VOL. 97 NO. 6 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 • $4.99 U.S. • BACKYARDGOATS.IAMCOUNTRYSIDE.COM
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06 From the Editor THE STORIES 56 Secret Life of Goats: The Secret Life of Racetrack Jack 07 Reader Feedback 32 The Road to Redmond by Theresa Miller Reader Spotlight, Reader by Theresa Miller Letters, Fan Photos 36 Boer Goats: Beyond 58 Breed Profi le: 12 Back from the Vet the Meat Finnish Landrace Goats by Dr. Katie Estill DVM by Lacey Hughett by Tamsin Cooper
16 Katherine’s Caprine Corner 40 Recognizing and Treating 60 Breeders Directory/Classifi eds/ Anemia in Goats Bookstore by Katherine Drovdahl by Rebecca Sanderson THE FEATURES 66 Just for Fun 44 Soap with Motherly Love by Tamsin Cooper 18 Finding the Balance: 70 Coming Attractions Maintaining Herd Health with Minerals 48 Goat Milk Eggnog by Karen Kopf by Marissa Ames
26 Policy Changes, Farmers, 51 ¡Olé Cajeta! and MeWe vs. Facebook by Cappy Tosetti by Rebecca Sanderson 54 Goat Milk Fudge 30 Photo Essay: dalena_art by Lacey Hughett by Justine Tepale
ON THE COVER Stunning artwork by Justine Tepale. See more of her illustrations in our Photo Essay on page 30. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 VOL. 97 NO. 6 backyardgoats.iamcountryside.com
editorial Marissa Ames, Editor [email protected]
Steph Merkle, Content Director [email protected] Samantha Ingersoll, Ann Tom Editorial Assistants
circulation & marketing Ellen Grunseth, Marketing Director [email protected] Traci Laurie Publication Designer
advertising Alicia Soper, Advertising Director [email protected] (715) 748-1388 Kelly Weiler [email protected] (715) 748-1389 Sue Lapcewich [email protected] (970) 373-7301
general manager Mike Campbell [email protected]
Goat Journal (ISSN 0011-5592, USPS 147-020) is published bi-monthly by Countryside Publications, 136 W Broadway Ave, Medford, WI 54451. Periodicals postage paid at Medford, WI and 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 copyrighted by Countryside Publications, 2019. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited, except by permission of the publisher.
Statement of Ownership Editorial office: P.O. Box 566, Medford, WI 54451. Management and Circulation [email protected] Title of publication: Goat Journal. Publication no. 147-020. Published bimonthly. Annual subscription price $29.97. Mailing address of publication, head-quarters of general business offices, publisher, Advertising office: Goat Journal, P.O. Box 566, editor and managing editor: 136 W. Broadway, Medford, WI 54451. Publisher, Mike Campbell; Medford, WI 54451. [email protected], Editor, Marissa Ames; Managing Editor: Marissa Ames. Owner: Fence Post Company, Paul W. Toler, Display advertising rates on request. Chairman, 580 Mallory Way, Carson City, NV 89701. Known bondholders, mortgagees and other Phone (715) 748-1388, fax (715) 785-7414. security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities: Swift Communications, Inc. Extent and nature of circulation: Average no. of copies each Subscriptions: (US funds): issue during the preceding 12 months (actual no. of copies of single issue published nearest to fil- 6 issues for $29.92, 12 issues for $49. ing date): A: Total no. of copies printed: 3,483 (3,700). B(1): Paid/requested outside county as stated Goat Journal Subscriptions, P.O. Box 1848, on form 3541: 2,949 (3,213). B(2): Paid in-county subscriptions: 0 (0). B(3): Sales through dealers, Carson City, NV 89702. (970) 392-4419. carriers, street vendors, counter sales, and other non-USPS paid distribution: 0(0). B(4): Other classes mailed through the USPS: 0 (0). C: Total paid and/or requested circulation: 2,949 (3,213). D(1): Free POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. distribution by mail: 0 (0). D(4): Free or nominal rate distribution outside the mail: 0 (0) E: Free distribu- (See DMM 707.4.12.5); NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY tion outside the mail: 0 (0). F: Total distribution: 2,949 (3,213). G: Copies not distributed: 534 (487). H: FACILITIES: send address corrections to Total: 3,483 (3,700). I: Percent paid and/or requested circulation: 100% (100%). I certify that the state- Goat Journal Subscriptions, P.O. Box 1848 ments made by me above are correct and complete /s/ Ellen Grunseth, Business Manager, 08/29/19. Carson City, NV 89702.
PRINTED IN THE USA. 4 GOAT JOURNAL | november/december 2019 goat journal ::from the editor FROM THE EDITOR
NOT TOO SHABBY...
VERY WINTER, I look fatty acid. (No copper.) Within two about cajeta, eggnog, and amazing sidelong at my goats and weeks, her ragged coat began to goat milk fudge. If you make these Ewonder if they’re missing shed and she was so glossy she recipes for your loved ones this something. Winter coats look glistened in the afternoon sun. holiday season, please let us know different from summer coats: Deciphering mineral needs is how they turned out. We would thicker, not as glossy and sleek. My tricky, and it varies from goat love to see pictures, as well! goats don’t get the varied forage to goat, and from location to Enjoy our fi nal issue for 2019 that they enjoy during the summer. location. We have two stories that and let us know if you would like Combine that with the added describe why there isn’t a one-size- to see any specifi c stories or topics nutrients needed for gestation fi ts-all answer to what minerals in 2020! Email us, send snail-mail, and staying warm, and I miss a your goats need. This valuable or, if you are a Backyard Goats little sleep wondering if I really information is our gift to you, at member, use the chat function to am doing the best I can for them. the end of 2019, and we hope it deliver your request instantly! My Nubian, Juliet, tends to be helps guide your individual herds. more diffi cult to keep looking But that’s not all we have to MAY YOUR HOLIDAYS, AND sleek. But if I go to one of many offer in this issue. Last year, we YOUR GOATS' WINTER COATS, goat-themed Facebook groups, provided recipes for goat caramels BE MERRY AND BRIGHT! their answer is copper, copper, and aged cheese; this year, we and more copper. If I bolused follow that tradition with tutorials her and she doesn’t improve within a few weeks, she must need more copper, right? Wrong. Simply adding sunfl ower seeds TELL US ABOUT YOU! and fl axseed to her grain works Do you have a story suggestion for Goat Journal? Would you like wonders. Then I tried an oil-based to tell us how you dealt with a particular problem … or ask for advice goat supplement that contains regarding an issue that didn’t go so well? vitamin E, niacin, biotin, vitamin Send your letters via email to [email protected] or the old- B12, and two sources of omega-3 fashioned way to Goat Journal, P.O. Box 566, Medford, WI 54451.
6 GOAT JOURNAL | november/december 2019 goat journal :: reader sPotlight
LACK SWAN RANCH BOTANICAL GARDENS is located in Santa Ysabel, California. The 2.5-acre ranch is home to BTim, Coko, their dogs (Lana Turner and Ellie Mae), and their four adorable Miniature Silky Fainting goats (Jumpin Jack Flash, Ruby Tuesday, Baba O’ Riley, and Ziggy Stardust). All three of the boys are extreme fainters; Ruby is the only one who doesn’t faint. She is the queen and keeps everyone in line. She also protects her brothers, keeping a watchful eye during nap and cud-chewing times. Life is good at BSRBG! These goats also have an important job of serving the community! They make appearances at the county fair, retirement communities, schools, and Alzheimer’s facilities. Goats have a very calming effect on humans of all ages and especially those with disabilities and challenges. Baba and Ziggy are very popular therapy goats and are currently making the rounds. While at the Del Mar Fair last year, the kids not only got to interact with all kinds of people, they also won ribbons. Jack took fi rst place and won Best in Show in the wether division, and Ruby took second place in the junior doe division. These goats are from champion lines and come from a local breeder, Mini Mythic Miniature Goats. They are somewhat rare, as this breed has only been in existence since 2000. Bred specifi cally for pets, their small size makes them easy to handle and their disposition is like that of a loving family dog. These goats are family members and are sometimes allowed inside, with supervision. Coko likes to have them in her in the studio where they get regular baths and pampering, which they love.
Visit Coko’s websites and blogs: bsrgoats.wixsite.com/mysite blackswanranchbotanicalgardens.wordpress.com cokobrown.com cokobrownsmusic.com
BACKYARDGOATS.IAMCOUNTRYSIDE.COM 7 goat journal :: reader letters
Good Day. My name is Bonni Smith-Jacobs and I quite funny, and it made the goat safer to be around. live in New Zealand. I have just received the July/ Many of the rest homes in my area have people who August issue and wanted to comment on two articles had either owned or worked on a farm. It might not in it. First, what a wonderful cover photo you have! have been with goats, it was still with livestock. We I absolutely love the young lady with her Nubian also take some of our alpacas and our two rabbits girl. Well done. Second, on the article about pet- at times. It is a joy and pleasure to see eyes light up therapy. A friend and I have done goat pet therapy when they see the animals. We had one person try for about five years, visiting eight different homes. to keep one of the babies, by hiding it under her We did one a week, taking two goats each time. The bedding. That took the director to get him back! goats would be changed on each visit, so they did My most memorable visit was our first one. An elderly not get worn out. We did not set a time limit as to lady had been at the rest home about six months, when how long we would be at the home, because it was we came with two baby Nubians. We put one in her lap, important everyone had a chance to be with the but she just stared at the wall. Then slowly she started goats. At some homes, we would have a break and take to pet him, then hug him, and whisper in Andrew’s ear. the goats outside for a while, before continuing. Our The director quickly left the room. I went after her (my largest home took us two and a half to three hours. friend stayed with the goat), wondering had we done Here are some things not mentioned in your article. something wrong. She was quietly crying in the hallway. We took a dust buster vacuum with a wide mouth to This lady had not responded to anything in six months, clean up the pellets, plus a dustpan and broom for until then. She asked us if we could return for few days anything it could not suck up. We also had puppy pads with our goats for her. Although it was an hour’s drive when they had to pee. Although our goats were given (one way), we did so. The touch of an animal is so many opportunities to relieve themselves outside, there important to others. Pet therapy is something many can is no guarantee they would not need to go again! By do. We and our animals are not therapy-trained, we just watching the goats, we could usually catch them in do it. We do not charge anything, not even for petrol. time. Most rest homes have walkers and tight spaces I have not done visits for a while, done to some that goats may not be comfortable with. We were able to physical setbacks (total knee replacement surgery acquire old ones and brought the goats inside to work and a plate put in a broken arm, not at the same around them and in tight spaces set up in the house. time), but intend to go back into it again. Thanks We also worked with the goats as to how older people for all the wonderful articles you have now. This would reach out to touch them (the face, straight on is a much better magazine with the changes that is usual) so they would be accustomed to it. We took have been made. Too bad it is bi-monthly. goats from babies to a fully grown Nubian (weighing 200 lbs). Not all people can reach down or will take one in their lap, but they could reach out and pet one along Cheers, Bonni its side. We also had some with horns. For these we P.S. That elderly lady did come out of her shell put pool noodles over them. The people thought it was and begin joining the others in activities.
I have been treating coccidiosis in my goats for the last seven days with sulphadimidine 33.3. They are not responding to treatment. It is spreading to others. I need advice.
Raymond
Hi Raymond, Our default answer when treatment isn't working is to "consult with your vet," and I'm going to apply it here, too. These days, many coccidistats on the market won't touch a tough case, and the Veterinary Feed Initiative has placed the stronger medications under strict lockdown (such as sulfadimethoxine/Albon). Calling your veterinarian to get a prescription would not only make these medications available to you but would also give you a professional voice to tell you exactly how much to give them and when to escalate treatment. In the meantime, be sure you dump and scrub water containers daily. Wash the sides with hot, bleachy water if you haven't done that in a while. Be sure any wet bedding is removed and keep any young goats from consuming hay or other feed that may have become contaminated with feces.
Good luck and I hope your goats turn around soon! Marissa
8 GOAT JOURNAL | november/december 2019 DO YOU HAVE A GOAT-RELATED I LOVE Goat Journal QUESTION? and I was so excited to receive the
WISH YOU COULD ASK A GOAT EXPERT latest magazine OR HAVE A CHAT WITH SOMEONE WHO this week! ALSO HAS GOATS? I am a fairly new WELL, NOW YOU CAN. goat owner and Members of our Backyard Goats site can ask via your magazine has live chat or visit our Ask the Expert section of Backyard Goats to see if your question already has helped me learn so much an answer! about raising goats. backyardgoats.iamcountryside.com/ask-the-expert
While we work with veterinarian consultants, our editors are — Victoria Simmons not veterinarians and cannot recommend off-label medication or products for treatment, or dosage information.
What type of shelter is required for my goats in cool and wet climate — Puebla, Mexico?
Robert Bodman
Hi Robert, Moisture is going to be a primary focus when building a shelter because if the goats can't get onto dry ground, you will have issues such as hoof rot, foot scald, staph infections, and fungal issues. But building a goat shelter isn't difficult. Keep in mind two things: First, goats like a nice, open space, so if you build it too closed-in, they might not want to even enter. I like three-sided shelters for that reason: leave one side fully open and facing the most sheltered direction, then build three walls and a top. Be sure to slant the top so the rain falls into an area where the goats don't have to spend much of their time. Also, build a raised surface in the shelter so they can get up and out of the moisture, and keep that surface covered with nice, dry bedding. Change out the bedding whenever it gets wet and soiled, to keep bacteria away. In emergencies such as hurricanes, some people put wooden shipping pallets inside the shelters to raise the dry surface even further. Our contributor Tamsin Cooper has written a great story about building the kinds of shelters that goats enjoy most, and her information is based on scientific studies. You can find it here: backyardgoats.iamcountryside.com/feed-housing/how-to-house-goats-harmoniously/
I hope this helps! Marissa
Leave us a review on Goat Journal WE LOVE HEARING facebook.com/goatjournal/ P.O. Box 566, Medford, WI 54451 FROM YOU! reviews or email [email protected] BACKYARDGOATS.IAMCOUNTRYSIDE.COM 9 goat journal :: reader Photos
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1. This is Baby, our second goat, an Alpine. As new goat owners, we are super excited and of course had to transport her in the back of the car. Lol! We aren’t sure if she is screaming because she feels the need to be a backseat driver or if she just hates my driving. My son, Cameron, is so in love with her. She joins our 1.5-month-old LaMancha cross. Submitted by Brittany Little.
2. Just another early spring day for “Lottie Da” the matriarch PHOTOS of Chabara "Herd." Submitted by Charles Weiss. 3. This is Holly, my beautiful blue-eyed Nigerian Dwarf doe born on December 15, 2018. She is the sweetest girl . Holly enjoys cuddling up in your lap and giving kisses. She was featured in the Dayton, Tennessee Strawberry Festival parade in May and her picture even made the local newspaper! She walked very well next to the all of the dogs and people and happily stopped along the way to get hugs and kisses from all of the children. Holly is very friendly with everyone she encounters and we are very blessed to have her as a part of our family! It would be an honor to see Holly in the magazine! Submitted by Victoria Simmons.
4. Who steps in the mud fi rst? All four of these critters dislike the mud with a passion! Submitted by Donna Enix of Triple Slash Boers, Chugwater, Wyoming.
5. It’s okay, little brother, mom will be back soon. Submitted by Donna Enix of Triple Slash Boers, Chugwater, Wyoming.
6. Nancy is a 12-year-old doe that has been in the Wagner family her entire life. Some of her favorite pastimes are lounging in the sun, biting strangers, eating Pop Tarts, and devouring watermelons. She can be a bit grouchy but is very loved and will never refuse a good back scratch. Submitted by Bailey Wagner.
