GOATS: SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION OVERVIEW
LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION GUIDE National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service www.attra.ncat.org
Abstract: Goats: Sustainable Production Overview provides fundamental information relevant to all goats, espe- cially about feeding, reproduction, and health. An extensive resource list is included. Read ATTRA’s Dairy Goats: Sustainable Production and Sustainable Goat Production: Meat Goats for more complete information, includ- ing sections on marketing and profitability.
By Linda Coffey, Margo Hale, and Ann Wells NCAT Agriculture Specialists August 2004 © NCAT 2004 The goat was one of the first animals to be domes- ticated by humans, about 9,000 years ago. Today, there are some 200 different breeds of goats that produce a variety of products, including milk, meat, and fiber (mohair and cashmere). Worldwide, goat meat pro- duction is higher than meat production from cattle or hogs.(Holcomb, 1994) Raising goats can be a valuable part of a sustain- able farm. Integrating livestock into a farm system can increase its economic and environmental health and diversity, thereby making important contribu- tions to the farm’s sustainability. Goats often fit well into the biological and economic niches on a farm that otherwise go untapped. Goats can be incorporated into existing grazing operations with sheep and cattle, and they can also be used to control weeds and brush Table of Contents to help make use of a pasture’s diversity. Erosion on land used for row crops declines when Selection ...... 2 the land is converted to pasture. Rotating row crops and pasture every year or two offers both fertility and Feeding Ruminants ...... 3 pest control advantages. Goats eat the forages, the goats’ manure replaces some purchased fertilizers, Raising Goats on Pasture ...... 3 and the life cycles of various crop and animal pests Marketing ...... 15 are interrupted. Like other ruminant animals, goats convert plant material that is unsuitable for human Profitability ...... 16 consumption into high-quality animal products. Resources ...... 16 Related ATTRA publications: References ...... 23 Sustainable Goat Production: Meat Goats Dairy Goats: Sustainable Production
ATTRA is the national sustainable agriculture information service operated by the National Center for Appropriate Technology, through a grant from the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. These organizations do not recommend or endorse products, companies, or individuals. NCAT has offices in Fayetteville, Arkansas (P.O. Box 3657, Fayetteville, AR 72702), Butte, Montana, and Davis, California. • No abscesses Selection • Proper conditioning (not fat or excessively thin) • Firm, pelleted manure When selecting animals for your herd you • Well-shaped udder and teats must first decide what traits are important to you and what the animals will be used for. Find Also, ask the producer questions such as what a producer with the type of animals that you diseases have been problems in the herd, what are interested in. You may locate producers by is the vaccination/worming protocol, and what contacting your local Extension agent, searching criteria are used for selection and culling. You classified ads in goat publications, contacting goat should also ask your veterinarian about diseases clubs or associations, or by attending meetings that are possible problems in your area. When se- or seminars for goat producers. Once you have lecting your animals, also observe their conforma- found a producer with goats for sale, visit the tion. Drawings 1 and 2 illustrate some of the char- farm to observe the herd and the management. acteristics of good and bad conformation in goats. The animals will adapt more easily to your farm Dr. Steve Hart of Langston University points if their prior management and environment are out that for most operations, conformation is a similar to yours. relatively minor concern; health and soundness To develop a productive herd it is imperative are much more important. He advises checking to that you select healthy animals. Never build your see that the bite is correct (not over-shot or under- herd with animals from the sale barn. These are shot) and that the legs and feet are sound. often animals that have been culled by another For more details on selection of goats, see the producer. There is a reason they were culled, pertinent ATTRA publication for the goats you and you do not want to bring those problems to intend to raise (Dairy Goat, Meat Goat). your herd. To run an efficient operation, it is necessary Listed below are some of the signs of a to identify animals (by tattoos or eartags) and healthy animal. keep records. Breeding, reproduction, and pro- duction records are helpful in identifying which • Shiny coat animals are most productive and which should • Lively manner be culled. • Easy movement (no limping, no swollen joints or misshapen udders)
Good Bad Dairy Meat Goat Goat
Drawing 1: Example of poor conformation Drawing 2: Good conformation for Dairy and Meat goats
Drawings from Mississippi State University Extension Service 4-H Club Goat Guide. (http://msucares.com/pubs/publications/p2264.htm)
PAGE 2 //GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW year-round. Therefore, supplementation with Feeding Ruminants concentrates may sometimes be necessary (see Supplemental Feeding section of this publica- tion). Goats are ruminants; that is, they have a four- compartment stomach designed to digest large quantities of forages. Ruminants eat quickly and swallow their food at first without much chewing. Raising Goats on Later, they regurgitate their food and thoroughly chew it and swallow. This regurgitated food is Pasture called the cud, and healthy ruminants will spend as much time chewing their cud as they do graz- Contrary to the popular image of goats thriv- ing or eating hay. This is thought to be a predator ing on tin cans, goats actually require a more avoidance adaptation, as the ruminant can find nutritious diet than do other ruminants. Their a sheltered place to peacefully chew its cud and shorter digestive system does not retain food for be less vulnerable to predator attack than while as long, and thus does not digest nutrients fully. grazing. This quicker digestion allows them to eat larger The ruminants get their name from the rumen, quantities of food to make up for their reduced which is the largest compartment of the stomach absorption of nutrients, but it is goats’ unique and serves as a fermentation vat. The health and grazing behavior that really enables them to productivity of the goat (as with all ruminants) thrive on pasture. With their small mouths and depends on the rumen function; microorganisms flexible lips, grazing goats are able to select the in the rumen digest fiber and carbohydrates and highly nutritious parts of plants and leave parts protein to supply the animal with nutrients. that are less nutritious. This gives them an advan- Without those microorganisms, the goat will tage over cattle that graze by taking large mouth- become very sick and may die. Therefore, it is fuls; within that large mouthful there might be a of paramount importance that the animal be fed great quantity of poor-quality forage, including appropriately so that the ruminal organisms stay some that is dead or overly mature. healthy. Each goat is able to consume up to 3 to 5% of These rumen organisms require fiber, ni- its body weight in dry matter daily (perhaps more trogen (protein), and energy (carbohydrates). if the forage is highly digestible). To consume Roughages (forages—pasture, hay, browse) have that amount, however, goats must be pastured higher fiber content than grains. More mature in an area with a large quantity of available veg- forages contain more fiber and are less digestible. etative forage. Goats will eat less when they are Energy is provided by good–quality (digestible) moved to poor pastures. Listed below are some roughages and by concentrates (grains). of the factors that influence