VOL. 97 NO. 1 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 • $4.99 U.S. •WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM
MYOTONIC GOATS WHY DO THEY FAINT?
LICE! ARE YOUR GOATS LOUSY?
PREGNANT GOAT CARE
An Easy Guide to PLUS Cheese Aging Equipment
goat journal :: in this issue
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06 From the Editor THE STORIES 58 Breed Profile: Boer Goats 08 Reader Feedback 31 A Weekend at Rendy by Tamsin Cooper Reader Letters, Fan Photos by Theresa Miller 62 Breeders Directory/Classifieds/ 13 Reader Spotlight 34 Changes to The IDGR Bookstore by Peggy Boone 14 Back from the Vet 68 Just for Fun by Katie Estill DVM 37 Put on a Happy Face! by Tamsin Cooper 70 Coming Attractions 16 Katherine’s Caprine Corner by Katherine Drovdahl 40 Are Your Goats Lousy? by Karen Kopf THE FEATURES 44 Got Brush? 18 Why Do Myotonic Goats by Marcia V. Stucki Faint? by Janet Garman 47 A Guide to Cheese Aging Equipment 23 Pregnant Goat Care by Kate Johnson by Kate Johnson 52 Secret Life of Goats: 28 Photo Essay Surfing Goats Pack Goat Rendezvous by Theresa Miller
ON THE COVER Summer, from the farm Andy’s Acres in Carlton, Minnesota. Photo by Chelsea Dobs Photography. THE REAL WOLF JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 VOL. 97 NO. 1 By Ted B. Lyon & Will N. Graves CountrysideNetwork.com
editorial Steph Merkle, Content Director [email protected] Marissa Ames, Editor [email protected] Samantha Ingersoll, Ann Tom Editorial Assistants
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The Science, Politics, Goat Journal (ISSN 0011-5592, USPS 147-020) is published bi-monthly by Countryside Publications, 136 W Broadway Ave, Medford, WI 54451. and Economics of Coexisting with Periodicals postage paid at Medford, WI and Wolves in Modern Times other mailing offices. The views presented here do not necessarily represent those of the editor or publisher. All contents of this issue of Goat Journal are A comprehensive look at one of copyrighted by Countryside Publications, 2019. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is the most controversial prohibited, except by permission of the publisher. Editorial office: P.O. Box 566, Medford WI 54451. predators in North America. [email protected]
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4 GOAT JOURNAL | january/february 2019 WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 5 goat journal :: from the editor Happy New Year!
Ronda the prize-fighting fainting goat.
RE YOU PLANNING TO MAKE CHANGES And do they have to be a specific breed to freeze this year or keep up the status quo? Increase and fall over? Contributor Janet Garman tells us Ayour goat herd or focus more on quality about fainting goats in one of our feature stories. characteristics? Finally learn to make cheese or just New years bring changes, whether we’re enjoy watching peaceful wethers eat your weeds? talking about your pregnant doe’s changing One year ago this month, my husband decided needs or new ownership and changes to he wanted fainting goats. I always chuckle when the International Dairy Goat Registry. he wants specific animals, because my focus is It’s not yet spring, and goats are still bedding livestock. His is pets ... the miniature lop rabbits, down inside barns, which increases chances for lice. the myotonic goats that don’t give much milk. But How do you know if your goats are lousy and how since he is so patient with my chicken math and goat can you treat it? We also have a breed profile of the multiplication, I immediately went looking for fainting popular Boer goats, a story about goats that surf at goats. I soon found a local woman who raises small, Pismo Beach, and results of a groundbreaking study silky myotonic lines and I purchased two does. My proving that goats prefer when humans smile. husband named them Ronda and Paige, after prize Do you own fainting goats or Boer goats? fighters. One doe had been bred, though the seller Do you have experiences with goats preferring didn’t know at what time. On February 15th, within their happy humans? Send your feedback and a week of bringing them home, Ronda gave birth to photos to us at [email protected] so we Buster and Manny. We enjoyed these tiny, bouncing, can display them within our next issue. hilarious babies until we admitted that there is only so much room for males on a small farm. We ENJOY YOUR NEW YEAR AND YOUR GOATS! advertised the little wethers and had a four-person waiting list! Myotonic goats are trendy right now! In YouTube videos and viral shares, they trip and fall over again and again. But why do goats faint? Marissa Ames, Editor 6 GOAT JOURNAL | january/february 2019 Registration is the foundation for building a valuable dairy goat herd.
Performance Programs are the reinforcement.
Request a free informaaon packet today. [email protected] or 828-286-3801
WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 7
goat journal :: conversation
in response to in response to MAKING GOAT MILK THE SECRET LIFE OF CARAMELS RODEO GOATS In the In the november/december 2018 issue: september/october 2018 issue: Received the Goat Journal yesterday. I was fascinated by the recipe for "caramel" the lady from AllThingsRanch provided I understand why AHA are now working to Goat Journal. What a wonderful gesture. Thanks so much to towards improving welfare within rodeo her and Goat Journal for sharing the recipe with us! Many thanks! sport, rather than trying to ban it. It is "Merci" "Gratias" difficult to oppose a popular cultural I couldn't wait to try it and I have it ready to go in the fridge. tradition. However, many welfare workers Can't wait for it to cool! SO easy to make and the taste … oh la la! find they have to work in activities they — Bob don't condone (e.g. fur trade). They ensure minimum standards to prevent long term stress. However, any animal that has natural predators will find pursuit and tying frightening and stressful. If goats are well- socialized to humans the risk is considerably WE LOVE HEARING FROM YOU! reduced. The goats' comments can be read in their postures and facial expressions. Send us your letters, whether positive, The Boer goatling does not appear at all constructive, or just to brag about your goats! distressed by the approach of the girl in the photo. However, the tied Kiko kid has a tense jaw and nostrils revealing distress. Goat Journal I can see that this method might P.O. Box 566 be needed for wild and feral animals. However tame, domestic animals should Medford, WI 54451 be trained and treated gently. I feel that encouraging children to compete in this or email activity is giving the wrong message. [email protected] — Tamsin Cooper of Goat Behaviour and Welfare
8 GOAT JOURNAL | january/february 2019
THANK YOU in response to GOAT CHEESE FOR THE SUPPORT FOR SALE OF OUR In the YOUNG READERS! september/october 2018 issue: Do you participate in 4-H, FFA, Grange, or other goat- showing endeavors? We would love to see your pictures!
First, I enjoy the new format. While I only have dairy goats, I sell wethers for pulling and packing as well as pets. It’s interesting to hear from others on those issues. Knowing your roots in dairy goats, I was surprised to see the article “Goat Cheese For Sale?” didn’t mention goat share or herd share programs. In a share program, a consumer purchases a share in an individual doe’s production (or sometimes a share of the herd’s production, depending on state law). The consumer also pays a monthly or weekly boarding fee which reimburses a proportionate share of the farmer’s labor in milking and caring for the doe, feed costs, etc. These share programs are a viable means of getting milk directly from the farmer to consumers. I hope you’ll include information about shares in a future issue. — LeAnn Harner North Dakota
Hi LeAnn, Thanks for your letter! We’re glad to hear that North Dakota offers herd shares! I live in a state (Nevada) where distributing milk from your animal is illegal except through very specific and stringent licensing requirements. Sadly, herd shares are not allowed here. We must own animals if we want milk that isn’t from a supermarket. As you said, it very much depends on individual state law. I urge all readers to contact their local USDA offices directly if they want to know whether they can buy/sell/share milk from small, private herds. Each state’s laws differ and change so often that it’s worthwhile to stay in touch with your own location’s requirements. — Marissa Ames, Editor
WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 9 goat journal :: reader photos
PHOTOS
1. These are my best pals Ringo, the black pygmy goat who is four, and George, the white pygmy who is five months. They love charging round the paddock, playing hide and seek. Gives me so much pleasure. Submitted by Martina Robinson
1 2. I would like to submit the attached photo of me and "Tawny", my eight-year-old Rangeland (Australian feral) pack goat, whose short legs are no match for his enthusiastic attitude during our hikes in Victoria, Australia. Thanks! Submitted by Kate Albiston
3. Father/son team. Grand and Reserve Champion Dawnwind’s Chateau Briant’s Bon Idee and Alpenthal’s Dawnwind Big Money. Submitted by Tanja Miller
4.-7. Kate Albison, from Australia, traveled to attend the Pack Goat Rendezvous in Idaho last summer and took some great photos! Submitted by Kate Albiston
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10 GOAT JOURNAL | january/february 2019 ways to share: email photos in jpg format to [email protected] message us on facebook: facebook.com/goatjournal tag us on instagram or use #goatjournal: 4 instagram.com/goatjournal mail your entry to: goat journal p.o. box 566 medford, wi 54451
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WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 11 12 GOAT JOURNAL | january/february 2019 goat journal :: reader spotlight
Reader Spotlight: Charles Jennings and Larry Robinson
Charles Jennings
T THE 2018 PACK GOAT RENDEZVOUS, two longtime goat owners received honorary lifetime Amemberships to the North American Pack Goat Association (NAPgA) and were presented with plaques as thanks for their contributions through the years. Charles Jennings, who graced the cover of our very first Goat Journal in November/December of 2017, owns Bear River Outfitters and is active in efforts to find a working balance between pack goats and wildlife conservation. Larry Robinson is an Air Force veteran (21 years) who began hiking at age 58 to give him “separation from the thundering hordes.” Larry added goats to his hiking regime after seeing a presentation by another hiker who utilized a large Saanen goat to help her continue on the trails after the age of 59. When Larry’s goats reached four years old and could carry weight, he added packs and has been hiking with pack goats ever since. Larry Robinson
WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 13 back from the vet :: featuring katie estill, dvm
PREGNANCY TOXEMIA
PRING IS COMING, AND SO ARE KIDS. If you space for feed intake within the rumen. Animals with are a spring kidder, it is time to begin preparing early or subclinical disease may also show illness after Sto have little tykes bouncing about the farm. times of stress. Special care should be taken of animals As does head into late term pregnancy, they become in late-term pregnancy, as any handling, illness (such at risk for pregnancy toxemia, or pregnancy ketosis. as foot rot), or changes in weather may be enough Growing fetuses can cause this metabolic condition stress to decrease feed intake induce acute illness. which is life threatening to does as well as the growing Does exhibiting early clinical signs such as decreased kids. Does most at risk for developing for pregnancy feed intake and energy can recover well with rapid toxemia are those with low body condition, 2 BCS or treatment on the farm. Propylene glycol can be given less, and high body conditions, 4 BCS and over. Does orally, 60ml twice daily. Electrolyte drenches are carrying multiple kids are also at increased risk of advised as well. Increasing the quality of nutrition, developing pregnancy toxemia. While late pregnancy such as adding alfalfa and increasing grains, is also is the primary time for onset of pregnancy toxemia, imperative. Any concurrent illness, such as foot rot high production milking goats are also at risk early in or pneumonia should be treated at this time. Does milk production due to their high energy demands. showing more severe clinical signs, such as ataxia or Pregnancy toxemia occurs most commonly in the blindness will require more aggressive treatment from last one to three weeks of your farm veterinarian. gestation. Early signs include There are several other lethargy and decreased feed conditions that may cause intake, especially of grain. As neurologic signs, such as the disease progresses, does polioencephalomalacia, will become ataxic (abnormal The cause of pregnancy listeriosis, and hypocalcemia, movement), recumbent, and so it is important to involve finally comatose and dead. toxemia is inadequate nu- your herd veterinarian in any This progression can be fairly treatment choices to ensure rapid, occurring over the tritional intake. Does are the right condition is being course of only a few days. treated. Does may respond to The cause of pregnancy unable to meet the growing drenching with oral calcium, toxemia is inadequate electrolytes, further propylene nutritional intake. Does are demands of late term fetus- glycol, and some may require unable to meet the growing insulin injections to maintain demands of late-term fetuses, es, which are substantially blood glucose. Those does that which are substantially higher are too thin or fat and unable than early pregnancy. Does higher than early pregnancy. to continue with the pregnancy that are thin, either from will require induction of lack of feed or concurrent parturition, or abortion. disease, mobilize more body This can be done with fat to sustain the pregnancy. injection of dexamethasone, The resultant metabolism of fat causes ketosis, liver although does may also benefit with the addition of damage, and subsequent hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver). prostaglandin F2alpha. Does that are within three Similarly, over-conditioned animals mobilize fat days of expected due date may be considered for rapidly during times of decreased feed intake, which emergency cesarean section to save alive fetuses. This quickly overwhelms the liver. Over-fat animals will choice should be reached carefully, as induction of have decreased intake due to space limitations. Fat parturition with dexamethasone may be less stressful within the abdomen and the growing fetuses limit the on the doe, and should be used to save valuable alive
14 GOAT JOURNAL | january/february 2019 fetuses. In does that are severely ill, it should be acknowledged that even extensive treatment is unlikely to be successful. Pregnancy toxemia can be prevented by careful management of does throughout their reproductive cycle. As indicated by the at risk categories, body condition plays an important role in contracting pregnancy toxemia. Nutritional management is the key to healthy pregnancies. Prior to breeding, does should be assessed and ensure that they are in the proper body condition. Care should especially be taken to ensure that pet or show animals are not over- conditioned and pasture or range animals are not thin. The ideal breeding BCS is 3. Does should not be less than a BCS of 2.5 when entering the last six weeks of gestation, and ideally be 3-3.5. (The American Dairy Goat Association has a helpful body condition testing can be used to asses risk kept in good health and at an scoring article and video at https:// within a flock as they near kidding appropriate body condition. When adga.org/dairy-goat-body- season. Testing 10-20 percent of the nearing kidding it is important to condition-scoring.) After breeding, flock can give an idea of the extent monitor does closely for any signs does should also be sorted of risk of development of toxemia. of early pregnancy toxemia. Early according to their body condition. Should the average BHB of these identification of this disease greatly Thin does should be separated animals be 0.8mmol/L or greater, increases the chances of survival. and fed a higher grain ration. then there is a risk of pregnancy Does carrying multiples are at toxemia. This is a fairly simple exponentially increased risk due blood test that can be performed by to the increased energy demands your veterinarian. Urine dipsticks of multiple growing fetuses. may also be used to monitor for Ultrasound may be used early ketones, which are indicative of SOURCES in pregnancy to identify does abnormal fat metabolism. Animals vin.com/apputil/con- carrying multiples. To successfully exhibiting early signs with ketones tent/defaultadv1.aspx- identify multiples, an ultrasound in their urine should be treated ?id=3865531&pid=11262& should be performed between 40- immediately. These tests can also merckvetmanual.com/metabol- 60 days of pregnancy. Thin does be utilized by your veterinarian ic-disorders/hepatic-lipidosis/preg- and does with multiples can then when determining the cause nancy-toxemia-in-ewes-and-does be separated and fed according of a sick does clinical signs. to their increased energy needs. Pregnancy toxemia occurs adga.org/dairy-goat-body-condi- There are also several tests at a small percentage even in tion-scoring/ available to assess the risk or healthy flocks, however, careful presence of pregnancy toxemia. management ensures much less BHB, or beta hydroxybutyrate risk. Breeding does should be
KATIE ESTILL, DVM, is a veterinarian consultant for Goat Journal, Countryside & Small Stock Journal, and Countryside Network. She works with goats and other large livestock at Desert Trails Veterinary Services in Winnemucca, Nevada.
WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 15 katherine’s caprine corner :: featuring katherine drovdahl
Do you have a question for Katherine’s Caprine Corner? Send it to us at [email protected].
Katherine Drovdahl, MH CA CEIT DipHIr QTP, answers your questions about dehorning goats, hard udders, and first-aid items for pack goats!
Q: Can I dehorn a goat at six months old? Q: My doe has a hard udder and dropped milk production. What can I do for her? A: OUCH. And that’s an “udder” statement! A: First, get a diagnosis or a good assessment, Ideally we like to disbud standard-sized healthy as there are several causes. This could be CAE. It kids at about four days old. If they are sick, smaller could be a bite or sting or it could be mastitis. It than about 5 ½ lbs, or you can’t yet feel a raised could also be a combination of these or a mechanical edge to the horn you can wait, but check them injury caused by a splinter. Look carefully at the every one to two days! Even then we like those mammary system. Do you notice changes in color done before two weeks of age. Some breeds are or temperature? Is there swelling? Is it the whole slow to sprout and on smaller breeds it’s good udder, just a region of it, or just a half? Are there to get a bit more head size before disbudding. bite marks, punctures, or damaged skin areas? By using a disbudding iron, we catch the horn Also check her body temperature. For any of these "in the bud" and cauterize around the bud which I would want to support her immune system with kills the blood supply to it, which is the least herbs such as olive leaf, thyme, and/or oregano. traumatic to your goats. Often when done young I’d also want to support the stress on her system enough, they will return to their day with hardly an with cayenne. I would also want to consider aftereffect (unless they bump their head of course). herbs used traditionally for antibacterial issues, Done correctly the bud then dies and falls off in such as goldenseal, thyme, cayenne, or myrrh. approximately six weeks. It only takes a few short If you believe it was a bite or sting, I’d also weeks before horn bases get too large to disbud address toxins that could be in the bloodstream. safely and for horn buds to attach to the skull. Once For CAE possibilities, I would first test through they attach, you are looking at a difficult surgical a reputable laboratory. If that came out positive, procedure including anesthetic risk to your goat. then besides getting aggressive with the above, Years ago, we had a yearling buck with serious watch for possible joint and lung issue possibilities. scurs. Our vet had to cut into his skull with a Makita Her mammary would benefit from decongesting power tool, which exposed his sinus cavity, and he herbs or careful use of diluted essential oils such required a few weeks of aftercare to avoid infection as peppermint, wintergreen, Eucalyptus globulus, while he healed. He came out well but there is no and ginger as well as alternating hot and cold guarantee that scurs won’t grow back. I personally compresses to try to get the lymph "unstuck" and will not put an animal though that one again. moving again. If you aren’t sure where to start, hire a quality goat-experienced veterinarian to get a diagnosis. Once you get her body and udder healthy again, you can use lactation supportive herbs or products to help her body increase its production.
KATHERINE DROVDAHL and husband Jerry keep LaManchas, horses, alpacas, and gardens on a small piece of Washington State paradise. Her certifications, including Master of Herbology, help her guide others through human or creature wellness problems. Her wellness products, consultations, and signed copies of The Accessible Pet, Equine and Livestock Herbal, are available at firmeadowllc.com.
16 GOAT JOURNAL | january/february 2019 Q: Help! I am so tired of dealing with Q: What first-aid items should I take frozen water hoses and faucets. with me on the trail for my pack goats? What can I do? A: Cayenne can be poured right onto injuries as a A: For seven winters we lived in snow country blood stop. It also helps give endurance, equalizes where temperatures routinely dropped to 20 blood pressure in anaphylaxis, is antibacterial, offers degrees below Fahrenheit about two weeks of support in hypothermia, and has B vitamins to the winter and often stayed below freezing for support a stressed animal. It’s also great stroke and several months in a row. In between milkings we heart support even in heart attacks. I’ve also used it kept water hoses in our insulated milk room. We for a concussion on me and had it clear out the fog also set up to frost-free hydrants, placing enough in just minutes. Of course, a good healing support around the farm to reach each waterer with only salve and vet wraps/papertoweling/duct tape in one hose, so we only needed to keep one hose in case an injury needs to be protected or a broken the milk room. We always removed the hose right bone has to be supported during the trip back home. away to prevent busted pipes. In climates that Raw apple cider vinegar, in case you encounter a are not that cold, you can keep a hose stretched creature sting or bite. Udder products, if you have out where the sun will hit it and thaw it. Where a milker going with you. For your milker’s sake, be we live now, we water in the afternoon and sure her udder is well-attached to the fore, rear, and detach our hoses to prevent water from staying down the sides of the rear legs and held well above in the above-ground pipes. We wrap faucets the hocks to minimize damage on the trail. with winter protection, often with straw and a bucket or feedbag held on with hayrope. We also remove hose manifolds and splitters during the winter months so they don’t freeze and break.
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WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 17 feature :: myotonic goats WHY DO MYOTONIC GOATS FAINT?
by janet garman
Roush from Hylton Family Farm in Akron, Ohio. Photo Credit: Amanda Hylton
YOTONIC GOATS WERE INTRODUCED to the United States in the 1880s. As the Myotonic goats were developed and Mstory goes, goat owner John Tinsley was selected over time based on certain qualities. traveling through the United States from Nova Scotia and he sold a few of his stiff-legged goats to Much of that was determined by the needs some farmers in Tennessee. These early owners of of the local population. Some still carry the Tinsley's goats found they had great reproduction rates, and good muscle and meat quality. genes for smaller size. Others have large, curling horns. It's also common to find EARLY BREED DEVELOPMENT The breed became popular for a time. Some fainting goats with very small horns. farms bred for meat quality and larger size. Other farms were breeding for smaller size and maternal WHAT'S THE REAL STORY? qualities. The wide range of sizes still exists today, When startled, the fainting goats appear to stiffen however most farms will use the breed for meat. and fall over. The startle reaction in the breed is part The breed has been called a number of different of the condition myotonia congenita. The goats with names. Tennessee Fainting goats is one name given this condition startle easily and their legs stiffen from because of where they were first bred after being a lengthy contraction of the leg muscles. But it's not a brought to the United States. "Wooden Leg goat" was a true faint. The goat remains conscious and tips over. more likely name for the fainting goats bred in Texas. The reaction can vary widely depending on the goats. Still other names include "Stiffs," "Nervous," "Scare," The condition is not exclusive to fainting goats. Even and "Tennessee Meat goat." humans can have the myotonia condition. One of our
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Pygora goats has had many fainting Landrace breeds such as these muddled, there are criteria episodes. At first I thought he had a are developed over time from an that the Myotonic Goat seizure disorder. One day, while the unmonitored population. The Registry uses as consistent vet was on our property for another background of myotonic goats traits that are very important reason, our goat conveniently had differs from most of the goat types and need to be preserved: an episode. The vet assured me that that are also popular in the country, 1. Possesses a docile it was a including most of temperament. case of the dairy breeds 2. Myotonia congenita leading myotonia and the Boer goat. to stiffness and muscularity congenita. The condition is not exclusive Those breeds — the gene for myotonia He further to fainting goats. arrived with a congenita also is responsible explained standard breed for the excellent muscle that Even humans can have the appearance and quality. because myotonia condition. One of qualities. The 3. An abundance of high- fainting myotonic goats quality muscle. goats have our Pygora goats has had were developed 4. Adapts well to low-input a lengthy and selected over many fainting episodes. forage feeding system. history time based on in this certain qualities. 5. Genetic distance from other country, Much of that breeds such that cross- it is possible that my Pygora was determined by the needs of breeding yields great lineage contains some connection the local population. Some still hybrid vigor. to a Tennessee Fainting goat. carry the genes for smaller size. Item five can lead to some Others have large, curling horns. confusion and disagreement within THE BREED REGISTRY It's also common to find fainting the breed groups. The breeding CHARACTERISTICS goats with very small horns. for one characteristic over another There's a wide variation in Although the breed description can lead to a loss of the qualities appearance with these goats. can be a bit confusing and preferred in the myotonic goat
Photos courtesy of Goats Gone Grazing Acres
20 GOAT JOURNAL | january/february 2019 1
Photos courtesy of Bobbette Fagel, Briar Creek Farm 2
1 Gizmo fainted 2 Daisy 3 Gypsy Briar Creek Farm Established on March 15, 2016, Briar Creek Farm started out as acres of open hay fields and woods galore. They broke ground on the new home and watched as the land slowing 3 became their farm. Today, Briar Creek Farm spe- breed. Extremes within the breed the weight range can be from cializes in Nubian, Nigerian are to be avoided according to the 50 pounds to 175 pounds. The Dwarf, and Myotonic (Fainting) Myotonic Goat Registry. variety of color combinations goats. In addition to goats, makes each kidding season fun as BREED APPEARANCE new color combinations appear. they have several breeds of Fainting goats come in a variety The breed is known to be gentle pasture-raised chickens that of colors. These goats can be short- and easy to handle. Because provide a generous amount of haired, long-haired, and some they are generally docile, this is eggs each day. fainting goats produce cashmere a good breed for a newcomer to fiber in the undercoat. Horns are raising meat goats. Additionally, “Briar Creek Farm continues another variable. Some exhibit the myotonia congenita provides to research, assess and ex- the long curling horns and others another good reason for new only grow short, straight horns. goat farmers to consider this plore. We continue to grow. As both the Texas breeders and breed. The fainting causes the We continue to love what we the Tennessee breeders worked breed to be less likely to jump do on our farm and for our to develop the breed, a wide fences and cause trouble. The family. Yes. This truly is God's range of acceptable traits are bulgy eyes are another trait that country.” – Bobbette Fagel seen. Although the breed does is common to the breed. And, as not produce miniature goats, a landrace breed, fainting goats www.briarcreek.farm
WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 21 feature :: myotonic goats
are more resistant to parasite issues. One trait DID YOUR GOAT JUST FAINT? that is consistent despite the size of the goat is the What should you do if you see a goat faint? heavy muscling. That feature makes the fainting Definitely observe the animal and make sure it has goat breed a winner when raising goats for meat. only had a myotonic episode. Other problems such as choking or responses to fighting may look similar LIVESTOCK CONSERVANCY STATUS to the new observer. Although the fainting response The breed had its initial popularity and then fell doesn't harm or hurt the goat, it's not fun for the goats into obscurity by the mid 1950s. In the 1980s the breed to be scared in order to elicit this response. Learn began a comeback due to the meat quality and the all you can about the breed and what the myotonic growth rate. In addition, the females exhibit great response looks like. Caring for goats is a rewarding maternal qualities and often produce multiple kids. activity for that the entire family can participate in. It's not uncommon for the does to breed and produce If you realize that certain actions bring on the fainting kids twice in one year. Some breeders began breeding episodes, change your behavior. Maintain calm and act for a smaller size goat, marketed more as a pet. The surely around the goats and other livestock. Sweeten Fainting goats or Myotonic goats are now considered in the moment with favorite treats. The myotonic goat "Recovering" status by The Livestock Conservancy. breed might be just the breed you are looking for.