7. Goat Yoga! Yep, it's a thing! Submitted by Dianne Cassara of Goat Yoga Georgia/Double Durango Farm. Check us out on Instagram and Facebook! 3 8. “What a cute bunch of kids!” Our fi rst goats, Pearl and Sandy, pictured with Logan, Leah, and Lacy at Rockin Triple L Farm in Phoenix, Arizona. Submitted by mom, Megan Rock. 10 GOAT JOURNAL | november/december 2019 4
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7 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: instagram.com/goatjournal mail your entry to: GOAT JOURNAL 8 P.o. boX 566 medford, wi 54451
BACKYARDGOATS.IAMCOUNTRYSIDE.COM 11 back from the vet :: featuring dr. katie estill dvm
MINERAL INTAKE IN GOATS
F YOU HAVE SPENT ANY TIME perusing your animals, however, require much more calcium, as it is local feed store, then you are well-versed in the excreted in milk. These animals also tend to consume Imultitude of available mineral supplements made more grains, or concentrates, which are generally for goats and other livestock. These supplements come lower in calcium than forages. Calcium intake can be in all forms, from blocks and tubs to loose and pelleted. increased with increase in alfalfa intake or the addition They are made for goats of all stages, and even targeted of a mineral supplement such as dicalcium phosphate. to improve performance. With all of these choices, it is Deficiency in calcium can cause decreased milk difficult to know what supplement will work best for production in lactating does. Low calcium can also your herd. Understanding cause milk fever. Milk fever where these minerals are is a sudden decrease in blood found in common feed stuffs, calcium levels associated with and what their toxicity or kidding or early lactation. deficiency may cause, is While the treatment for this is helpful for choosing the right There are a multitude of factors intravenous calcium and fluid mineral supplement for your support, prevention is not farm. In these winter months, to consider when choosing a just addition of calcium to the when forage may be scarce, diet. In fact, heavily pregnant offering the appropriate mineral supplement for your goats fed a high calcium diet mineral supplement can animals. When creating your are more likely to develop greatly improve herd health. milk fever, as their body is Minerals can be divided herd nutrition plan, it is helpful less capable of mobilizing into two categories: macro calcium stores from the minerals and micro minerals. to consult with a veterinarian bone. Heavily pregnant Macro minerals are present does should rather be fed a at a larger amount in the or licensed animal nutritionist quality forage, such as grass body, and thus the diet. or grass alfalfa mix prior to Micro minerals, or trace to ensure optimum health. kidding. This lower calcium minerals, are found in much diet increases their ability smaller amounts. The macro to mobilize calcium stores. minerals include calcium, After kidding, improving phosphorus, magnesium, calcium intake can provide potassium, sodium, and chlorine. The micro minerals increased milk production, especially in dairy goats. of most importance are iron, iodine, zinc, copper, Abnormalities in the intake of phosphorus can and selenium. Goats have different macro and have severe ramifications, either when too high or micro mineral requirements than other ruminant too low. Higher concentrations of phosphorus are species. When selecting a mineral supplement for found in cereal grains, like wheat and oats. Goats with your herd, choosing one made specifically for goats deficiency in phosphorous intake show ill-thrift. This will be best at meeting the needs of your animals. can be exhibited by poor rate of growth, poor hair coat, Appropriate calcium intake is imperative for good and decreased fertility. Goats with low phosphorous health. It is necessary for growth, as well as for can also show pica, the abnormal ingestion of items good milk production. Calcium is found in higher like sticks and rocks. Elevated phosphorus intake can concentration in plants of the legume family, such as cause urethral stones and obstruction. This occurs alfalfa and clover. Non-dairy goats are generally able particularly in male goats, as they have a long, small- to meet their calcium requirements through grazing diameter urethra. Phosphorous content of the diet or consumption of good quality hay. Heavily lactating should be managed carefully in conjunction with
12 GOAT JOURNAL | november/december 2019 calcium content. The ratio of minerals. Salt is generally not high suffer from iron defi ciency. calcium to phosphorous should in concentration in most forages, Just as in people, defi ciency in be maintained around 1.5-2:1. though legumes tend to have higher iodine can result in severe disease. Causes for increased phosphorous levels than others. It is frequently Iodine is defi cient in certain soil content include high grain intake used as carrier to ensure intake areas. In the United States, this and forages fertilized with a of other minerals, as goats have a includes the mountainous West and high phosphorous fertilizer like drive to consume it. Unlike other Great Lakes regions. When buying chicken litter. When buying hay, species, goats have a tendency to feed from those regions, testing or it is important to know what eat salt at increased amounts when supplementation are encouraged. fertilizing products were utilized. offered free choice, which — though Iodine is supplemented by Magnesium is another mineral not harmful — can sometimes addition to salt, or in complete found in high concentrations in result in depressed appetite. Low mineral supplements. Defi ciency legumes. Lack of magnesium sodium in the diet can result in in iodine leads to inability of the intake can result in a condition decreased growth and also pica. thyroid gland to function and called grass tetany. This condition, The micro or trace mineral iron is produce its hormone. Thyroid though more common in sheep found readily in forages. Grazing hormone is responsible for control and cattle, can also occur in goats. goats rarely have defi ciencies. of metabolism. In defi ciency, the In grazing animals, this often Animals, especially young kids, thyroid gland can enlarge, creating occurs in the spring, during times reared in confi nement should a goiter, or swelling in the neck. of rapid grass growth, resulting be offered iron within a mineral Animals can also show signs of in lower levels of magnesium in supplement, as they can be more poor growth, decreased milk the plant. Lactating adult animals prone to defi ciency. Heavily production, and reproductive are most affected. Some areas parasitized animals may also diffi culties — such as retained with high soil concentrations of placentas. Grazing animals, even potassium and nitrogen can also increase risk of hypomagnesemia. Animals show signs of sudden convulsions, muscle spasms, and death. This condition is treated with intravenous mineral supplementation. Providing appropriate mineral supplementation is most helpful in prevent grass tetany, especially during times of increased risk. Potassium is not only a macro mineral, but is also considered an electrolyte. It is found in higher concentrations in forages, and is low in cereal grains. As goat diets are generally high in forage, defi ciencies are rare. Animals fed high-grain diets can result in lower intake levels. Animals experiencing diarrhea also Automatic Milk Feeder tend to have low potassium, in 2 size feeders addition to sodium and chloride. Respects natural feeding habits Prolonged low potassium levels Mixes milk on demand can yield poor appetite and even Use any kind of milk powdered replacer contribute to the formation of Hundreds of satisfied customers! urinary calculi, while elevated levels may be associated with hypocalcemia in lactating goats. Sodium chloride, or salt, www.biotic.com (931) 437-2514 provides two primary macro
BACKYARDGOATS.IAMCOUNTRYSIDE.COM 13 back from the vet :: featuring dr. katie estill dvm
those being supplemented with iodine, can also When affecting the skeletal muscles, the kids are suffer deficiency by consumption of goiterogenic weak and stiff, often showing a “saw-horse” stance. plants. Among these plants are soy beans, kale, These kids respond favorable to supportive care and all goats cabbage, and turnips. These plants inhibit the treatment with vitamin E and selenium. Goats can thyroid’s ability to function, as in iodine deficiency. also suffer from selenium toxicity. This is usually The trace mineral zinc is essential for skin growth, indicated by loss of hair coat, lameness, and diarrhea. as well as male reproduction. Zinc is found in higher As is seen in this short overview, there are a levels in cereal grains, rather than forages. Animals multitude of factors to consider when choosing a suffering from deficiency have dry, flakey skin with mineral supplement for your animals. Having a good poor hair coat and coat growth. Intact male animals understanding of forages and soils in your area is are show decreased reproductive abilities with smaller very helpful. This can be accomplished by talking not testicles and low sexual drive. Some goats also to your local extension agent, or forage suppliers. exhibit a condition referred to as zinc responsive When creating your herd nutrition plan, it is helpful dermatitosis. These animals show signs of zinc to consult with a veterinarian or licensed animal deficiency even when fed mineral supplement with nutritionist to ensure the optimum health of your zinc. This is assumed to be an inherited condition animals. If you are concerned that your herd, or in which affected animals do not appropriately particular animals, are suffering from deficiencies absorb dietary zinc and require supplementation or toxicities of certain minerals, contact your created at increased levels. When supplemented herd veterinarian. Blood concentrations of macro equal appropriately these goats return to normal. minerals can often be assessed at in-house labs. Copper is a trace mineral of great importance in Trace mineral concentrations can also be assessed small ruminants. It is responsible for the health of red by blood sampling, though certain trace minerals blood cells, as well as the immune system and nerve are often better assessed via tissue sample, such function. Copper is found in varying levels in the soil. as liver biopsy. Always, when choosing a mineral Copper must be managed in relation to molybdenum, supplement, ensure that it is made specifically for as increases in molybdenum prevent absorption of goats. Livestock have different mineral requirements. dietary copper. It is imperative to understand the soil Supplements made for other species, or those for in your area to ensure appropriate supplementation. multiple species, will not provide the most optimum ADGA registered Deficiencies in copper can result in poor overall health, supplementation levels. They may even be harmful. with anemia, faded hair coat, and even diarrhea. Small ruminants require very small amounts of copper. While SOURCES with a recorded pedigree goats are less sensitive to copper toxicity than are merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/ sheep, they are still at greater risk than other livestock. nutrition-goats/nutritional-requirements-of-goats and proven performance data Copper toxicity can be indicated by abortion, jaundice, weakness, red urine, and pale gums. It generally merckvetmanual.com/metabolic-disorders/disorders occurs when goats consume mineral supplements or -of-magnesium-metabolism/hypomagnesemic-tetany complete feeds made for other species, such as cattle -in-cattle-and-sheep or swine. Animals suffering from liver disease are also articles.extension.org/pages/19353/goat-nutrition- will provide Greater Value at increased risk of toxicity, as copper is stored in the sodium liver, and is released during disease. Copper toxicity ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16101798 is a serious condition that often results in death. Selenium is another trace mineral found in varying merckvetmanual.com/endocrine-system/the-thyroid- amounts in the soil. It too can be over- or under- gland/goiter-in-animals supplemented easily, as its supplemental range is veterinaryextension.colostate.edu/menu2/sm%20rum/ small. Selenium works closely with vitamin E within Copper%20Poisoning%20vm-knight-engle.pdf the body, and when assessing for deficiency, they must merckvetmanual.com/musculoskeletal-system/ be managed together. Deficiency of selenium leads Don’t settle for less myopathies-in-ruminants-and-pigs/nutritional- to poor growth, reproductive ill health — retained myopathies-in-ruminants-and-pigs#v3285727 placentas and metritis, and in young kids a condition known as white muscle disease. White muscle disease affects young rapidly growing kids, either DR. KATIE ESTILL DVM, is a veterinarian consul- in the cardiac or skeletal muscles. When affecting tant for Goat Journal, Countryside & Small Stock the cardiac muscles, kids show signs of respiratory Journal, and Countryside online. She works with distress and weakness. The condition is generally goats and other large livestock at Desert Trails ADGA.org fatal in less than 24 hours, despite medical treatment. Veterinary Services in Winnemucca, Nevada.
14 GOAT JOURNAL | november/december 2019 all goats are not created equal
ADGA registered with a recorded pedigree and proven performance data will provide Greater Value
Don’t settle for less
ADGA.org
BACKYARDGOATS.IAMCOUNTRYSIDE.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 CR DipHIr CEIT QTP answers your questions about treats, nutritional deficiencies, and scheduling around holidays when caring for goats
Q: How do you work holidays with having Q: Can goats have any holiday treats? goat chores, especially milking chores? A: This is a great place for common sense A: That is one of the great commitments we make with pets to come into play. If it's something we really and animals: that we're going to care for them 365 days a shouldn't be eating, it's something our goats year, no matter if we feel good or whether there is a holiday, also shouldn't be eating. Be sure to avoid vacation, or birthday involved. But you can do several things anything with caffeine in it (like cocoa or to make it work better. First of all, we try to never be out of chocolate), animal products such as cream town on a holiday, because we want our helpers to be able cheeses, meats, meat juices, etc., high-sugar to join their families for the holidays rather than look after products, or products that contain chemicals. somebody else's responsibilities. If you're having a holiday (You know, all those things on the back celebration at home, tweak your schedule so it works around of a label that you can't pronounce.) An your chores. Stagger chore time where you feed all the animals occasional cookie or stick of red licorice isn't at dark, saving just the milking itself for later, which will take horrid but not something we want to do less time then. We like to do short milkings: less than a 12- every day. I'd prefer the veggie tray for them; hour span between milkings. For example, say we're going those carrot sticks, broccoli, cauliflower, and to leave for a dinner at 3 p.m. We would milk that morning radishes are great, but slice everything that on normal schedule, then milk again around 1:30 in the is round so that no one chokes on it. Apple afternoon. That gives us until night to get back and do a third and orange slices, banana pieces, or their milking, which would end up being not more than 12 hours organic peels will be relished by many. after the previous one. The next morning, we either have the liberty to milk a little later than normal (such as on Christmas morning) or to put them back on their normal schedule.
Q: What are some signs of mineral or nutritional deficiencies in my herd? A: The list is ongoing. Some of the things I look for are loss of hair coat color, loss of shine, rough edges on the individual hairs, loss of hair on the bridge of the nose or at the end of a tail (making a forktail), hair loss around the eyes and sometimes around the ears. If I see any of these, I suspect either a copper and or zinc deficiency or parasites consuming too many nutrients. If they seem a little weak on their pasterns or their udder isn't held up as high, meaning the tendons are weakening, then I consider selenium as a possible deficiency. Goats that go down can also be suffering from metabolic issues caused by calorie deficiencies or deficiencies in calcium in their feed. This is a very abbreviated list. To learn more, consult with your veterinarian or a local goat mentor as to problems common in your area. The best way to avoid these problems is to be proactive. I always keep my goats on kelp mixed with herbal products; then I just don't have to deal with any of these issues. We also make sure we stay ahead of the game on parasites, which is also easy to do with herbals because I can just keep them on a routine program instead of waiting for a lot of parasite overgrowth then attack with chemicals, because by that time we've already had parasite damage and nutritional deficiencies.
16 GOAT JOURNAL | november/december 2019 Q: Can I milk just once a day? How do I know Q: How do I dry up my goat? when I can do that? A: The easiest way is to use herbs, and of course A: The every-12-hour milk schedule which is one of my website has products for that. The next the diffi cult things about having dairy goats and why easiest is to fi rst go to once-a-day milking. Then many people do not keep them longer than three years gradually lengthen the amount of time between after starting in them. This year, we started leaving our milkings. Usually for me, once we go to once- kids on our does. (Only do this if you have a CAE- and a-day and my production goes down again by Johnes-negative herd.) That allows us to milk just once, about another half, I switch milkings to every in the afternoon or evening, to work around the rest of day and a half. Once I have done that for a few our schedule. Most goats do milk more than their kids days, assuming the goat continues to back off can utilize. For all of those years when we were milking on her lactation, I just stop milking altogether. I every 12 hours, we could shift them to once a day milking still monitor her to make sure she's not getting when they were below half of their peak production. For too full or having other issues. Once I can go a some goats, that was in October and for some not until whole week without milking her, she probably December. Some herds, depending on when you freshen, will be dry. She needs to not be milked for a may be able to start once a day milking in the summer. week before her pituitary gland tells her body do So, if she was milking 10 pounds a day in a twice-a-day quit making milk. I like using herbs, as it really schedule (meaning that there was no more than fi ve speeds up the process, especially when you have pounds of milk in her udder), I would shift her to once a those that are very determined to make milk. day when she was below fi ve pounds a day. Then you can Blessed holidays to all of you, set that milk time for whatever is most convenient to you. from us and ours!!
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. Lewis County Missouri Sale to be held at the HEARTLAND COMMUNITY GYM Sat., November 30th at 11:00 A.M. 6417 CR 150 • Bethel, MO Impressive, state-of-the-art facility most recently used for milking goats! 420± Acre farm offers productive cropland, improved pasture/hay ground, large 22 acre lake & recently remodeled home. Hard surface road on 2 sides with excellent access to major Interstate highway.
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Laurie Sharpe - President Robert Hambelton (660) 342-7121 - General Manager
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FINDING THE BALANCE: MAINTAINING HERD HEALTH WITH MINERALS Why do goats need mineral supplements?