intake. The rumen microorganisms have preferred pH ranges; those that digest fiber best thrive in • Age, size, stage, and level of production a range of 6.0 to 6.8. Rumination (chewing the of the animal cud—required to digest roughage) increases • Animal’s health the amount of saliva, which buffers the rumen • Animal’s forage preferences (which are fluid and maintains the favorable pH. However, influenced by its mother and peers) grain (especially finely ground grains) decreases • Weather rumination; which means less saliva reaches the • Palatability of food rumen, and the pH decreases. Also, in the process • Digestibility (fiber content) of digesting grain, lactic acid is produced, which • Maturity of forage can further lower the pH. When a goat eats too much grain, the rumen pH can drop below 5.5, Goats prefer browsing (eating woody plants) killing the normal rumen microorganisms and but will also graze on grasses and weeds. Goats resulting in a very sick animal. are known to stand on their hind legs to reach The rumen microorganisms are “healthiest” leaves and brush. Since goats, cattle, and sheep when goats are eating good-quality forages, such prefer different forages, in many pasture situa- as vegetative pasture. However, it is difficult (if tions these species do not compete for the same not impossible) to provide good-quality forages food. Therefore, they can be managed quite suc-
//GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW PAGE 3 P HOTO
BY C HARLIE R AHM ©NRCS 2004
cessfully in a multispecies grazing system, allow- htm#goats>. ing the land to be used more fully and generate When grazing goats, farmers must protect more income. Land grazed by both goats and their pastures from being overgrazed. There cattle returns 25% more than land grazed only are several reasons for this. Overgrazing for- by cattle.(Holcomb, 1994) ages Adding goats to a grazing system will have weed control benefits. Goats will eat such weeds • eventually kills the plants as leafy spurge, multiflora rose, and brambles, • reduces the longevity of the stand decreasing the need for commercial herbicides and exposes more soil to erosion or mowing. Meat and fiber goats are particularly • means the animals don’t get enough useful for brush control. For a report on work food done in North Carolina using goats alone or with • increases the chance of goats ingesting cattle, see “Use of Goats as Biological Agents for internal parasite larvae the Control of Unwanted Vegetation” (Luginbuhl • creates bare spots, creating opportu - et al., 1996a), at PAGE 4 //GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW not killed. If you want long-term production of grazing system, also known as management browse, you must rotate the animals and not al- intensive grazing (MIG, commonly pronounced low the area to become over-browsed. “mig”). The MIG systems have been used more Fencing is the most critical factor in raising extensively with cattle than with sheep or goats. goats on pasture. There is nothing more frustrat- Much work has been done recently with goats ing than having to constantly chase goats back using MIG, although it is not yet widely pub- into the pasture. Fencing will also be the greatest lished. However, for a review of studies of goats expense, other than the initial cost of the animals. and grazing, see “Meat Goats in Land and Forage The best permanent fencing is 4-foot woven wire Management” (Luginbuhl, 1996b), at //GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW PAGE 5 docks in response to different growing conditions supplements. and the goats’ changing feed requirements. In some operations—particularly dairies— Fresh, clean water must always be available. goats are raised in confinement, and all their feed In a MIG system, the animals either have access is brought to them. However, allowing goats to to a central water source available from every graze can lower costs in the following ways. subdivision, or water is provided separately to each of the pasture’s subdivisions. This can be a • By reducing purchased grain costs challenge, and it is another capital expense. Feed • By eliminating forage harvesting costs intake will decrease more for goats than for cattle • By eliminating manure removal costs or sheep if clean water is not readily available. • By lowering fertilizer costs as manure Along with water, minerals need to be avail- nutrients are returned to the soil able to your animals at all times. It is best to feed calcium, phosphorous, and trace minerals in a Goats have the ability to select the more nutri- salt mixture to ensure that the animals actually tious parts of a plant. Therefore, they typically eat them. Test your forages to determine their will consume a higher quality diet if they have the mineral content and adjust mineral supplemen- opportunity to be selective. With the exception tation as needed. Your local Extension agent of lactating dairy goats, goats grazing a high- can have your forage analyzed. Mineral content quality pasture can usually meet their protein of forage is quite variable across the country, requirements without supplemental feeding. In and the type, stage, and level of production of some cases an energy supplement (grain) may be the animals influence mineral requirements; necessary. More information on pasturing goats therefore, no one mineral supplement formula is is provided in ATTRA’s Dairy Goats: Sustainable right for all locations or situations. For instance, Production and Sustainable Goat Production: Meat a heavy-producing dairy goat will need more Goats. calcium and phosphorus then a dry (non-lactat- ing) meat goat. Consult a livestock nutritionist for help in identifying a good mineral mix for Supplemental Feeding your operation. It is very important that you consistently offer While good quality forages are usually ad- this mix (preferably in a loose form), monitor its equate, goats may sometimes need supplemental consumption, and ensure that all the goats are feeding, especially during the winter. Goats in fact eating adequate amounts of the mineral need a proper balance of energy in the form of roughage or grain, as well as protein, TABLE 1. DIETARY PROTEIN AND ENERGY REQUIREMENTS OF GOATS*. vitamins, minerals, CLASS OF GOAT AVG. FEED % CRUDE %TDN2 and clean water. INTATKE / DAY, LB1 PROTEIN Protein and energy requirements vary, GROWING DOELING, 45 LBA 2.4 8.8 56 depending on the B GROW ING M ALE KID, 66LB 2.9 9.0 57 type of goat and its YEARLING DOE, 90 LB C 4.6 10.0 56 stage of production 3 YR. OLD DOE, 110 LB D 5.0 11.7 69 (see Table 1). MATURE B UCK, 220 LB E 5.3 9.0 55 There is a rule DAIRY DOE, 150 LB F 7.5 11.6 71 of thumb for all goats: browse and *APPROXIMATIONS; BASED ON DRY MATTER IN THE FEEDS EATEN 1 pasture in the sum- CALCULATED ON BASIS OF THE DRY MATTER IN THE FEEDS EATEN 2TDN = TOTAL DIGESTIBLE NUTRIENTS mer, hay and grain AGROWING AT THE RATE OF .25 LB/DAY in the winter, trace- BGROWING AT THE RATE OF .33 LB/DAY mineralized salt at CYEARLING FEMALE, LAST TRIMESTER OF PREGNANCY AND GROWING all times. (The min- DMILKING 2 QT/DAY - ENOUGH FOR TWINS eral mixture should ENOT GAINING WEIGHT, MODERATE ACTIVITY be fortified with F NUBIAN, MILKING 1 GALLON/DAY OF 4.0% BUTTERFAT selenium if you live (PINKERTON AND PINKERTON, 2000) PAGE 6 //GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW TABLE 2: SUPPLYING PROTEIN NEEDS FOR LACTATING GOATS % PROTEIN IN ROUGHAGE, DRY MATTER BASIS % PROTEIN NEEDED IN CONCENTRATE 15% AND OVER EXCELLENT LEGUME HAY OR EXCELLENT PASTURE HIGH PRODUCTION (OVER 4 QUARTS/DAY) 14 LOW PRODUCTION 12 12 TO 15% LEGUME-GRASS MIXED HAY OR GOOD PASTURE HIGH PRODUCTION 16 LOW PRODUCTION 14 10 TO 12% GOOD GRASS HAY OR FAIR PASTURE HIGH PRODUCTION 18 LOW PRODUCTION 16 BELOW 10% FAIR QUALITY GRASS HAY OR POOR PASTURE HIGH PRODUCTION 20 LOW PRODUCTION 18 (PINKERTON, 1993) in an area of the country with selenium-poor soil. Sustainable Production. Fiber goats, on the other Check with your Extension agent or veterinarian.) hand, may not do well with supplemental grain, When breeding begins in the fall, producer Sue because feeding too much protein to angora goats Drummond feeds her angora goats not only hay, can make mohair fiber coarser and reduce its grain, and salt but also vitamins (A, D, and E) and value, and feeding beyond maintenance require- di-calcium phosphate.