JANET GARMAN has raised Pygora goats for many years. Her farm is home to sheep, pigs and many species of poultry, too. In the past, it has been home to beef cattle. Creating beautiful yarn from her well-loved wool and fiber animals is a passion and dream of hers. You can find her yarns for sale on Etsy under Timber Creek Farm.
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22 GOAT JOURNAL | january/february 2019 feature :: pregnant goat care
T’S THAT TIME OF YEAR when many goat owners focus on pregnant goat care, Ias they’re either preparing to breed or have already bred their does. Spring kidding PREGNANT is one of my favorite times of the year on the farm and there is much to do to prepare yourself and your doe for the new arrivals. GOAT CARE Some of that goat pregnancy preparation should have started before your doe was even by kate johnson bred. Goat gestation may only be five months, but pregnant goat care really begins months before your doe ever meets the buck! Below I’ve put together a timeline with the most important things to remember as you prepare for having a WHAT TO DO DURING pregnant goat. Care needs to be taken at every step of the process. While this article is geared ALL STAGES OF toward dairy goats, most of the principles will still apply for meat, fiber, and pet goats. GOAT GESTATION
WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 23 feature :: pregnant goat care
PRIOR TO BREEDING: procedures, and in general that they are calm and well- Pregnant goat care begins before you even breed behaved. And speaking of foot trims, this is incredibly your goat! First, be sure she’s at a healthy weight important for breeding goats. Trim your goats’ hooves before you have her bred. Overweight goats have every six to eight weeks from the time they are kids a harder time getting pregnant and may have a so that their foot grows properly and can support more uncomfortable pregnancy while underweight the added weight that will come with bearing kids. goats will have difficulty putting on any weight It’s also a good idea to track your doe’s heat cycles so once they are growing a baby, and even a harder you know when she’ll be ready to breed and can plan time gaining once they are in milk. So your best the timing of the kidding dates to fit your needs. You’ll bet is to get them to an optimal weight before you also start to know how that particular doe behaves breed them. I, personally, like to have a little excess when she is in heat — some are loud and obvious and weight on my heavier milkers before I breed them others are a bit more sly. By tracking the heat cycles because I know once they are in milk it will be nearly you’ll be ready to breed when the time comes. impossible to increase or even maintain weight. Always important for ONCE BRED: your goats is adequate It is important not shelter from the wind, rain, It is important not to stress to stress your does out or snow as well as from between two to three extreme sun and heat. But your does out between two weeks post-breeding as it’s even more important this is the time when the to be sure they can stay to three weeks post-breed- embryos are implanting comfortable during the five and pregnancy is months they are pregnant. ing as this is the time when the beginning. Try to limit In addition to adequate stressful changes to shelter, you’ll also want embryos are implanting and your doe’s routines and your doe to be as healthy avoid any travel with as possible before she is pregnancy is beginning. her during this time. bred. Keeping her up- Once your doe is bred to-date on vaccinations it will be more important and worming is especially important before her than ever that she has high-quality hay or alfalfa as body goes through the stress of a pregnancy. well as free-choice minerals. Healthy mamas make I’ve made the mistake before of not handling my healthy babies! If you want to confirm your doe’s yearlings quite enough before they are bred, and then pregnancy you can do this at 30 days with a blood test once they kid I find it really hard to work with these (sample sent to a lab) or with an ultrasound at 40 days new mamas with their raging hormones and confusion post-breeding. I like to do the blood test at 30 days and about having a little one (or more) to care for. I’ve at the same time have the lab run a CAE test. If you’re found it’s really worth the investment of time to be sure not familiar with caprine arthritis encephalitis, this is my young does know how to lead and get handled, an incurable disease that is eventually fatal to goats. jump up on a stand for foot trims, clipping, and other The only way to get it out of your herd is to prevent it in the first place. CAE is primarily passed through the mother’s milk so I test everyone when I run pregnancy blood tests. That way I know that they are all clear and we don’t accidentally pass the dreaded disease on to new kids if it should happen to occur in a doe.
TWO MONTHS PRIOR TO KIDDING: If your doe is still in milk when she is bred, it’s fine to continue milking her for two or three more months, but she should be dry for the last two months of her pregnancy so that all that energy can go to babies. Many breeders like to dry treat does with an intra-mammary infusion to prevent mastitis upon kidding. If you do this, just remember to consider the milk and meat withdrawal times for this medication. And since pregnant goat care includes
24 GOAT JOURNAL | january/february 2019 PRIOR TO BREEDING: Make sure your doe is at a healthy weight Make sure your doe has adequate shelter Make sure she is up-to-date on vaccines and if necessary, worming Work with your doe to be sure she can be easily handled, jump up on milk stand, etc. Keep feet well-trimmed Begin tracking heat cycle
ONCE BRED: Don’t stress her out 2-3 weeks post-breeding good conditioning, this is also a good time to adjust her food Feed high-quality hay and/or alfalfa intake depending on how her weight looks at this stage. If a Provide free choice minerals little underweight, you may start adding a bit more to her diet. If she’s looking extremely large, don’t cut her diet back too far, Confirm pregnancy with blood but don’t overdo it either as this will add to her discomfort test or ultrasound and can make for large babies that may be harder to deliver. Do CAE test
ONE MONTH BEFORE KIDDING: If your doe has not been eating grain up to this point in TWO MONTHS BEFORE KIDDING: her pregnancy, this may be a time to gradually introduce it. Dry doe off if in milk Once she is in milk, she will need a lot of extra calories to Optional: dry treat with intra-mammary infusion maintain her milk production, but adding too much grain Adjust feed/hay amounts if at one time can lead to bloat or other problems, so use the over or under weight last month to gradually get her used to a higher volume of richer food. It’s also a good idea to give your doe a CD&T vaccine at this point. Not only is she probably due for her ONE MONTH BEFORE KIDDING: own semi-annual booster, but giving it about a month If not currently getting grain, start before kidding will give her kids an added immunity boost to gradually introduce grain until they are old enough to get their own vaccinations. Don’t forget to include hoof trimming as part of your Give CD&T vaccine pregnant goat care plan! I like to trim my does’ hooves about Trim hooves a month before the due date as it will be increasingly difficult Trim long hairs around tail and back of legs for her to jump up onto the stand for trimming the heavier she gets. Growth hormones during pregnancy can make the hooves grow faster, and the added weight she is carrying ONE WEEK BEFORE KIDDING: while pregnant make it all that much more important that she Clean/prepare kidding stall is standing on healthy feet. Another thing I like to do about a month before kidding is trim the long hairs around her tail and Make sure kidding kit is stocked Have powdered or frozen colostrum on hand Have your vet and/or goat mentor’s If your doe is still in milk when she is bred, phone numbers available it’s fine to continue milking her for two or A DAY OR TWO BEFORE KIDDING: three more months, but she should be dry Move doe to a private stall or kidding area for the last two months of her pregnancy with a goat companion for company Watch for behavioral and physical so that all that energy can go to babies. changes that indicate labor is near
WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 25 feature :: pregnant goat care
Growth hormones during pregnancy can make the hooves grow faster, and the added weight she is carrying while pregnant make it all that much more important that she is standing on healthy feet.
including your vet or a trusted goat mentor’s phone number in case of emergency. It’s also a good idea to have some powdered or frozen colostrum on hand just in case there is any problem with the mother’s milk during the first few hours after birth when it is crucial for the newborn to receive this life-sustaining substance.
A DAY OR TWO BEFORE KIDDING: Once you’re within a day or two of your doe’s expected due date, your pregnant goat care shifts to housing. It’s wise to move your doe to a private stall or kidding area with a goat companion for company. She will feel less stressed and the kidding itself will be less chaotic if the whole herd isn’t in her stall pushing and shoving! But since goats are herd animals, you don’t want her to be all alone as that may stress her out. Once back of legs. This makes cleanup and prepare a kidding stall so that she’s settled with a friend, it’s time after kidding a little easier! she is comfortable and the kids to start watching for behavioral are born in a somewhat sanitary and physical goat labor signs. ONE WEEK BEFORE KIDDING: environment. I prefer not to use By preparing both yourself and These next few tips are less about shavings as the bedding for the your doe before and throughout pregnant goat care itself as they stalls as the babies can inhale the her pregnancy, you will be setting are about getting yourself ready fine wood chips and the shavings her and her new kids up for a for the upcoming kidding. The will also stick to the wet newborns. healthy and successful start. Soon better prepared you are the more Instead, use clean fresh straw for you’ll be ready for the excitement likely that your doe will have your bedding. You’ll also want to of the kidding itself and will a calm and successful kidding be sure your kidding kit is stocked be welcoming some new little experience. First, be sure to clean with all the items you might need, additions to your farm!
