Disclaimer: The information shared on this page reflects my personal experiences and opinions based on managing my own farm. It is not intended to replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian for proper diagnosis, treatment, and care for your animals. Every farm and situation is unique, so make informed decisions based on expert guidance.

Goats are versatile, intelligent, and hardy animals that offer a multitude of benefits for any farm. At Tatum Ranch, we value our goats not only for their delightful personalities but also for their practical contributions to our farming operation. Here are some of the key benefits of raising goats:

1. Land Management
Goats are natural foragers and have a unique ability to manage brush and invasive plants. Their browsing habits help maintain pasture health by controlling unwanted vegetation, promoting a balanced ecosystem, and reducing the risk of wildfires. This natural land management reduces the need for herbicides and heavy machinery, making goats an eco-friendly choice.

2. Sustainable Protein Source
Goat meat, or chevon, is a lean and nutritious protein source that is growing in popularity. It is lower in fat than beef and pork, making it a healthier option for consumers. Additionally, goats can provide milk, which can be used for drinking or producing delicious cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products.

3. Companionship and Personality
Goats are known for their playful and curious nature, making them wonderful companions. They are social animals that thrive in the company of other goats, providing entertainment and joy for those who raise them. Their friendly personalities can also make them excellent additions to a family farm, where they become beloved members of the household.

4. Low Maintenance
Compared to other livestock, goats are relatively low-maintenance animals. They are hardy and adaptable, able to thrive in various climates and conditions. Their dietary needs are less demanding, as they can graze on a wide range of plants, including shrubs, weeds, and grasses. With proper fencing and shelter, goats can be easy to care for, making them a great choice for both novice and experienced farmers.

5. Educational Opportunities
Raising goats provides an excellent opportunity for hands-on learning, especially for families with children. Caring for goats teaches responsibility, empathy, and the basics of animal husbandry. Observing their behavior and interactions can also foster a greater understanding of farm life and the importance of sustainable practices.

6. Environmental Benefits
By utilizing goats for land management, farmers can promote biodiversity and improve soil health. Their natural grazing habits encourage the growth of diverse plant species, leading to healthier pastures. Additionally, goats produce manure that can be composted and used as a nutrient-rich fertilizer, further enhancing soil fertility.

7. Profit Potential
With the growing demand for goat meat and dairy products, raising goats can be a lucrative venture. Farmers can sell goats for meat, milk, or breeding purposes, creating multiple income streams. Additionally, goat cheese and other value-added products can appeal to local markets and contribute to the farm’s profitability.

In conclusion, goats offer a range of benefits that make them a valuable addition to any farm. From their ability to manage land and provide sustainable food sources to their charming personalities and low maintenance requirements, goats are not just livestock—they are cherished members of the farm family. At Tatum Ranch, we embrace the joys and advantages of raising goats, recognizing the important role they play in our sustainable farming practices.

Trimming a goat's hooves is essential for their health and mobility. Here's how you can do it:

Tools You'll Need

• Hoof trimmers (sharp and clean).
• Gloves (optional but helpful).
• A sturdy surface to safely restrain the goat.

Steps to Trim Hooves

1. Restrain the Goat: Secure the goat in a stanchion or have someone hold them steady.
2. Inspect the Hoof: Look for overgrowth, dirt, or infections.
3. Start Cutting: Trim the overgrown walls back to the sole. The goal is to make the hoof level with the sole.
4. Trim the Toe: Shorten the tip of the hoof slightly.
5. Smooth Out Edges: Ensure the hoof is flat and even, avoiding cuts into the pink tissue.

Frequency

Trim every 4-6 weeks or as needed based on terrain and hoof growth.

Regular trimming prevents lameness, infections, and discomfort. If you're new, start with small cuts, and observe how the hoof reacts. Over time, you'll become confident in maintaining your goats’ hooves.

• Periodic fecal examinations - can monitor needs and effectiveness of your de-worming or worm prevention program
• Strategic de-worming - treating only animals that need to be treated.
• Rotating the type of wormer that you use, not just the brand names to avoid developing resistance. 

• Preventing disease in lactating does. 
• Preventing does from contaminating spring pasture.
• Preventing disease in suckling and weaning kids. 