(Drummond, 1995) Kelp, a ments will not improve the fiber production of seaweed high in minerals, is sometimes used as cashmere goats. a supplement, though it is expensive. Alterna- Goats can be picky eaters, and they may tive feeds such as roots and tubers (sugar beets, not immediately accept new feeds. Any feed mangels, sweet potatoes, turnips) may be fed for changes should be made gradually to avoid up- the energy content of the roots or the nutritious setting the rumen microflora. Feeding very high green tops. Various milling by-products are com- levels of grain can also upset the rumen. Grain monly fed to goats as well. should never be more than 50% of the total diet, Grain is the concentrate most often fed to except for heavily-producing dairy goats. Adult goats; cereal grains such as oats, corn, barley, meat goats should be fed a maximum of 1% of and wheat are high in energy (carbohydrate/fat). bodyweight in supplemental grain, with lactat- Less commonplace grains such as amaranth and ing does reaching a maximum of 1.5%. Feeding buckwheat are also sometimes used. Soybean an animal a large amount of concentrate (grain) meal and cottonseed meal are high-protein sup- causes acidosis: the rumen pH will drop and ru- plements. The choice of concentrate is determined men motility will decrease. Usually the animal by the composition of the forage. High-quality will go off feed, have diarrhea, and show signs of forages usually have adequate or even excess depression for a couple of days. In severe cases, protein; animals eating these will need a higher- acidosis can cause death. If you know an animal energy concentrate to utilize the protein present has consumed too much grain, you can treat it in the forages. Lower-quality pastures or hays with an antacid (sodium bicarbonate). Call your will require feeding a higher-protein supplement veterinarian for help, and offer only forage and to meet the goats’ protein requirement. water until the animal recovers. Dairy goats need both high-quality forage Enterotoxemia can also occur if there is a sud- and supplemental grain to reach their full poten- den change in diet that stimulates certain rumen tial, especially during peak lactation or growth. microbes to overpopulate and produce toxins More information on supplemental feeding of that cause symptoms similar to acidosis. Entero- dairy goats is available in ATTRA’s Dairy Goats: toxemia usually results in death. To prevent this //GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW PAGE 7 disease, all animals should be vaccinated for balancing rations for any class of goat. See enterotoxemia (see Health section) and their ac- Contacts section for Langston University’s Web cess to grain or lush pasture should be controlled site. The Ohio Dairy Goat Ration program is (increase access cautiously). available by contacting a local county office of There are programs available to help goat Ohio State University Extension or producers determine rations for their herd. Langston University has developed a calcula- Ms. Cheryl Hall tor (available on-line) that will be helpful in Department of Animal Sciences 2027 Coffey Road Columbus, Ohio 43210 614-688-3143 Score 1 Very poor body condition - Deep cavity under tail and around tail Some county Extension offices may have ac- head. Skin drawn tight over pelvis with cess to software that is helpful, or your agent may no muscle tissue detectable in between. refer you to a ruminant nutritionist. - No fatty tissue felt at loin. Pins, hooks, and short ribs can be seen; edges feel sharp. Body Condition Scoring Score 2 Poor body condition - Cavity around tail head is evident, but Your goal in feeding your animals is to meet less prominent. No fatty tissue felt be- their nutritional requirements (economically) tween skin and pelvis, but skin is supple. and to keep them in a productive condition. One - Ends of short ribs are sharp to the touch, way to monitor the animals’ condition is to as- but individual ribs can no longer be seen. sign body condition scores (BCS). Body condition While bones are less prominent, they scoring evaluates the body fat reserves of your are still angular and can be easily distin- goats and is an easy method to evaluate the ef- guished by touch. fectiveness of your feeding program. Scores range from one to five and are determined by looking Score 3 Good body condition at the tail-head and loin areas. Use the following - Slight cavity lined with fatty tissue ap- parent at tail head. Area between pins guidelines to determine each goat’s score. has smoothed out. A good source for meat goat body condition - Ends of short ribs can be felt with moder- scoring can be viewed at PAGE 8 //GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW adult weight at breeding to prevent difficult kid- bet. At the very least, you should observe both ding. Does will have higher lifetime production the herd and the parents of the buck. When se- and be more profitable if they are bred to kid as lecting a buck, it is important to perform a breed- yearlings. Does should kid every year thereafter ing soundness exam. A general physical exam until at least the age of seven or eight, if they re- can check the buck for structural soundness and main healthy. Most goats are seasonal breeders, abnormalities in the sex glands and organs. The reacting to shorter days as a cue for breeding. scrotal circumference (at the widest point) should The presence of a buck (uncastrated male goat) be measured, since this correlates with fertility stimulates the reproductive cycle (estrous) and and semen production. As a general rule, dairy the behaviors of the does that indicate that they bucks should measure 25 to 28 cm at 100 pounds, are in the fertile part of their cycle (in heat). The meat bucks should measure 26 to 29 cm at 100 doe’s estrous cycle normally occurs from Au- pounds, and larger bucks should measure at least gust or September until January, with October 34 to 36 cm.(Mobini, 2003) Have a semen sample to December being the peak time for breeding. taken and evaluated. A normal concentration is 2 The estrous cycle is normally 18 to 22 days long. billion sperm per cubic centimeter of semen. Of Does in heat (estrus) are at the proper stage for those, 70% should be motile, moving forward. breeding; at this time, they will be receptive to The sperms’ morphology should be evaluated to the buck. Estrus (standing heat) lasts for 12 to 36 determine whether they are mature and whether hours. Signs of heat include tail wagging, swol- there are abnormalities. At least 80% of the len vulva, mounting behavior, decrease in milk sperm should be normal.(Mobini, 2003) Finally, yield if lactating, and a general increase in activ- the buck’s libido should be monitored. A sound ity and bleating. Kids are born about 150 days buck is of no use if he will not service does. A after breeding. Planning breeding so that kids full-grown, healthy buck should easily service are born during the height of forage production up to 50 does. Bucks should not be bred to their in the spring makes efficient use of the pasture. daughters; inbreeding tends to expose genetic Keeping accurate breeding records will allow you problems and lead to weaker stock. to know when kids are due and help you prepare Some goat producers (especially those who for their arrival. raise dairy goats) use artificial insemination Some goat milk markets demand year-round (A.I.) for breeding. This requires excellent heat production. Breeding season may be manipu- detection skills and is more labor-intensive than lated through the use of lights and hormone natural service, but A.I. allows the economical therapy. However, milk production is less for use of outstanding sires. The American Dairy a doe that kids in the fall than when she kids in Goat Association (ADGA) offers a booklet about the spring. A.I., classes