26 GOAT JOURNAL | january/february 2019 photo essay :: pack goat rendezvous
28 GOAT JOURNAL | january/february 2019 PACK GOAT Rendezvous
HEN THE NORTH AMERICAN PACK GOAT ASSOCIATION (NAPgA) announced the location W of their 2018 Rendezvous, Goat Journal editor Marissa Ames realized she had a writer only two and a half hours away. I was thrilled to attend. Rendy, as the regulars call it, was a magical experience. Everyone, from the humans to the goats and dogs, was friendly and welcoming. The scenery was stunning. The atmosphere was that of a group of laid back friends camping together. The most difficult part this assignment proved to be continuing to seek out and talk to new people instead of hanging out full time with friends I’d just made. I thought there was nothing I loved more than being in the mountains. Turns out there is at least one thing better — being in the mountains with a bunch of goats and goat people. While I was interviewing Curtis King, the president of NAPgA, a curious goat approached and stretched its head toward my hand. I thought for a moment it might want to eat the phone I was using to record the interview. Instead it nudged my hand, clearly asking me to pet it. I switched the phone to my other hand, scratched to goat’s ears, and the interview went on without a hitch. Besides the relaxation and camaraderie, I learned a lot about packing with goats that weekend. I learned that domestic dogs are a huge danger to pack goats and that human pepper spray works better than bear spray to protect your string. I learned that you should start checking a goat’s teeth at age 6 because they can starve and die from wavy teeth. I learned that the largest pack goat in North America weighs in at 305 pounds and is named Tarzan. But most of all I learned that goat packers, as a whole, are really amazing people. — Theresa Miller
WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 29 photo essay :: pack goat rendezvous goat owners :: a weekend at rendy
A WEEKEND AT RENDY
By theresa miller
PULLED INTO THE 2018 NORTH AMERICAN DAY BY DAY — FRIDAY A.M. PACK GOAT Association (NAPgA) Rendezvous Shortly after I arrived, Marc Warnke of Inervous and unsure of what to expect. My packgoats.com and Matt Lyon of Bantam Tack and nervousness lasted about 10 minutes and by the end of Saddle presented an equipment and transporting the Rendy, as the regulars call it, I didn’t want to leave. class. The bleating of goats echoed through the I made my way past a fire ring surrounded campground. Every direction I looked, I could by chairs, stumps, and blankets to the pavilion see grazing goats through the trees. Across the with a NAPgA banner. The lady behind the table fire ring from me, two little girls cuddled with smiled and welcomed me with such warmth I new baby goats and I got the chance to scratch was instantly put at ease. I introduced myself and the ears of a friendly and well-mannered dog. explained I was here from Goat Journal. She pointed Marc talked about saddles, packs, and panniers. out people I should talk to, including her husband, He showed different designs and talked about Curtis King, the current president of NAPgA. his experiences with each before moving on to hauling goats. He discussed the stress hauling A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE RENDY puts on the goats: one hour in the trailer is equal Rendezvous is an integral part of the North to two hours on the trail. Other longtime goat American Packgoat Association. In fact, the first packers lent their experiences on how best to load Rendezvous held in Carson, Washington in 1999, and haul goats as well as the best ways to weigh was where the organization was founded. When the panniers to ensure even distribution. One of the Sawtooth National Forest attempted to regulate goat best things about Rendy was how everyone was packing, it became obvious that a national organization encouraged to have a voice, even the newcomers. would be necessary to give goat packers a voice in Matt took over and did a quick survey to see how public land use decisions. Curtis remembers an early much goat packing experience the audience had. Rendezvous in Montana where there were 37 people We ranged from not having goats yet but interested and 87 goats. “And it has grown,˝ he said. “It staggered (me), to 20+ years of experience. He went on to talk for a while in the late 90s. Attendance wasn't that great. about and demonstrate goat packing accessories like But it has flourished and taken off again. We currently high lines, rain shells, goat coats, collars, bells, and have about 215 members in our organization. We lead ropes. The audience continued to ask questions grabbed about six more this weekend. We were at 209 and share their own experiences. It felt like watching and I think we're going to be closer to 215 now-active 74 close friends sit around in a meadow discussing members.” something they all love.
WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 31 goat owners :: a weekend at rendy
1 2
1 Marc Warnke talks about saddles, packs, and panniers. 2 Evening activities included presentations and an auction to raise money for the organization. Anastasia Avramidis, Kate Albison, and Jadrys k'Eiteir sit among other attendees.
FRIDAY P.M. class called Goat Packing 101 & Saddle Fitting. They Immediately following the equipment and showed step by step how to saddle a goat, add packs, transporting class, Curtis King did a practical and make sure all the straps are placed and tightened demonstration on hoof trimming. People took pictures properly. One of the goats got skittish when the cinch and asked questions. Whenever anyone wanted a was tightened. Nan was surprised as her goat is closer look, other observers willingly gave space. The usually calm and quite used to being saddled. She then goat didn’t seem to mind the extra attention at all. remembered that it had been horned in the side a week That evening after the campfire cookout and or two before. She might not have realized the animal potluck, attorney Andy Irvine talked about the current was in pain had she not known it and its reactions so legal situations facing the pack goat community well. As soon as she loosened the straps, it went back and what he and NAPgA are doing about them. to being the calm happy goat she knew. They switched After that, President Curtis King gave what he goats and the demonstration continued. People lined called a sermon about being positively contagious. up to feel what a properly tightened cinch feels like. He gave orange plastic tether screws, which he called collectively the torch of contagious positivity, SATURDAY P.M. to two children and had the kids pass them to the After lunch, Dwite Sharp of Paradise Ranch Pack audience. We passed the positivity from hand to hand Goat Research and Development talked about goat until it came full circle. He then read NAPgA’s best health, including nutrition and parasites. According management practices and explained why everyone to NAPgA president Curtis King, “Dwite is one of should follow them. “We do not live in a perfect world. the largest pack goat breeders in the United States The Forest Service, Fish and Game, etc. are watching. It and has probably produced more pack goats for is our responsibility to be responsible for our goats.” the general public and pack goat community than anyone.” Dwite currently has around 140 goats of SATURDAY A.M. seven different full blood breeds and 20 mixes. He Saturday started with delicious blueberry sourdough discussed not only the best feed but how to keep pancakes provided and cooked by Clay and Charlotte the goats from wasting so much hay. He answered Zimmerman. Other people contributed additional questions about nutrition for kids and seniors and breakfast food like fruit, muffins, and fresh goat milk. explained what sort of warning signs to watch Breakfast in the mountains is a wonderful place to out for in teeth, parasites, and overall health. socialize. By this point, I was pretty convinced there Saturday evening brought another potluck is no such thing as an unfriendly goat packer. dinner followed by an auction to raise money for After breakfast, Clay and Nan Hassey presented a the organization. Bidding started with a bottle-
32 GOAT JOURNAL | january/february 2019 3 4
3 Curtis King and Clay Hassey demonstrate goat hoof trimming. 4 Nan Hassey with Sputnik, an Alpine/Nubian cross.
fed three-month-old Alpine wife. I said goodbye to the mother and become a member, donate, or goat then moved to smaller items and daughter who told me their shop in their store. Proceeds from including equipment, gear, and story while they made a delicious purchases and the tax-deductable Goat Journal hats. We all laughed organic vegan meal to share and membership support legal efforts and joked as well as cheered for the newlywed couple who attended to protect the rights and access each item won. I bid on several Rendy as part of their honeymoon. of goatowners to public land. items, but only went home with a If you are new to goat packing compact solar camping lantern. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE or just thinking about trying it, the As packing with goats grows in NAPgA Rendezvous is the best SUNDAY popularity, pack goats face more place to discover all your options in Sunday morning, Clay and regulation throughout North a non-discriminatory environment. Charlotte hosted another delicious America. The Forest Service, BLM, You get a chance to meet face to pancake breakfast and after and Wild Sheep Foundation worry face with people who have been learning I was in dire need of coffee, that domestic sheep and goats, packing for years and gain hands- Lila King shared from her personal including pack goats, transmit on experience with different types pot. After breakfast it was time to disease to wild bighorn sheep. of equipment. Bring your camper or break camp and say goodbyes. It NAPgA does its best to collaborate tent or just plan to sleep under the was hard to leave this wonderful and educate, encouraging the use stars with your goats. You can even group of people who truly made me best practices based on science. get a room at a nearby town like I feel like family. I made plans to hike Unfortunately, legal battles are did. Come prepared to share food with a man who packs with goats never cheap, even when you have and make friends. Just be warned; in my county and offered to show a lawyer who cares as deeply about the people you meet here may good Idaho hiking trails to the the cause as Andy does. If you end up being friends for life. president of the association and his would like to help, go to napga.org
For more information, visit the NAPgA website at napga.org or their public Facebook group North American Pack Goats Association/NAPgA
WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 33 dairy goats :: changes to the idgr
CHANGES TO THE IDGR by PEGGY BOONE New owner of the IDGR
HE INTERNATIONAL DAIRY GOAT Registry (IGSCR) and more fully encompasses the REGISTRY (IDGR) has been a vital resource species of animals the organization registers and serves. Tto goat and sheep producers for more The registry's unique focus was what originally than 30 years. Now it's under new ownership attracted Peggy many years ago. She recognized that and transitioning through exciting changes. it truly promoted the Nigerian Dwarf goat, a breed Founded in 1980 by Bruce Hair in Texas, it addressed she raised at the time, as they were when they came to problems he saw arising the Americas vs. what with other organizations: humans changed them more concentration on It is our goal to provide a place for into after they arrived showing and less on the in the United States. true value and quality of people to register and develop their Peggy also saw that the goats. Prices rose while Registry truly looks at owners and breeders were goats, sheep, and camelids. We usability, conformation, unable to record the values and characteristics of animals that could provide registration for Purebreds, that show how specific withstand the tests of time animals are considered and harsh lives. So Bruce Experimentals, Grades, and crosses superior by their owners began the Registry to more for their specific uses. fully and accurately meet between dairy and meat. We also al- A dairy owner, Peggy the needs of goat owners put her goats "through and to lower prices. low for the creation of new breeds. their paces" with her Through the years, it current employment has changed ownership schedules and she several times, from Bruce to Robert Johnson and watched her stock stand by the rigid and harsh trials several other owners. It moved from Texas to caused by poor schedules. The milk program created Georgia and it underwent several name changes. by a former Registry owner proved which animals are Now it resides in Utah, owned by Peggy Boone, true dairy breeds and don't have awards just to receive under the name International Goat, Sheep, and Camelid awards. When Peggy saw the Registry's Extended Lactation award options, she perked up, since many goat
34 GOAT JOURNAL | january/february 2019 owners live in towns where they need animals that of that breed. They would be 99.9 percent, will stay in milk for a long time without being rebred. clearly showing that they are bred up. We are super careful to ensure accuracy in our A BIT OF REGISTRY GOAT BREED HISTORY: pedigrees for registration, so that we know exactly Nigerian Dwarf: The International Dairy Goat what we have in the ancestry of that animal. Specific Association was the first to register the dairy body style questions will be asked of the members to ensure all of the West African Dwarf (WAD) in the Americas. possibilities of the ancestry. Clear photos are asked for Much research was done to see if the animal meets at the time. The Registry breed standards. We also still holds many of those ask for height of mature original records and keeps animals of Nigerian Dwarf, the standards of what the Pygmy, and Miniature Nigerian Dwarf is supposed breeds, such as Miniature to be, rather than increasing Nubian, etc. This ensures heights and changing them that we will preserve what into something they are not. the breed truly is. That Miniature Breeds: They being said, we will allow are the first organization over-height animals, but to register many miniature they will have an "H" after dairy breeds, such as the registration number, Miniature Nubian. Their showing that they are over records reach far back into height for the standard. With the history of the breeds. the miniature breeds, such San Clemente Island goat: Photo by Mack Brin Farms. as Miniature Nubian, they The IGSCR is currently the remain Experimental, until sole registry for feral goats the third generation after that were rescued from Our herd books remain open, meeting breed standards. San Clemente Island. They have some special genetic as we believe that there is new PROGRAMS: characteristics, which When I began registering breeders strive to keep pure. blood and rather old blood my animals, a former owner These little goats are proving had done a lot of research into to be great in dairy, with coming back into light. the milk programs available good butterfat as well. around the country at that time. I immediately saw the SPECIES REGISTERED AND PHILOSOPHY: hard work that she put into researching and creating It is our goal to provide a place for people to register the milk test program that we still use today. This and develop their goats, sheep, and camelids. We program is one of a kind, in that it has several levels of provide registration for Purebreds, Experimentals, test results for each age category. The quantities truly Grades, and crosses between dairy and meat. We also allow for the creation of new breeds. One of which is the Diko, created by LAMB & KID FEEDERS one of our members with dairy LAC-TEK and Kiko goats. Our herd books • 2 SIZE FEEDERS remain open, as we believe that • RESPECTS NATURAL FEEDING HABITS • MIXES MILK ON DEMAND there is new blood and rather old • USE ANY KIND OF MILK POWDERED REPLACER blood coming back into light. • LOW COST! Yes we do register and allow • HUNDREDS OF SATISFIED CUSTOMERS! the breeding up of grade • NO WASTE animals. However, if an animal Biooc Industries is commiied to the development of is bred up to Prebred status, products that reduce the workload of farmers while then they will never have a 100 helping to increase their profits. percent on their percentage CALL US TODAY! www.biooc.com (931) 437-2514
WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 35 dairy goats :: changes to the idgr
Mini Nubian and Nigerian Dwarf: Photos from the IGSCR.
