Herd Wellness Checks and Managing Older Goats

Routine wellness checks are vital for identifying and addressing health issues in goats, especially as they age or encounter stressors like new feed or pregnancy. This lesson outlines the importance of observing goat behavior, physical condition, and environmental factors to maintain a healthy herd.

Key Takeaways:

1. Daily Observations
   • Scan the Environment:
     • Look for clumpy or loose stool (diarrhea), which can signal new feed reactions, parasites, or stress (e.g., heat cycles or changes in diet).
   • Observe Behavior:
     • Pay attention to goats lying apart from the herd or showing signs of discomfort, as this could indicate illness.
   • Monitor Coat Condition:
     • Rough, dry, or singed coats can indicate nutritional deficiencies or mineral imbalances.
2. Physical Indicators of Health
   • Fishtail:
     • A split or thin tail end is a sign of mineral imbalance, often related to copper or selenium deficiencies.
   • Body Condition:
     • Prominent hip bones, backbones, or visible ribs indicate poor body condition, often linked to dental issues, nutrition, or aging.
   • Coat Quality:
     • A shiny, soft coat is a sign of good health, while a rough or patchy coat suggests underlying issues.

3. Managing Aging Goats
   • Dental Health:
     • Older goats often face dental wear or tooth loss, which impairs their ability to chew cud and absorb nutrients.
     • Inspect teeth for sharp points or missing molars and file down high spots as needed.
     • Sedate and use a speculum for detailed examination if necessary.
   • Nutritional Adjustments:
     • Provide easy-to-chew feed, such as chaff or pelleted grains, for goats with poor dental health.
     • Balance phosphorus and calcium in the diet to prevent further health decline.
   • Reproductive Stress:
     • Evaluate whether older does are fit for breeding. Pregnancy and lactation are demanding and may exacerbate existing health issues like poor body condition or hernias.

4. Common Age-Related Conditions
   • Hernias:
     • Common in does that have had multiple pregnancies. Hernias occur when abdominal muscles weaken and tear, allowing internal organs to protrude.
     • Monitor but avoid surgical correction unless necessary, as it’s often costly and invasive.
   • Milk Retention:
     • Older does can be kept in milk long-term without breeding by proper feeding and milking schedules, reducing the stress of pregnancy.

5. Environmental and Nutritional Factors
   • New Feed Transition:
     • Introduce new feed gradually to avoid digestive upset. Diarrhea often occurs when goats adjust to new hay or grain.
   • Parasite Awareness:
     • Observe signs like clumpy stool and rough coats as potential indicators of a parasite load. Test fecal samples for confirmation before treatment.

Wellness Check Routine:

• Daily: Observe stool, coat, and behavior.
• Monthly: Evaluate body condition and look for signs of mineral deficiencies.
• Seasonally: Check teeth, file as needed, and monitor older goats closely during pregnancy or lactation periods.
• Annually: Perform a herd-wide fecal and dental check, especially for older goats or those with recurring issues.

Conclusion:

Regular herd wellness checks combined with timely interventions help maintain a healthy, productive herd and ensure the well-being of goats as they age.