are offered by Langston University Male goats (bucks) reach puberty earlier (Oklahoma) and sometimes by goat associations, than females and must either be separated from and A.I. technicians are available in most areas of them by the age of four months or be castrated the country. For more information, contact your to prevent unwanted breedings. Buck kids local Extension agent, order the booklet from can be used as herd sires at 8 to 10 months, but ADGA (see contact information in the Resource should not be used as heavily as mature bucks. section), or call ATTRA. Have your veterinarian test them for fertility and soundness before the breeding season. This test is called a breeding soundness exam and is Kid Management described below. The most important animal in the herd is the Kids are raised for replacement stock, sold as buck. He provides half of the genetics of the herd, breeding stock, or slaughtered for meat. There- and using a sound, high-quality buck can make fore, raising healthy, productive kids is essential significant improvements to the herd. Spend time to the profitability of your operation. and effort to locate a superior buck, one that has It is crucial that kids receive colostrum (the the traits you have identified as important. It is first milk, which contains antibodies to protect well worth the investment. A buck that has pro- the kid from disease) soon after birth. However, duction records (has been on test or has relatives in some herds Caprine-arthritis encephalitis that have been on a production test) is the surest (CAE—see Health section) is a concern, and kids //GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW PAGE 9 Health Concerns Few diseases afflict goats, and most produc- ers find even fewer health problems when they use management intensive grazing. Practitioners of MIG see their goats at every paddock move. Observation is the best way to avoid, or at least catch early, any diseases or other problems that might occur. When people buy goats, they should proceed cautiously. . Check out the seller’s herd. • Ask the seller questions. from those herds must be bottle-fed heat-treated • Learn as much as they can about goats and colostrum instead of nursing their mothers. Kids goat diseases. raised naturally with their mothers usually grow • Decide what diseases or problems they can or cannot live with, or which ones they are better than those that are bottle-fed. However, willing to vaccinate for or treat. for dairy production, it may be more economi- • Know what can or cannot be treated and cal to separate the kids from the mothers, feed the consequences of getting the disease in kids with a milk replacer, and sell the extra goat their herd. milk. It is essential, however, that kids receive colostrum on the first day of their lives. Males should be castrated at an early age Keeping livestock as stress-free as possible to reduce stress on the animal. Castration with keeps their immune systems functioning prop- elastic bands should be done within a week of erly. A healthy immune system is the best disease birth. There is some concern that animals may preventive. Conversely, periods of stress, such as contract tetanus if they are castrated with bands. weaning or transporting, may trigger disease. In- Male slaughter goats are often castrated, since tensively managed livestock become calmer and the meat can have a strong flavor in intact males tamer, and handling them calmly makes them more than four months old. Some ethnic groups, easier to work with when things such as loading, however, want intact males. It is important for vaccinating, or other tasks need to be done. you to know your market, so you can plan for the Preventive management is fundamental to management of your herd. Disbudding is often maintaining health. Proper nutrition, sanitation, done in goat dairies to prevent problems with and ventilation, as well as timely treatment or horns in the milking parlor. Kids are disbudded culling of problem animals, helps keep the herd between three and seven days after birth, using in good health and reduces health care costs. a specially designed disbudding iron that is very For example, the teats of milking does are usu- hot. Equipment and instructions for use are of- ally dipped in disinfectant after milking, while fered by goat supply houses (see Resource list). the teat opening is dilated, because bacteria Recommended Vaccination Program Enterotoxemia and tetanus— Clostridium perfringens types C, D, + Tetanus Toxoid in one vaccine Adult Males Once a year Breeding Females Once a year (4 to 6 weeks before kidding), or twice a year: 4 to 6 weeks before breeding, then 4 to 6 weeks before kidding Kids Week 8, then booster on week 12 PAGE 10 //GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW COURTESY OF DR. JEAN-MARIE LUGINBUHL, NCSU entering the teat can cause mastitis. Likewise, other diseases or deficiencies. Your veterinarian regular foot-trimming helps prevent footrot and can help you set up a vaccination protocol that lameness. Having a good predator control strat- will protect your herd from some diseases that egy (such as a guardian animal and an electric are problems in your area. perimeter fence) will also help prevent losses in your herd. Check with a local veterinarian to get recom- Parasites mendations for a vaccination and health main- tenance schedule for your goat herd. Because so Parasites, especially internal ones, are the few medications are approved for use in goats, major health concern for goats. Not only are it is imperative to work closely with a veterinar- goats very susceptible to internal parasites, but ian who can advise you on proper drug use and the parasites are rapidly becoming resistant to withdrawal times. It is important to find a vet- all of the available anthelmintics (dewormers), erinarian who is compatible with you and with and no new dewormers are being developed. your management style, and who knows (or is Therefore, management MUST be the primary willing to learn) about small ruminants. With method for sustainable control of internal para- time and patience, your veterinarian can become sites in goats. competent in the diagnosis and treatment of small If ample pasture is available and goats are ruminants. You may locate a small ruminant vet- not overstocked, a herd may have little difficulty erinarian by contacting the Association of Small with internal parasites. However, forcing goats Ruminant Practitioners at //GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW PAGE 11 parasite infestations happen will help to avoid score. The system recommends anthelmintics or major problems. culling for animals scoring 5 or 4 and sometimes All parasite infestations occur when the ani- 3. Keep records and use those individuals with mal ingests the infective larval stage from con- fewest parasite problems for breeding, while taminated pasture, hay, or living quarters. The those with the most problems should be culled. larvae develop from eggs that were passed from This selects for parasite resistant animals. The an animal through its feces. If there are no adult FAMACHA© system is only useful in detecting worms in any goats in your herd, this infestation those animals infected with barber-pole worms cannot occur. Even if larvae are present in the (Haemonchus contortus), which is the primary pasture, goats are less likely than other ruminants species that causes problems in goats and sheep. to consume them, because goats prefer to eat at The FAMACHA© system is now available in eye-level, and the larvae do not climb up grass the United States through the Southern Region blades to eye level. This is one of several good USDA-SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research reasons for managing pastures to prevent grazing and Education) group, which tested the system in them too short. Try to maintain a forage height the United States. Only veterinarians or properly above 4 inches, at minimum. trained sheep and goat producers will be able to Symptoms of a parasite problem include purchase the FAMACHA© charts. Veterinarians