by KAREN KOPF
OATS ARE RUMINANTS many producers are quick to give with a complex digestive supplementation recommendations Gsystem. They were without fully assessing a goat’s designed to forage, not to be fed. nutritional profi le. Doing so Interestingly, when goats are is not helpful, it is harmful. offered a diverse environment, they will select plants with the nutrients TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING they need and will vary their diet A breeder in Minnesota who has by their condition. Goats have been raising goats for over 10 years, even been shown to self-medicate. and has a dairy herd that ranges Many of the preferred plants in a between 100-150 goats, shared her goat’s diet have a deep tap root that heartbreaking experience. “I was accesses different parts of the soil — following the advice of a breeder and more minerals — than shallow- on a well-known and very popular rooted grasses. When goats are Facebook group. My goats had confi ned, the diversity of their diet bad coats, bald noses, and fi sh is limited and results in defi ciencies. tail. I was told all those mean low Mineral supplementation is copper. I overdosed my animals required for good health but based on advice from someone who improper supplementation can never saw my herd and is so sure be dangerous, even deadly. While copper is needed that she is blinded many symptoms of defi ciency can by any other needs or results.” be detected on visual assessment, Those overdosed goats all died, determining the cause is more and when necropsied, their livers complicated. Unfortunately, showed high copper levels. She
18 GOAT JOURNAL | november/december 2019 says, “It is sad that there are others choice loose mineral specifi cally months, the tub contents can experiencing losses since, if the goat formulated for goats, available to melt and become a hazardous tar does not look better, [this producer] them at all times. Supplements pit — we know from experience. recommends more copper. I used designated for other species Some blocks and tubs use fl avor, copper bolus. risk excess or molasses, or combine protein I will never insuffi cient with the minerals, which can alter again give quantities of consumption beyond the need for more than one Mineral critical nutrients. mineral supplementation, especially bolus at a time Nothing should if their feed has inadequate or more than supplementation is be added to the protein levels. This can lead to FINDING THE BALANCE: three times loose mineral, overconsumption, and even toxicity. a year. Too required for good as they are salt- If goats are showing signs of much copper balanced to possible defi ciencies, it is important MAINTAINING presents health but improper regulate intake. to determine the nutritional profi le just like not Any additional of their hay, through hay analysis, enough or supplementation can supplements as well as their water, through HERD HEALTH like a parasite should be offered water testing. What is in the soil load. The be dangerous, separately, and appears in their forage, in their goats will there should hay, and in their water, which then WITH MINERALS start to pee even deadly. be no other compounds with their mineral red or orange. sources of salt. supplement. The nutritional value Giving more Tubs and blocks of hay varies by species, as well copper was are available, as the soil it is grown in, which recommended and is still often but we at Kopf Canyon Ranch can vary from fi eld to fi eld and recommended on that group do not recommend them. They crop to crop. Water can also have going by visual only.” can limit intake and damage a variety of nutritional profi les. A goat’s diet in captivity consists teeth. We have had goats develop Each supplemented feed also has a of hay, water, and possibly pelleted chapped, sore lips from persistent composition that must be factored feed mixes. Since minerals are friction against the mineral tub, into the total nutrients consumed. critical to a goat’s overall health, and seen teeth marks on the What are the signs of mineral they should also have free- hardened surface. In the summer defi ciency? While each mineral
Narrow Gate Nigerian Dwarf Goats
BACKYARDGOATS.IAMCOUNTRYSIDE.COM 19 feature :: minerals
formulas exists. Melody Shaw of Narrow Gate Nigerian Dwarf Goats in Colorado has created a spreadsheet of the various formulations for quick comparison. What works for one herd will not necessarily work for others, even in the same area! In Latah County, Idaho, our soil is deficient in copper and selenium. Since we buy local hay, our feed does not address the deficiency. We offered a mineral supplement to address this, but found our goats were still deficient. Selenium was added via injection by veterinary prescription, but we found it challenging to resolve our copper issue. Other goat producers using similar management were not experiencing Chart created by Dr. David L. Watts. the deficiency. It was only through testing has classic symptoms of deficiency, many of these that we discovered that we had mineral antagonists symptoms can result from another syndrome in in our hay and well water. We had to feed and the body. Some affect metabolism and will appear supplement differently. Then we moved. Everything as low thrift, which can also had to change again — what be attributed to parasitism or had worked for us five miles disease cycles such as CAE If goats are showing up the road was no longer and Johne’s. Some appear working. A different well, with no as skin and coat conditions, signs of possible defi- antagonists, and supplementation reproductive challenges, to compensate for antagonists low milk yields, lethargy, ciencies, it is important created new deficiencies. musculoskeletal issues, and anemia. Some impact immunity to determine the nutri- SYNERGY AND INTERFERENCE and result in lowered resistance Animal nutrition and to disease and parasites. Before tional profile of their hay, supplementation is a science. Some supplementing, it is important minerals are needed in only trace to rule out any other health through hay analysis, amounts, others in high quantities. conditions that present with Synergists work together to increase similar symptoms. The primary as well as their water, absorption. Antagonists work means of diagnosing general against each other and the minerals mineral status is through a blood through water testing. become unavailable. Sulfur, iron, panel. To determine copper and molybdenum bind copper. levels requires a liver sample, Our water was high in sulfur and through biopsy or necropsy. iron. Molybdenum is sometimes used to green alfalfa, Which mineral supplement is best? There is no and it will show up in the nutritional analysis. We feed single answer to this question — which is why many alfalfa. Because of our antagonists, the copper in our
20 GOAT JOURNAL | november/december 2019 feed was inadequate and needed supplementation. supplementing selenium will not resolve. Green, When we moved, the copper became available, leafy forage contains adequate oil to metabolize fat- which created a new problem — a zinc defi ciency. soluble vitamins. Hay does not. Goats that are fed hay Copper and zinc are antagonists. Calcium also for longer than three months will likely experience a interferes with zinc … and alfalfa is high in calcium. defi ciency in vitamins A, D, E, and K; they will need supplementation of these vitamins and also the fat THE ROLE OF VITAMINS required to absorb them. Mineral defi ciencies are not In some cases, a goat receives an adequate amount of always a lack of minerals: selenium needs vitamin E, mineral but cannot absorb it because of other defi cient and vitamin E needs fat. Calcium needs vitamin D — nutrients. Increasing the mineral will not resolve the defi ciency. Many minerals depend on vitamin pairing. Vitamins classify as either Keep Your water-soluble or fat-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins (B and Goats Healthy! C) metabolize quickly and the Whether you do your own veterinary care or work body excretes excess. Fat-soluble with a vet, this practical reference will become your vitamins (A, D, E, and K) are not go-to book. It covers behavior, routine care, easily metabolized, stored, and common health issues, veterinary and natural can be overdosed. Vitamin D is treatments, geriatric care, end-of-life issues, & more. essential to calcium absorption; vitamin E is essential for selenium. Goat Health Care, 2nd edition is available to Goat Journal readers Some goats appearing to have for only $20 plus S&H. Use the code GoatJ at checkout. a selenium defi ciency actually have a vitamin E defi ciency that www.goathealthcare.com
BACKYARDGOATS.IAMCOUNTRYSIDE.COM 21 feature :: minerals
whether from sunlight or supplementation — which also needs fat. Many sources of fat are high in phosphorus, and an imbalance of the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio can lead to urinary calculi in bucks and wethers … so if fat is supplemented, the ratio must be rebalanced. For these reasons, if you have symptoms of deficiency — if you have complex feeding needs such To determine as ours on dry lot with hard water — it is important to work with a nutritionist or veterinarian. Some soil toxicity and deficiencies feed co-ops have a staff nutritionist who will help formulate supplements specifically for your needs. If in your area, see soil maps: you aren’t sure where to find an animal nutritionist, mrdata.usgs.gov/geochem/ check with your university extension office. doc/averages/countydata.htm Goat Notes are educational resources for you to Clip, Save, and Share! See our other Goat Notes at backyardgoats.iamcountryside.com/goat-notes
22 GOAT JOURNAL | november/december 2019 GOAT NOTES
A Quick Guide to Goat Minerals BY KATE ESTILL, DVM
Minerals can be divided into two categories: macro minerals including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and chlorine; and micro minerals including iron, iodine, zinc, copper, and selenium. Goats have diff erent macro and micro mineral requirements than other ruminant species. When selecting a mineral supplement for your herd, choose one made specifi cally for goats. Supplements made for other species will not provide optimum levels and may even be harmful.
Calcium Iodine ESSENTIAL FOR: Milk production. ESSENTIAL FOR: Health of thyroid gland and FOUND IN: Legumes such as alfalfa and clover. production of its metabolism-controlling hormone. SYMPTOMS OF DEFICIENCY: Decreased milk FOUND IN: DEFICIENT in soil areas such as the production in lactating does. Low calcium can also mountainous West and Great Lakes regions of the U.S. cause milk fever, a sudden decrease in blood calcium SYMPTOMS OF DEFICIENCY: Goiter (swelling) in levels associated with kidding or early lactation. the neck, poor growth, decreased milk production, TO SUPPLEMENT: Increase in alfalfa intake or reproductive diffi culties such as retained placentas. add a mineral supplement such as dicalcium TO SUPPLEMENT: Off er iodized salt or a complete phosphate. Feed heavily pregnant does quality mineral supplement. lower-calcium forage, such as grass or grass/alfalfa mix, to increase their ability to mobilize calcium NOTES: Grazing animals, even those being stores. After kidding, improving calcium intake can supplemented with iodine, can also suff er defi ciency increase milk production, especially in dairy goats. by consumption of goiterogenic plants including soy beans, kale, cabbage, and turnips. NOTES: Non-dairy goats generally meet calcium requirements through grazing or consumption of quality hay. Heavily lactating animals require Iron much more calcium, as it is excreted in milk. FOUND IN: Forages. SYMPTOMS OF DEFICIENCY: Anemia, pale mucous Copper membranes, lethargy, low appetite. ESSENTIAL FOR: Health of red blood cells, immune TO SUPPLEMENT: Off er a mineral supplement to system, and nerve function. goats raised in confi nement, especially young kids. FOUND IN: Varying levels in the soil. NOTES: Grazing goats rarely have defi ciencies unless SYMPTOMS OF DEFICIENCY: Poor overall health, heavily parasitized. anemia, faded hair coat, diarrhea. SYMPTOMS OF OVERDOSE: Abortion, jaundice, Magnesium weakness, red urine, pale gums. FOUND IN: Legumes. TO SUPPLEMENT: It is imperative to understand the SYMPTOMS OF DEFICIENCY: Sudden convulsions, soil in your area to ensure appropriate supplementation muscle spasms, and death. by loose mineral or bolus. Copper toxicity generally occurs when goats consume mineral supplements TO SUPPLEMENT: Provide appropriate mineral or complete feeds made for other species, such supplementation, especially during springtime. as cattle or swine, and often results in death. NOTES: Grass tetany occurs in times of rapid grass Goat Notes NOTES: Copper must be managed in relation to growth such as spring, resulting in lower levels of magnesium in the plant. Lactating does are most are educational resources for you to molybdenum, as increases in molybdenum prevent absorption of dietary copper. Molybdenum is often aff ected. Areas with high soil concentrations of Clip, Save, and Share! used in hay production to improve green color. potassium and nitrogen can also increase risk of hypomagnesemia. See our other Goat Notes at backyardgoats.iamcountryside.com/goat-notes
backyardgoats.iamcountryside.com Call for a FREE Catalog Parts Dept. 800-245-8222 Website: www.PartsDeptOnline.com MP Cooling Tanks The MP cooling tank series is available in different capacities, covering a range from 15 to 285 Gallons these tanks meet the needs of all home, small dairy and cheese production facilities. Fast and stable cooling and maximum energy efficiency are benefits when using any of our Phosphorus Sodium Chloride MP models. These tanks are fully compliant with all 3A standards and regulations and are Grade A. 15 to 90 Gallon run on standard 110V electricity and require no special wiring. 140 ESSENTIAL FOR: Thrift. FOUND IN: Generally not high in most forages, & 220 Gallon tanks require 220V wiring. Chart Recorder Ready. Comes with FREE Grade A FOUND IN: Cereal grains such as wheat and oats. though legumes tend to have higher levels. Outlet Valve, Dipstick & Chart, 2 Year Warrantee. All in stock ready to ship! Poor rate of growth, SYMPTOMS OF DEFICIENCY: SYMPTOMS OF DEFICIENCY: 2 Year Warrantee MilkPlan Cooling Tanks poor hair coat, decreased fertility. Goat may exhibit Decreased growth and pica. pica: abnormal ingestion of items like sticks and rocks. TO SUPPLEMENT: Off er free choice. 15 Gallon $2195 (12 Goats) 30 Gallon $2595 (24 Goats) SYMPTOMS OF OVERDOSE: Urethral stones NOTES: It is frequently used as carrier to ensure intake and obstruction, particularly in male goats. of other minerals. Goats tend to eat salt at increased 60 Gallon $3595 (36 Goats) 90 Gallon $4195 (50 Goats) TO SUPPLEMENT: Balance calcium- amounts when off ered free choice, which — though not to-phosphorus ratio at 1.5-2:1. harmful — can sometimes result in depressed appetite. 140 Gallon $5295 (75 Goats) 220 Gallon (125 Goats) NOTES: Phosphorus may be high in forages grown with $7395 Tattoo Kit 285 Gallon $7995 (150 Goats) high-phosphorus fertilizer such as chicken manure. Zinc $30.95 When buying hay, ask what fertilizers were used. ESSENTIAL FOR: Skin growth, as well as BouMatic male reproduction. Goat Claw $69.00 Kid Bar 1 $34.95 Potassium FOUND IN: Cereal grains. Kid Bar 7 $114.95 FOUND IN: Forages. SYMPTOMS OF DEFICIENCY: Dry, fl akey skin Kid Bar 10 $149.95 with poor hair coat and coat growth. Intact SYMPTOMS OF DEFICIENCY: Poor appetite, formation Fight Bac males show decreased reproductive activities, of urinary calculi, and hypocalcemia in lactating goats. $10.95 / Can smaller testicles, and low sexual drive. TO SUPPLEMENT: Avoid too many cereal grains, as $107.95 / Case of defi ciencies are rare in goats that subsist on forage. NOTES: Some goats exhibit “zinc responsive 12 dermatitoises,” believed to be an inherited condition Caprine Feeder MILKY Seperators NOTES: Animals experiencing diarrhea also tend in which goats do not appropriately absorb dietary With Stand $57.90 23 Gal/Hour $229 to have low potassium, sodium, and chlorine. zinc. These goats require increased supplementation. 34 Gal/Hour $489 Feeder Dynamint Selenium Silicone Inflation$13.95 $26.95 Gloves $7.95 In Conclusion Organic Approved Plastic Shell $7.95 100ct FOUND IN: Varying levels in the soil. Non-Greasy Cream Consider a multitude of factors when choosing a Stainless Shell $8.95 SYMPTOMS OF DEFICIENCY: Poor growth, ill 17oz Bottle $13.95 (Many more styles available) mineral supplement for your goats. Research forages 2 Litre Jug $39.95 reproductive health such as retained placentas and and soils in your area then consult with a veterinarian Interpuls metritis. In young kids, it can result in white muscle or licensed animal nutritionist for the best nutrition plan. ITP 207 $39.95 1 Gallon Tote disease of either cardiac or skeletal muscles. ITP 205 $37.95 If you are concerned about toxicities or defi ciencies, Stainless $49.00 SYMPTOMS OF OVERDOSE: Loss of contact your herd veterinarian, who can test Stainless Steel Teat Wipes hair coat, lameness, diarrhea. concentrations through blood samples or liver biopsy. 5 Gallon Milk Can Bucket / 700 $29.95 Selenium works closely with Locking Lid $139.00 TO SUPPLEMENT: Refill / 700$26.95 Stainless Steel vitamin E in the body and, when assessing for DR. KATIE ESTILL DVM, is a veterinarian consultant for Silicone Cluster 10 Gallon Milk Can defi ciency, they must be managed together. Kids With Locking Lid Goat Journal, Countryside & Small Stock Journal, and With ITP205’s showing a “saw-horse” stance respond favorably $169.00 Plain Countryside online. She works with goats and other Filter Dispensers to supportive care with vitamin E and selenium. $119.95 $249.00 With outlet large livestock at Desert Trails Veterinary Services in 6.5” Disk $39.95 & accessories for NOTES: White muscle disease is generally fatal in Winnemucca, Nevada. 3” x 24” $119.95 less than 24 hours, despite medical treatment. bottling (Shown)
Milk Filters (all sizes) 2 Gallon Genuine Interpuls Strainer Pulsators With Filters BRK 2 Port $89.00 $49.95 Inline Milk Strainers With Filters 5/8” $49.00 BRK 4 Port $89.00 L80 2 Port $105.00 backyardgoats.iamcountryside.com LL90 2 Port $109.00 Call for a FREE Catalog Parts Dept. 800-245-8222 Website: www.PartsDeptOnline.com MP Cooling Tanks The MP cooling tank series is available in different capacities, covering a range from 15 to 285 Gallons these tanks meet the needs of all home, small dairy and cheese production facilities. Fast and stable cooling and maximum energy efficiency are benefits when using any of our MP models. These tanks are fully compliant with all 3A standards and regulations and are Grade A. 15 to 90 Gallon run on standard 110V electricity and require no special wiring. 140 & 220 Gallon tanks require 220V wiring. Chart Recorder Ready. Comes with FREE Grade A Outlet Valve, Dipstick & Chart, 2 Year Warrantee. All in stock ready to ship! 2 Year Warrantee MilkPlan Cooling Tanks 15 Gallon $2195 (12 Goats) 30 Gallon $2595 (24 Goats) 60 Gallon $3595 (36 Goats) 90 Gallon $4195 (50 Goats) 140 Gallon $5295 (75 Goats) 220 Gallon $7395 (125 Goats) Tattoo Kit 285 Gallon $7995 (150 Goats) $30.95 BouMatic Goat Claw $69.00 Kid Bar 1 $34.95 Kid Bar 7 $114.95 Kid Bar 10 $149.95
Fight Bac $10.95 / Can $107.95 / Case of 12 Caprine Feeder MILKY Seperators With Stand $57.90 23 Gal/Hour $229 34 Gal/Hour $489 Feeder Dynamint Silicone Inflation$13.95 $26.95 Gloves $7.95 Organic Approved Plastic Shell $7.95 100ct Non-Greasy Cream Stainless Shell $8.95 17oz Bottle $13.95 (Many more styles available) 2 Litre Jug $39.95 Interpuls ITP 207 $39.95 1 Gallon Tote ITP 205 $37.95 Stainless $49.00 Stainless Steel Teat Wipes 5 Gallon Milk Can Bucket / 700 $29.95 Locking Lid $139.00 Refill / 700$26.95 Stainless Steel
Silicone Cluster 10 Gallon Milk Can With Locking Lid With ITP205’s $169.00 Plain Filter Dispensers $119.95 $249.00 With outlet 6.5” Disk $39.95 & accessories for 3” x 24” $119.95 bottling (Shown)