show excellence in milk production, time employment. We need animals owner with show placement rather than just every animal being that will give birth and take care as where the animal places in able to receive an award. Animals of young easily. Giving birth easily relation to the breed score card. must get down and seriously is a result of several factors: milk. We have generational milk • Feed and nutrition 4-H RECOGNITION: awards, too. Our amounts are for We believe that 4-H is valuable • Good conformation for 305 days in milk on twice-a-day for our children in learning giving birth milking, but now also for once- skills. As such, if a child's animal a-day milking. We have butterfat • Birth weight, size of wins in 4-H and they share testing, 305-day testing, Lifetime, shoulders and head documentation with us as a and also Extended Lactation. registry, we give 4-H titles for When our does have a milk WHERE IS THE IGSCR winning animal and work toward award, one can be sure that they HEADED? their 4-H Championship title. are true dairy goats as well as does OUR MOTTO IS: that will stand with us through "Supporting Breeders World LIVE SHOWS: thick and thin, no matter what Wide with an Open Door Policy, Our registry used to hold live we throw at them. We can also be Creation of New Breeds, and shows but found that it was not sure that does who have received Supporting Profitable and as important for our members. Extended Lactation will milk a Proficient Production of Livestock." We hope to create a live show goodly amount far and beyond program to bring this back. the normal milk span of a specific CONFORMATION EVALUATION: lactation, without pouring special While we see great value in DNA TESTING: feeds into them. Truly a unique conformation evaluation provided We are set up for valuable program, thanks to the owner by various organizations, we Parentage DNA testing. In who researched and created it. also see great need to change the some cases of questionable program to more fully meet the parentage, we will require the REGISTRY OF MERIT: needs of breeders and owners. testing prior to registration. A few years ago, our previous We are working to develop this We hope that DNA testing will owner created this program for program to be cost-effective and become available to determine does and ewes. So what is the show the specific vital components if an animal is truly of a specific value of this program? It shows of the animal for usability and breed. Currently there is such superiority of animals that birth standing by their owners. a test being developed for the easily and can raise the young San Clemente Island goats. themselves. It also shows bucks that ONLINE SHOWS: We look forward to serving you produce babies that are easily born. Our first online show, held a few and your animals. Thank you so This is a valuable program when years ago, was very successful. much for taking time to learn a choosing breeding stock. These We are currently developing a little more about our registry! days, many of us are forced to run new version of online show which our farms while also keeping full- will be unique and provide the
36 GOAT JOURNAL | january/february 2019 goats :: happy faces
PUT ON A HAPPY FACE!
Study Confirms Goats Can Read Human Facial Expression
by tamsin cooper Researcher Natalia Albuquerque with goats at Buttercups. Photo by Alan McElligott with kind permission.
AN GOATS TELL THE DIFFERENCE close companions by bleat alone. Goats depend on between human expressions? Do they communication between herd members to keep in Ccare if we look happy or angry? Are they contact, reinforce hierarchy, signal danger, and initiate turned off by a frown? Researchers aimed to find social or sexual interaction. They understand other out by watching goats at Buttercups Sanctuary for goats' expressions, but do they understand ours? Goats, England, and recording their reactions to photographs of different human expressions. They WHAT DO GOATS MAKE OF PEOPLE’S FACES? found that goats approached smiling faces first. As handlers, we develop close relationships The goats clearly demonstrated that they were with our goats and witness how attentive they sensitive to facial expression of human emotions. are to our every move. This raises the question of Goats are highly social beings. Body language and how well they understand us, our body language, facial expressions of other goats are very important and our expressions. Even if personally we are for establishing social boundaries and maintaining confident that we communicate well with our peace in the herd. Researchers have reported facial, goats, it is still important to establish evidence postural, and vocal communication of caprine emotion, through scientific procedure. This ensures that we and reaction to these signs by their herd-mates. Goats are not biased by our affection for and our pride reacted to photographs of familiar goats' faces showing in our own goats. Similarly, educational materials negative expressions. Ear and tail postures also give and legislative reforms can state with authority clues as to current emotional states. Research into how human handling affects our goats’ welfare. sheep and cattle emotional expressions suggests that Previously, researchers had tested dogs’ and even subtler expressions on goats' faces can convey horses’ sensitivity to human facial expressions, and emotion through the tension of muscles around these animals had been found to read us extremely eyes, jaw, and muzzle. Goats recognize each other well: they are aware of the significance of smiles and by sight, smell and voice: they can recognize their frowns. However, these animals have adapted over
WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 37 goats :: happy faces
Experimental setup. Photo by Christian Nawroth with kind permission.
thousands of years to work closely with humans. Their domestication involved selection for those individuals that cooperated well with their handlers. Goats, on the other hand, have been selected for Give your goats a happy smile! production rather than comradeship. It is only Photo by Terrie Strout with kind permission. recently that people have been keeping them as pets or as pack goats. We are all too familiar with goats’ However, happy faces placed on the right side efforts to “help” us with tasks: the interest is there, got more attention. The sex of the goat or human but no sense of teamwork! Could production animals, gender made no difference. The results show that then, have the same sensitivity to human expression not only can goats tell the difference between human as our animal companions and work-mates? facial expressions, but they prefer smiling faces, Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats is a refuge for about as they were drawn to those photographs first. 140 goats in Kent. Caprine residents have plenty of They also investigated smiling faces more when contact with loving volunteers and staff wearing placed on the right, which suggests processing of joyful expressions. Once they settle into their new pleasant emotions by the left side of the brain. home, they mostly see people as a good thing. Twenty It is clear that they are sensitive to expressions goats participated in trials to record their reactions on people’s faces. They can even tell the difference to human facial expressions. They were trained to between those expressions on strangers’ faces. enter the pen by a researcher who kept a straight Possibly they learned the expressions from familiar face while giving them treats. Then each goat was people: they remembered that happy-looking staff presented with two photographs of an unfamiliar and volunteers resulted in treats and cuddles. person’s face bearing different expressions: smiling Some of these goats may have had previous and frowning. The goats were allowed to explore the experience of humans in not such a benevolent pen freely for 30 seconds and their reactions were mood. After all, they were brought to the sanctuary recorded. Each goat had four trials: two with pictures because previous owners were not able to keep them, of a man and two of a woman; two with the smiling or because they were found neglected. They may face on the right and two on the left. The aim was have learned that people with frowning faces rarely to see whether the gender of the person or position give treats, affection, or anything beneficial. Perhaps of the photo had any effect on the goats’ reaction. they learned that danger could be forthcoming. Alternatively, goats may possess an innate sensitivity GOATS PREFER SMILES TO FROWNS to human body language. Such has already been Researchers recorded which photograph was found in dogs. Even young puppies with little human approached first, and how long and how often goats interaction can respond to directions such as pointing. interacted with each picture. Goats approached This is an effect of domestication and is not found in smiling faces first and examined them for longer. wolves, the dog’s ancestor, but has been discovered in
38 GOAT JOURNAL | january/february 2019 recently domesticated foxes. Could it be that one they react to it, or even catch that emotion. A effect of thriving under human care is to become frightened animal is a warning to the rest of the naturally responsive to human communication? herd to flee. Emotion can spread through goats To find out, more research is required involving picking up the tone of voices or bleats. We can goats that are unaccustomed to people. use this understanding to avoid fear spreading through the herd, and even to spread good vibes. PEOPLE-FRIENDLY SOCIAL ANIMALS As goats are sensitive to our moods and Earlier studies revealed that goats look to behavior, we need to bear this in mind as we people for help when they cannot access feed. handle them. So don't forget to give your A recent paper reveals that this is even true in goats a smile: goats prefer a happy face! goats that are not used to petting, but just brief basic human contact, such as feeding. Goats also focus on our faces and seek our attention SOURCES: when wanting something from us. They wait Nawroth, C., Albuquerque, N., Savalli, until we are paying attention before anticipating C., Single, M.-S., McElligott, A. G. 2018. a treat. They also understand basic instructions Goats prefer positive human emotional from us, such as indicating a feeding place and facial expressions. Royal Society Open demonstrating a route. As we all know, they Science, 5, 180491. Langbein, J., have the potential to become doting pets. Krause, A. and Nawroth, C. 2018. It is important for goat handlers to understand the full impact of their own behavior on their Human-directed behaviour in goats animals. Another phenomenon under study is not affected by short-term positive is termed emotional contagion. When animals handling. Animal Cognition. 1–9. perceive the emotions of a member of their group,
Researcher Christian Nawroth and team at Buttercups. Project Leader Alan McElligott with goats at Buttercups. Photo by Alan McElligott with kind permission. Photo by Alan McElligott with kind permission.
TAMSIN COOPER is a smallholder and goat keeper in France. She follows the latest research on behavior, welfare and sustainability, and mentors on animal welfare courses. Find her at www.goatwriter.com.
WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 39 goat care 101 :: goat lice
GOAT LICE: Are Your Goats Lousy?