• Stomach worms
  • Haemonchus contortus - primary concern, can suck blood from the stomach.
  • Other worms (Ostertagia, Trichostronglus, Strongyloides)
  • Most deworming products are aimed at these parasites
• Coccidia (intestinal protozoa)
  • Require different medication to prevent and/or treat infections, when identified
  • External parasites
    • Lice, mites
  • Other
    • Nasal bot flies

• Levamisole (Tramisole, Levasole 0.184gm bolus)
  • 1 bolus per 50# per label directions
  • Broad spectrum of internal parasite control
  • Not for use in milking does used for human consumption
• Ivermectin (Ivomec 1% Injectable)
  • Use in goats is "extra-label" consult your vet
  • Not for use in milking does used for human consumption
  • Meat goats: slaughter withdrawal time of 45 days
  • 0.1cc per 10# (1.0cc per 110#) by mouth or injected under skin
  • Broad spectrum of internal parasite control, and effective against some external parasites as well.
• Fenbendazole (Safeguard 10% paste or suspension; Panacur 10% suspension, 100mg/cc
  • 5-15 mg/kg (2.3-7 mg/#) dose range, by mouth
  • Suspension (labeled for horses & cattle) 2.3 - 7cc per 100#
  • Paste (labeled for horses) - Dose as indicatedby weight marks on syringe, at actual weight, or doubled body weight for higher dose (i.e./100# goat gets amount for 100# or 200#)
  • Higher dose (10mg/kg), and treating two days in a row, is recommended for broader activity and to limit development of resistance

• These should be used only under direction of a veterinarian
  • Deccox (feed additive for prevention)
  • Corid: when used to treat coccidiosis in goats, dose is 1.25cc/10# orally once daily for 5 days
  • Albon

• Traditionally, de-worm and move to "clean" pasture
• Recent strategies involve using dewormers sparingly & only on affected animals
• Timing options: (depending on conditions, animal density, and aggressiveness management)
  • Spring-Summer-Fall
  • Spring-early summer-late summer-fall
  • Every 2 months from March til November
  • Every 3-4 weeks during pasture season
  • Deworm at 3,6,9, and 12 weeks after turnout in spring

• Clostridium perfringens Types C+D (over-eating disease)
• Clostridium tetani (tetanus)
• Other diseases as indicated by your farm
  • Chlamydia (can cause abortion)
  • Vibrio (can cause abortion)
• Recommeded product:
  • CD/T cavvine (Clostridium Types C+D, plus Tetanus)
    • Follow label dosing guidelines
    • Usually 2cc under skin (SQ) or in muscle (IM)
    • Initial vaccination twice, 3-4 weeks apart, then annually
    • Does: yearly CD/T booster in late pregnancy (3-4 weeks prior to kidding)
      • Benefits doe
      • Benefits kids via colostrum
    • Kids: 
      • if does were properly boostered
        • CD/T at 2-3 months of age & booster 3-4 weeks later
        • If does were not properly boostered
          • Tetanus anti-toxin at castration, dehorning, etc.
          • Then regular schedule starting at 2-3 months of age
        • Bucks: yearly CD/T boosters with herd

• Provide sanitary conditions for your goats.
• Do not feed on the ground. Provide elevated feeding stations.
• Feed hay, grain, and minerals in feeders that cannot be easily contaminated with feces.
• Keep water clean and change frequently.
• Do not overstock pens and pastures. 

Symptoms: 

• shivering/trembling
• cold ears/legs
• rapid/shallow breathing
• low temp
• decreased urin output
• rapid pulse
• bright red gums have changed to a pale blue color
• acting uneasy or anxious
• weak/lethargic
• pupils dialated/glazed

Treat shock and control bleeding ASAP

Tetanus Antitoxin: 5cc SQ no matter age or weight, open wounds, or broken bones

B-complex: 1cc/20 lbs. SQ

Banamine: 2cc/100 lbs. every 24 hours or 1cc/100 lbs every 12 hours for up to 3 days

*This is the only time we use Banamine if their temperature is below normal*

Wounds: 

• Shave the area to access damage and prevent infection.
• Flush the wound with povidone iodine weakened to the color of weak tea with saline. (DO NOT USE TINCTURE OF IODINE)
• Large wounds may require stitching. 
• Dog bites are deeper than they appear.

Antibiotics: 

• LA200/Biomycin: 1cc/20lbs SQ 1x daily for 5 days. 
• Pen G Procaine: 1cc/20lbs, SQ 2x daily for 5 days.
• Excenel RTU: 6cc/100lbs SQ day 1 give 2 times 12 hours apart, Days 2-5 give once daily.
• Naxcel: 6cc SQ day 1 give 2 time 12 hours apart. Days 2-5 give once daily. 
• Give probiotics 3-4 hours after antibiotics

For dog bites Excenel and Pen G are recommeded to be given together in two separate syringes.