Milk Filters (all sizes) 2 Gallon Genuine Interpuls Strainer Pulsators With Filters BRK 2 Port $89.00 $49.95 Inline Milk Strainers With Filters 5/8” $49.00 BRK 4 Port $89.00 L80 2 Port $105.00 LL90 2 Port $109.00 feature :: social media
Policy Changes, Farmers, and MeWe vs. Facebook
HY ARE THOUSANDS the Marketplace before the rules of farmers searching were strictly enforced, but by Wfor the best social late 2017, any Marketplace post media alternatives to Facebook? selling an animal was immediately And what sparked this mass deleted. However, the Marketplace migration to MeWe groups? policies did not apply to people’s Social media is always changing. personal pages, and many small Policies can change due to new farmers and breeders were still practices, new aspects of a able to sell livestock within website, laws, and regulations, groups or from their business or even because of the politics of page. That is, until recently. people in charge. It can sometimes Earlier this year, Facebook be difficult to tell why changes extended the Marketplace policies happen. However, it is very to all pages, groups, and posts unfortunate when a change seems within Facebook. Violation of to hurt more people than it helps. these policies resulted in posts When Facebook launched the being deleted and often accounts “Marketplace” portion of the being suspended. As the new social media site, it also had policy was realized, many admins to release policies regulating and moderators worked hard to what could or couldn’t be sold enforce a “no sale” policy within on said Marketplace. Some of their livestock groups. You see, BY REBECCA SANDERSON these regulations uphold laws admins are held accountable for such as not allowing the sale any content on their page, even if of prescription drugs or illegal page rules are posted but ignored. substances. Others are for the When contacted, a Facebook health and safety of people, company spokesman stated: like the ban against unsafe We've updated our regulated goods supplements or explosives. Even policy to prohibit sales of all live others seem to be made to uphold animals between private individuals. the integrity of Facebook itself, not This is an update to our existing allowing the sale of digital content policy already prohibiting all sales of which can be easily pirated or endangered wildlife and their parts. forged. Yet, the one policy for As we strive to protect the welfare which most people cannot find of animals against illicit trades, we a reasonable explanation is cannot always ensure their safety in the ban against the sale of live a peer-to-peer transaction. We will animals of any kind. This ban still allow such sales if posted by includes endangered animals as brick-and-mortar entities, animal well as the selling of any part rehoming, and adoption agencies of an animal (pelt, fur, etc.). and shelters. We have updated our It appeared to take a little time policies to continue to keep both of smoothing out the interface of
26 GOAT JOURNAL | november/december 2019 people and animals safe and will also provide new reporting options on Facebook so that people can report content that violates this policy. According to Facebook policy, “We do allow businesses that sell other (not endangered) animals from a storefront or website.” However, they will determine those on a case-by-case basis whether they fi t into their “brick-and-mortar” business regulations. Shelters and rescue agencies are exempt. Andrea, a goat owner and breeder, is worried about how these changes are affecting family farms and local breeders. She sells mostly to neighbors and friends, often networking through her friends to fi nd a buyer. Andrea does not want to switch to another site where she cannot do a little background check on a potential buyer before agreeing to a sale. Livestock owners want to know that their animals are going to a good home, and Facebook allowed some vetting to happen. However, for Andrea, that is not the biggest loss from this policy change. She says, “There hasn’t been much research on goats, and not many vets even know much about small ruminants. Facebook groups became mentors where we could go for help Grown for the even in the middle of the night. You ™ could be sitting up late with a doe Life We Love in labor and FaceTime someone High in density, low in who walked you through what you sugar and a good source needed to do.” When these groups are suspended or permanently of protein, calories and deleted because a member violated digestible fiber to keep a policy, all the information and your goats healthy. connections are lost forever. Not only that, but Andrea has seen times Standlee Premium where a rival group will actually Organic Alfalfa Pellets join then make posts that are in |are grown for the life violation of page rules and Facebook you love. policy, then turn around and fl ag that exact post for the violation in order to get the group in trouble. Bill was the creator of a chicken Proud sponsor of: group that had nearly 100,000 members, called “Chickens, Chickens, Chickens.” He had standleeforage.com a very strict policy against
BACKYARDGOATS.IAMCOUNTRYSIDE.COM 27 feature :: social media
selling or rehoming on his page, yet his page was organization. The Facebook groups were an easy way recently suspended. There was no indication of to market goats, but by focusing on them I was not exactly what violated a policy, and even after paying attention to other possibilities. I’m excited to spending hours going through old posts, the page see how this next chapter in my business develops.” is still not back online. His business page, which It would seem that it is time for livestock buyers and had been vetted by Facebook as an established sellers alike to look at other options and fi nd the best business, was also deleted days after being vetted. social media alternatives to Facebook. A large number Amy has a website for selling her goats but has found of small farmers especially are moving to MeWe, a that buyers are not prone to clicking a link to leave relatively new social media website that is about four the Facebook website in order to get the information years old. It boasts of no ads, data-mining, political to buy a goat. Even with an established farm website, bias, or newsfeed manipulation. “That means 100% of Amy is very hesitant to post about goats for sale your page followers or group members on MeWe see because she does not want to risk losing her page 100% of your posts, in the order you post them.” There and the contacts which she has there. Also, the way are many features on MeWe social media, and so far public posts can be seen by friends of friends when the they allow the selling of animals and livestock. MeWe’s friend interacts helps CEO, Mark Weinstein, bring new potential says: “What’s happening buyers in contact with on social media today the seller. Other social would make George media alternatives or Orwell dizzy. The buy/sell sites do not rampant censorship have this particular knows no bounds and value. With the drop in is interfering with buyers because of the countless conversations new Facebook policy, between individuals and Amy is looking to communities … It is the take extra kids to the role of social media sites auction/meat market to keep bad actors out, rather than fi nding but it is defi nitely not them good homes as a the role of social media pet or part of a home to play 'Big Brother.'” dairy. In reference to For those who want to the policy against the move away from social sale of animals, Amy media in general, there says, “I think there is are many websites that a difference between hobby farmers/small farmers/ offer classifi eds sections specifi cally for livestock. breeders of livestock ... and puppy/kitty mills. To have With mass migrations to other social networking [Facebook] treat all animal sales the same is crazy.” and sales sites, perhaps Facebook will rethink their Marie, a teacher and farm owner, is less concerned policies. Even if they don’t, they make the rules and about the effects of policy enforcement. While it is we must follow or leave. My biggest worry is that defi nitely changing how she markets, Marie is already the buyers and small hobbyist farmers won’t realize making plans and forging her way to new social what is happening. I hope to spread awareness so media and selling options. As an administrator for that everyone knows that from now on, they must several Facebook pages, she has carefully made sure search in different avenues when they are looking for that there were no sales posts that could possibly fl ag a new chicken, goat, or any other live animal. those pages fi lled with priceless information. She is directing traffi c off the Facebook website to her REBECCA SANDERSON grew up in a very small business site for sales, which is what Facebook seems town in Idaho with a backyard full of chickens, to want to happen anyway. She has already begun goats, sometimes sheep and ducks, and other setting up pages on MeWe, FacePlay, and Goatzz. random animals in addition to the cats and dogs. MeWe and FacePlay are new social networking She is now married with two little girls and loves sites while Goatzz connects goat associations with the homesteading life! Her husband is very sup- members and includes a classifi eds section. Marie portive (tolerant) of her continued experiments says, “I’ve always believed that crises in business can in making many items from scratch and he even present an opportunity to reorganize and renew an helps sometimes.
28 GOAT JOURNAL | november/december 2019 BACKYARDGOATS.IAMCOUNTRYSIDE.COM 29 photo essay :: dalena_art
PhotoDALENA_ART Essay:
NSPIRATION FOR THESE PORTRAITS started with a sweet little chihuahua. I was fresh out of college and an Iuncertainty built about how to start a professional art career. For a while, I was unable to decide upon the style or the subject of my paintings. It turned out that my own pet could be my muse. The joy I find in creating pet portraits comes from seeing an animal’s character, because they have just as much as their human counterparts, if not more. The question was: how should I paint these animals in order to show off their bright personalities? Although it took time to figure out, I decided to include flowers framing the subject. Like our pets, flowers can be delicate and short-lived yet they hold a variety of meanings to us, signifying affection, purity, and much more. By having an owner choose their favorite flower to pair with their pets, it helps shape a one-of-a-kind piece. To me, the portraits are an embodiment of love. It is what drew me into creating a portrait for Mae, a lovely female goat who was being nurtured by Leanne Lauricella, the owner of Goats of Anarchy. Leanne and her volunteers care deeply for their goats and rescue any animal in need of a second chance. By seeing how the sanctuary cares for and loves each of their animals like a child, they have become an inspiration for me and many others. My obsession with goats was only made stronger by seeing the stories of these goats and how they overcame their obstacles, which is why learning of the loss of Mae made me experience great empathy and sadness. The sanctuary’s loss coincided with my own, having lost my beloved chihuahua, so I quickly got to work on a project that would honor Mae’s memory. Over time, I’ve received more commissions, and with them more stories shared by clients about their lost loved ones. The heartbreak behind losing a pet is powerful, especially when an owner wants nothing but the best for their companion. What I have constantly strived for in these portraits is creating an everlasting memory for owners. With a beloved animal that gives nothing but pure love, I hope that my portraits fully encompass it and keep that strong emotional connection with the owners.
To contact Justine and/or commission artwork, email [email protected] or visit her website justinetepale.com and use the section she has created specifically for commissioning pieces or asking questions. Check out Justine’s Instagram feed @dalena_art.
30 GOAT JOURNAL | november/december 2019 The heartbreak behind losing a pet is powerful, especially when an owner wants nothing but the best for their companion. What I have constantly strived for in these portraits is creating an everlasting memory for owners.
BACKYARDGOATS.IAMCOUNTRYSIDE.COM 31 goats & goat owners :: adga show
THE ROAD TO REDMOND BY THERESA MILLER
HE AMERICAN DAIRY GOAT ASSOCIATION seized.” They called friends and a wrecker, but (ADGA) sanctions more than 1,200 dairy goat it was the weekend after the 4th of July and they Tshows around the U.S. every year. The ADGA couldn’t get through to anyone. Finally, they called National Show is the largest and most prestigious with their son who had stayed behind to take care of the 1,500 to 2,000 entries every year. A win at Nationals not farm. He rescued the humans and goats, leaving all only gives the owner bragging rights within the goat the equipment with the truck. They arrived home community, but it also allows them to ask more for around 3:30 am, milked the goats, and went to bed. their breeding stock. More importantly, Nationals is a After a couple of hours of sleep, Daniel Babcock place to meet, and share information with, other dairy got up and started trying to fi gure out how to get to goat owners. This year it was in Redmond, Oregon. Redmond. He thought, “How am I'm gonna buy a For many, the long drive truck on Saturday and still with a trailer full of goats, make it in time for check- equipment, and supplies in?” He called a friend who went off without a hitch. The show requires all animals works at a car dealership to Others were either not so see if they rent trucks. The lucky, or very lucky indeed. to be on-site and checked-in friend said, “No we don't, This is the story of two but my wife and I bought families and their adventures by 9:00 pm on Saturday. They a truck three months ago. on the road to Redmond. contacted the show committee We'd like you to use it.” THE BABCOCK FAMILY and explained the situation. The JUST IN TIME The Babcock family They hit the road again, of Sweet Deseret Farm committee agreed to allow them every seatbelt in the started on the road to their borrowed truck full. When fi rst national show with a a late vet check, but said: “We’re they reached their truck plan to arrive by 7:00 am they unhooked, transferred on check-in day. The trip going to bed at midnight.” The everything from one vehicle went great until “about to the other, then hooked 60 miles from nowhere, Babcocks pulled in at 11:47. back up. The show requires in Idaho, the transmission all animals to be on-site and
32 GOAT JOURNAL | november/december 2019 DAIRY FARMERS:
These are the TOP EIGHT DOES on the USDA-DHIA GENETIC EVALUATIONS
More information available at adga.org.
#1 Cumin #2 Cztar #3 Eztar #4 Eridana #5 Helio Doe checked-in by 9:00 pm on Saturday. #6 Habanero They weren’t going to make it. #7 Hula They contacted the show committee and explained the situation. The #8 Juniper committee agreed to allow them a late vet check, but said: “We’re going to bed at midnight.” The Babcocks pulled in at 11:47. You can actually reserve the next son “And the remarkable thing is from one of these there’s Lauri Acton, smile on her face, even though she’s had MOST PROFITABLE DOES at a long day. Ken's got a smile on caprikornfarms.com – his face. Chris has got a smile. It's click on like, ‘We're glad you're here.’” The show was well worth the “Advance Baby Sales” adventures. “Everyone was so kind and welcoming, and willing to talk, and willing to help. It was amazing to be in the ring with such remarkable people and goats. We made the top 20 with seven entries. Our highest WE placings were 9th and 10th.” EXPORT! CAPRIKORN FARMS THE HELLUMS FAMILY SAANENS FOR DAIRY FARMERS For Kim Hellums, the trip to Nationals was something of a caprikornfarms.com family reunion. Her daughter, Amanda, had recently married Kyler Wilson and moved to 20312 Townsend Road | Gapland, MD 21779 | (301) 834-8030
BACKYARDGOATS.IAMCOUNTRYSIDE.COM 33 goats & goat owners :: adga show
I literally took off my glasses, looked at them, and went ‘Oh yeah, they're dirty, okay,’ and threw them in the center console. Kept driving. The motorhome filled up with smoke.
Virginia. Kyler took leave from the Air Force to come extinguisher in his truck, then called her daughter. to Nationals, his very first dairy goat show. Kim, Kim went inside the burning motorhome two or Amanda, and Kyler left from Caldwell, Idaho on three times to grab stuff and throw it outside. “Don’t Friday night, Kim driving a motorhome pulling the do that,” she says. “I would not recommend it.” Finally, trailer full of goats, Kyler and Amanda driving their the Les Schwab guy, who was on the phone with the pickup. On Saturday morning, just over an hour away state police, told her, “You can’t go back in there. You from Redmond, a tire blew out on the motorhome. have to get away from there because of the propane.” Kim told Kyler and Amanda to take the goats, go Within six minutes of pulling over, the motorhome was on ahead, and get checked in. “And so we unhooked, completely engulfed in flames. Six minutes after that, and they hooked up and went on,” said Kim. “I sat the propane tank exploded and spewed flame over the and waited for the Les Schwab guy. He changed pile of bags Kim had risked herself to throw out. “I the tire and he looked underneath. I asked, ‘Is there lost everything. Everything. By the time it was over, I any damage?’ No, everything's good.” Two hours had flip flops, a pair of pants, and a tee-shirt. Luckily, after the blowout, Kim got back on the road. the animals weren't attached because there's no way you could have been unhitched in that time frame.” WHERE THERE’S SMOKE ... Fifteen minutes later, Kim smelled something but AN OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT assumed she smelled the blown tire riding in the Kim posted pictures of the burned-out motorhome back of the motorhome, so she kept driving. She on her farm webpage and the Road to Redmond looked back into the motorhome and thought it Facebook page, saying, “Well, this isn’t how I looked misty. “I literally took off my glasses, looked expected to start Nationals.” Other dairy goat owners at them, and went ‘Oh yeah, they're dirty, okay,’ and responded, asking Kim what she needed. Someone threw them in the center console. Kept driving.” The started a PayPal fundraiser for her. Someone else lent motorhome filled up with smoke. Seven miles before her a popup camper for the show. With the money from Bend, Oregon, Kim pulled over. She flagged down PayPal, they were able to buy necessities like toiletries, the Les Schwab guy, knowing he would have a fire clothing, and show whites. Because of the kindness of
34 GOAT JOURNAL | november/december 2019 both friends and strangers, Kim, Amanda, and Kyler were able to not only attend Nationals but show their goats. “The outpouring was tremendous,” Kim said.
TRIALS AND BLESSINGS The next day while in the show ring, all the stress caught up with Kim. The tow bill came in at $10,000, and the motorhome only had liability insurance. They lost irreplaceable things like Amanda's and Kyler’s wedding video. The police said she’d probably have to pay for damage to the highway. “I was just done and bawling, I just left the room. I just sat there on the backside of the arena and bawled.” The family ended up placing well. Kyler’s youth fi tting team came in second out of 23 teams. Most of their goats not only made the top 20, they even had a fi rst place winner in Jr. Yearling Saanen. "All in all, it was a great show and we are so proud of how our girls did," Kim wrote. "We love our girls wholeheartedly and are thankful we have been blessed with such incredible animals and that everyone returned home safely. Thank you to everyone who offered love and support during the show and look forward to seeing everyone again!"
