Dairy Goat Manual Second Edition
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Dairy Goat Manual Second Edition Dairy Goat Manual – Second Edition by Gaille Abud and Arthur Stubbs January 2009 RIRDC Publication No 08/206 RIRDC Project No PRJ-000724 © 2009 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. All rights reserved. ISBN 1 74151 795 8 ISSN 1440-6845 Dairy Goat Manual - Second Edition Publication No. 08/206 Project No. PRJ-000724 The information contained in this publication is intended for general use to assist public knowledge and discussion and to help improve the development of sustainable regions. You must not rely on any information contained in this publication without taking specialist advice relevant to your particular circumstances. While reasonable care has been taken in preparing this publication to ensure that information is true and correct, the Commonwealth of Australia gives no assurance as to the accuracy of any information in this publication. The Commonwealth of Australia, the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), the authors or contributors expressly disclaim, to the maximum extent permitted by law, all responsibility and liability to any person, arising directly or indirectly from any act or omission, or for any consequences of any such act or omission, made in reliance on the contents of this publication, whether or not caused by any negligence on the part of the Commonwealth of Australia, RIRDC, the authors or contributors. The Commonwealth of Australia does not necessarily endorse the views in this publication. This publication is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, all other rights are reserved. However, wide dissemination is encouraged. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the RIRDC Publications Manager on phone 02 6271 4165. Researcher Contact Details Arthur Stubbs Gaille Abud PO Box 96 395 Flat Rock Road Warrandyte, Vic, 3113 Hurstbridge, Vic, 3099 Phone: 03 9844 1135 03 9718 2041 Fax: 03 9844 4554 03 9718 2041 Email: [email protected] [email protected] In submitting this report, the researcher has agreed to RIRDC publishing this material in its edited form. RIRDC Contact Details Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 2, 15 National Circuit BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6271 4100 Fax: 02 6271 4199 Email: [email protected]. Web: http://www.rirdc.gov.au Published in January 2009 Printed by Union Offset Printing, Canberra ii Foreword This revised edition of the “Dairy Goat Manual” was compiled as a guide to current recommended dairy goat farm management practices based on observations and information gained during the course of the RIRDC project “Farming and Marketing Goat and Sheep Milk Products”. Information contained in this Manual is provided as general advice only. For application to specific situations, professional advice should be sought. RIRDC and its research agents have taken all reasonable steps to ensure that the information in these publications is accurate at the time of publication. Readers should ensure that they make appropriate enquiries to determine whether new information is available on the particular subject matter. The project was funded from RIRDC Core Funds which are provided by the Australian Government. This report, an addition to RIRDC’s diverse range of over 1800 research publications, forms part of our New Animal Products R&D program, which aims to accelerate the development of viable new animal industries. Most of our publications are available for viewing, downloading or purchasing online through our website: • downloads at www.rirdc.gov.au/fullreports/index.html • purchases at www.rirdc.gov.au/eshop Peter O’Brien Managing Director Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation iii Acknowledgments Some of the information was provided by Dairy Food Safety Victoria (DFSV), modified as necessary for goats. Several key areas are reproduced in their entirety. References and acknowledgments are given as appropriate. The authors would like to thank DFSV, the Victorian Department of Primary Industry, the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industry and Water, and other specialist personnel as listed in individual Dairy Goat Notes, for their individual advice and assistance in the preparation of the Notes. Further important information on milk production is available from DFSV and/or your appropriate State body that deals with dairy food safety. Local Departments of Agriculture may also have information on aspects of dairy goat farming. Dairy Branches in particular have relevant and up to date information developed for dairy cows that is often applicable to goats. iv Contents Foreword...............................................................................................................................................................iii Acknowledgments ............................................................................................................................................... iv References ........................................................................................................................................................... vi 1. Industry.............................................................................................................................................................. 1 1.1 History & Prospects.................................................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Markets....................................................................................................................................................... 2 1.3 Farms ............................................................................................................................................................. 4 1.4 Annual Farm Check List........................................................................................................................ 8 2. Breeding .......................................................................................................................................................... 10 2.1 Breed & Herd Selection ......................................................................................................................... 10 2.2 Mating Management .............................................................................................................................. 13 2.3 Kid Rearing.............................................................................................................................................. 16 2.4 Herd Improvement.................................................................................................................................. 21 3. Feeding............................................................................................................................................................ 23 3.1 Nutritional needs..................................................................................................................................... 23 3.2 Grazing Management............................................................................................................................. 27 3.3 Housed Systems..................................................................................................................................... 30 3.4 Weight & Condition Scores ................................................................................................................... 33 4. Health .............................................................................................................................................................. 38 4.1 Foot Problems......................................................................................................................................... 38 4.2 CAEV (Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus)....................................................................................... 40 4.3 Hypocalcaemia (milk fever).................................................................................................................... 42 4.4 Pregnancy Toxaemia (sleepy sickness)............................................................................................... 42 4.3 Johnes Disease ...................................................................................................................................... 43 4.6 Mastitis Control & SCC .......................................................................................................................... 44 4.7 Mastitis Control Program....................................................................................................................... 46 4.8 Worm Control .......................................................................................................................................... 48 4.9 Caseous Lymphadenitis (CLA) or 'Cheesy Gland' ............................................................................ 51 5. Milking.............................................................................................................................................................. 52 5.1 Milking Premises Requirements........................................................................................................... 52 5.2 Milking Shed Design............................................................................................................................... 59 5.3 Milking Machines ...................................................................................................................................