ding. Does will have higher lifetime production the herd and the parents of the buck. When se-
and be more profitable if they are bred to kid as lecting a buck, it is important to perform a breed-
yearlings. Does should kid every year thereafter ing soundness exam. A general physical exam
until at least the age of seven or eight, if they re- can check the buck for structural soundness and
main healthy. Most goats are seasonal breeders, abnormalities in the sex glands and organs. The
reacting to shorter days as a cue for breeding. scrotal circumference (at the widest point) should
The presence of a buck (uncastrated male goat) be measured, since this correlates with fertility
stimulates the reproductive cycle (estrous) and and semen production. As a general rule, dairy
the behaviors of the does that indicate that they bucks should measure 25 to 28 cm at 100 pounds,
are in the fertile part of their cycle (in heat). The meat bucks should measure 26 to 29 cm at 100
doe’s estrous cycle normally occurs from Au- pounds, and larger bucks should measure at least
gust or September until January, with October 34 to 36 cm.(Mobini, 2003) Have a semen sample
to December being the peak time for breeding. taken and evaluated. A normal concentration is 2
The estrous cycle is normally 18 to 22 days long. billion sperm per cubic centimeter of semen. Of
Does in heat (estrus) are at the proper stage for those, 70% should be motile, moving forward.
breeding; at this time, they will be receptive to The sperms’ morphology should be evaluated to
the buck. Estrus (standing heat) lasts for 12 to 36 determine whether they are mature and whether
hours. Signs of heat include tail wagging, swol- there are abnormalities. At least 80% of the
len vulva, mounting behavior, decrease in milk sperm should be normal.(Mobini, 2003) Finally,
yield if lactating, and a general increase in activ- the buck’s libido should be monitored. A sound
ity and bleating. Kids are born about 150 days buck is of no use if he will not service does. A
after breeding. Planning breeding so that kids full-grown, healthy buck should easily service
are born during the height of forage production up to 50 does. Bucks should not be bred to their
in the spring makes efficient use of the pasture. daughters; inbreeding tends to expose genetic
Keeping accurate breeding records will allow you problems and lead to weaker stock.
to know when kids are due and help you prepare Some goat producers (especially those who
for their arrival. raise dairy goats) use artificial insemination
Some goat milk markets demand year-round (A.I.) for breeding. This requires excellent heat
production. Breeding season may be manipu- detection skills and is more labor-intensive than
lated through the use of lights and hormone natural service, but A.I. allows the economical
therapy. However, milk production is less for use of outstanding sires. The American Dairy
a doe that kids in the fall than when she kids in Goat Association (ADGA) offers a booklet about
the spring. A.I., classes are offered by Langston University
Male goats (bucks) reach puberty earlier (Oklahoma) and sometimes by goat associations,
than females and must either be separated from and A.I. technicians are available in most areas of
them by the age of four months or be castrated the country. For more information, contact your
to prevent unwanted breedings. Buck kids local Extension agent, order the booklet from
can be used as herd sires at 8 to 10 months, but ADGA (see contact information in the Resource
should not be used as heavily as mature bucks. section), or call ATTRA.
Have your veterinarian test them for fertility
and soundness before the breeding season. This
test is called a breeding soundness exam and is Kid Management
described below.
The most important animal in the herd is the Kids are raised for replacement stock, sold as
buck. He provides half of the genetics of the herd, breeding stock, or slaughtered for meat. There-
and using a sound, high-quality buck can make fore, raising healthy, productive kids is essential
significant improvements to the herd. Spend time to the profitability of your operation.
and effort to locate a superior buck, one that has It is crucial that kids receive colostrum (the
the traits you have identified as important. It is first milk, which contains antibodies to protect
well worth the investment. A buck that has pro- the kid from disease) soon after birth. However,
duction records (has been on test or has relatives in some herds Caprine-arthritis encephalitis
that have been on a production test) is the surest (CAE—see Health section) is a concern, and kids
//GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW PAGE 9
10. Health Concerns
Few diseases afflict goats, and most produc-
ers find even fewer health problems when they
use management intensive grazing. Practitioners
of MIG see their goats at every paddock move.
Observation is the best way to avoid, or at least
catch early, any diseases or other problems that
might occur.
When people buy goats, they should proceed
cautiously.
Check out the seller’s herd.
• Ask the seller questions.
from those herds must be bottle-fed heat-treated • Learn as much as they can about goats and
colostrum instead of nursing their mothers. Kids goat diseases.
• Decide what diseases or problems they can
raised naturally with their mothers usually grow
or cannot live with, or which ones they are
better than those that are bottle-fed. However,
willing to vaccinate for or treat.
for dairy production, it may be more economi- • Know what can or cannot be treated and
cal to separate the kids from the mothers, feed the consequences of getting the disease in
kids with a milk replacer, and sell the extra goat their herd.
milk. It is essential, however, that kids receive
colostrum on the first day of their lives.