BACKYARDGOATS.IAMCOUNTRYSIDE.COM 35 goats & goat owners :: boer goats
BOER GOATS: by LACEY HUGHETT BEYOND THE MEAT photos by FRIPP FAMILY FARM
HAT ARE BOER GOATS EVEN GOOD the ability and natural instincts my Boer moms show. for? They’re good for meat. Goat tacos. I’ve had one goat, Wednesday, from the time she WFood for human consumption. They’re like was a kid. She has had four kidding seasons here and all the other species meant for slaughter, correct? not once during those four years have I witnessed the Cornish chickens, Angus beef, and Yorkshire pigs. act. I always try to catch her kidding, but every year As a person who personally knows several Boer I go out to the pen to fi nd her nonchalantly chewing goats, let me begin to correct this assumption. her cud, a new baby or two at her side, looking at me Boer goats are loving. They are sweet. They have like, “Oh, what, this little thing? Yeah, I just birthed the wide array of silly personalities common among it. You missed it. Again.” I’ve never felt so judged by goats. They are snack hogs and chronic personal space a goat for being a slacker until I met Wednesday, but abusers. They are also known for giving slobbery, I am so grateful she can handle the job without me. whiskery goat kisses and getting into mischief. Although a typically considered a meat breed, Boers are one of the best-known meat breeds, something I hear often is, “Can you milk Boer goats?” but they are signifi cantly more than that as well. My answer? Yes! After the moms have their kids, Due to selective breeding, Boers grow remarkably they don’t just become obsolete for another season. fast and have a meaty carcass. A good line of Boers have a very creamy, rich milk. It has a high Boers will reach butcher age by three months. butterfat content and is comparable in taste to the Should one search “Meat Goat” in any major best milking breeds. I don’t fi nd my girls diffi cult search engine, around 90% of the photos will be of to milk, and they are perfect for my homestead. Boers. I invite you to notice, however, their sweet Boers have a smaller milking window than milking faces and how superbly fl uffy they are as well. breeds. A good milk goat can lactate for up to 10 Did you know Boers are great mothers? They are months, whereas Boers begin to dry up around six arguably one of the best breeds when it comes to months. I enjoy the shorter milking window. Milking mothering instincts, not only in my own experience is a time-intensive chore and needs done at least but from what I’ve read about them as well. I run once a day while the doe is lactating. I give kudos a herd of Boer crosses specifi cally for this reason. to anyone who milks for ten months straight, takes Kidding season is a stressful time for even the most two glorious months off, then does it all over again. experienced of goat owners. I have come to appreciate I love fresh milk, and I love utilizing what my girls
36 GOAT JOURNAL | november/december 2019
Aluminum folding goat stands Proudly Made in Vermont by High Country Aluminum Products Tel 802-281-8245 Toll Free 877-274-2721 www.HighCountryAluminum.com More info & photos of stands at: www.BirchRidgeFarm.com/ goatstands.html give me. But ten months. Whew. This makes them great choices Temple Grandin’s Not for me. Even my goats would for pets due to their considerable Guide to Working laugh at me at that point. lifespan and mellow attitude. Many Boers are With Farm Animals farmers are also excellent moving Boer goats are loving goats for Safe, Humane Livestock toward using showing. Handling Practices Boer goats for Many people and sweet. They have for the Small Farm companion opt to get animals or the wide array of silly into showing pets. For Boers not only anyone who personalities. They are because of has ever their longevity, wondered snack hogs and chronic but because how long personal space abusers. of their Boer goats “gentle giant” live, rejoice, They are also known for personae and for they can gorgeous array live up to 20 giving slobbery, whis- of coat colors. years. Females We’ve all seen typically kery goat kisses and the traditional outlive the getting into mischief. Boer with the males, but white body overall Boers and red head. seem to However, the iamcountryside.com/shop have a high resistance to common breed standard as defi ned by the 970-392-4419 diseases and can outlive most American Boer Goat Association other breeds with proper care. (abga.org) states, “The typical Boer
BACKYARDGOATS.IAMCOUNTRYSIDE.COM 37 goats & goat owners :: boer goats
Boers are phenomenal cuddlers and incredibly aff ectionate. You’ll consider the repercussions of having a lap goat. (Are there any? Really?) You’ll decide it’s worth it, then have to explain why you and your 300-pound companion goat are knees-deep into the fi rst season of The Walking Dead, eating popcorn together on the couch, when your signifi cant other comes home.
goat is white bodied with a red you will always be fi ghting the and squeeze into other places they head, but no preference is given to urge to go for a ride. So will your can’t quite fi t into yet also can’t any hair color.” Boers come in any kids. You must be prepared for this get back out of. They know. color imaginable, with so many reality and be the adult. Say no. Boers are confi dent. They beautiful combinations. They can Boers are expensive. Once you pose for pictures. Your other be dapple, have moon spots, be have one or two Boers, you’ll want goats will look drab compared polka-dotted, black, brown, red, to buy more. You’ll spend all your to these meaty supermodels. white, tan, or any variation of these. money on your goats or planning The good clearly outweighs Owning a herd of Boer goats is to buy more goats. You’ll also want the bad when it comes to owning like having a pack of affectionate, to buy them all the snacks because Boer goats. There is little more delightful fl owers. Flowers that they beg and they plead with their endearing on a farm than a fl uffy, give milk, love, and kisses. eyes. You’ll be in the aisle at your chunky, boundary pushing animal I asked a few Boer breeders what local feed store, and fl ash back to trying to get at the crackers in their favorite thing about Boers your Boer guilting you the last time your jacket pocket because she are and received some valuable you came back without a snack, and knows she can get away with it. responses. Carli Fripp of Fripp be forced to buy a little something- Boers are the perfect all-around Family Farm answered, “I love something. Every. Single. Time. lovable goat. They are excellent the size, build, and durability Boers are phenomenal cuddlers pets, companion animals, milkers, of the Boer. They are tough and incredibly affectionate. You’ll meat producers, and entertainment. and resilient to parasites and consider the repercussions of When shopping for your next predators.” Kristin from Bleating having a lap goat. (Are there any? goat, consider the Boer, because Heart Farm added, “They have so Really?) You’ll decide it’s worth it, they’re more than meat. much personality! Very friendly, then have to explain why you and calm demeanors, and extremely your 300-pound companion goat loving. They have so much more are knees-deep into the fi rst season LACEY HUGHETT is an artist, to offer than being a commodity.” of The Walking Dead, eating popcorn author, mom, and homesteader With anything, there are some together on the couch, when your based out of Reno, Nevada. She downsides to owning Boers. I signifi cant other comes home. focuses on sustainability, heritage can certainly think of a few and Boers get you. You’ll wonder if breed preservation, and ethical I will address them to nip any the airlines will accept an emotional animal raising. She has been hearsay in the bud now. All good support goat. You’ll actually call raising poultry since she was arguments offer a fair assessment your local airport to ask. You’ll six years old. She can be found and representation of both sides. be upset when they say no. on Instagram and Facebook Boers are big. While you are Boers are brilliantly resourceful. at Hughett Heritage Farms. around these magnifi cent creatures, They know how to get out of places
38 GOAT JOURNAL | november/december 2019 BACKYARDGOATS.IAMCOUNTRYSIDE.COM 39 goats & goat owners :: goat anemia
RECOGNIZING AND TREATING ANEMIA IN GOATS
Plus, the main cause of bottle jaw in goats
by REBECCA SANDERSON
NEMIA IN GOATS CAN anemia by another mechanism. than external parasites, and are be deadly very quickly. However, it is more likely that often resistant to dewormers. AThere are several possible your goat is low on blood as a While all goats will have some causes of goat anemia, although the whole, to which they are extremely internal parasites, an overgrowth treatment regimen will be mostly sensitive. Blood loss can stem can quickly lead to death. The most the same regardless of the cause. from the visible, obvious factors common of the goat worms is the The first step in treatment is to such as wounds, or it can stem Haemonchus contortus, commonly recognize that your goat has anemia from less discernable factors. known as the barber’s pole then identify the cause. The road Goats are so sensitive to blood worm. This barber’s pole worm to full recovery can take time, but loss that even the amount of blood is so named because the female without quick diagnosis and action, that parasites ingest, whether appears striped as the pink, blood- that recovery may never happen. internal or external, can lead to filled intestines wind around the anemia and even death. External body, alternating with the white CAUSES OF ANEMIA IN GOATS parasites include lice, fleas, ticks, reproductive system. The barber’s Anemia is essentially a shortage and biting flies. You can search pole worms attach to the inner of red blood cells that are needed your animal for these and easily lining of the goat’s fourth stomach, to carry oxygen and nutrients to treat them if found. Remember, if the abomasum, where they feed the cells of the body. A shortage one of your goats has an external on the goat’s blood through the of red blood cells can be caused blood-sucking parasite, it is very stomach wall. If you detect anemia by a nutrient deficiency whereby likely that more if not all of your in your goats, first assume that it the goat is unable to produce the animals are also infested. Yet, is due to an overgrowth of these amount of red blood cells that it internal parasites are the real killers worms. This can be confirmed needs. A deficiency in iron, copper, of goats and other small livestock. with a fecal egg count test done or cobalt can cause anemia. An They are harder to detect, very by your veterinarian. Another overload of copper can also cause prolific, usually take more blood common parasite problem is
40 GOAT JOURNAL | november/december 2019 coccidiosis in goats. The coccidian is a protozoan that can be found in the intestinal lining of our goats and is most common in kids that are between one and four months old. This is characterized by diarrhea that can Like humans, a goat with ane- become bloody if left untreated. The goats may also mia is going to be lethargic and lack energy and appetite and drop weight quickly. There are other various goat diseases that can lead to often have a low appetite. Due anemia in goats such as salmonellosis dysentery, liver flukes, or even anaplasmosis, a tick-borne disease. to poor circulation, their mucous RECOGNIZING ANEMIA IN GOATS membranes will appear pale. Like humans, a goat with anemia is going to be lethargic and often have a low appetite. Due to poor This is your best indicator of circulation, their mucous membranes will appear pale. This is your best indicator of anemia. Gently anemia. Gently pull down your pull down your goat’s lower eyelid to display the pink underside. The color should be bright pink to goat’s lower eyelid to display red. Lighter pink means anemia, and white means severe anemia that needs immediate attention or your the pink underside. The color goat will die. It is recommended to check your goats’ mucous membranes weekly, not only to detect anemia, should be bright pink to red. but also to get to know your goats and their normal coloring. There will be a range of healthy colors, just like with humans. If you want more detail than “light pink and white are bad, bright pink is good” then look
BACKYARDGOATS.IAMCOUNTRYSIDE.COM 41 goats & goat owners :: goat anemia
When you detect anemia in your goats, you need to act quickly. If you can quick- ly identify the cause of the anemia and eliminate it, then do so. As you work to iden- tify and eliminate the cause of your goat’s anemia, you must also give your goat ex- tra fi ghting power to replen- ish their red blood cells.
into the FAMACHA fi eld test. You can complete all the vitamin B12 it needs naturally, your anemic a training course to receive their card with colors goat is not healthy and could use the supplement. printed on it that you can match to your goat’s These injections, available through your local vet by underlid. Another indication of anemia in goats is the prescription, can be given daily. They are injected presence of bottle jaw. Bottle jaw is a swelling under straight into the muscle, not the vein. If your goat and between the jawbones that is soft to the touch. is severely anemic, they may be too lethargic to eat This is caused by edema, or fl uid accumulation. enough feed to recover. If this is so, you may need to mix a solution of electrolytes, protein, and kid milk TREATING ANEMIA IN GOATS replacer and stomach-tube it in. Begin with eight When you detect anemia in your goats, you need ounces of kid milk replacer (already mixed with water), to act quickly. If you can quickly identify the cause add in a half gallon of ruminant electrolytes and some of the anemia and eliminate it, then do so. If you are protein powder. A goat needs about one gallon of fl uids waiting for a fecal egg count to be performed by your per one hundred pounds of body weight each day. veterinarian, do not be idle. You can still help your Divide this into several feedings and administer it until goat to begin regaining health. Barber’s pole worms your goat is strong enough to eat on its own again. will need treatment from a chemical dewormer usually The road to recovery takes weeks and possibly with a follow-up treatment roughly 10 days later even a few months because red blood cells are (follow veterinarian recommendations). Coccidiosis produced slowly. If you act quickly, you can usually has specifi c treatment medication available through save your goat. The best treatment is prevention your feed store or vet. If you cannot identify a parasitic and early detection of anemia by knowing your infection or other disease, assume that your goat has goats and routinely checking them. a mineral defi ciency and supply minerals. Your local extension offi ce should have information on whether REFERENCES your area tends to be defi cient in any minerals or has an abundance of ones that can bind others such as Belanger, J., & Bredesen, S. (2018). Storey's Guide to molybdenum. As you work to identify and eliminate Raising Goats. North Adams: Storey Publishing. the cause of your goat’s anemia, you must also give Childs, L. (2017). The Joy of Keeping Goats. New York your goat extra fi ghting power to replenish their red City: Skyhorse Publishing. blood cells. This comes in the form of iron supplement Gasparotto, S. (n.d.). Anemia in Goats. Retrieved such as Red Cell. An injection (or several over the March 19, 2019, from Onion Creek Ranch: http:// course of two weeks) of vitamin B12 will also greatly www.tennesseemeatgoats.com/articles2/anemiaingoats. help your goat. While a healthy goat can produce html
42 GOAT JOURNAL | november/december 2019 GOAT NOTES
Recognizing and Treating Anemia in Goats
Anemia in goats can be deadly very quickly. The fi rst step in treatment is to identify the cause. The road to full recovery can take time, but without quick diagnosis and action, that recovery may never happen.
Causes Symptoms Treatment Anemia is a shortage of red Gently pull down your Act quickly to identify the blood cells. It can be caused goat’s lower eyelid to display cause and eliminate it. Barber’s by iron, copper, or cobalt the pink underside. pole worms usually need defi ciencies, or even copper a chemical dewormer with • The color should be toxicity/overdose. However, it is follow-up treatment roughly 10 bright pink to red. most often caused by blood loss. days later (follow veterinarian Even the amount of blood • Lighter pink means recommendations). Coccidiosis that parasites ingest can lead anemia, and medication is available through to anemia and death. External • white means severe anemia your feed store or vet. If you parasites include lice, fl eas, that needs immediate cannot identify a parasitic or ticks, and biting fl ies, and are attention or your goat will die. other disease, ask your local easily treated if found. Internal extension offi ce if your area is Get to know your goats and parasites are harder to detect, defi cient in any minerals or has an their normal coloring: there very prolifi c, usually take more abundance of ones that can bind will be a range of healthy blood than external parasites, and others, such as molybdenum. colors, just like with humans. are often resistant to dewormers. Help your goat replenish red For more detail, complete The most common goat worm blood cells with iron supplements a FAMACHA training course is Haemonchus contortus, or such as Red Cell. Injections of to receive their color card to barber’s pole worm, which vitamin B12, given intramuscularly, match to your goat’s underlid. attaches to the inner lining of will also help. If your goat is Goats with anemia are the abomasum and feeds on the severely anemic, and too lethargic lethargic and often have low goat’s blood through the stomach to eat, mix a solution of ruminant appetites. Another indication of wall. If you detect anemia in your electrolytes, protein powder, and anemia in goats is bottle jaw: goats, perform a fecal egg count reconstituted kid milk replacer a swelling under and between test to rule out these worms. then stomach-tube it in. Divide the jawbones that is soft to the Another common parasite is this into several feedings to touch and caused by edema. coccidia: protozoa found in goats' equal one gallon of fl uids per intestinal lining and common in one hundred pounds of body kids between one and four months weight each day. Administer old. Symptoms include diarrhea until your goat is strong enough that can become bloody if left to eat on its own again. untreated, lack of energy and Recovery takes weeks or appetite, and rapid weight loss. months because red blood cells Other goat diseases that are produced slowly. If you act can lead to anemia include quickly, you can usually save salmonellosis dysentery, liver your goat. The best treatment is fl ukes, and anaplasmosis, prevention and early detection a tick-borne disease. of anemia by knowing your goats and routinely checking them.
backyardgoats.iamcountryside.com dairy goats :: humane husbandry
Soap with Motherly Love How to Farm with Compassion the Sorène Way by TAMSIN COOPER
PHOTOS BY VALÉRIE CORRÈGE AND FRANÇOIS GARNIER, © SORÈNE, 48800 LES AYDONS, FRANCE, CHEVRERIE-SORENE.FR
HEN VALÉRIE CORRÈGE and François responsible for the life and death of each animal. Garnier decided to become goatherds in the “Goats need a lot of surveillance,” Valérie admits. Wwild mountains of southern France, they had Even from the beginning, they resolved to follow a some very precise ideas about things they wanted to no-cull policy and raise female kids on the dam. As do differently from conventional agriculture: it must be Valérie points out, “Goats have a highly hierarchical organic and eliminate any kind of cruelty. They wanted social structure which is organized in families: we to share their lives with goats rather than exploit them. respect that, so we don’t separate kids from their Formally teachers of the arts and philosophy, they mothers. Obviously, that yields less milk (since the shared eight years happily reading and discussing life kids suckle until eight months old) — it’s difficult together before developing this idea. Although life was financially, but we don’t want to do otherwise. good, they felt they wanted to be closer to nature and Another example: within a herd there are always fell in love with the Cévennes region. While helping some obsolete goats who give very little milk or out a local farmer, they were inspired to buy land not at all. It doesn’t matter: they are here; we keep and set up the Sorène goat farm. They also fell in love them, and no one is going to the slaughterhouse.” with the local rare breed: Chèvre de Massif Central. However, they painfully had to admit that they This heritage breed is sadly endangered (only had no happy solution to the excess of young about 800 head), due to the preference for high- male kids, which were sold to be raised for yielding milkers; yet they are hardy, friendly, meat. François explained that they needed a lot and manageable, and their milk is of superior of milk for making cheese, requiring at least 60 quality. Their varied coat colors, patterns, and working does to make ends meet, and they were lengths attest to their genetic diversity. only able to save a few of the male offspring. After learning the basics hands-on at a goat farm, In a moving passage from their book, Valérie writes, Valérie and François read up all they could from books, “If they are ‘my’ animals, the ownership is mutual. I with plenty of advice from local goat keepers. To please am as much theirs as they are mine. All my attention the bank, they started up as an artisan cheesemaker and my time are dedicated to them. My worries are and earned the organic labels “Nature & Progrès” and all about them. Each birth will bring, as it does every “Agriculture biologique.” The first few years were very year, intense emotion: a mixture of anxiety (because not hard work, with a challenging timetable of milking, everything always goes well), happiness at seeing new taking the goats to pasture, making cheese, and selling life coming forth and the tenderness of mothers for at local markets, working seven days a week with only their young, and admiration of the kids’ beauty. There three days holiday per year, plus the pressure of feeling will be joy when it’s a girl that we will keep at Sorène.