by KAREN KOPF
F YOUR GOATS ARE BITING AND SCRATCHING, object. In heavy infestations, some producers may strip suspect lice. The easiest place to spot goat lice is their barns suspecting the presence of lice or nits in the Ijust behind the foreleg, directly on the skin. Goat goat bedding. While it is possible to transfer goat lice lice are very common in winter months, and finding through bedding, it isn’t necessary to strip your goat them does not mean you are a bad herdsman. If you shelter, as the treatment protocol addresses the full life don’t see them, it doesn’t mean they are not there. cycle on the goat, including any lice that may attach Goats are susceptible to many parasitic conditions from goat bedding during the course of treatment. — worms, mites, and lice — because parasites are part of the environment. It may be next to impossible HOW DO I KNOW IF MY GOAT HAS LICE? to eliminate parasites, but with good management Lice may initially look like dirt under the hair practices, we can mitigate their effects on herd against the skin, but if you watch for a moment, they health. Cold climates and the associated confined move. They are very similar to fleas. You might also areas are ideal conditions for lice infestation. notice eggs — or nits — attached to the hair follicles. If the thought or sight of goat lice makes your skin Sometimes nits are the only indication of an infestation. crawl, rest assured: lice are species specific. Goat lice There are two types of goat lice: biting and sucking. only infest goats. You may get one on you, but you will Unlike mites, lice are visible without the use of a not get them, nor will your house, or your dog. Lice microscope. Since biting lice feed on hair and skin, are spread by contact from goat to goat and cannot they have a wider head to accommodate a chewing live long apart from a goat. They only reproduce on apparatus. This wider head may not be apparent goats. It is possible to have mechanical transmission — without a microscope or magnifying glass, but their meaning a louse or nit (a lice egg) is transferred from bodies tend to be lighter in color, ranging from grey to one goat to another from a collar, blanket, or other tan. Sucking lice have narrow heads and pierce the skin
40 GOAT JOURNAL | january/february 2019 Goat lice are very common in winter months, and finding them does not mean you are a bad herdsman. If you don’t see them, it doesn’t mean they are not there. to feed on blood. As a result, their and very young animals, some blood-filled bodies appear darker, medications may not be safe to and there is often evidence on the use. Because of the drug-resistance goat’s skin. Goats infested with of parasites in goats, is important lice will have dull coats, excessive to use a chemical targeted at the biting, scratching, rubbing, and specific parasite. While a chemical grooming behavior, and may have dewormer may be effective, if the patches of missing or thinning hair lice can be eliminated topically by as a result. Goats infested with using an insecticide, it is preferable. sucking lice may also have scabby, Brushing and using a nit bleeding areas that can develop comb can be helpful in reducing bacterial infections if not treated. the severity of the infestation, but may not be effective HOW DO YOU TREAT GOAT LICE? in eliminating the lice. There are two types of chemical When treating goats for lice, it treatments for goat lice: topical is imperative to consider the 30- The World Leader in and systemic. Treatment depends day life cycle of the parasite. Lice GOAT Equipment and Supplies on the type of lice present. Biting hatch, reproduce, lay eggs (nits), Check out our milking machines and other lice can be controlled with a and die. The nits hatch somewhere products for Goats, Cows, Sheep, Llamas. Also everything you need to show livestock. topical treatment (a liquid or between nine and 12 days. For Great prices on cheesemaking and powder applied directly to the this reason, two treatments are soapmaking products, plus animal health, skin) while sucking lice may be required, ideally two weeks apart, grooming, milking, and gift items and books for breeders, homesteaders, and hobbyists. controlled topically but usually to eliminate the active lice and Plus you can’t beat our service! require a systemic treatment (oral then eliminate the lice that hatch Visit us at our new, improved web site: or injected). Almost all treatments from the nits before they are able www.caprinesupply.com used to control goat lice are “off- to mature and deposit more nits. 1-800-646-7736 for orders or catalog label,” meaning that the medication There are herd management P. O . Box Y, DeSoto, KS 66018 is not specifically labeled or practices that can reduce the approved for goats, nor is a dosage severity and frequency of given on the package. For that infestation. Many producers A Well-Made Fence reason, we cannot recommend apply insecticides to their herds treatment. A veterinarian must be in late fall preventatively, before Brings Peace of Mind! consulted to advise on the off-label a full infestation occurs. Strong, by Gail Damerow use of medication. You may also healthy goats on high energy If there’s a fence in find an experienced herdsman or diets tend to be less susceptible your future, don’t goat mentor who can share their to parasites. Stressed animals are waste time and money parasite management practices always the first to be compromised. on an ineffective with you. As with all medication, Since lice are spread by contact; system. Make it one care must be taken for dairy and minimizing overcrowding can you can rely on with help from Fences for meat animals to respect withdrawal reduce the transmission from Pasture & Garden. times and not harvest meat or goat to goat. When introducing milk while the medicine is still new goats to a herd, use strict countrysidenetwork.com/shop present in the system. For pregnant quarantine protocol. Test, evaluate, 970-392-4419
WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 41 goat care 101 :: goat lice
Photo credit: K. Kavicky Photo credit: Karen Kopf
assess, and treat any new animals for a minimum are detected by microscopic examination of feces. of 30 days before introducing them to a herd. The type of worm detected determines the course of treatment, which can be the same drug used HOW DO LICE AFFECT GOAT HEALTH? for mites and biting lice. Dosage and frequency Lice are a stressor. They itch and cause discomfort vary depending on the parasite being targeted. and anxiety. The distraction can cause a goat to go off You may also need to rule out a nutritional feed or expend excessive calories resulting in weight deficiency if you notice bare patches and dull coats loss. Weight loss and disinterest in feed during winter without evidence of parasites. Copper is a common months can make it difficult for a goat to maintain deficiency and frequently indicated by black coats warmth. Dairy goats infected with lice show a drop turning rusty, or “fish tail” — the baring of the tip of in milk production, and some producers report as the tail. Zinc deficiency is indicted by loss of hair on much as a 25 percent loss. Lice damages the hair the bridge of the nose, and other areas of the body, quality of fiber goats, directly affecting its value. In as well as a stiff gait depending on the severity. the case of sucking lice, the greatest risk to goats is Dry skin will also cause scratching, rubbing, anemia, which can be life-threatening. Bites from and bare patches. Dandruff commonly occurs sucking lice can also develop bacterial infections. as goats shed their winter coats. If there are no other signs of parasites, simply provide places for ARE THERE OTHER CONDITIONS THAT APPEAR goats to rub to rid themselves of their undercoats. SIMILAR TO LICE? Brushing will speed the shedding process. Mites, worms, and nutritional deficiencies can also Do not be discouraged. Goat lice are not here to present as dull coats, bare patches, and an unthrifty stay — they are usually seasonal — most active in appearance. Only goat lice are externally visible late winter and early spring and tend to disappear to the eye. Mites are confirmed by microscopic when the sun and warm weather return. Despite examination of a skin scraping. The treatment of this, they should not be left untreated, as they can mites is similar to the treatment for sucking lice, significantly impact goat health during a time of however, and addresses both possibilities. Worms the year when goats are most vulnerable.
42 GOAT JOURNAL | january/february 2019 WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 43 weed eating goats :: got brush?
Got Brush?
by MARCIA V. STUCKI
T MAKES SENSE TO THINK ABOUT OTHER the right goats, a way of moving them to the desired ways (besides giving milk) that goats might location, and a means to keep them there safely. Icontribute on your homestead, farm, or What kinds of goats make the best weeders? In ranch. Brush control is one of those ways. general, the more intensively managed a goat breed Goats are by nature browsers, meaning that has been during its history, the less suitable that they nibble a little bit of a lot of different plants, if breed will be for brush control. In other words, goats given the opportunity. We can use that instinct to that have been fed concentrates for generations, and let goats help us with landscape management. selected for heavy milk production or weight gain, will The more knowledgeable you are about the plants, be less willing to go out and hustle for their own grub both native and non-native, that commonly grow in in a field. For this reason, Spanish goats (purebred or your region, the more effectively and safely you’ll crosses) may be preferred for brush control over more be able to use goats. What plants do you want to specialized dairy or meat breeds. Browsing preferences suppress? Which ones do you want to encourage? are both inherited (from both doe and buck) and What other tools are you willing and able to use learned, especially from the doe, but also from herd along with the goats? Are you willing and able to mates, so it would be ideal to acquire experienced feed and care for goats during the non-browsing goats from a geographic area similar to your own. winter months? Do you have a focused end goal in In terms of brush control, browsing experience is mind, or are you just looking for an excuse to own more important than the age or gender of the goat. We a couple of goats? (Note: either answer is okay!) have successfully used our does including pregnant In order to use goats for brush control, you’ll need and nursing does, kids, wethers, and breeding bucks for brush control. “Naïve” grazers turned out in a strange field may overeat potentially toxic plants. Or,
44 GOAT JOURNAL | january/february 2019 if they are accustomed to being fed tubs of concentrated feed up by the barn, goats may just stand around looking hungry and forlorn, not recognizing invasive shrubbery as a meal. For these reasons, experienced Spanish wethers would be the ideal choice; they are less expensive than breeding stock and come in every color of the rainbow. They will enthusiastically pull down branches, stand on their hind legs, even climb into trees in pursuit of leaves. If you already have goats which may be less than ideal for this use, you may still educate them into eating browse gradually. By providing some hay in the browse area, you can make ingesting small amounts of unfamiliar plants safer for your goats. Getting your goats to the area of your property in which you want them to work requires that they be Goats in temporary electric fencing. trained to follow you (rather than Photo by Marcia V. Stucki. stopping to eat your favorite lilac bush!); in this case, bribery works! Set up tubs of grain or goat pellets in the area to be browsed ahead In order to use goats for brush control, you’ll of time. Teach your goats that following you means a reward at need the right goats, a way of the end. You may want to carry a shepherd’s crook to keep them from moving them to the desired location, and getting too close to you in their enthusiasm. Once the grain is gone, a means to keep them there safely. they will quickly set to browsing, and this is a rewarding sight! On our farms, when we need to move goats greater distances, we use a golf cart, which the goats eagerly follow once they know the drill. (Yes, when you stop, a goat will climb on board, and yes, he will release the brake pedal, and yes, he will ride the cart down the hill without you, so be forewarned!) We use temporary electric netting powered by solar fence chargers to keep the goats safely confined in the area we want browsed. These systems have revolutionized targeted grazing, and are worth an entire series
WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 45 weed eating goats :: got brush?
Of course you will need to provide water and minerals and check the fence at least once a day while the goats are at work. Depending on your climate and the time of year, goats may need portable shelters or you may simply bring them back to the home place every night.
of articles in themselves. Of course you will need In severely and long-overgrown areas, goats can to provide water and minerals and check the fence do a great job of clearing the tangled understory so at least once a day while the goats are at work. that you can see what you’re dealing with. However, Depending on your climate and the time of year, once the lower branches have been stripped of leaves, goats may need portable shelters or you may simply that 50-year-old autumn olive shrub is still going to bring them back to the home place every night. require a chainsaw for removal. The conventional In our area (southwest Michigan), goats love to eat protocol for invasive shrubs is to go back and dab autumn olive, mutiflora rose, and honeysuckle, all of the remaining stump with herbicide to prevent new which are invasive scourges of formerly row-cropped sprouts. I’m currently experimenting with avoiding old fields. Some aggressive browsers will kill small that step by putting the goats back on the land as trees by eating off the bark (girdling). On our farms, the stumps start to re-sprout. I’m hoping that, with they seem to favor the bark of wild apple trees and proper timing, I will be able to avoid herbicide, eastern red cedar. To keep a desirable tree safe from the provide the goats with their favorite tender new goats, wrap the trunk loosely with wire fencing. The shoots, and give myself the enjoyment of watching goats will trim the lower branches but will not be able our experienced weeders hard at work. to girdle it.
MARCIA V. STUCKI has lived on her 74-acre farm for more than 40 years, along with numerous horses, goats, chickens, dogs, and cats. Her sister and brother-in-law raise Spanish goats on their neighboring farm, Cedar Ponds. Herds of goats travel between the two farms (following a golf cart) on their various brush control assignments.
46 GOAT JOURNAL | january/february 2019 goat milk & cheese :: cheese aging equipment
AN EASY GUIDE TO Cheese Aging Equipment
by KATE JOHNSON
NCE YOU’VE MASTERED making soft and Some expensive models of mini refrigerators may fresh cheeses, you may want to progress have an actual temperature control, but for those Oto pressed and aged cheeses. What kind that don’t, usually the warmest temperature setting of cheese aging equipment will you need? With will help you achieve this 50-55 degree goal. just a few more pieces of equipment and an For a more precise temperature, you can pair a mini extra ingredient or two, you can easily master refrigerator (or even a full-sized refrigerator) with a these more complex and delicious cheeses. temperature controller. These little gizmos include a In several past articles I’ve given you tips on how probe on a wire that you put into the refrigerator, and to make cheese curds as well as then you plug the refrigerator a DIY cheese press plan. This into the controller and plug the article will focus on setting up controller into the wall. The unit your home cheese cave (or aging The key to aging most has a temperature control that can space) and other cheese aging be set to your desired temperature equipment you might need. While cheeses is temperature and (I keep mine at 52 degrees) and many a home cheesemaker likes humidity. There are several the controller will then cycle the to boast about their “cheese cave,” ways you can do this without refrigerator on and off to maintain few of us actually have a cave. this fairly precise temperature. Most likely, we’re affectionately digging into the hillside. You can find these controllers referring to our mini refrigerators. online for as little as $40-$50. The key to aging most cheeses Some home cheesemakers have is temperature and humidity. a space in a basement, garage, Most cheeses like a temperature of root cellar, or spare bedroom around 50-55 degrees F while aging — much warmer (during the winter) that maintains a temperature of than a regular refrigerator but much cooler than your approximately 50 degrees. By using containers to keep average room temperature. There are several ways your cheese clean and safe from pests, you may be able you can achieve this without digging into the hillside: to convert these spaces into aging “caves” as well. One of the most effective pieces of cheese aging Once you’ve got the temperature under control, equipment is a dorm, mini, or wine refrigerator. make allowances and adjustments for humidity.
WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 47 goat milk & cheese :: cheese aging equipment
If you’re making several different types of cheese but aging them all in the same space, you may need to build separate micro-climates within that space. For instance, a Parmesan-style cheese will need a fairly low humidity level, a bloomy rind cheese like Brie or Camembert will need a fairly high humidity level.