Males should be castrated at an early age Keeping livestock as stress-free as possible
to reduce stress on the animal. Castration with keeps their immune systems functioning prop-
elastic bands should be done within a week of erly. A healthy immune system is the best disease
birth. There is some concern that animals may preventive. Conversely, periods of stress, such as
contract tetanus if they are castrated with bands. weaning or transporting, may trigger disease. In-
Male slaughter goats are often castrated, since tensively managed livestock become calmer and
the meat can have a strong flavor in intact males tamer, and handling them calmly makes them
more than four months old. Some ethnic groups, easier to work with when things such as loading,
however, want intact males. It is important for vaccinating, or other tasks need to be done.
you to know your market, so you can plan for the Preventive management is fundamental to
management of your herd. Disbudding is often maintaining health. Proper nutrition, sanitation,
done in goat dairies to prevent problems with and ventilation, as well as timely treatment or
horns in the milking parlor. Kids are disbudded culling of problem animals, helps keep the herd
between three and seven days after birth, using in good health and reduces health care costs.
a specially designed disbudding iron that is very For example, the teats of milking does are usu-
hot. Equipment and instructions for use are of- ally dipped in disinfectant after milking, while
fered by goat supply houses (see Resource list). the teat opening is dilated, because bacteria
Recommended Vaccination Program
Enterotoxemia and tetanus— Clostridium perfringens types C, D, + Tetanus Toxoid in one
vaccine
Adult Males Once a year
Breeding Females Once a year (4 to 6 weeks before kidding), or
twice a year: 4 to 6 weeks before breeding,
then 4 to 6 weeks before kidding
Kids Week 8, then booster on week 12
PAGE 10 //GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW
11. COURTESY OF DR. JEAN-MARIE LUGINBUHL, NCSU
entering the teat can cause mastitis. Likewise, other diseases or deficiencies. Your veterinarian
regular foot-trimming helps prevent footrot and can help you set up a vaccination protocol that
lameness. Having a good predator control strat- will protect your herd from some diseases that
egy (such as a guardian animal and an electric are problems in your area.
perimeter fence) will also help prevent losses in
your herd.
Check with a local veterinarian to get recom- Parasites
mendations for a vaccination and health main-
tenance schedule for your goat herd. Because so Parasites, especially internal ones, are the
few medications are approved for use in goats, major health concern for goats. Not only are
it is imperative to work closely with a veterinar- goats very susceptible to internal parasites, but
ian who can advise you on proper drug use and the parasites are rapidly becoming resistant to
withdrawal times. It is important to find a vet- all of the available anthelmintics (dewormers),
erinarian who is compatible with you and with and no new dewormers are being developed.
your management style, and who knows (or is Therefore, management MUST be the primary
willing to learn) about small ruminants. With method for sustainable control of internal para-
time and patience, your veterinarian can become sites in goats.
competent in the diagnosis and treatment of small If ample pasture is available and goats are
ruminants. You may locate a small ruminant vet- not overstocked, a herd may have little difficulty
erinarian by contacting the Association of Small with internal parasites. However, forcing goats
Ruminant Practitioners at <www.aasrp.org/>. to graze close to the ground and overcrowding
(See Resources: Organizations.) stock will cause an increase in parasite load.
In many areas, veterinarians recommend Animals on highly-stocked pastures will usu-
vaccinations for tetanus and enterotoxemia (over- ally carry a heavier parasite load, due to the
eating disease). Certain selenium-poor regions increased amount of fecal matter on the pasture.
require the use of a selenium and vitamin injec- You can reduce parasite problems by having a
tion several times a year. In other areas, addi- low stock density and by rotating your animals
tional vaccines or injections may be necessary for to different pastures. An understanding of how
//GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW PAGE 11
13. worms.) Worming and then moving the goats for Livestock for more information on managing
24 hours later will leave behind the vast majority parasites.
of contaminated feces. Pastures are considered
“clean” if goats or sheep have not been grazed on Caprine arthritis-encephalitis
them for 12 months, or if they have been hayed
or rotated with row crops. In the meantime, Caprine arthritis-encephalitis (CAE) is the
cattle or horses may be grazed in the infested most serious disease facing the goat industry.
area, because they do not carry the same species It is an incurable viral infection that causes ar-
of worms. Goats and sheep, however, do share thritis, a hardened udder that produces no milk,
the same parasites. and a general wasting away. There is currently
Researchers have found that plants with no vaccine for the disease, and the only way to
high tannin levels show anthelmintic proper- avoid its devastating effects is to prevent animals
ties. The tannin in sericea l1espedeza has been from becoming infected. To keep your herd free
shown to suppress the egg laying ability of adult of CAE, cull any animals that have tested positive
worms and inhibits the hatching of eggs that are for CAE or are showing signs of the disease.