44 GOAT JOURNAL | november/december 2019 Sand Road Savannas
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The World Leader in GOAT Equipment and Supplies And of course, the heartache when cheese so we would need less Check out our milking machines and other products for Goats, Cows, Sheep, Llamas. it’s a boy: we can’t keep them milk; and so we could breed less Also everything you need to show livestock. all (there would be inevitable often, have fewer births; then we Great prices on cheesemaking and inbreeding can save them soapmaking products, plus animal health, grooming, milking, and gift items and books problems). all.” Bucklings for breeders, homesteaders, and hobbyists. Some will go are raised on Plus you can’t beat our service! to other farms Nature & Progrès is the farm by Visit us at our new, improved web site: as breeding strict: disbudding is not their mothers. www.caprinesupply.com stock; others Those that are 1-800-646-7736 for orders or catalog we fi nd allowed; feed must be not sold for P. O . Box Y, DeSoto, KS 66018 homes for breeding are as pets (they 100% organic and pref- castrated and are then sold as pets. castrated); Nevertheless, FAST FENCE erably locally produced; Info and buy now at but others cheesemakers will be sold animals have access to too can fi nd www.electricnets.com to be raised an affordable 800-356-5458 for meat and pasture for at least seven ethical solution slaughtered at to this matter. How to Create Nourishing three months months of the year, and Valérie knows old. This is of dairy Natural Skin Care Soaps a painful herd replacement kids farms that reality: do not keep 60–100 Pure SoaPmaking imagine that must be kept on the dam. milking goats it is easy or and manage indifferent for Sorène has managed to to raise young the farmer. males on the We bring surpass these standards. dam, giving them into the them three world; we months of love them. At this time of the year, good living before taking them we question whether it is legitimate to the slaughterhouse. The only to do that: if we have the right to issue they cannot control is the It’s easy to make luscious, all-natural see kids born and decide their fate.” conditions at the slaughterhouses. soaps right in your own kitchen! The solution to this dilemma A good solution would be a presented itself in the form of soap- mobile butcher that sends trained making, to which they switched in technicians to the farm. In that 2016. “We soon decided to make way, the kids do not have to iamcountryside.com/shop skincare products rather than suffer the stress of transport or 970-392-4419
BACKYARDGOATS.IAMCOUNTRYSIDE.COM 45 dairy goats :: humane husbandry
avoid early mating. In December, the buck moves back to the enclosure he shares with a companion, and the goatlings rejoin their mothers. Within the day they are back in their bonded pairs, and they often stay close for many years, adult daughter sleeping beside her mother. The filial bonds are obvious, but even as kids they spontaneously form peer groups and lead their own social lives. Valérie notes how they all develop very distinct personalities and independent habits. The skincare range includes soaps, solid shampoos, and lip balm, which combine the rich creaminess of the breed’s milk, which is three times richer than donkey milk, with organic essential oils and their own honey. The products are sold from 52 outlets throughout France, including city organic boutiques, and online from their own website. The packaging is beautiful, simple, and recyclable, providing a totally environmentally friendly product. They also produce milk jellies and caramels. As another source of income, the shepherds’ lodge by the goat-house, used by Valérie and François during the kidding season and bad weather, is available for holiday rent during the summer. This year’s new initiative is caprine therapy for the mentally handicapped. This life has not so much been an escape from the city as an opening of new horizons for the couple: they feel that you only have one life, so you must make face the risk of poor handling at the abattoir. the most of it. They get to work together and preserve Organic labels in Europe ensure a higher standard of their independence from city life. They do not feel the welfare for animals as well as environmentally friendly need to have internet on their phones; they connect farming. Products with these labels fetch higher prices as they need. This way they feel they really get to see than those of standard agriculture. Nature & Progrès is even stricter: disbudding is not allowed, as it is a painful procedure and a mutilation of a natural and functional body part; feed must be 100% organic and preferably locally produced; animals have access to pasture for at least seven months of the year, and herd replacement kids must be kept on the dam. Sorène has managed to surpass these standards. The goats are taken out whenever the weather is good to browse the seven kilometers of isolated wild valley of mainly chestnut and oak. The goatherds accompany the herd while the kids are young, one leading, one following behind, with the help of sheepdogs (who are raised within the goat family) blocking or herding when requested. When conditions are right, the goatherds slip away secretively, leaving the goats to browse free range. Kids stay with their mothers within the herd full time until they are six weeks old, when they sleep overnight in a stall within the maternal enclosure, so that mothers can be milked before the kids rejoin them. Otherwise they stay together until fall, when the buck joins the adult herd. Immature females are temporarily grouped away from the adult herd to
46 GOAT JOURNAL | november/december 2019 Milk Bar people when they visit. Despite their full-time occupation, they Kid Feeders have the chance to pursue other inspirations: François has gone back to his music and Valérie, to her writing. Even the goats enjoy · Feeder designs for every farm music and drama performances · Nipples maximize salvation, in the goat-shed — when they are not stealing the scenery! discouraging gulping
SOURCES Corrège V. 2015. Chroniques Chevrières. Sorène; mgchroniques; Pierre Girard
TAMSIN COOPER is a smallholder and goat 265-3110 Milk Bar 10 Feeder keeper in France. She shown with 10 kids feeding follows the latest research at one time. on behavior, welfare and sustainability, and mentors on animal welfare courses. 800 7 76 7042 Find her at goatwriter.com. coburn.com
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BACKYARDGOATS.IAMCOUNTRYSIDE.COM 47 goatdairy milk goats and :: goatcheese milk :: eggnoggoat milk eggnog
Goat Milk Eggnog by MARISSA AMES
DIDN’T HAVE TO WIN five children. No more waking at over my new stepmom. But the crack of dawn to milk cattle, no Ithe eggnog recipe didn’t hurt. more crunching through 20-below FROM UNIQUE I had known Dixie since I was and snow to feed the chickens. TO LUXURIOUS 10 years old, had gone to high Now I brought my own farm-fresh school with her kids. At one eggs all the way from Nevada to I love how the slight tang of point, we were even next-door Idaho. It was a touch of the old, Alpine goat milk adds a “French neighbors. Mom was a huge sitting in the house and looking vanilla” taste to the eggnog. fan of Dixie, sharing common out at elk grazing frosty alfalfa Nubian milk makes it sweeter. interests and homesteading stubble, with new traditions and When I create my best eggnog, I lifestyles. So, I laughed in delight a new eggnog recipe to share. use two vanilla beans, raw sugar when, 10 years after my mom’s Four years later, Dixie still for a slight caramel flavor, duck death, Dad announced that makes that eggnog … year- eggs, Himalayan salt, and freshly he and Dixie were dating. round, fresh, and plentiful. ground nutmeg. At current vanilla The eggnog recipe traveled with Kids can leave a legacy, too. bean prices, not everyone can do me to Thanksgiving dinner after that or even make homemade the wedding. Dad and Dixie were vanilla extract. Use real vanilla in their 60s and 70s, and all of us extract, if possible, and cut costs kids ranged from 25 to 40 years of elsewhere as necessary. But if age with our own children. Life you can, buy whole nutmeg and had changed since we grew up and Fresh vanilla a fine-grind grater. There is no left the farm. Dad’s milk now sat flavor comparison between pre- pasteurized in plastic jugs, where and nutmeg make ground nutmeg and grating your he used to bring home two gallons own directly into your eggnog. of raw cow’s milk each day to feed huge flavor upgrades.
48 GOAT JOURNAL | november/december 2019 goatdairy milk goats and :: goatcheese milk :: eggnoggoat milk eggnog
Cooked, Nonalcoholic Eggnog
INGREDIENTS If you can, 1 dozen large egg yolks buy whole nutmeg 1 cup sugar 2 cups heavy cream and a fine-grind 4 cups milk 2 teaspoons freshly grated nutmeg grater. There is no Pinch of salt flavor comparison 2 vanilla beans OR 1 teaspoon homemade vanilla extract ½ teaspoon rum extract (optional) between preground nutmeg and
DIRECTIONS grating your own directly into your eggnog. If you are using vanilla beans, slice both beans lengthwise and use your knife to scrape out the vigorously by hand as you scoop.) Start with ½ tiny seeds inside. Place both seeds and pods, cup of the hot milk, slowly adding it to the eggs and the heavy cream, in a saucepan. Heat until while whisking constantly to avoid clumps of just below a simmer then remove from heat and cooked egg. Add another ½ cup, continuing to allow to sit at least 30 minutes. Remove pods. whisk so you slowly temper the eggs to the correct In a medium bowl or in the bowl to a stand mixer, whisk temperature. Keep adding the milk in the same together egg yolks and sugar until they become a manner until it has all been added to the eggs. thick, light yellow. Let stand while you heat the milk. Pour the tempered milk/egg mixture back into the Combine the milk, cream, nutmeg, and salt in a saucepan and continue heating on medium-low, stirring large saucepan. Heat on medium-low, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 160 degrees often, until the mixture barely reaches a simmer. Fahrenheit on a cooking thermometer. Remove from heat and pour through a fine-mesh strainer. If using Now carry the saucepan over to your vanilla and rum extracts, stir them in now. egg yolks and start your mixer. (Or whisk
GOING FOR GOAT MILK
I first made this eggnog with cow milk from the store: 4% milkfat in one jug, heavy whipping cream in the other. Everything had been carefully measured to industry standards. But when I got goats, I also bought a Ukranian-made cream separator with a tiny, fussy screw that adjusts cream concentration. I keep that screw set at maximum so I don’t accidentally damage the system with too much adjusting. The resulting cream is so heavy that it turns to butter with a short pulse of the blender. The good: I could adjust eggnog cream concentration to my own tastes. The bad: I had to adjust cream concentration or I was essentially drinking butter, and the egg yolks just added to the richness. So, if you use the same cream separator, you may need to add in more milk, or decrease eggs used, or else the eggnog will be just too rich.
50 GOAT JOURNAL | november/december 2019 goat milk and cheese :: cajeta
If you can, buy whole nutmeg and a fi ne-grind grater. There is no fl avor comparison between preground nutmeg and grating your own directly into your eggnog.
¡OLÉ CAJETA! A DELICIOUS CARAMEL TREAT
by CAPPY TOSETTI
IKE MAGIC, A SIMMERING the couple enjoys a tranquil pot on the stove can yet busy life with their herd of Ltransform a few simple 40 American Alpine goats. The Inside Scoop ingredients into a rich and creamy “I fi rst fell in love with the breed caramelized concoction that years ago,” Rachael recalls, “thanks on Sugar has people clamoring for more. to my friend, Dee Harley of Harley Rachael at Mystery Bay Farm Whether you prefer a dollop or Farms Goat Dairy in Pescadero, explains that any granulated a drizzle of the delicious sauce, California. Her knowledge helped sugar works in the cajeta recipe. you’ll look for ways to serve it foster an appreciation of Alpines She prefers using organic sugar morning, noon, and night. that continues today. Besides being Depending on the sauce an excellent milk producer, our — evaporated cane sugar you choose, the end result is a goats are very docile, responding (sometimes called cane juice). It’s tantalizing treat that adds fl avor to their names with delight.” a completely natural sweetener and fun to a variety of foods — ice Rachael and Scott rotate the made from sugar cane. Because cream, crêpes, pancakes, cinnamon herd on their property, plus an it is not processed as much as rolls, cheesecake, scones, fresh additional 20 acres leased from table sugar, evaporated cane fruit, cheeses, and more. Some neighbors. This rotation from one sugar retains more of the folks stir it into their coffee, while grass and brush pasture to the nutrients from the sugar cane. others like me enjoy a generous next helps maintain a sustainable It is sometimes referred to as raw spoonful straight from the jar! land that’s not over grazed. It sugar or cane sugar. In also reduces the dependence on processing, common white sugar FRESH FROM THE FARM hay during spring and summer, is stripped of all traces of Tucked away on fi ve acres on allowing the goats to munch on Marrowstone Island northwest blackberries, roses, trees, ivy, and molasses, while evaporated of Seattle, Washington is Mystery other plants. This diet is better cane sugar still contains some, Bay Farm, a small-scale family suited to their digestive systems which enhances the fl avor farm owned and operated by than just pasture grass. During the and appearance of cajeta. Rachael Van Laanen and husband, fall and winter, the couple adds Visit mysterybayfarm.com Scott Brinton. Together with hay harvested from the farm, along their children, Cora and Quince, with seaweed and organic grain.
BACKYARDGOATS.IAMCOUNTRYSIDE.COM 51 goat milk and cheese :: cajeta
“Our goats produce a sweet, creamy, and CARAMEL SAUCE: a popular selection at the ice cream delicious milk that goes into our farmstead shop. It’s especially yummy when served warm with a products of artisan cheeses, yogurt, and dish of vanilla ice cream, or poured over apple slices. cajeta,” explains Rachael. “We’ve been a WSDA Caramel sauce is made with sugar, water, butter, and (Washington State Department of Agriculture) heavy cream. The longer it cooks, the thicker it gets. certified Grade A Dairy since 2009, selling our products here at the farm and locally at DULCE DE LECHE: Spanish for “candy milk,” a Latin select locations. Farmstead means we make American caramelized sauce prepared by slowly all products using only the milk from our simmering cow milk, sugar, baking soda, and vanilla. goats. In addition to milk production and It’s served much like caramel sauce, but some folks our products, we enjoy providing tours and like to spread it on layer cakes or add it to bread tastings for the public to learn more about pudding. A favorite holiday tradition is preparing farming, goats, and sustainable living.” a glazed ham made with dulce de leche, mustard, The idea of producing cajeta happened garlic, and cayenne. Savory or sweet, it’s a winner! eight years ago with one of the farm’s interns discovered a recipe in a favorite cookbook, CAJETA: a mouth-watering confection made with Chefs from the Farm, from Quillisascut Farm sweetened goat milk, originating in Celaya, a School of the Domestic Arts, a goat dairy, bustling city located in the state of Guanajuato, farm, and school in Rice, Washington. They Mexico. The name derives from the little wooden decided to serve it up for dessert that week. boxes that merchants used for displaying the sauce Everyone loved the taste and consistency, in their shops. Cajeta is gaining in popularity in inspiring Rachael to stack more jars in the the United States, especially with goat farmers pantry for family meals and gifts. After some looking for creative recipes for the family table or serious thought and planning, she began a specialty food item to market locally or online. producing cajeta in the dairy kitchen to see if the product was worth the time and effort.
Cajeta Recipe | Makes 2.5 pints
INGREDIENTS 1 gallon of goat milk 3 cups sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 cinnamon stick or vanilla bean
DIRECTIONS Use large heavy-bottom stainless steel or copper pot. Bring milk, sugar, and cinnamon to a rapid simmer on medium heat. Watch pot closely — stir — do not allow to boil over. Continue simmering until liquid reduces to half. In a separate pan over medium heat, combine one cup of the hot milk mixture with the baking soda, stirring briskly. Mixture will rise and get frothy. Pour mixture back into a large pot on medium heat, stirring every ten minutes — approximately an hour. Keep stirring until mixture is rich amber brown and thick enough to coat back of the spoon. Once done, remove cinnamon stick/vanilla bean. Let cool. Pour in airtight, sterilized glass jars. Enjoy! YOU can become an AUTHORIZED She didn’t have to wait long RESELLER for the results; people lined up, Call for details grabbing every jar off the shelf Pre-drilled every 3” • Never rusts or rots! • Self-insulating with great gusto. Initially, during the fi rst few seasons, production • T-Posts • Gates was just in the autumn, but soon • H-Posts • Corner Kits it became apparent that cajeta • Droppers • Line Brace Kits was a year-round favorite. “It’s a simple recipe, but it takes plenty of patience during the cooking process,” advises Rachael, “so it’s important to carve out a good amount of time while stirring the pot. That’s when I do VE $12 my bookkeeping or attach labels SA 5 to jars, sitting at a table next to Buy 1 pallet the stove with my big spoon. It’s Rigid PVC T-Posts a peaceful time, fi lled with the (5.5’ or longer) aroma of sweet caramel in the air. Get Certain foods conjure up feelings 1 roll of comfort and contentment. FREE WIRE... Bekaert High Tensile Imagine swirling summer- 12.5 gauge / 170,000psi / 4,000ft. roll strawberries in the decadent sauce, Offer expires Oct. 31, 2019 or drizzling it warm on some farm-fresh chèvre topped with www.timelessfencesystem.com • (800) 788-4709 toffee bits — served with apple and pear slices. There’s no end to the different and delicious ways to enjoy the versatility of goat milk. It’s a treat to try at home, or as stocking suffers this holiday season. You’ll soon discover friends and family will return with empty jars, asking for more cajeta! ¡Viva el caramelo!
CAPPY TOSETTI “Curious and eager to learn more in life” best describes Cappy Tosetti, a magazine writer with 30 years of assignments under her belt. She also writes for educational publishers specializing in children’s books for libraries and schools. Cappy lives in Asheville, North Carolina with her three rescue dogs that help her with Happy with Cappy Pet Sitting. She’s putting things in motion to someday crisscross the country in a Wapakoneta, Ohio 45895 vintage travel trailer visiting draft horse and goat farms. Contact Cappy at [email protected].
BACKYARDGOATS.IAMCOUNTRYSIDE.COM 53 goat milk and cheese :: goat milk fudge
Making Goat Milk Fudge
by LACEY HUGHETT Sugar, the original Alpine doe at Sugar Top Farm.