weight loss, rough coat, depression, and anemia may inquire about FAMACHA© by contacting (evidenced by pale mucous membranes, espe- The main points to keep in mind about parasite control in goats are that your best defense is 1) good pasture management, including use of browse as a forage source, and 2) selecting parasite-resistant animals (culling those that suffer most from parasites). No dewormer will compensate for poor management, and many dewormers are no longer effective in the United States. New dewormers for goats are not being developed, so we must learn to control parasite problems through good management and selection of resistant animals. PAGE 12 //GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW worms.) Worming and then moving the goats for Livestock for more information on managing 24 hours later will leave behind the vast majority parasites. of contaminated feces. Pastures are considered “clean” if goats or sheep have not been grazed on Caprine arthritis-encephalitis them for 12 months, or if they have been hayed or rotated with row crops. In the meantime, Caprine arthritis-encephalitis (CAE) is the cattle or horses may be grazed in the infested most serious disease facing the goat industry. area, because they do not carry the same species It is an incurable viral infection that causes ar- of worms. Goats and sheep, however, do share thritis, a hardened udder that produces no milk, the same parasites. and a general wasting away. There is currently Researchers have found that plants with no vaccine for the disease, and the only way to high tannin levels show anthelmintic proper- avoid its devastating effects is to prevent animals ties. The tannin in sericea l1\espedeza has been from becoming infected. To keep your herd free shown to suppress the egg laying ability of adult of CAE, cull any animals that have tested positive worms and inhibits the hatching of eggs that are for CAE or are showing signs of the disease. shed.(Min et al, 2004) This reduces the worm load The most common route of transmission is on the pasture and in the animals. Other plants, through the milk, although saliva and possibly including wormwood, may also have anthelmin- semen are two other routes. Heat-treating co- tic properties. Allowing the animals to graze on lostrum and pasteurizing milk will kill the virus, a variety of plant species will assist in providing and these are the only known ways of preventing better nutrition, and may also help with control- the infection from passing to uninfected kids. ling internal parasites. Not all plant species have Producers who implement a CAE-prevention been evaluated to determine whether they have program face a rigorous regimen that includes ob- anthelmintic properties. In the future, more re- serving all births, preventing kids from nursing, search may be done in this area. feeding heat-treated colostrum and pasteurized The complete eradication of livestock pests milk, and segregating or culling all CAE-positive is not feasible or economically necessary—some animals. This is a very labor-intensive method of level of pests may be tolerable. Goats, like other kid rearing. Anyone purchasing a goat should species of livestock, may develop some immunity ask how the goat kid was raised and whether it to worms, making a low-level infestation some- has had recent CAE blood tests. Because some times more advantageous than no parasites at all. goats do not seroconvert to CAE-positive for two Lack of immunity is very damaging to Angoras, years, a single negative blood test is not neces- for example. When they are moved from arid sarily reliable. When kids are bottle-raised on range conditions, where there are few internal non-pasteurized milk, the milk is usually pooled parasites, to more humid areas, where parasite for all kids, so that one positive doe can have a populations are higher, serious problems often disastrous effect on a goat herd’s CAE status. develop. Some individual goats have a higher Goat producers who are really conscientious natural immunity than others, and those are the about ridding a herd of CAE will not allow in- animals that you should select. Young goats fected goats to have any contact with non-infected will be most susceptible to parasites and should goats. It is always easier to purchase non-infected always be weaned to a clean pasture. animals than to rid your herd of CAE once it is Coccidiosis, a disease resulting from infection introduced. (When purchasing goats, it is a good of the intestinal tract by parasitic protozoa called idea to look at the entire herd; swollen knees or coccidia, causes scours (diarrhea) in goats, par- emaciated animals may be signs of CAE infection ticularly in kids. There are several coccidiostats in the herd.) (anti-coccidia medications) on the market, but Some CAE-positive goats never show any again, management is key for control. Coccidiosis symptoms of CAE; a good kid producer or a occurs in damp, crowded areas. Keeping kids heavy-milking doe that is CAE-positive may away from those areas prevents serious prob- still have a place within the herd. The producer lems. Animals gain immunity to this organism should consider the goals and priorities for his or by nine months of age, and clinical disease rarely her enterprise before determining whether a goat occurs in adult animals. should be culled on the basis of its CAE status. See ATTRA’s Integrated Parasite Management At one time, it was thought that only dairy //GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW PAGE 13 goats had a high incidence of CAE. However, the combination of two different bacteria, one of with so many kids of all breeds being fed infected which cannot survive outside of the host for more milk, the situation has now changed. Anyone than two weeks. The other is present in the envi- buying any type of goat must be just as concerned ronment. The infection is generally painful and about its CAE status as someone purchasing a is characterized by limping and signs of pockets dairy goat. of pus on the hoof. There is a strong, foul odor There are tests available to determine whether associated with footrot. an animal has CAE. Testing should be done ev- To treat footrot, first trim the feet so they are ery year. Positive animals should be isolated or level and smooth (stop when you see pink in the culled. Contact your veterinarian or diagnostic sole, but remove loose bits from the side). Then lab for further information on CAE testing. soak the animal’s foot in a footbath containing zinc sulfate or copper sulfate or formaldehyde. Ideally, it should stand in the solution for five Abortion minutes and then move to a dry area. (The lot should include dry areas, because mud and There are several factors that can cause a moisture will aggravate footrot.) goat to abort. A deficiency in vitamin A, iodine, Animals that do not respond to treatment or copper can cause abortions. Parasites, certain should be culled. Many producers cull animals by drugs, poisonous plants, and stress can also cause sending them to the sale barn: yet another reason a doe to abort. to avoid purchasing stock there. Always observe If abortion is widespread in the herd, animals with the herd before purchasing them, there is most likely an infectious cause. Chlamydia and do not buy any animals that limp. Quaran- psittaci is the most common cause of infectious tine all new goats for two weeks before putting abortions. However, there are other organisms them with your herd, and watch closely for signs that may be the culprit, and treatment depends of limping. Consult your veterinarian for assis- on knowing the infectious agent. Therefore, at tance in treating footrot and other diseases. the first abortion in the herd, send the placenta to a diagnostic lab. Keep the placenta chilled until Caseous Lymphadenitis it arrives at the lab. Also be sure to wear rubber gloves and be cautious; some agents can infect Caseous lymphadenitis (CL) infects animals humans as well. through breaks in the skin, such as cuts or scrapes Toxoplasmosis is another major cause of from shearing, barbed wire, thorny