shed.(Min et al, 2004) This reduces the worm load The most common route of transmission is
on the pasture and in the animals. Other plants, through the milk, although saliva and possibly
including wormwood, may also have anthelmin- semen are two other routes. Heat-treating co-
tic properties. Allowing the animals to graze on lostrum and pasteurizing milk will kill the virus,
a variety of plant species will assist in providing and these are the only known ways of preventing
better nutrition, and may also help with control- the infection from passing to uninfected kids.
ling internal parasites. Not all plant species have Producers who implement a CAE-prevention
been evaluated to determine whether they have program face a rigorous regimen that includes ob-
anthelmintic properties. In the future, more re- serving all births, preventing kids from nursing,
search may be done in this area. feeding heat-treated colostrum and pasteurized
The complete eradication of livestock pests milk, and segregating or culling all CAE-positive
is not feasible or economically necessary—some animals. This is a very labor-intensive method of
level of pests may be tolerable. Goats, like other kid rearing. Anyone purchasing a goat should
species of livestock, may develop some immunity ask how the goat kid was raised and whether it
to worms, making a low-level infestation some- has had recent CAE blood tests. Because some
times more advantageous than no parasites at all. goats do not seroconvert to CAE-positive for two
Lack of immunity is very damaging to Angoras, years, a single negative blood test is not neces-
for example. When they are moved from arid sarily reliable. When kids are bottle-raised on
range conditions, where there are few internal non-pasteurized milk, the milk is usually pooled
parasites, to more humid areas, where parasite for all kids, so that one positive doe can have a
populations are higher, serious problems often disastrous effect on a goat herd’s CAE status.
develop. Some individual goats have a higher Goat producers who are really conscientious
natural immunity than others, and those are the about ridding a herd of CAE will not allow in-
animals that you should select. Young goats fected goats to have any contact with non-infected
will be most susceptible to parasites and should goats. It is always easier to purchase non-infected
always be weaned to a clean pasture. animals than to rid your herd of CAE once it is
Coccidiosis, a disease resulting from infection introduced. (When purchasing goats, it is a good
of the intestinal tract by parasitic protozoa called idea to look at the entire herd; swollen knees or
coccidia, causes scours (diarrhea) in goats, par- emaciated animals may be signs of CAE infection
ticularly in kids. There are several coccidiostats in the herd.)
(anti-coccidia medications) on the market, but Some CAE-positive goats never show any
again, management is key for control. Coccidiosis symptoms of CAE; a good kid producer or a
occurs in damp, crowded areas. Keeping kids heavy-milking doe that is CAE-positive may
away from those areas prevents serious prob- still have a place within the herd. The producer
lems. Animals gain immunity to this organism should consider the goals and priorities for his or
by nine months of age, and clinical disease rarely her enterprise before determining whether a goat
occurs in adult animals. should be culled on the basis of its CAE status.
See ATTRA’s Integrated Parasite Management At one time, it was thought that only dairy
//GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW PAGE 13
14. goats had a high incidence of CAE. However, the combination of two different bacteria, one of
with so many kids of all breeds being fed infected which cannot survive outside of the host for more
milk, the situation has now changed. Anyone than two weeks. The other is present in the envi-
buying any type of goat must be just as concerned ronment. The infection is generally painful and
about its CAE status as someone purchasing a is characterized by limping and signs of pockets
dairy goat. of pus on the hoof. There is a strong, foul odor
There are tests available to determine whether associated with footrot.
an animal has CAE. Testing should be done ev- To treat footrot, first trim the feet so they are
ery year. Positive animals should be isolated or level and smooth (stop when you see pink in the
culled. Contact your veterinarian or diagnostic sole, but remove loose bits from the side). Then
lab for further information on CAE testing. soak the animal’s foot in a footbath containing
zinc sulfate or copper sulfate or formaldehyde.
Ideally, it should stand in the solution for five
Abortion minutes and then move to a dry area. (The lot
should include dry areas, because mud and
There are several factors that can cause a moisture will aggravate footrot.)
goat to abort. A deficiency in vitamin A, iodine, Animals that do not respond to treatment
or copper can cause abortions. Parasites, certain should be culled. Many producers cull animals by
drugs, poisonous plants, and stress can also cause sending them to the sale barn: yet another reason
a doe to abort. to avoid purchasing stock there. Always observe
If abortion is widespread in the herd, animals with the herd before purchasing them,
there is most likely an infectious cause. Chlamydia and do not buy any animals that limp. Quaran-
psittaci is the most common cause of infectious tine all new goats for two weeks before putting
abortions. However, there are other organisms them with your herd, and watch closely for signs
that may be the culprit, and treatment depends of limping. Consult your veterinarian for assis-
on knowing the infectious agent. Therefore, at tance in treating footrot and other diseases.