ARLIER THIS YEAR with my family. I left one bite each two years. They jumped at the I participated in a fun for my partner and my mom, but offer and brought her home, and Econtest on Instagram held the rest of it I shamelessly ate the with their care and attention, they by Sugar Top Farm, LLC, that very day it arrived. I was hooked. helped her maintain her future consisted of guessing when one The next day I posted on pregnancies, become a wonderful of their does would give birth Instagram about this glorious fudge mother, and provide lots of milk. and how many kids she would and contacted Kristin to openly Since Kristin homeschools her have. I happened to have the beg for a recipe and request an kids, she asked Mallory what plans winning guess, and the prize was interview. She told me she’d think she was formulating for Sugar’s a package of peanut butter fudge. about it. “I’ve spent years perfecting future. Mallory decided she wanted I didn’t expect to win, I was this recipe, and the nature of to milk Sugar and use the milk for more playing along because I fudge is so fi nicky,” She said. the family’s drinking needs and love games and farm fun, and I waited. Kept my fi ngers crossed. make yogurt, cheese, ice cream, most importantly, baby goats. I tried not to appear completely and that delectable, award-winning When Kristin Plante contacted me personally invested, though I fudge. Mallory, then 8, was the with the news it was a pleasant certainly was. A small part of kitchen help and taste tester for surprise, only … I don’t like me could even understand her their creations. “I’ll never forget the fudge. I still thanked her and reservations. I’d have to think way her face lit up when we tasted fi gured I would give it to my about giving up that recipe too. the fudge, and she said ‘Mom, we family. My family is fi lled with Then, the best thing happened. can sell this!’” Kristin reminisced. fudge lovers. I don’t get it. Kristin agreed to share her recipe, After that fi rst batch of fudge, the The fudge arrived and it was some cooking tips, and a little family started Sugar Top Farm, packaged nicely. I opened it, history about Sugar Top Farm! LLC, and went into business. somewhat suspiciously, and We set up an interview and got to Kristin spoke to me about the decided that I should at least try it. work. The family got their start trials she overcame when perfecting I love goats and I consider myself with goats back in February of 2013. her fudge recipe. She warns that someone who tries everything once. Their daughter, Mallory, wanted fudge is an incredibly fi nicky sweet I’d never had goat milk peanut to buy a goat for a 4-H project. to make, and differences as simple butter fudge, and honestly, it didn’t After doing some research, they as a thunderstorm rolling in can smell or look like I expected, so I decided to purchase an Alpine affect the outcome. To combat this, gathered my bravery and cut off goat. The trouble then came with Kristin recommends calibrating a little piece and nibbled on it. fi nding a good quality, purebred your candy thermometer every And WOW. Oh my goodness, Alpine herd near their home in time prior to starting a batch of Kristin’s fudge was hands down the Vermont. They contacted a couple fudge. It might also be helpful best thing that has happened to my of breeders, but no one was selling to make fudge on a clear day taste buds this year. It was packed during that time. After a couple of with minimal humidity to with fl avor, perfectly sweet, and weeks one farmer called Kristin encourage the best outcome. slightly lighter than regular fudge. I and offered to sell Sugar, a 2010 To calibrate a candy thermometer, — barely — decided I should share Alpine doe who miscarried for clip it onto a large pot of water and
54 GOAT JOURNAL | november/december 2019 bring it to a boil. Once boiling, take should be locally resourced if her fudge there is no competition: a temperature reading and write possible, but also of good quality. She is the pro. I will be going to it down. Water boils at different Another tip is to really keep her for all my fudge purchasing temperatures based on altitude an eye on the fudge while it is needs because it is truly the best. and you’ll need to know the cooking. “You can run a stick of The Creamy Peanut Butter Goat number for your location. For me, butter around the rim of the pan Milk Fudge recipe that Kristin that’s approximately 202 degrees to keep the fudge from boiling shared with me was her fi rst fl avor Fahrenheit. When I calibrated my over,” Kristin added, mentioning they made. The family submitted candy thermometer, it tried to she wishes she’d learned that one that variety to a couple of local convince me that water boils at 208 sooner. The fudge will boil up to the fairs, where they won some Best degrees F. At that moment with butter line and drop back down. of Show and blue ribbons for that weather, my thermometer We shared some cooking mishap it. Looking towards the future, reading was 6 degrees F higher. stories, and she told me a good Kristin plans on expanding their Soft-ball stage candies are heated to rule of thumb is to use a pan that herd and entering the ADGA a temperature of 235 degrees F, but is bigger than you think you’ll competition this fall with her fudge. I would have to let mine cook until need to account for the boiling the In addition to her fi rst award- the thermometer reads 241 degrees candy will do. “I’ve boiled over winning fl avor, Kristin makes F to compensate for the difference. several pots of fudge in the last few Chunky Peanut Butter, Maple “Start with high-quality, organic years, so don’t feel bad.” She said, (seasonally), Pumpkin (seasonally), ingredients for a great end product," offering support to me and anyone Chocolate Almond, Chocolate Kristin told me. She gives her goats else who has troubles cooking. Peanut Butter, Almond, and Maple a signifi cant amount of attention Kristin said the best advice she Almond. I haven’t tried the other and love, in addition to only can really give is to care about fl avors, but I am eager to do so. providing superior feed absent of the product and pay attention to The recipe can be found below, antibiotics, hormones, or steroids. detail. Fudge is diffi cult to get but I highly recommend visiting Kristin, though not currently, has right, and it’s a touchy sweet to Sugar Top Farm and buying some worked as an experienced vet make. Small details really make of Kristin’s fudge, too. Drop her a tech and provides the best care the biggest differences when it visit and a follow on her Instagram to her herd. She believes that comes to creating the best end or Facebook page, both under attention and quality care leads product. Although Kristin is Sugar Top Farm, LLC or visit her to happy goats, which leads to supportive, kind, and forthcoming website at sugartopfarm.com. great milk. The other ingredients with information, after tasting
Creamy Peanut Butter Goat Milk Fudge
INGREDIENTS 3 cups of organic cane sugar 1.5 cups of organic raw goat milk 1 pinch of Himalayan salt 1 teaspoon of organic vanilla ¼ pound of organic cultured butter 8 ounces of organic creamy peanut butter
DIRECTIONS Mix cane sugar, milk, and salt in a saucepan until well combined. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally until mixture reaches soft ball stage. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, butter, and peanut butter. Stir until butters are melted and the mixture is well combined. Pour into a greased or parchment-paper-lined pan of your choice. Allow to cool completely before cutting.
BACKYARDGOATS.IAMCOUNTRYSIDE.COM 55 secret life of goats :: racetrack jack
THE SECRET LIFE OF RACETRACK JACK
by THERESA MILLER
RE CALMING GOATS REAL? To answer Many different kinds of animals have been tried, that, let me introduce a goat named but by far the most successful is the goat.” AJack. Born on a thoroughbred farm, Jack has befriended racehorses his entire life. Jack’s BORN TO THE JOB owner, Dan Hendricks, doesn’t know what breed Jack was born to be a racehorse companion. Trainer Jack is or how much he weighs. He just knows Dan Hendricks has used goats with his horses for racehorses do better with a companion, and for thirty years. When one of his goats died, he asked many horses, the best person for the job is a goat. around to see if anyone knew where he could get a new one. A friend on another thoroughbred GOATS AND RACEHORSES farm had a doe who had just given birth. According to Dictionary.com, the term “got your “He said they just had three at the farm and they goat” comes from a tradition in horse racing. don't need them. So myself and another trainer said Thought to have a calming effect on high-strung we’d take one each.” Dan took one of the buckling thoroughbreds, a goat was placed in the horse's goats back to the racetrack and named him Jack. “I stall on the night before the race. Unscrupulous think it was the first time they'd ever been touched opponents would then steal the goat in an effort to when they were put on the van back to the track. upset the horse and cause it to lose the race. So when we got them at the track they were wild. They were really scared of people. It took us a month Trainers now use goats as full-time companions before we got him where he would accept us.” to the racehorses, rather than just the night before a race. Mac McBride of Del Mar Thoroughbred Club TAMING OF THE GOAT tells me they have many goats living at the racetrack. Dan and his team tied Jack near a stall with a long- He says an estimated 25-40% of their trainers keep enough rope he could walk into the stall, but not get a goat at the farm as companions for racehorses. tangled up with the horse. That quieted Jack down “If a trainer has a particular horse that is showing at the same time he started quieting the horse. They signs of nervousness, and there are various ways found treats that Jack liked and soon he realized they can do that, they can stall walk, or weave, or these humans would feed him and be nice to him. start bobbing from side to side upfront, the trainer I asked if Jack had been wethered. “Oh yeah,” Dan will try something like a goat,” Mac told me. As answered emphatically. “He stunk and was terrible. shown in many pet therapy programs, goats make You know how they are.” It didn’t happen right away, good calming companions for more than just though, because the vets at the track specialized in horses. “One trainer told me it makes the difference horses, not goats. “It's been, usually, since school between night and day. They see a remarkable that they gelded a goat, if they even have, so they change when they have a companion like a goat. wanted to be very careful. So they called friends
56 GOAT JOURNAL | november/december 2019 and studied up on it to make sure that they treated him the right way and didn't harm him at all.”
JACK’S HORSES Most companion goats don’t pair with one horse for life. Jack goes to whichever horse needs him most until that horse retires or gets sold. Then he gets matched with another one. For the past few years he worked as a companion to a bay gelding named Morgan S. With good breeding and training and the calming presence of Racetrack Jack, Morgan S. won his very fi rst race at Del Mar racetrack in 2017. He raced well for two more years before Dan decided to give him some time off. Jack moved on to an up- and-coming racehorse named Matson. “Matson doesn't really need him,” Dan said, “but it keeps them both company, so it can't hurt anything.”
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A RACEHORSE COMPANION Jack’s day starts at 5:00a.m. when the help arrives at the stable. They give him fresh water Jack with Major Cabbie. and everyone who walks by says hello to him
and gives him a pat on the head. At 10:30a.m., Jack gets fed when the horses do. He gets the same feed as the horses, but in his own feeder so he doesn’t have to compete for it. Throughout the day there are always bits of loose hay and grain he can snack on. Jack stays in the stall with Matson all day “except for a short half-hour to hour of quiet time when the horses are done training before we feed,” Dan says. “Sometimes we will turn him loose, just let him wander around the barn, and he kind of hunts for food and visits a few other horses, but other than that he's usually near the horse he's assigned to.
CAN A GOAT HELP A HORSES WIN? Racetrack Jack isn’t a guide goat. He has never actually been on a racetrack or even watched one of his horses race, but his presence and the presence of many other goats are seen there. So what do goats do to help horses win? “Anything that keeps the horse calm and happy will help them to their full potential,” Dan said. “So yes a Jack with Matineigh Idol. goat does help get the most out of a horse.”
THERESA MILLER lives in a small ranching town in Idaho where she and her husband own and operate a small engine repair shop called Cycles, Sleds, & Saws. Her spare time is divided between reading, writing, cooking, gardening, picking huckleberries, and learning new things. Her favorite hobby is talking to people about things they are passionate about.
BACKYARDGOATS.IAMCOUNTRYSIDE.COM 57 breed profile :: finnish landrace goats
BREED PROFILE: FINNISH LANDRACE GOAT AN ANCIENT, THRIFTY, AND PRODUCTIVE BREED
by TAMSIN COOPER All photos by SAMI SIERANOJA/FLICKR CC BY 2.0
BREED: Finnish Landrace or of the soil revealed animal hairs. CONSERVATION STATUS: Despite Finngoat (Finnish: Suomenvuohi) These were identified in 2015 as their indigenous nature and belonging to goats. Moreover, goat ancient history, there is currently ORIGIN: Local to western farming may have been practiced no conservation program. The Finland for at least 4,000 years. in the area during earlier times. Finnish Natural Resources Institute, Goats were revered in Norse Luke, records their numbers as HISTORY: Goats were brought mythology, as two goats, 5,278 head within 145 farmsteads to northern Europe by migrating Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjóstr, were in 2017. The population had Neolithic pastoral settlers. The believed to pull Thor’s chariot. The dwindled to about 2,000 by the earliest traces of goats in Finland myth may have influenced the later 1970s but increased to 7,000 in were found in a Corded Ware Christmas tradition of Joulupukki, 2004, again dropping to 6,000 by Culture grave, dating to circa the Yule goat, originally an evil 2008. The Finnish Goat Association 2,800–2,300 BCE. The people spirit demanding gifts, who later was established in 1979 for of this culture are believed to evolved into a benevolent Santa, breeders and hobbyists to promote have lived from pastoral and depicted as riding a goat, and breeding and goat products. arable farming. Their burial sites nowadays a Christmas decoration. ot at risk. included wares appropriate to the During the Middle Ages, goat The FAO stresses the importance lifestyles or beliefs of the interred, populations dwindled, due to of conservation of landraces in their such as battle axes and beakers, religious discrimination. However, local environment to maintain the including vessels with traces of their economical nature assured genetic diversity that will allow milk fats. In Perttulanmäki in their survival as subsistence farm livestock to adapt to environmental western Finland, local farmers animals for milk, hair, and pelts. changes and disease challenges. discovered shards of Corded The Finnish Landrace remains Ware pottery in 1930. The site the most important goat breed in BIODIVERSITY: The northern was investigated by archeologist Finland, but modern populations European landraces share an Aarne Äyräpää, who documented include genes from Swiss (mainly origin through their migratory a square shape of “black soil with Saanen) and Norwegian imports. route, later specializing to the a length of nearly two meters.” There have been no further climate and landscape of their final As well as pottery and tools, imports within the last 30 years. homes. Finnish landrace goats he found a fragment of human possess unique genetic resources molar. Microscopic examination related to their adaptation with
58 GOAT JOURNAL | november/december 2019 PRODUCTIVITY: Surprisingly for such a small animal, does average 6.5–8.8 lb. (3–4 kg) milk per day; top performers give 11 lb. (5 kg) per day and 2200–3300 lb. (1000–1500 kg) per year. Females are ready to mate at one year old and continue to lactate for several years without further breeding.
TEMPERAMENT: Friendly and amenable.
ADAPTABILITY: Highly suited to the cold local habitat and free-range production methods, the Finnish Landrace feeds efficiently from brush and trees. Rotation of pastures is required to reduce erosion. As long as varied forage is available, commercial feeds are not required.
OWNER EXPERIENCE: A backyard farmer in Finland told me about her small herd. The queen doe, Alma, was the smallest goat at 88 lb., but brave and productive, giving 8.5 pints (4 liters) per day. She was white, with grey, black, and brown markings. She bore offspring of varied colors and patterns.
links to Norwegian and Swiss breeds. Although isolated breeds risk inbreeding, a good number of males were included in population figures up to 2006, suggesting maintenance of a mix of genes.
DESCRIPTION: Medium-sized, lightweight goats with a coat of coarse guard hairs, normally long, especially over the back and hind legs, covering a dense undercoat, especially in winter. Both sexes have long beards, and can be horned or polled.
COLORING: Usually white, black, gray, or gray-black: either self-colored, pied or saddled. Brown coloration is rarer.
HEIGHT TO WITHERS:: Does average 24 in. (60 cm); bucks 28 in. (70 cm).
WEIGHT: Does 88–132 lb. (40–60 kg); SOURCES bucks 110–154 lb. (50–70 kg). Ahola, M. et al. 2017. On the scent of an animal skin: new evidence on Corded Ware mortuary POPULAR USE: Chèvre cheese, feta, and other dairy practices in Northern Europe. Antiquity (92, products; mostly kept in small herds by farms and 361), 118–131; FAO; Finland Goat Association; hobbyists and milked by hand. Goat meat is not a Luke Natural Resources Institute Finland. tradition in the region, although young goat meat is flavorsome, as kids do not gain weight quickly.
BACKYARDGOATS.IAMCOUNTRYSIDE.COM 59 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.
60 GOAT JOURNAL | november/december 2019 Ohio TRANQUIL VALLEY DAIRY, Henry Raber, 55749 TR 87, SAWYER SPANISH WELSH SHEEPDOGS Fresno, OH 43824. 330-275-4983. Saanen & Alpine. Florida Florida Pennsylvania LONG GREY LINE FARM, LLC, Martha Aitken, 282 SW LONG GREY LINE FARM, LLC., Martha Aitken, 282 WORDEN FARM, Bill & Donna Worden, 1881 Bells Mayflower Glen, Fort White, FL 32038. 386-758-2361. SW Mayflower Glen, Fort White, FL 32038. 386- Run Rd., Shinglehouse, PA 16748. 814-697-6606. [email protected] www.longgreylinefarm. 758-2361 [email protected] www.
PICCOLO FARM, Barb & Frank Kruesi, 2831 Bear Branch Rd., Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363. 276-579-2331. TENNESSEE FAINTING
MENDING WALL FARM, Ed & Judy Lowe, PO By Building Your Own SAVANNA Box 722, Assonet, MA 02702. 508-644-5088.
Illinois Iowa
WEEKLEY SAVANNAS, Jonathan Weekley, Trenton, IL BIRCH HAVEN, Doris Gronewold, 479 Dry Hol- 62293. 618-402-0535.
SAND ROAD SAVANNAS, Christine Baize, Owens- DRY CREEK ACRES, Joe Skoda & Melissa ville, IN 47665. 812-385-2874.