brush, etc., abortion in goats. This is a disease that can also and becomes localized in a regional lymph node, infect humans, and it is particularly dangerous most commonly in or around the neck. The re- to pregnant women. Toxoplasmosis organisms sulting abscess can be either external or internal. are carried by cats, particularly young cats, which Draining or opening an external abscess can cause develop immunity once infected. It may help to reinfection. CL is transmitted by direct contact; keep one or two adult neutered cats for rodent therefore, all infected animals should be isolated. control and to prevent other cats from coming CL can be picked up in bedding or by touching onto your farm. Toxoplasmosis is contracted by some other area that has been contaminated by goats ingesting cat feces. It can be brought onto goats with abscesses, and the infectious organism your farm in hay or straw, if there were cats on persists in the environment for several months. the farm where the hay or straw was stored. Cer- Internal abscesses occur when the thoracic lymph tain feed additives (Deccox, monensin) can help duct is affected. Animals with internal abscesses prevent abortions due to toxoplasmosis. Consult often waste away— or they may have no clinical your veterinarian for details on how and where signs. Do not buy any animals from a herd that to ship the placenta and how to treat the herd if has abscesses. Diagnostic testing is available to an infectious cause is identified.(Patton, 2003) determine whether an animal has CL. Extreme caution must be used when aspirating an ab- scess, because CL is transmittable to humans. Footrot All infected material (gloves, bedding, towels) must be burned to minimize the risk of spread- Footrot is a contagious disease caused by ing disease. PAGE 14 //GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW Contagious Ecthyma See the Resource section at the end of this publication for information on several excellent books on goat health and diseases. This disease, also known as soremouth or orf, is caused by a pox virus. It is characterized Flies by blisters and scabs on the lips and can spread to a doe’s udder by an infected nursing kid. This In confinement situations, implement fly disease is usually introduced into a herd from a control programs early in the season, before the purchased animal or one returning from a show. fly population gets out of control. A sustainable The disease is highly contagious, including to approach is Integrated Pest Management (IPM). humans, and the virus can live for several months Parasitic wasps are a biological control for barn to years in the environment. flies. These wasps lay their eggs in fly pupal There is a vaccine for soremouth, but it should cases; wasp larvae kill the developing flies by not be used in a herd that is free from the disease. feeding on them. Light traps, baited traps, and It is a live vaccine, meaning it will introduce the sticky tapes are physical controls for barn flies. disease into your herd. Usually, if an animal has Because moist manure, spilled feed, and damp been infected with the disease, it will be immune bedding encourage fly populations, practicing to further infections. good sanitation on a regular schedule is impor- Scrapie Eradication Program tant, especially in confinement areas. Eliminate drainage problems that allow water to accumu- late. ATTRA has more information on alternative Scrapie is a fatal, degenerative disease affect- fly control and IPM available on request. ing the central nervous system, one of the class of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). Other examples of The following are the keys to TSEs include BSE in cattle and Chronic Wast- maintaining a healthy goat herd. ing Disease (CWD) in deer and elk. There is no evidence that scrapie can spread to humans, • Buy healthy stock but negative public perceptions and the loss of • Keep animals as stress-free as possible export opportunities have encouraged the effort • Use preventative medicine—good nutri- to eradicate scrapie from the U.S. The incidence tion, sanitation, foot care, vaccinations of scrapie in goats is extremely low, so it is highly • Have a relationship with a veterinarian unlikely that your herd will be affected. Never- • Learn about the major diseases that can affect your herd and how to prevent them theless, goat producers (and sheep producers) are • Be observant and responsive required to participate in the Scrapie Eradication Program. Details about this program are avail- able from your state veterinarian or by going to the National Scrapie Education Initiative Web site, //GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW PAGE 15 Meat Goats and Dairy Goats: Sustainable Production plan, especially the marketing section.(University for more information about goat products and of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives, 1998) If their markets. the feasibility study indicates that your business It may be possible to establish a niche mar- idea is sound, the next step is a business plan. A ket through direct marketing. Many consum- business plan is an analysis of how the business ers would like to buy products that have been will work—your competition, the market, your raised with a minimum of synthetic chemicals capital and operating expenses, management and and pesticides. With any agricultural enterprise, staffing needs, manufacturing process, etc. It is it is important to determine market potential also one of the written documents usually neces- before making an investment in production. See sary for obtaining a loan.(University of Wisconsin ATTRA’s Resources for Organic Marketing, Direct Center for Cooperatives, 1998) Marketing, and Alternative Meat Marketing for ad- While developing a business plan may take ditional information. time and effort, it will be well worth the effort in the long run. An excellent tool for developing a business plan is Building a Sustainable Business: A Certified Organic Production Guide to Developing a Business Plan for Farms and Rural Businesses, developed by the Minnesota In- Certified organic products have found a stitute for Sustainable Agriculture. This publica- niche market with growing potential. The U.S. tion addresses all the steps of developing a plan, Department of Agriculture released the National from identifying your goals to implementing your Organic Program final rule, effective October plan. This publication can be viewed at PAGE 16 //GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW sion service has a Dairy Goat Production Guide commoditysheets/fvsu005.htm that is very informative and useful. This publica- Meat Goat – www.aginfo.fvsu.edu/publicat/ tion can be viewed on-line at //GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW PAGE 17 CD-ROMs Dairy Goats: Sustainable Production This publication is intended for those interested Multi-Species Grazing and Leafy Spurge in starting a commercial goat dairy. It discusses TEAM Leafy Spurge. 