Depending on the type of cheese since they are pretty well contained. — it’s relatively simple with you’re making, you will need more If your aging space has a humidity items you already have on hand. or less humidity. For instance, a controller, that’s great, but most Here are several tips for Parmesan-style cheese will need a don’t. And if you’re making several controlling and manipulating fairly low humidity level, a bloomy different types of cheese but aging humidity levels in your aging space: rind cheese like Brie or Camembert them all in the same space, you First, if your unit doesn’t will need a fairly high humidity may need to build separate micro- have a humidistat, purchase level, and a waxed or vacuum climates within that space. You an inexpensive temperature sealed cheese won’t care about the won’t need a bunch of fancy cheese and humidity reader at your humidity level in your aging space aging equipment to accomplish this local hardware store or online. This can help you get a feel for your humidity level. If you want to increase the More than milking – milking done well! humidity level in your entire aging space (this works for refrigerator CoPulsationtm is the ONLY pulsation system in the world that can milk a goat spaces) add tubs of water to the properly and well. It is setting the standard for milking excellence in large space, often in the doors or on the European goat herds where even competitors are beginning to recognize that it is bottom shelf. You can also put a the only way to milk goats well. clean towel into one of these water tubs, get it good and wet, and Regardless if your herd is 10 goats or 1000 we can provide you with a superior then pull the towel up along the means of milking with an innovative pulsation system. door of the fridge and fasten to www.CoPulsation.com tm the top with clips or clothes pins www.Facebook.com/CoPulsation CoPulsation Milking System 607-849-3880 so the towel wicks water from the www.Youtube.com/CoPulsation Twitter @CoPulsation tub up the door. In both of these
48 GOAT JOURNAL | january/february 2019
WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 49 goat milk & cheese :: cheese aging equipment
EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO MAKE A CHEESE CAVE
1 Mini or full-sized dedicated refrigerator or wine cooler
2 Cheese ripening boxes (storage containers, plastic tubs, plate with plastic bag)
3 Temperature controller (optional)
4 Thermometer/Humidistat (optional)
5 Wood planks: pine, cedar or oak work well (optional)
1
2 3
4 5
50 GOAT JOURNAL | january/february 2019
cases, check and refill the water much humidity. You can fix this by tubs often. This will increase cracking the lid a bit or even taking your humidity level some, but it completely off the container until probably not quite enough for the humidity level in the cheese those high-humidity-need cheeses. itself goes down. If your natural- When you need higher humidity rind hard cheese is growing mold for certain cheeses like bloomy at an alarmingly fast rate, this is rinds or other moist cheeses, you another indication of too much can build micro-climates. These humidity. You can remedy this by aren’t complex pieces of cheese either reducing the humidity level aging equipment but rather just itself or simply knocking down simple containers known as cheese that excess mold growth with a ripening boxes that act like a dry cloth or dry brush. (Never terrarium. The simplest containers add moisture with a wet cloth to a might just be a plate and a plastic rind you are trying to reduce mold bag. Slip the cheese on the plate growth on. Mold loves moisture!) into the bag and close the bag, and The final piece of cheese aging Aluminum folding goat stands the moisture from the cheese itself equipment is some wood. Yes, Proudly Made in Vermont by will produce plenty of humidity. wood! Why? Because you want High Country Aluminum Products You can also convert plastic food to encourage helpful microbial Tel 802-281-8245 storage containers into ripening growth to make your cheese more Toll Free 877-274-2721 boxes to accomplish similar results. interesting and complex. Wood www.HighCountryAluminum.com Humidity is an ever-changing also absorbs moisture and may More info & photos of stands at: dynamic affected not only by the help to maintain some humidity www.BirchRidgeFarm.com/ humidity level of the aging space in your aging space. Many goatstands.html itself but also by the number and artisan cheesemakers like to age types of cheeses that you are aging their cheeses right on wooden in your space. Having lots of planks, but even if you don’t feel moist cheeses in your space will comfortable doing this (from a increase the humidity level; lots sanitation standpoint), having of drier, harder, or waxed cheeses the planks in your aging space may decrease the humidity level. will still promote a more “rustic” Not sure if you have too much or environment which, over time, not enough humidity? You don’t will make your cheeses more need fancy cheese aging equipment flavorful and delicious. Pine, to figure this out — your cheeses cedar, or oak planks work well. will tell you! If your wheel of Ready to tackle some aged cheddar or Parmesan is cracking, cheeses? It takes a little practice and THE BACCHUS-JOHNSON you likely don’t have enough experimentation to get it right, but SHIELD humidity. You might try putting the best way to learn is to just do this cheese in a closed container, it. Even if your aged cheese doesn’t The BEST or wax, or vacuum seal it to help turn out perfect the first time, it will Goat Anti-Mating Apron conserve moisture as it ages. If your still probably taste good enough Brie or Camembert container has to enjoy and you will have learned water on the lid that is dripping something in the process. • HELPS PREVENT UNWANTED BREEDING onto the cheese itself, you have too • HELPS PREVENT URINE SCALD • LESS STRESS ON THE BUCK & THE HERD KATE JOHNSON runs a cheesemaking Adjustable and comes in a variety of sizes to school at www.theartofcheese.com, raises accomodate bucks of all breeds and ages. dairy goats at www.briargatefarm.com, Made of durable, water-resistant fabric. Weighted and will center itself as and is an active volunteer with the Boulder the goat moves. County 4-H program. She’s also a member of the Colorado Dairy Goat Association. www.houseofbacchuspetsupplies.com
WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 51 secret life of goats :: surfing goats
California’s Surfing Goats
by THERESA MILLER
REVIOUSLY IN SECRET LIFE OF GOATS planning a goat meat barbecue with his friends. It was you’ve read about goat yoga, goat caddies, a great plan, but Dana encountered an unexpected Pand even grazing goats on a restaurant roof. problem. He grew attached to the goat and named her Now we bring you the secret life of surfing goats. Goatee for the little tuft of hair on her chin. Goatee In beautiful, sunny Pismo Beach, California a small grew so attached to Dana that she cried whenever family of goats live the California dream. Quite he left. Soon the unlikely friends were inseparable possibly the coolest goats in the world, Goatee, and went everywhere together, including surfing. her son Pismo, and her daughter Grover surf the People would stop to ask, "Can goats swim?" The waves, play ball, hike, and star in YouTube videos. answer was obviously yes. The sight of a goat on a surfboard catching waves caught the attention of BEGINNINGS the media, and Goatee became a local celebrity. In 2011, Dana McGregor bought a goat to help When I asked how he trained the her to surf, control the weeds at his mother’s house. The farmer Dana responded with his irrepressible humor. “It’s he got the goat from offered to take it back at the end a 21-step process,” he said, then laughed. “No, of the project, but Dana had another idea. He was I literally just got Goatee out the first time I did
52 GOAT JOURNAL | january/february 2019 "Ten years ago I would have never been like 'Oh, I’m going to have goats and surf with them and carry them around in my car.' I never would have guessed that I’d be living the goat life."
it. I just picked her up and carried her out there Relax.’ And then would just hold him real close.” and put her on the board and pushed her in.” This goat not only surfs and plays; as a kid he spent a lot of time relaxing in the spa with his best friend. PISMO Dana bought a doggie life vest and had it altered to After two years of hanging out and surfing with his fit Pismo. “When he was a kid, I’d just pick him up goat buddy, Dana had to go out of town. He boarded by his life vest and put him on the board. Now he’s Goatee. When he got home, she was pregnant. On an adult and I’ll sometimes say to tourists walking March 22nd, 2013 the true surfing goat star, Pismo, by, ‘Hey, can you help me pick up my goat?’” was born. Pismo’s training started early. “Most goats One day Dana took Pismo to entertain kids in a are naturally afraid of water,” he says. “I got Pismo lifeguard camp. Afterward they went out for a surf. in at an early age and I just blew up that fear of the “I took him out on this big, massive day,” Dana water. He would cry and I’d hold him in the spa recalls. “I know he can handle it. It’s just huge.” On and just be like, ‘Look, it’s not going to hurt you. their first wave, Dana ended up accidentally pushing
WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 53 secret life of goats :: surfing goats
The sight of a goat on a surfboard catching waves caught the attention of the media, and Goatee became a local celebrity.
Pismo off the board. The second wave they caught rise up.” Despite the fact that it’s been four or five was the biggest wave they’d ever caught together. years since she last had a baby, she still produces Pismo decided he was not going to get pushed copious amounts of milk. She is a sweet, gentle goat off again. He head-butted Dana off the board and who doesn’t mind strangers milking her and has been rode the eight-foot wave by himself. “I remember used in teaching many people how to milk a goat. being in the water and I’m like, 'No. Oh my gosh. “She’s super loving, super gentle, super chill,” says He’s definitely going to wipe out on that one.' He Dana. Dana and his friends believe in raw, wholesome, literally rode the wave all the way to shore.” organic goat milk straight from the teat. He coined the phrase, “Straight from the teat can’t be beat.” GROVER In 2014 the goats went back to the goat babysitter A SURFING GOAT’S DAY while Dana was away. Goatee got pregnant again. She Every day is different for these goats. They gave birth to the third of the surfing goats, a doeling wake up in their Goat Crib, a little shed in Dana’s named Grover. Dana tried surfing with Grover. He backyard. They have breakfast and then usually recalls, “She just threw her legs out really wide and load into the car and head for the beach. Their car, just braced herself like, 'I do not want to fall off this the Goat Prius, has a goat hood ornament and is board.' It was pretty funny. So I don’t really take her wrapped with pictures from the children’s book about out very often. She’s more of a scaredy goat. I haven’t Goatee. At the beach the goats graze while Dana found her special talent, her special purpose.” surfs. With her two children to keep her company, Goatee no longer cries when Dana goes out without GOATEE her. Some days at the end of his surfing time, he Goatee is now retired from being a surfing goat. will take one of the goats out, usually Pismo. Dana doesn’t know for sure how old she was when he Some days they continue to graze while Dana teaches got her, but he thinks she is probably 10 or 11. “She’s in a surf lesson, and some they may entertain kids doing her later years. She’s just watching the next generation a surf or soccer camp or just play ball with Dana on
54 GOAT JOURNAL | january/february 2019 secret life of goats :: surfing goats
You can watch videos of the goats, sign up for surf lessons, or buy surf goat gear at surfinggoats.com. Be sure to check out the very cute children’s book Dana wrote called The Surfing Goat, Goatee.