the first abortion in the herd, send the placenta to
a diagnostic lab. Keep the placenta chilled until Caseous Lymphadenitis
it arrives at the lab. Also be sure to wear rubber
gloves and be cautious; some agents can infect Caseous lymphadenitis (CL) infects animals
humans as well. through breaks in the skin, such as cuts or scrapes
Toxoplasmosis is another major cause of from shearing, barbed wire, thorny brush, etc.,
abortion in goats. This is a disease that can also and becomes localized in a regional lymph node,
infect humans, and it is particularly dangerous most commonly in or around the neck. The re-
to pregnant women. Toxoplasmosis organisms sulting abscess can be either external or internal.
are carried by cats, particularly young cats, which Draining or opening an external abscess can cause
develop immunity once infected. It may help to reinfection. CL is transmitted by direct contact;
keep one or two adult neutered cats for rodent therefore, all infected animals should be isolated.
control and to prevent other cats from coming CL can be picked up in bedding or by touching
onto your farm. Toxoplasmosis is contracted by some other area that has been contaminated by
goats ingesting cat feces. It can be brought onto goats with abscesses, and the infectious organism
your farm in hay or straw, if there were cats on persists in the environment for several months.
the farm where the hay or straw was stored. Cer- Internal abscesses occur when the thoracic lymph
tain feed additives (Deccox, monensin) can help duct is affected. Animals with internal abscesses
prevent abortions due to toxoplasmosis. Consult often waste away— or they may have no clinical
your veterinarian for details on how and where signs. Do not buy any animals from a herd that
to ship the placenta and how to treat the herd if has abscesses. Diagnostic testing is available to
an infectious cause is identified.(Patton, 2003) determine whether an animal has CL. Extreme
caution must be used when aspirating an ab-
scess, because CL is transmittable to humans.
Footrot All infected material (gloves, bedding, towels)
must be burned to minimize the risk of spread-
Footrot is a contagious disease caused by ing disease.
PAGE 14 //GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW
15. See the Resource section at the end of this
Contagious Ecthyma publication for information on several excellent
books on goat health and diseases.
This disease, also known as soremouth or
orf, is caused by a pox virus. It is characterized Flies
by blisters and scabs on the lips and can spread
to a doe’s udder by an infected nursing kid. This In confinement situations, implement fly
disease is usually introduced into a herd from a control programs early in the season, before the
purchased animal or one returning from a show. fly population gets out of control. A sustainable
The disease is highly contagious, including to approach is Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
humans, and the virus can live for several months Parasitic wasps are a biological control for barn
to years in the environment. flies. These wasps lay their eggs in fly pupal
There is a vaccine for soremouth, but it should cases; wasp larvae kill the developing flies by
not be used in a herd that is free from the disease. feeding on them. Light traps, baited traps, and
It is a live vaccine, meaning it will introduce the sticky tapes are physical controls for barn flies.
disease into your herd. Usually, if an animal has Because moist manure, spilled feed, and damp
been infected with the disease, it will be immune bedding encourage fly populations, practicing
to further infections. good sanitation on a regular schedule is impor-
tant, especially in confinement areas. Eliminate
Scrapie Eradication Program drainage problems that allow water to accumu-
late. ATTRA has more information on alternative
Scrapie is a fatal, degenerative disease affect- fly control and IPM available on request.
ing the central nervous system, one of the class
of diseases known as transmissible spongiform
encephalopathies (TSEs). Other examples of The following are the keys to
TSEs include BSE in cattle and Chronic Wast- maintaining a healthy goat herd.