2002. the five major considerations to be addressed in USDA-ARS Northern Plains planning for dairy goat production: labor, sales Agriculture Research Laboratory and marketing, processing, regulations, and 1500 North Central Avenue budgeting and economics. It includes production Sidney, MT 59270 information specific to dairy goats, including 406-433-2020 choosing breeds and selecting stock. www.team.ars.usda.gov This CD provides a variety of useful informa- Small Ruminant Sustainability Checksheet tion about using grazing as an effective, afford- This checksheet is designed to stimulate critical able, and sustainable leafy spurge management thinking when evaluating a farm that produces tool. It contains economic reports, posters, sheep or goats. The sustainability of a farm photos, a PowerPoint presentation, an exten- depends on many factors involving farm man- sive bibliography, and more. A great resource. agement, use of resources, and quality of life. The questions in the checksheet are intended to GOATS! For Firesafe Homes in Wildland stimulate awareness rather than to rate manage- Areas ment practices. Use this guide to define areas in Kathy Voth your farm management that might be improved, 6850 West County Road 24 as well as to identify areas of strength. Loveland, CO 80538 www.livestockforlandscapes.com This CD/handbook is designed to provide fire managers, communities, and livestock owners Health information on using goats to reduce fire dan- ger. It includes expected results, and the Integrated Parasite Management for Livestock “hows” of managing animals, choosing treat With parasites developing resistance to all de- ment sites, developing contracts for services, wormers, and more farmers producing livestock estimating costs, and starting projects. This is by “natural” methods, there is interest in looking a great CD with some excellent videos. for alternative ways to manage parasite problems. This publication outlines a systems approach to assess and manage the soil, forages, and animals ATTRA Publications to decrease internal parasites and their effects. The following publications are available free Predator Control for Sustainable & Organic from ATTRA. Copies can be requested by call- Livestock Production ing 800-346-9140 or downloaded at our Web This publication focuses primarily on the control site, Matching Livestock and Forage Resources This publication examines how to manage pas- PAGE 18 //GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW tures and grazing animals to make more profit- rural areas and want to add new enterprises to able use of the farm’s resources. their operations. Its sections guide the reader in evaluating resources, assessing finances, gather- Meeting the Nutritional Needs of Ruminants ing information, and marketing. It also discusses on Pasture choosing an “alternative” enterprise and offers Impact of grazing management on nutrition, further resources. supplemental feeding on high quality pasture, feed profiling, feed budgeting, and matching Holistic Management livestock and forage resources for efficient pasture This is an introduction to holistic management. use are all covered. Holistic management is a decision-making frame- work that assists farmers and others in establish- Multispecies Grazing ing long-term goals, creating a detailed financial This is a brief overview of why multispecies graz- plan, developing a biological plan for the land- ing is beneficial, and includes considerations for scape, and implementing a monitoring program multispecies management. to assess progress toward the goals. Holistic Management helps managers to ask the right Introduction to Paddock Design questions and guides them in setting priorities. This presents the basics of paddock design and considerations in fencing and water technology. Keys to Success in Value-Added Agriculture Many enclosures. This publication presents, largely in the words of 14 farmers, important lessons they learned in Rotational Grazing adding value to farm products and marketing This publication examines how to manage pas- directly to consumers. tures and grazing animals to make more profit- able use of the farm’s resources. Marketing Strategies for Farmers and Ranch- ers (SAN publication) Sustainable Pasture Management This includes managing fertility and pests, Adding Value to Farm Products: an Overview grazing systems, conserved forages, maintaining This publication introduces the concept of value- productivity, and additional resources. added farm products, explains a few of the nuts and bolts for starting a food processing business, Marketing and provides resources for additional informa- tion. Alternative Meat Marketing This is a comprehensive introduction to producer Value-added Dairy Options marketing of meat products. It discusses pitfalls, This presents considerations for those who want producing and packaging for quality and con- to increase their profitability by bottling milk, sistency, direct marketing options, value-added making cheese or yogurt, or doing some other products, food safety and labeling, and niche mar- processing of their milk. This publication dis- kets. Contains a list of resources. cusses regulations and organic milk certification and offers resources for further information. Call Direct Marketing 800-346-9140 to request this publication, since This publication on direct marketing alterna- enclosures are available only with the hard copy. tives— with emphasis on niche and specialty markets and value-added crops—features many farm case studies, as well as information on en- Books terprise budgets and promotion/publicity. A new section discusses implications of Internet market- The following books offer useful information ing and e-commerce for agriculture. on a wide variety of production and marketing issues. These titles may be available through Evaluating a Rural Enterprise your local library, or may be requested through This publication is for people who already live in inter-library loan. Most of these books will be worthwhile purchases for individuals new to //GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW PAGE 19 goat production. Previewing the books at a li- The New Goat Handbook brary is the best way to select the titles that will Jaudas, Ulrich. 1989. Barrons Educational Se- be most useful to you. ries, Inc., Hauppauge, NY. 93 p. A colorful book with many photographs and Used copies may be available through on-line line drawings. Very interesting and infor- services or through other booksellers. Many mative. suppliers of sheep and goat equipment also offer books in their catalogs, and copies are Goat Husbandry available from the publishers as well. Mackenzie, David. 1967. Faber and Faber Ltd., London. 368 p. Meat Goats: Their History, Management, and An older book, it can be found in librar- Diseases. ies and from sellers of used books. British Mitcham, Stephanie, and Allison Mitcham. terminology. Very good reading. A classic. 2000. Crane Creek Publications, Sumner, IA. 264 p. Angora Goats the Northern Way A well-written combination of the author’s Drummond, Susan Black. 1988. 2nd edition. personal experiences raising goats, veteri- Stony Lonesome Farm, Freeport, Michigan. nary knowledge (Stephanie Mitcham is a 203 p. DVM), and a compilation of information Order from: Stony Lonesome Farm from other experts in the field. Includes 1451 Sisson Rd. information about handling systems (hard Freeport, MI 49325 to find elsewhere). Raising Goats for Milk and Meat Small- Scale Livestock Farming: A Grass Sinn, Rosalee. 1995. Raising Goats for Milk Based Approach for Health, Sustainability, and Meat: A Heifer Project International Train- and Profit. ing Course. Heifer Project International, Little Ekarius, Carol. 1999. Storey Books, Pownal, VT. Rock, AR. 140 p. 217 p. Written for persons with limited resources, Not specific to any species of livestock, this this is a very practical book. Available book contains farmer profiles and quite a bit through Caprine Supply (among other of holistic planning and economic informa- sources). tion. Very complete in treatment of rota- tional grazing. The Meat Goats of Caston Creek Tomlinson, Sylvia. 1999. Redbud Publishing Storey’s Guide to Raising Dairy Goats (re- Co., Victoria, TX. 181 p. vised and updated; originally titled Raising Personal experiences of the author. Milk Goats the Modern Way) Belanger, Jerry. 2001. Storey Books, Pownal, Your Goats: A Kid’s Guide to Raising and VT. 288 p. Showing Very good general book for producers of Damerow, Gail. 1993. Storey Books, Pownal, dairy goats. VT. 172 p. Goats and Goatkeeping Gail Damerow writes very good books; this Thear, Katie. 1988. Merehurst Press, London. one is easy to understand and very informa- 176 p. tive. Not just for kids. Very interesting book for goat producers, geared for the small farm. Covers milk, Natural Goat Care meat, and fiber. Practical and concise, very Coleby, Pat. 2001. Acres U.S.A, Austin TX. similar to The New Goat Handbook, but 371 p. with added detail. Order from: Acres U.S.A. Austin, TX 78709 800-355-5313 Fascinating book; Australian author pays PAGE 20 //GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW much attention to nutrition and maintain- through every step of the process in creating ing health organically. a business plan. Includes many examples from existing farms. This workbook is a Goat Medicine bargain. Smith, Mary, and David M. Sherman. 