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THE MINIATURE GOAT REGISTRY(TMGR) Supporting Pedigree International Since 2000, registering OBERHASLI BREEDERS OF AMERICA, Ben Peterson, breeders and owners of the mini-dairy breeds. Shows, Savanna,TexMaster and others. Offering Breed Secy./Treas., 8580 S Cherry Ave., Fresno, CA 93725. conformation clinics, milk production. www.tmgronline. development tracking and more. PedigreeInter-
Goat Journal Advertising Form • Next Deadline: November 20, 2019
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62 GOAT JOURNAL | november/december 2019 classified ads
THE MINIATURE GOAT REGISTRY(TMGR) Supporting Pedigree International Since 2000, registering OBERHASLI BREEDERS OF AMERICA, Ben Peterson, (Approval of an ad does not constitute an endorsement.) breeders and owners of the mini-dairy breeds. Shows, Savanna,TexMaster and others. Offering Breed Secy./Treas., 8580 S Cherry Ave., Fresno, CA 93725. conformation clinics, milk production. www.tmgronline. development tracking and more. PedigreeInter-
Your Farm Name: Address: FREE
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Phone Number: Ad: HEALTH
E-mail: ARE YOU TIRED OF SUFFER- ING FROM BODY PAIN. IMPROVE YOUR Website: Number of words _____ x $1.00 = $______HEALTH. GREAT COMPENSATION PLAN. www.phytozonforhealthandwealth.com NON-GMO Breed(s): Words in all CAPITALS _____x 25¢ = $______POULTRY FEED By C. E. Spaulding and JaCkiE Clay Additional Words $1 each per year: Words in bold _____x 25¢ = $______MEALWORMS HEALTHYHARVESTFEED.COM this easy-to-use reference guide X No. of issues you want your ad to run: _____ = $______Directory listing (6 issues): $40.00 provides everything you need to Payment enclosed (U.S. funds): $______know about caring for and treat- Additional words ($1 each): POULTRY SUPPLIES ing pets and barnyard animals. Total Amount Enclosed (US): includes hundreds of strategies Please type or print legibly and indicate the words you Order for preventing and curing com- would like in bold or capital letters. tOday! mon problems. How to sex a • Don’t forget to count your name, address, rabbit; the best way to dehorn a buck; Preventing cannibalism in Display Breeders/Classified (1" & 2" sizes): phone number and e-mail if it is part of your ad. • 10 word minimum. Ads under 10 words chickens; treating saddle sores; SPECIAL OFFER: FREE Color! ($20 Value Per Issue) Controlling shock; nail care for will be charged $10. dogs and cats; giving medica- tions … and much more! Vet- Use pictures, 1x - 2x=$30 per inch, per issue Feel free to use a separate sheet of paper erinary Guide for Animal Owners logo and color! 3x - 5x=$28 per inch, per issue www.sweetpdz.com provides a wealth of practical, FREE Ad Design! 6x=$25 per inch, per issue no-nonsense information that no Mail to: Goat Journal Breeders/Classifieds, animal owner should be without. P.O. Box 566, Medford, WI 54451 or E-mail: [email protected] iamcountryside.com E-mail: [email protected] MILKING EQUIPMENT backyardgoats.iamcountryside.com /shop or call: 1-715-748-1389 Visit www.PartsDeptOnline.com for great deals on 1-715-748-1389 • Fax: 1-715-785-7414 new milking equipment for cows and goats. We sup- ply to all size dairies. Call for a free 180pg catalog. 1-800-245-8222. 970-392-4419
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For a complete listing of all books available visit our website: The Real Wolf NEW! iamcountryside.com/shop; or call 970-392-4419. By ted B. lyon and Will n. graveS The Real Wolf is an in-depth study of the impact that wolves have had on big game and livestock populations as a federally protected species. Expert authors Ted B. Lyon and Will Special Deals to Help Stock Your Library! N. Graves, sift through the myths and misinformation surrounding wolves and present the facts about wolves in modern times. Each chapter in the book is meticulously researched and written SAVE The Backyard Goat Storey’s Guide To SAVE by authors, biologists, geneticists, outdoor enthusiasts, and wildlife experts who have spent 10% By Sue Weaver 25% years studying wolves and wolf behavior. The Real Wolf does not call for the eradication of Raising Dairy Goats wolves from the United States but rather advocates a new system of species management Whether you want to churn out that would allow wolves, game animals, and farmers to coexist with one another in a way By Jerry Belanger fresh dairy products, harvest soft that is environmentally sustainable. 388 pages, $19.99 cashmere for knitting, or keep The best advice on raising dairy goats as playful pets, this straight- goats. This indispensable, fully il- forward guide teaches you how lustrated guide provides the very Country Life Coloring Book The Good Living Guide to Keeping to choose, house, feed, train, and Sheep and Other Fiber Animals latest practical information for dairy By caitlyn keegan breed the best goats for your goat owners. All of the essentials are NEW! space and needs. 215 pages. By Janet garMan covered here. 283 pages. 45 ready-to-color pages $16.95 A comprehensive and inspiring guide $19.95 include a mixture of intricately Now $14.99 — Save 10% to small-scale fiber farming and Now $14.99 — Save 25% hand-lettered phrases and charming scenes of farm life wool crafting. The proper care of fi- and outdoor beauty — ber animals leads to a superior yarn Storey’s Guide To product. Give your animals a good SAVE including chickens, honey bees SAVE Raising Meat Goats Building Small Barns, home and a happy life and enjoy 25% 25% on flowers, and barns. By Maggie Sayer superior fleece and yarn products for Sheds, & Shelters 45 pages, $12.95 your own homestead or to sell. In this essential handbook, author By Monte Burch 160 pages, $14.99 Maggie Sayer covers every aspect of acquiring, caring for, managing, Extend your working, living and marketing meat goats. It includes and storage areas with low- Book Order Form topics such as planning for profit- cost barns, sheds, and animal ability, breed selection, where to buy, shelters. Basic, easy-to-follow understanding goat behavior, good construction methods for attrac- Title Quantity Price Book Total $ nutrition, disease prevention, basic tive outbuildings. 248 pages. health care, proper shelter and much Shipping $ more. 336 pages. $18.95 $4 first item, $1 each add'l item, Call for Priority & Foreign Rates $19.95 Now $14.29 — Subtotal $ Save 25% Now $14.99 — Save 25% WI Residents add $ 5.5% sales tax Home Cheese Making Cheese Making DVD Total U.S. Funds $ By kate JohnSon By ricki carroll Making cheese at home does not Name: Visa MC Discover AmEx 85 recipes for cheeses and oth- have to be complicated or diffi- er dairy products. Among the Address: No.: cult. Let Kate Johnson, award-win- step-by-step tested recipes for City: Expiration: ning cheesemaker and “cheese cheese varieties are farmhouse coach,” show you how to use basic State: Zip: Phone: cheddar, gouda, fromage blanc, ingredients to make a wide vari- queso blanco, marscarpone, ety of cheese in your own kitchen. ricotta, and 30-minute mozzarel- la. Recipes for dairy products in- Each course will explain the ingre- Mail to: Goat Journal Bookstore, clude crème fraîche, sour cream, dients, tools, and science involved so you’re not just following yogurt, keifer, buttermilk, and a recipe, but truly understanding the methods and reasons P.O. Box 1848, Carson City, NV 89702 clotted cream. 278 pages. behind them. Limited Quantities. $16.95 $29.99 970-392-4419 • BACKYARDGOATS.IAMCOUNTRYSIDE.COM
642 GOATGoat JOURNALJournal, november | november/december/December 2018 2019 WWW.countrYSIDenetWorK.com 3 Goat Journal Bookstore Goat Journal Bookstore
For a complete listing of all books available visit our website: The Real Wolf NEW! iamcountryside.com/shop; or call 970-392-4419. By ted B. lyon and Will n. graveS The Real Wolf is an in-depth study of the impact that wolves have had on big game and livestock populations as a federally protected species. Expert authors Ted B. Lyon and Will Special Deals to Help Stock Your Library! N. Graves, sift through the myths and misinformation surrounding wolves and present the facts about wolves in modern times. Each chapter in the book is meticulously researched and written SAVE The Backyard Goat Storey’s Guide To SAVE by authors, biologists, geneticists, outdoor enthusiasts, and wildlife experts who have spent 10% By Sue Weaver 25% years studying wolves and wolf behavior. The Real Wolf does not call for the eradication of Raising Dairy Goats wolves from the United States but rather advocates a new system of species management Whether you want to churn out that would allow wolves, game animals, and farmers to coexist with one another in a way By Jerry Belanger fresh dairy products, harvest soft that is environmentally sustainable. 388 pages, $19.99 cashmere for knitting, or keep The best advice on raising dairy goats as playful pets, this straight- goats. This indispensable, fully il- forward guide teaches you how lustrated guide provides the very Country Life Coloring Book The Good Living Guide to Keeping to choose, house, feed, train, and Sheep and Other Fiber Animals latest practical information for dairy By caitlyn keegan breed the best goats for your goat owners. All of the essentials are NEW! space and needs. 215 pages. By Janet garMan covered here. 283 pages. 45 ready-to-color pages $16.95 A comprehensive and inspiring guide $19.95 include a mixture of intricately Now $14.99 — Save 10% to small-scale fiber farming and Now $14.99 — Save 25% hand-lettered phrases and charming scenes of farm life wool crafting. The proper care of fi- and outdoor beauty — ber animals leads to a superior yarn Storey’s Guide To product. Give your animals a good SAVE including chickens, honey bees SAVE Raising Meat Goats Building Small Barns, home and a happy life and enjoy 25% 25% on flowers, and barns. By Maggie Sayer superior fleece and yarn products for Sheds, & Shelters 45 pages, $12.95 your own homestead or to sell. In this essential handbook, author By Monte Burch 160 pages, $14.99 Maggie Sayer covers every aspect of acquiring, caring for, managing, Extend your working, living and marketing meat goats. It includes and storage areas with low- Book Order Form topics such as planning for profit- cost barns, sheds, and animal ability, breed selection, where to buy, shelters. Basic, easy-to-follow understanding goat behavior, good construction methods for attrac- Title Quantity Price Book Total $ nutrition, disease prevention, basic tive outbuildings. 248 pages. health care, proper shelter and much Shipping $ more. 336 pages. $18.95 $4 first item, $1 each add'l item, Call for Priority & Foreign Rates $19.95 Now $14.29 — Subtotal $ Save 25% Now $14.99 — Save 25% WI Residents add $ 5.5% sales tax Home Cheese Making Cheese Making DVD Total U.S. Funds $ By kate JohnSon By ricki carroll Making cheese at home does not Name: Visa MC Discover AmEx 85 recipes for cheeses and oth- have to be complicated or diffi- er dairy products. Among the Address: No.: cult. Let Kate Johnson, award-win- step-by-step tested recipes for City: Expiration: ning cheesemaker and “cheese cheese varieties are farmhouse coach,” show you how to use basic State: Zip: Phone: cheddar, gouda, fromage blanc, ingredients to make a wide vari- queso blanco, marscarpone, ety of cheese in your own kitchen. ricotta, and 30-minute mozzarel- la. Recipes for dairy products in- Each course will explain the ingre- Mail to: Goat Journal Bookstore, clude crème fraîche, sour cream, dients, tools, and science involved so you’re not just following yogurt, keifer, buttermilk, and a recipe, but truly understanding the methods and reasons P.O. Box 1848, Carson City, NV 89702 clotted cream. 278 pages. behind them. Limited Quantities. $16.95 $29.99 970-392-4419 • BACKYARDGOATS.IAMCOUNTRYSIDE.COM
2 Goat Journal, november/December 2018 BACKYARDGOATS.IAMCOUNTRYSIDE.COMWWW.countrYSIDenetWorK.com 365 just for fun :: coloring & PuZZles
GOAT JOURNAL READER CONTEST NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 If you get stuck, just remember all ACROSS the answers can be found in articles 2. Family that owns Sweet throughout this Deseret Farm: issue. Have fun! 3. Boer goats have great _____ instincts. 8. For the best eggnog flavor, purchase whole _____ and grind it yourself. 9. These can be divided into two categories: macro and micro. 12. Sweet confection originating in Celaya, Mexico. 13. _____ work together to increase mineral absorption. 15. Pale ______are the best indicator of anemia in goats. 16. Chèvre de _____ Central. 17. Name of Kristin Plante's first Alpine goat: 19. Grazing animals can suffer iodine deficiency by consumption of _____ plants. 22. Goats were designed to _____, not to be fed.
DOWN Name: 11. Coko Brown's female fainting goat: 4. Valérie Corrège and François Garnier live in southern _____. Each issue, we will offer a chance to win official Goat Journal 5. Elevated _____ intake can swag! Enter to win a hat by completing this puzzle, using answers cause urethral stones. found in this issue. The winner will be chosen randomly from 6. Finnish landrace goats possess all correct submissions returned by December 1, 2019. unique ______.
Be sure to include your contact information so we can inform you if you won! 7. Kopf Canyon Ranch recommends free- Winner of the September/October choice ______. Reader Contest is Verna Yoder. 10. Got your _____. Enjoy your hat, Verna! 11. _____ goats act as companions for racing horses. TO SUBMIT, EITHER: 14. Goats were brought to Print, fill out, Print, fill out, then Message your northern Europe by migrating and send to: take a picture answers to: Goat Journal and email to: goatjournal@ _____ pastoral settlers. Reader Contest goatjournal@ gmail.com P.O. Box 566, gmail.com 18. City where the ADGA National Medford, WI Show occurred in 2019: 54451 20. This mineral is imperative for good milk production. 21. Inspiration for Justine's first goat portrait:
66 GOAT JOURNAL | november/december 2019 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!)
BACKYARDGOATS.IAMCOUNTRYSIDE.COM 67 just for fun :: reader contests
Coloring Pages
A. Hi! I am Kris ne Hostetler. I like to color. We have mostly Saanens and Alpines. We have a few Toggs. We used to have a black Nubian, but she le . MINNEAPOLIS, MN I am 10 years old. Thanks for the coloring pages! B. Eco-Ag U Workshops | Dec. 9-10 • Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show | Dec. 10-12 B. My daughter Ruth really enjoyed the coloring page. We A. have 11 American Oberhasli, who Come to Learn! Leave Empowered to Improve Your Operation! inspired her but did not help her color. Thanks, Tricia Flock Our jam-packed program features: Immerse yourself in important topics that include: Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania • All-day Eco-Ag U pre-conference workshops • Building healthy soils with the right nutrients • 2+ days of expert seminars • Weed and pest control without toxic chemicals C & D. My name is Amber. • Eco-Consulting Halls • Pastured livestock production Our family raises Boer goats • Roundtable Discussions • The critical connections between farming in Benson, Arizona. We have • Film Screenings and human health some fun when we care for our goats and baby-bottle the • Large Acres U.S.A. bookstore • How to manage the changing farm economy small ones when they have • Author book signings • …and much more! three or more babies. Thanks • Networking events for sending those coloring • World-class speakers who won’t disappoint! pages. We enjoyed coloring.
Gary Zimmer Neal Kinsey Carey Gillam David Montgomery Bob Quinn John Kempf MidWestern Kinsey Agricultural Investigative Author, Author, Farmer Advancing Eco BioAg Services Journalist Geomorphologist Agriculture D. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER AT EVENTS.ACRESUSA.COM C.
Browse our bookstore on site! Learn from books by HSS speaker A SOIL SUMMIT IN Gary Zimmer and other ecology, YOUR MAILBOX agriculture and soil science experts. Subscribe to Acres USA Matthew (age 7) and Amber (age 10) Shop all year at to receive 12 issues a year 1. www.acresusa.com FOR JUST $29
68 GOAT JOURNAL | november/december 2019 PRICES INCREASE DECEMBER 2
REGISTER NOW acres full page TO SAVE! MINNEAPOLIS, MN Eco-Ag U Workshops | Dec. 9-10 • Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show | Dec. 10-12 Come to Learn! Leave Empowered to Improve Your Operation! Our jam-packed program features: Immerse yourself in important topics that include: • All-day Eco-Ag U pre-conference workshops • Building healthy soils with the right nutrients • 2+ days of expert seminars • Weed and pest control without toxic chemicals • Eco-Consulting Halls • Pastured livestock production • Roundtable Discussions • The critical connections between farming • Film Screenings and human health • Large Acres U.S.A. bookstore • How to manage the changing farm economy • Author book signings • …and much more! • Networking events • World-class speakers who won’t disappoint!
Gary Zimmer Neal Kinsey Carey Gillam David Montgomery Bob Quinn John Kempf MidWestern Kinsey Agricultural Investigative Author, Author, Farmer Advancing Eco BioAg Services Journalist Geomorphologist Agriculture
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER AT EVENTS.ACRESUSA.COM
Browse our bookstore on site! Learn from books by HSS speaker A SOIL SUMMIT IN Gary Zimmer and other ecology, YOUR MAILBOX agriculture and soil science experts. Subscribe to Acres USA Shop all year at to receive 12 issues a year www.acresusa.com FOR JUST $29
BACKYARDGOATS.IAMCOUNTRYSIDE.COM 69 goat journal :: coming attractions
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NEW YEARS MEAN NEW BEGINNINGS! LOOK FOR OUR JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 ISSUE OF GOAT JOURNAL FOR STORIES TO HELP YOU EXPAND YOUR HERD OR START NEW PROJECTS!
• Confinement operations • Pioneering Pygoras in the Pacific Northwest • 6 Tips to Building the Best Fence for Goats • A Breed Profile of the Pashmina Goat • Coats for goats and other equipment you may or may • Why goats are becoming a not need favorite pastime for urban dwellers • How big can goats actually get? • Fraga Farmstead and Creamery • What you should know if you plan to travel across state • PLUS: Back from The Vet, lines with goats Katherine’s Caprine Corner, Secret Life of Goats, and MORE!
70 GOAT JOURNAL | november/december 2019
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