ing Disease (CWD) in deer and elk. There is
no evidence that scrapie can spread to humans, • Buy healthy stock
but negative public perceptions and the loss of • Keep animals as stress-free as possible
export opportunities have encouraged the effort • Use preventative medicine—good nutri-
to eradicate scrapie from the U.S. The incidence tion, sanitation, foot care, vaccinations
of scrapie in goats is extremely low, so it is highly • Have a relationship with a veterinarian
• Learn about the major diseases that can
unlikely that your herd will be affected. Never-
affect your herd and how to prevent them
theless, goat producers (and sheep producers) are • Be observant and responsive
required to participate in the Scrapie Eradication
Program. Details about this program are avail-
able from your state veterinarian or by going to
the National Scrapie Education Initiative Web
site, <www.eradicatescrapie.org/index.html>. Marketing
Briefly, you must contact your state veterinarian
to request a premises identification number. You This section should probably be on the first
will then receive free eartags with your premises page, because marketing must be thoroughly
ID printed on them, and you must install tags on researched and planned up-front. Before begin-
any breeding animals over the age of 18 months ning production, it is essential to know what goat
before they leave your farm. Dairy goat produc- products you are going to sell, and where and
ers may use tattoos instead of ear tags; the state how you will market them. Goat meat, which
veterinarian will assign an ID tattoo that consists is 50 to 65% leaner than beef, will be either the
of your state abbreviation and the ADGA tattoo primary product or, in the case of dairy or fiber
sequence assigned to the farm. In addition, any enterprises, an important secondary one. Called
breeding goat (or sheep) that crosses state lines “cabrito” or “chevon,” goat meat is considered
(for shows or to be sold, for example) must be a gourmet or health food by some, is popular
accompanied by an official Certificate of Veteri- in areas with certain ethnic populations, and is
nary Inspection (health certificate) issued by an often processed into products such as sausage or
accredited veterinarian. jerky. See ATTRA’s Sustainable Goat Production:
//GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW PAGE 15
16. Meat Goats and Dairy Goats: Sustainable Production plan, especially the marketing section.(University
for more information about goat products and of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives, 1998) If
their markets. the feasibility study indicates that your business
It may be possible to establish a niche mar- idea is sound, the next step is a business plan. A
ket through direct marketing. Many consum- business plan is an analysis of how the business
ers would like to buy products that have been will work—your competition, the market, your
raised with a minimum of synthetic chemicals capital and operating expenses, management and
and pesticides. With any agricultural enterprise, staffing needs, manufacturing process, etc. It is
it is important to determine market potential also one of the written documents usually neces-
before making an investment in production. See sary for obtaining a loan.(University of Wisconsin
ATTRA’s Resources for Organic Marketing, Direct Center for Cooperatives, 1998)
Marketing, and Alternative Meat Marketing for ad- While developing a business plan may take
ditional information. time and effort, it will be well worth the effort in
the long run. An excellent tool for developing a
business plan is Building a Sustainable Business: A
Certified Organic Production Guide to Developing a Business Plan for Farms and
Rural Businesses, developed by the Minnesota In-
Certified organic products have found a stitute for Sustainable Agriculture. This publica-
niche market with growing potential. The U.S. tion addresses all the steps of developing a plan,
Department of Agriculture released the National from identifying your goals to implementing your
Organic Program final rule, effective October plan. This publication can be viewed at <www.
2002, that details the requirements for organic misa.umn.edu/publications/bizplan.html>. To
certification. ATTRA has information about the order a spiral-bound copy of this workbook,
rule and the certification process available on contact 802-656-0484, <sanpubs@uvm.edu>, 800-
request. 909-6472, or <misamail@umn.edu.> As of 2004,
An organic goat feeding program will prob- the cost is under $20, including shipping.
ably require a combination of organic pasture and Producers can make effective use of labor and
purchased organic feed grains. A pasture must other resources by processing together, market-
be free of synthetic pesticides or other prohibited ing together, buying in bulk, etc. Cooperatives can
substances for three years prior to organic certifi- also help producers gain better access to funding
cation. Producers may want to request ATTRA’s and technical assistance. The USDA Rural Busi-
Organic Livestock Feed Suppliers Resource List. The ness-Cooperative Development Service provides
major difficulty with organic production of goats technical support for cooperative development.
may be the issue of how to control internal para- Contact them for a catalog of publications and
sites without recourse to anthelmintics. Cost and services (see Resources).
availability of organic grains, hay, and bedding
may be obstacles to organic production as well.
It is expensive and time-consuming to go
through the certification process. Make sure your
Resources
customers require certification before undertak- Many states have Extension publications
ing it. Refer to NCAT’s Organic Livestock Workbook about goats. Check with your local and state
for organic requirements. Extension offices for titles available in your state.
Your Extension agent may also have information
on local markets and sources of stock.
Profitability Goat experts at Langston University’s E
(Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat
Unless goat production is just a hobby for Research are valuable sources of information.
you, it is vital to do feasibility and business This is a goat research program with specialists
planning. A feasibility study identifies “make or who are willing to answer questions about all
break” issues that would prevent your business types of goats—dairy, meat, mohair, and cash-
from being successful, and answers whether the mere. Langston’s Web site is <www.luresext.
business idea makes sense. A feasibility study edu/goats/index.htm>.
also provides useful information for the business The University of Florida Cooperative Exten-
PAGE 16 //GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW
17. sion service has a Dairy Goat Production Guide commoditysheets/fvsu005.htm
that is very informative and useful. This publica- Meat Goat – www.aginfo.fvsu.edu/publicat/
tion can be viewed on-line at <http://edis.ifas. commoditysheets/fvsu006.htm
ufl.edu/DS134>.