1994. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, MD. …May Safely Graze: Protecting Livestock 620 p. Against Predators This book is recommended as a useful gift Fytche, Eugene. 1998. Published by the au- for a veterinarian. Very scientific, some of thor. 103 p. To order, write to Eugene Fytche, the terminology will only be understood by R.R. #1, Almonte, Ontario. K0A 1A0. a veterinarian. Chapter 1 (Fundamentals of This book explores how to identify and Goat Practice) is very helpful to producers quantify the predator problem, and includes as well as veterinarians. Chapter 20 (Herd information on many methods to control Health Management and Preventive Medi- the problem, including guard animals, cine) is also very useful to producers. fencing, and management. Sheep and Goat Medicine Fences for Pasture & Garden Pugh, D.G. 2002. W.B. Saunders Company, Damerow, Gail. 1992. Storey Communications, Philadelphia, PA. 468 p. Inc., Pownal, VT. 160p. A great gift for a veterinarian. A wealth of information for producers and for veterinar- Sheep Housing and Equipment Handbook ians. Knowledge of veterinary terminology Hirning, Harvey J., Tim C. Faller, Karl J. will be helpful in using this book . Hoppe, Dan J. Nudell, and Gary E. Ricketts. 1994. MidWest Plan Service, Ames, IA. 90 p. Goat Health Handbook: A Field Guide for This book is useful for goats, as well. Can be Producers with Limited Veterinary Service ordered by visiting //GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW PAGE 21 Goat Rancher Langston University Terry Hankins, editor and publisher Agricultural Research & Extension 731 Sandy Branch Road P.O. Box 730 Sarah, MS 38665 Langston, OK 73050 888-562-9529 405-466-3836 www.goatrancher.com 405-466-3138 FAX $25.00 per year (12 issues). www.luresext.edu/goats/index.htm The Goat Farmer New England Dairy/Meat Goat and Dairy An on-line magazine Sheep Directory www.thegoatfarmer.com This directory was developed through the $10 per year. University of Vermont Center for Sustainable Agriculture’s Small Ruminant Dairy Project Meat Goat Monthly News and lists producers, service providers, and Ranch Publishing resources for farming with dairy goats, dairy P.O. Box 2678 sheep, and meat goats in Vermont, New San Angelo, TX 76902 Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut www.ranchmagazine.com/mgn.html and Massachusetts. Producers are listed alpha- $25.00 per year (12 issues). betically by state/town and indexed by breed; service providers are listed alphabetically and Dairy Goat Journal indexed by state/town. The directory also lists W11564 Hwy 64 resources, including programs, associations, and Withee, WI 54498 periodicals. The Center suggests a $5.00 dona- 800-551-5691 (toll-free) tion per copy to cover copying, shipping, and www.dairygoatjournal.com handling. To order, or for more information, $21 per year and $35 for two years. contact the Center at 802-656-5459 or e-mail Langston University Quarterly Goat Newslet- ter Suppliers Free quarterly newsletter To subscribe, visit PAGE 22 //GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW International Boer Goat Sydell Association 46935 SD Hwy. 50 P.O. Box 310 Burbank, SD 57010-9605 Bonham, TX 75418 605-624-4538 877-402-4242 (toll-free) 800-842-1369 (toll-free) www.intlboergoat.org www.sydell.com International Goat Hamby Dairy Supply Association 2402 SW Water Street www.iga-goatworld.org Maysville, MO 64469-9102 800-306-8937 (toll-free) American Association of Small www.hambydairysource.com Ruminant Practitioners (AASRP) 1910 Lyda Avenue, Suite 200 Billy Goat Gruff Bowling Green, KY 42104 P.O. Box 10 270-793-0781 Dunnville, KY 42528 www.aasrp.org www.billygoatgruff.net D-S Livestock Equipment 18059 National Pike References Frostburg, MD 21532 301-689-1966 Anon. Multiflora rose control. The Ohio State 800-949-9997 (toll-free) University Extension Bulletin 857. www.dslivestock.biz http://ohioline.osu.edu/b857/b857_8.html Organizations Drummond, Sue. 1995. Nutrition for angora goats. The Fiberfest Magazine. Vol. 2, No. 4. p. 22–23. American Dairy Goat Association 209 West Main Street P.O. Box 865 Fredricks, G. 1993. Using Body Condition Score Spindale, NC 28160 to Evaluate Feeding Management. p. 78. In: 828-286-3801 Proceedings of the 1993 American Dairy Goat www.adga.org Association National Convention, October 1993, Portland, Oregon. Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL. Holcomb, George B. 1994. A Small-Scale Agricultural Alternative: Dairy and Meat Goats. USDA Cooperative State Research Service, The Office for Small-Scale Agricul- ture, Washington, DC. 2 p. Luginbuhl, J-M., J.T. Green, M. H. Poore, and J. P. Mueller. 1996a. Use of goats as bi- ological agents for the control of unwanted vegetation. Presented at the International Workshop “Los Arboles en los Sistemas de Producción Ganadera” [Use of Trees in Animal Production systems], Indio Hatuey Pasture and Forage Experimental Station, Matanzas. November 26-29, 1996. www.cals.ncsu.edu/an_sci/extension/ animal/meatgoat/MGVeget.htm //GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW PAGE 23 Sedivec, K., T. Hanson, and C. Heiser. 1995. Luginbuhl, J-M, J. T. Green, J. P. Mueller, and Controlling leafy spurge using goats and M. H. Poore. 1996b. Meat goats in land and sheep. North Dakota State University Exten- forage management. In: Proceedings of the sion Service. Southeast Regional Meat Goat Production Sym- www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/plantsci/hay/ posium “Meat Goat Production in the South- r1093w.htm#goats east—Today and Tomorrow.” February 21-24, 1996. Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL. University of Wisconsin Center for Coopera- www.cals.ncsu.edu/an_sci/extension/animal/ tives. 1998. Cooperatives: A Tool for Com- meatgoat/MGLand.htm munity Economic Development. University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI. Min, B.R., W.E. Pomroy, S.P. Hart, and T. Sahlu. 2004. The effect of short-term consump- tion of a forage containing condensed tannins on gastro-intestinal nematode parasite infec- The ATTRA Project is operated by the National Center for Appropriate Technology under a grant from the tions in grazing wether goats. Small Ruminant Rural Business-Cooperative Service, U.S. Department of Research. Vol. 51, Issue 3. p. 279-283. Agriculture. These organizations do not recommend or endorse products, companies, or individuals. Mississippi State Cooperative Extension Ser- vice. 4-H Club Goat Guide. http://msucares.com/pubs/publications/ p2264.htm Mobini, Seyedmehdi. 2003. Georgia Small Ruminant Research and Extension Center, Fort Valley State University. Unpublished presenta- tion at the American Dairy Goat Association National Convention, October 2003. GOATS: SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION OVERVIEW Patton, Sharon. 2003. Parasitology Department, BY LINDA COFFEY, MARGO HALE, AND University of Tennessee. Unpublished presen- ANN WELLS tation at the American Dairy Goat Association NCAT AGRICULTURE SPECIALISTS National Convention, October 2003. AUGUST 2004 ©NCAT 2004 Pinkerton, F. 1993. Feeding Strategies to Maxi- mize Yield and Composition of Goat Milk. p. 119. In: Proceedings of the 1993 American EDITED BY PAUL WILLIAMS Dairy Goat Association National Convention, FORMATTED BY ASHLEY RIESKE October 1993, Portland, Oregon. Tuskegee Uni- versity, Tuskegee, AL. Pinkerton, Frank, and Bruce Pinkerton. 2000. Supplemental Winter Feeding of Goats. http:// www.clemson.edu/agronomy/goats/win- ter_feed.html The electronic version of Goats: Sustainable Production Overview is located at: HTML http://www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/goatoverview.html PDF http://www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/goatoverview.pdf IP 248 / SLOT 153 VERSION #080404 PAGE 24 //GOAT PRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE OVERVIEW