the beach. Dana throws a large Goatee Trail behind Dana’s house. excitement it gives people. It’s just inflatable ball and the goats will People hiked with them, played a unique thing and I think it brings head-butt it back to him. “Pismo with them, milked Goatee, and crazy joy to people,” Dana said. loves playing ball so I throw the ball made fresh goat milk ice cream. at his head and he gets all excited. THE SURFING GOAT GANG He could play for like a half hour COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES You can watch videos of the straight. He just loves that ball. It’s Some days the goats act as goats, sign up for surf lessons, or like he comes alive when he hits mascots for soccer camp or the buy surf goat gear at surfinggoats. his head on it. It’s pretty funny. main attraction for surf camp. com. Be sure to check out the very Everyone gets a kick out of that.” Some days it’s school assemblies, cute children’s book Dana wrote After the beach, the goats other days making videos with called The Surfing Goat, Goatee. usually load back into the Goat Dana, and some it is just driving or “Ten years ago I would have never Prius and head to the day’s public walking through the community, been like ‘Oh, I’m going to have appearance. The week I talked meeting people. Recently, Dana goats and surf with them and to Dana, he took them to a local stopped at a stop sign and a carry them around in my car.’ I Spanish-speaking school. The woman a couple cars behind him never would have guessed that kids got to milk Goatee, try her get out of her car and run up to I’d be living the goat life.” Dana milk, and watch some surf goat him. “She’s like ‘I just saw you said, “But I can’t get out of it. It’s videos. Another day they were guys on National Geographic. like a gang. Once you get in the the main attraction in the One I’m so excited to see you. You just goat gang, you can’t get out.” Hour Gilligan Goat Tour along made my day.’ It’s so cool, just the
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WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 57 breed profile :: boer goats
BREED PROFILE: BOER GOATS by TAMSIN COOPER By Korona Lacasse/Flickr CC BY 2.0
Globally Popular South African Meat Goat
BREED: Boer goat (boer means farmer in Afrikaans) dedicated producers developed a fast-growing, hardy meat breed that thrives well on the sparse grazing of ORIGIN: Afrikaners first noted landrace goats kept tough vegetation on the veld. This deliberate selection by indigenous tribes of the Cape provinces in South from a variety of local goat lines produced what is Africa and in Namibia in 1661. These goats are thought known as the improved Boer goat. The breed spread to have traveled down from throughout the Western, Eastern, North Africa along the west and Northern Cape provinces, and east coasts with possible where they put to good use the provenance from India, Nubia, mountainous and bushy terrain Egypt, and Europe. Some Afrikaner farmers in the unsuitable for other livestock. authors considered that Indian Since the 1990s, they have goats were crossed with local Eastern Cape of South become popular in many goats. Twentieth century countries around the world imports of European milk breeds Africa bred local stock for as a commercial meat breed may also have contributed to producing high quality, lean, the makeup of the breed. meat during the 1920s. and healthy red meat. Due to their adaptability and robust HISTORY: Afrikaner farmers in health, they are already a the Eastern Cape of South Africa truly cross-boundary goat bred local stock for meat during breed. In the late 1980s, the 1920s. They founded the Boer Goat Breeders’ New Zealand and Australian breeders established Association in 1959. Through careful selective breeding, herds from frozen genetics. In 1993, frozen Boer
58 GOAT JOURNAL | january/february 2019 goat embryos were imported to Canada from New Zealand, and in 1994 direct from South Africa. Initial imports to the United States originated from New Zealand embryos. In 1993, The American Boer Goat Association was formed. Exotic animal importer Jurgen Schulz set out to import the finest quality Boer goats direct from source. He gathered at least 400 of the finest animals according to breed standards from all over South Africa. From Tollie Jordaan’s ranch in the Eastern Cape, the necessary transport was arranged by carrier CODI and paperwork by Pet Center International (PCI). Those goats that passed disease testing were flown to the United States and are referred to as CODI/PCI goats or CODIs. Goats faced a grueling three months quarantine in crowded conditions in hot, humid Florida before they gained clearance to Boer goat kid. By Böhringer Friedrich/Wikimedia CC BY-SA 2.5 move to Jurgen Schulz’s Texas ranch for further quarantine. They first kidded in 1995. They and their offspring were sold to various breeders in 1996. Further imports from South Africa and other countries have been recorded. These original imports and their descendants that are mated to other Boer goats are termed “full blood.” Boer sires are often crossbred with other breeds to improve existing meat herds. Offspring of crossbred does can then be bred back to Boer sires for several generations until they can be registered as “pure blood:” for females, from the fourth generation when they have 93.75 percent Boer parentage; for bucks, from the fifth generation when they have 96.88 percent Boer parentage.
CONSERVATION STATUS: Not endangered. Distributed worldwide as a commercial meat breed. Crosses with endangered breeds, such as the Malabari, which is close to extinction, have been controversial. Boer goat buck. By Böhringer Friedrich/Wikimedia CC BY-SA 2.5
WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 59 breed profile :: boer goats
By Phin Hall/Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0
Boer goat buck with doe. By Böhringer Friedrich/Wikimedia CC BY-SA 2.5
BIODIVERSITY: Breeds originating months. Females reach puberty by POPULAR USE: Meat; also in Africa generally have rich genetic six months. However, pregnancy crossed with other breeds, such diversity. However, improved at this age disrupts growth and as Spanish, Kiko, and Nubian, Boer goats tested in a study in future performance. Females for an economy meat herd, or South Africa had less genetic should reach two thirds of the to endow quick growth to the variation than other commercial herd’s average body mass before herd’s offspring. Leather is used and indigenous herds in the mating. After first freshening, they for the uppers of shoes, gloves, region. Line breeding for fast normally give birth to twins, for and book covers. High brush and growth and corpulence will have which they produce ample milk. low grass consumption promotes reduced variety in the gene pool. One buck can cover 40 does. grass recovery and shrub control Crossbreeding with Spanish or Kiko in pasture management. goats will improve genetic variety COLORING: Red-brown head and and adaptation to conditions white body; sometimes all white, PRODUCTIVITY: Kids are ready in southern United States. all brown, or paint (color spotted). for market at six to 15 months old These colors were favored for a at a weight averaging 52 pounds STANDARD DESCRIPTION: Stocky purpose: pigmented hairless areas (23 kg). The meat is lean, tender, body, deep chest, and long broad (eyelids, mouth, and under tail) flavorsome, and nutritious. rump, straight back, strong legs, protect against sunburn; the white Older goats can produce good short glossy coat, loose skin, a body makes goats conspicuous at quality jerky and dried sausage. slightly curved (Roman) nose, range. Healthy dams can remain wide nostrils, large brown eyes, productive until 10 years old. broad pendulous ears, and mid- WEIGHT: Does 154–176 pounds length round dark horns that (70–80 kg); bucks 220–242 pounds ADAPTABILITY: Heat tolerant sweep gradually back and out. (100–120 kg); kids (at 120 days) and hardy, the breed adapts Breeding is not seasonal but average 64 pounds (29 kg). well to different environments. there is an estrus peak in fall and a However, the goats do not thrive trough midsummer in the Southern TEMPERAMENT: Docile, and reproduce as well in humid, Hemisphere. This means it is good mothers, gentle pets. subtropical environments or when possible to kid every seven to eight raised in intensive conditions. Boer
60 GOAT JOURNAL | january/february 2019 goats are excellent walkers over prices and auction status, is a rugged ground and dense bush. dangerous path to follow. The end They were bred to forage over result will be a proliferation of great distances over dry terrain, sub-standard Boer goat genetics, metabolizing low-quality fibrous to the detriment of the core vegetation, without supplementary value and health of the Boer goat rations. In Namibia, studied industry in South Africa. This Boer goats are goats consumed 75 percent will be a sad day for the breed leaves and the remainder in indeed.” Mr Johan Steyn, Patriot excellent walkers grass. Supplements benefit Boer Goat Stud, South Africa. females before kidding and kids over rugged ground approaching weaning. Kids are weaned at three to four months old. Gradually introducing and dense bush. rations from three weeks old helps to reduce weaning shock. MAIN SOURCE: They were bred to Boer Goats South Africa; Boer QUOTES: “The Boer goat has been Goat Breeders’ Association; forage over great bred to perform under extensive American Boer Goat Association; conditions with minimal inputs. Malan, S.W. 2000. The improved distances over dry Boer goats are marketed as hardy, Boer goat. Small Ruminant adaptable animals delivering Res, 36(2), 165-170. terrain, metabolizing high kidding percentages ... “The tendency among stud low-quality fibrous breeders to stall-feed animals in pursuit of non-sustainable sale vegetation, without supplementary rations. In Namibia, studied goats consumed 75 per- cent leaves and the remainder in grass.
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WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 61 breeders directory
Advertise your favorite breed where it will be seen by thousands of goat enthusiasts looking for what you have to sell! Just $40/yr. for listing your breeds, farm name, your name, address, phone, e-mail & website.
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WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 63 associations
ALPINES INTERNATIONAL CLUB, Wil GEORGIA DAIRY GOAT BREEDERS — newsletter, MYOTONIC GOAT REGISTRY Keech, Secretary/Treasurer. 402-326-8232. meetings, shows & speaker program. All breeds (Fainting), 3174 Valley Ford Rd.,
Goat Journal Advertising Form • Next Deadline: Jan. 24, 2019
Liner Breeders Directory: Liner Classified: Classification: Your Name: Your Farm Name: Address: Your Name: City, State, Zip: Address: Classification: City, State, Zip: E-mail: Phone Number: Ad: E-mail: Website: Number of words _____ x $1.00 = $______Breed(s): Words in all CAPITALS _____x 25¢ = $______Additional Words $1 each per year: Words in bold _____x 25¢ = $______X No. of issues you want your ad to run: _____ = $______Directory listing (6 issues): $40.00 Payment enclosed (U.S. funds): $______Additional words ($1 each): Total Amount Enclosed (US): Please type or print legibly and indicate the words you would like in bold or capital letters. • Don’t forget to count your name, address, Display Breeders/Classified(1" & 2" sizes): phone number and e-mail if it is part of your ad. SPECIAL OFFER: FREE Color! ($20 Value Per Issue) • 10 word minimum. Ads under 10 words will be charged $10. Use pictures, 1x - 2x=$30 per inch, per issue Feel free to use a separate sheet of paper logo and color! 3x - 5x=$28 per inch, per issue FREE Ad Design! 6x=$25 per inch, per issue Mail to: Goat Journal Breeders/Classifieds, P.O. Box 566, Medford, WI 54451 or E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] www.CountrysideNetwork.com or call: 1-715-748-1388 1-715-748-1388 • Fax: 1-715-785-7414
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WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 67 just for fun :: coloring & puzzles
COLORING PAGE
Show us your artistic side! Send photos of your finished coloring pages to [email protected] and we will display them in our next issue. (Be sure to tell us if your goats did the coloring!)
68 GOAT JOURNAL | january/february 2019 If you get stuck, just remember all the answers can GOAT JOURNAL READER CONTEST JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 be found in articles throughout this issue. Have fun!
ACROSS DOWN
2. The cause of 1. North American pregnancy ______toxemia is Association. inadequate _____ intake. 3. The easiest place to spot goat lice 5. Goats may is just behind possess an the _____. innate sensitivity to human 4. Initial Boer imports ______. to the U.S. were embryos from 8. Goat lice can ______. infest _____. 6. Most home cheese 10. Country where caves are actually Kate and mini _____. Tawny hike: 7. John Tinsley sold 12. Growth hormones fainting goats during pregnancy from ______can make _____ into Tennessee. grow faster. 9. Goatee, Pismo, 14. Katherine Name: ______and _____. recommends Each issue, we will offer a chance to win official carrying this as a Goat Journal swag! Enter to win a hat by completing this puzzle, using 11. Buster and answers found in this issue. The winner will be chosen randomly blood stop agent Manny's mother: from all correct submissions returned by February 1, 2019. for pack goats: 13. NAPgA was 15. Pygmy goats founded during George and the first _____ To submit, either: _____. in Washington.
Print, fill out, and send to: 16. The IDGR's new 17. _____ goats may Goat Journal Reader Contest acronym: be preferred for P.O. Box 566, Medford, WI 54451 brush control 18. Goats' fainting is Print, fill out, then take a picture over specialized actually called and email to: breeds. [email protected] myotonia _____. 19. Katherine Message your answers to: 20. Does carrying recommends [email protected] _____ are at disbudding kids exponentially Be sure to include your contact information before _____ increased risk so we can inform you if you won! weeks of age. of pregnancy toxemia.
Winner of the September/October 2018 Reader Contest WINNER! is Jason Rottink. Enjoy your hat, Jason!
WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 69 goat journal :: coming attractions
STAY TUNED!
THE KIDS ARE COMING! CHECK OUT OUR MARCH/APRIL 2019 ISSUE FOR STORIES ON:
• The Doe Code: True kidding a common reason for goat- stories from the trenches. keeping besides milk and meat.
• Goats in the water! What to • Read about Honey Sweetie know about rains, floods, Acres, a farm that recently won rivers, and even wet barns. alternative medicine awards for their goat milk soap. • A valuable kidding checklist. Are you ready for babies? • Meet Miracle the Bionic Goat, a kid whose difficult birth turned into • A stunning photo essay a story of joy and inspiration. from Instagram star Boxwood Avenue. • Tamsin Cooper gives us a breed profile of Pygmy goats. • Are goats good pets? Janet Garman addresses • PLUS: Back from The Vet, Katherine’s Caprine Corner, and more!
WORMS EAT MY GARBAGE How to Set Up & Maintain a Worm Composting System
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70 GOAT JOURNAL | january/february 2019