Caprine Supply and Hoegger Supply Com- North Carolina State University – Extension
pany both sell goat equipment, including vet- Animal Husbandry (see Meat Goat)
erinary supplies and equipment for disbudding www.cals.ncsu.edu/an_sci/extension/animal/
and tattooing, insemination, and milking and eahmain.html
dairy equipment, and more. In addition, they
sell many of the books available on general goat Florida A & M Goat Program
production and specialty books on dairy, meat, www.famu.edu/index.cfm?a=
and fiber goats. A list of books is also provided goats
at the end of this publication, along with contact
information for suppliers. The University of Maryland’s National Goat
A good way to learn about goats is from other Handbook
producers, either formally or informally. Some www.inform.umd.edu/EdRes/Topic/
farms provide internship opportunities. See AT- AgrEnv/ndd/goat
TRA’s Internships and Apprenticeships Resource
List at <www.attrainternships.ncat.org/>. There University of California-Davis
may be an association of goat producers in your www.animalscience.ucdavis.edu/facilities/
area. Associations may focus on a locality, a type goats/index.htm
of goat, or a particular breed. One way to find
an association is to contact your local Extension University of California Cooperate Extension
office. There are goat listserves on the Internet www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/vetext/INF-GO_
with active producer participation, as well as CarePrax2000.pdf
many sites offering goat information.
Empire State Meat Goat Producers Associa-
tion
Web Sites www.esmgpa.org/index.cfm
Maryland Small Ruminant Page
Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners
www.sheepandgoat.com
http://aasrp.org
This site provides links to many topics about
sheep and goat production and marketing.
Livestock for Landscapes
www.livestockforlandscapes.com
Cyber Goats
www.cybergoat.com
BEHAVE–Behavioral Education for Human
Animal Vegetation and Ecosystem Manage-
Goat Connection
ment
www.goatconnection.com
www.behave.net
Offers managers tools and resources to harness
Langston University – E. (Kika) de la Garza
the power of behavior to induce beneficial
American Institute for Goat Research
outcomes on the land.
www2.luresext.edu/goats/index.htm
National Scrapie Education Initiative
Oklahoma State University
www.eradicatescrapie.org/index.html
www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/goats
FAMACHA information
Fort Valley State University
http://scsrpc.org/SCSRPC/FAMACHA/
Georgia Goat Center Publications–
famacha.htm
www.ag.fvsu.edu/mainpages/publications.
cfm
Dairy Goat – www.aginfo.fvsu.edu/publicat/
//GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW PAGE 17
18. CD-ROMs Dairy Goats: Sustainable Production
This publication is intended for those interested
Multi-Species Grazing and Leafy Spurge in starting a commercial goat dairy. It discusses
TEAM Leafy Spurge. 2002. the five major considerations to be addressed in
USDA-ARS Northern Plains planning for dairy goat production: labor, sales
Agriculture Research Laboratory and marketing, processing, regulations, and
1500 North Central Avenue budgeting and economics. It includes production
Sidney, MT 59270 information specific to dairy goats, including
406-433-2020 choosing breeds and selecting stock.
www.team.ars.usda.gov
This CD provides a variety of useful informa- Small Ruminant Sustainability Checksheet
tion about using grazing as an effective, afford- This checksheet is designed to stimulate critical
able, and sustainable leafy spurge management thinking when evaluating a farm that produces
tool. It contains economic reports, posters, sheep or goats. The sustainability of a farm
photos, a PowerPoint presentation, an exten- depends on many factors involving farm man-
sive bibliography, and more. A great resource. agement, use of resources, and quality of life.
The questions in the checksheet are intended to
GOATS! For Firesafe Homes in Wildland stimulate awareness rather than to rate manage-
Areas ment practices. Use this guide to define areas in
Kathy Voth your farm management that might be improved,
6850 West County Road 24 as well as to identify areas of strength.
Loveland, CO 80538
www.livestockforlandscapes.com
This CD/handbook is designed to provide fire
managers, communities, and livestock owners
Health
information on using goats to reduce fire dan-
ger. It includes expected results, and the Integrated Parasite Management for Livestock
“hows” of managing animals, choosing treat With parasites developing resistance to all de-
ment sites, developing contracts for services, wormers, and more farmers producing livestock
estimating costs, and starting projects. This is by “natural” methods, there is interest in looking
a great CD with some excellent videos. for alternative ways to manage parasite problems.
This publication outlines a systems approach to
assess and manage the soil, forages, and animals
ATTRA Publications to decrease internal parasites and their effects.
The following publications are available free Predator Control for Sustainable & Organic
from ATTRA. Copies can be requested by call- Livestock Production
ing 800-346-9140 or downloaded at our Web This publication focuses primarily on the control
site, <www.attra.ncat.org>. of coyotes and dogs, which are the main causes of
livestock lost to predation. It discusses manage-
General ment practices, physical barriers, the use of guard
animals, and other predator control measures.
Sustainable Goat Production: Meat Goats
Offers information specific to meat goat produc-
tion and should be read after Goats: Sustainable Forages
Production Overview. It discusses topics that
include selection, breeds, marketing, feeding, and Assessing the Pasture Soil Resource
profitability. It also includes sample budgets, case This publication explains how to take a soil sample
studies of farms in Montana and Missouri, and and an easy way to assess soil biological activity and
many further resources. water infiltration. Assessment sheet included.
Matching Livestock and Forage Resources
This publication examines how to manage pas-
PAGE 18 //GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW
19. tures and grazing animals to make more profit- rural areas and want to add new enterprises to
able use of the farm’s resources. their operations. Its sections guide the reader in
evaluating resources, assessing finances, gather-
Meeting the Nutritional Needs of Ruminants ing information, and marketing. It also discusses
on Pasture choosing an “alternative” enterprise and offers
Impact of grazing management on nutrition, further resources.
supplemental feeding on high quality pasture,
feed profiling, feed budgeting, and matching Holistic Management
livestock and forage resources for efficient pasture This is an introduction to holistic management.
use are all covered. Holistic management is a decision-making frame-
work that assists farmers and others in establish-
Multispecies Grazing ing long-term goals, creating a detailed financial
This is a brief overview of why multispecies graz- plan, developing a biological plan for the land-
ing is beneficial, and includes considerations for scape, and implementing a monitoring program
multispecies management. to assess progress toward the goals. Holistic
Management helps managers to ask the right
Introduction to Paddock Design questions and guides them in setting priorities.
This presents the basics of paddock design and
considerations in fencing and water technology. Keys to Success in Value-Added Agriculture
Many enclosures. This publication presents, largely in the words
of 14 farmers, important lessons they learned in
Rotational Grazing adding value to farm products and marketing
This publication examines how to manage pas- directly to consumers.
tures and grazing animals to make more profit-
able use of the farm’s resources. Marketing Strategies for Farmers and Ranch-
ers (SAN publication)
Sustainable Pasture Management
This includes managing fertility and pests, Adding Value to Farm Products: an Overview
grazing systems, conserved forages, maintaining This publication introduces the concept of value-
productivity, and additional resources. added farm products, explains a few of the nuts
and bolts for starting a food processing business,
Marketing and provides resources for additional informa-
tion.
Alternative Meat Marketing
This is a comprehensive introduction to producer Value-added Dairy Options
marketing of meat products. It discusses pitfalls, This presents considerations for those who want
producing and packaging for quality and con- to increase their profitability by bottling milk,
sistency, direct marketing options, value-added making cheese or yogurt, or doing some other
products, food safety and labeling, and niche mar- processing of their milk. This publication dis-
kets. Contains a list of resources. cusses regulations and organic milk certification
and offers resources for further information. Call
Direct Marketing 800-346-9140 to request this publication, since
This publication on direct marketing alterna- enclosures are available only with the hard copy.
tives— with emphasis on niche and specialty
markets and value-added crops—features many
farm case studies, as well as information on en- Books
terprise budgets and promotion/publicity. A new
section discusses implications of Internet market- The following books offer useful information
ing and e-commerce for agriculture. on a wide variety of production and marketing
issues. These titles may be available through
Evaluating a Rural Enterprise your local library, or may be requested through
This publication is for people who already live in inter-library loan. Most of these books will be
worthwhile purchases for individuals new to
//GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW PAGE 19
20. goat production. Previewing the books at a li- The New Goat Handbook
brary is the best way to select the titles that will Jaudas, Ulrich. 1989. Barrons Educational Se-
be most useful to you. ries, Inc., Hauppauge, NY. 93 p.
A colorful book with many photographs and
Used copies may be available through on-line line drawings. Very interesting and infor-
services or through other booksellers. Many mative.
suppliers of sheep and goat equipment also
offer books in their catalogs, and copies are Goat Husbandry
available from the publishers as well. Mackenzie, David. 1967. Faber and Faber Ltd.,
London. 368 p.
Meat Goats: Their History, Management, and An older book, it can be found in librar-
Diseases. ies and from sellers of used books. British
Mitcham, Stephanie, and Allison Mitcham. terminology. Very good reading. A classic.
2000. Crane Creek Publications, Sumner, IA.
264 p. Angora Goats the Northern Way
A well-written combination of the author’s Drummond, Susan Black. 1988. 2nd edition.
personal experiences raising goats, veteri- Stony Lonesome Farm, Freeport, Michigan.
nary knowledge (Stephanie Mitcham is a 203 p.
DVM), and a compilation of information Order from: Stony Lonesome Farm
from other experts in the field. Includes 1451 Sisson Rd.
information about handling systems (hard Freeport, MI 49325
to find elsewhere).
Raising Goats for Milk and Meat
Small- Scale Livestock Farming: A Grass Sinn, Rosalee. 1995. Raising Goats for Milk
Based Approach for Health, Sustainability, and Meat: A Heifer Project International Train-
and Profit. ing Course. Heifer Project International, Little
Ekarius, Carol. 1999. Storey Books, Pownal, VT. Rock, AR. 140 p.
217 p. Written for persons with limited resources,
Not specific to any species of livestock, this this is a very practical book. Available
book contains farmer profiles and quite a bit through Caprine Supply (among other
of holistic planning and economic informa- sources).
tion. Very complete in treatment of rota-
tional grazing. The Meat Goats of Caston Creek
Tomlinson, Sylvia. 1999. Redbud Publishing
Storey’s Guide to Raising Dairy Goats (re- Co., Victoria, TX. 181 p.
vised and updated; originally titled Raising Personal experiences of the author.
Milk Goats the Modern Way)
Belanger, Jerry. 2001. Storey Books, Pownal, Your Goats: A Kid’s Guide to Raising and
VT. 288 p. Showing
Very good general book for producers of Damerow, Gail. 1993. Storey Books, Pownal,
dairy goats. VT.
172 p.
Goats and Goatkeeping Gail Damerow writes very good books; this
Thear, Katie. 1988. Merehurst Press, London. one is easy to understand and very informa-
176 p. tive. Not just for kids.
Very interesting book for goat producers,
geared for the small farm. Covers milk, Natural Goat Care
meat, and fiber. Practical and concise, very Coleby, Pat. 2001. Acres U.S.A, Austin TX.
similar to The New Goat Handbook, but 371 p.
with added detail. Order from: Acres U.S.A.
Austin, TX 78709
800-355-5313
Fascinating book; Australian author pays
PAGE 20 //GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW
21. much attention to nutrition and maintain- through every step of the process in creating
ing health organically. a business plan. Includes many examples
from existing farms. This workbook is a
Goat Medicine bargain.
Smith, Mary, and David M. Sherman. 1994.
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, MD. …May Safely Graze: Protecting Livestock
620 p. Against Predators
This book is recommended as a useful gift Fytche, Eugene. 1998. Published by the au-
for a veterinarian. Very scientific, some of thor. 103 p. To order, write to Eugene Fytche,
the terminology will only be understood by R.R. #1, Almonte, Ontario. K0A 1A0.
a veterinarian. Chapter 1 (Fundamentals of This book explores how to identify and
Goat Practice) is very helpful to producers quantify the predator problem, and includes
as well as veterinarians. Chapter 20 (Herd information on many methods to control
Health Management and Preventive Medi- the problem, including guard animals,
cine) is also very useful to producers. fencing, and management.
Sheep and Goat Medicine Fences for Pasture & Garden
Pugh, D.G. 2002. W.B. Saunders Company, Damerow, Gail. 1992. Storey Communications,
Philadelphia, PA. 468 p. Inc., Pownal, VT. 160p.
A great gift for a veterinarian. A wealth of
information for producers and for veterinar- Sheep Housing and Equipment Handbook
ians. Knowledge of veterinary terminology Hirning, Harvey J., Tim C. Faller, Karl J.
will be helpful in using this book . Hoppe, Dan J. Nudell, and Gary E. Ricketts.
1994. MidWest Plan Service, Ames, IA. 90 p.
Goat Health Handbook: A Field Guide for This book is useful for goats, as well.
Producers with Limited Veterinary Service Can be ordered by visiting
Thedford, T.R. 1983. Printed in collaboration <http://www.mwps.org/>.
with Agricultural Experimental Station, Uni-
versity of Arkansas. 123 p.
Available from: Magazines
International Winrock Publication Sales
The Stockman Grass Farmer
P.O. Box 9363
P.O. Box 2300
Arlington, VA 22209-0363
Ridgeland, MS 39158
800-748-9808
Building a Sustainable Business: A Guide to
www.stockmangrassfarmer.com/sgf/
Developing a Business Plan for Farms and
$32 per year (12 issues).
Rural Business
DiGiacomo, Gigi, Robert King, and Dale Nor-
Countryside & Small Stock Journal
dquist. 2003. Minnesota Institute for Sustain-
W11564 Hwy 64
able Agriculture, Saint Paul, MN, and the Sus-
Withee, WI 54489
tainable Agriculture Network, Beltsville, MD.
800-551-5691
Available for $14.00 + $3.95 S/H by calling 802-
www.countrysidemag.com
656-0484 or 800-909-6472. Publication can also
$18 per year (12 issues).
be viewed at <www.misa.umn.edu/publica-
tions/bizplan.html>.
The Goat Magazine
Business planning is an important part of
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owning and managing a farm. A business
Gillett, TX 78116
plan helps farmers demonstrate that they
830-789-4268
have fully researched their proposed enter-
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prise, that they know how to produce their
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product, how to sell what they produce,
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and how to manage financial risk. This
$24.00 per year (6 issues). $5.00 for a
comprehensive workbook will guide farmers
sample issue.
//GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW PAGE 21