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COLLECTION: GOAT HANDBOOK
ORIGIN: United States
DATE INCLUDED: June 1992
Extension Goat Handbook
This material was contributed from
collections at the National Agricultural Library.
However, users should direct all inquires about the
contents to authors or originating agencies.
DOCN 000000055
NO G-1
HERD HEALTH PROGRAM
E. L. Bliss; U. of Florida, Gainesville
D. L. Ace; Pennsylvania State U., University Park
Health and Disease Management
1 Herd health programs attempt to organize all the
information applicable to goat herd health, into a
concise, simple to remember and usable form. The goal
of a herd health program is to improve the herds'
productivity. This goal is achieved through nutrition
management, disease control, reproductive management,
parasite control and environmental management. Careful
records must be kept in order to know where the program
has been, how it is progressing and what to do in
the future to make it better.
2 Each herd is unique and requires
that its program be tailored to fit the needs and
goals of that herd. The following discussion attempts
to provide idealized guidelines that can be used to
develop a program that fits the goals and aspirations
for that herd.
3 Late Pregnancy and the Dry Doe
Since this period of time is so important to the future
of the herd, and offers many opportunities to institute
many aspects of a herd health program, the discussion
will begin during the dry period.
4 The pregnant doe should have a
40-60 day dry period, in order to regain condition
lost during lactation, allow the mammary gland to
rest and for the doe to get ready for kidding and
the next lactation. At drying off, treat all udders
with dry cow mastitis antibiotics. This is important,
even though the udder has been healthy throughout
the last lactation. Many new udder infections begin
during the first several weeks of the dry period.
Dip teats daily with an approved teat dip until the
udder begins involution.
5 The dry period is an ideal time
to deworm. Internal parasites experience increased
activity during late pregnancy and this is called
the pre-parturient rise. More parasites can then be
eliminated if the doe is dewormed at this time. Don't
forget to check for external parasites and treat if
any are found.
6 Parasite control at this time helps
prevent excessive levels of parasite exposure to the
newborn, as well as helping the doe.
7 Late pregnancy is also an ideal
time to give the yearly booster doses of the vaccines
that are utilized in that herd. The vaccines will
give protection to the doe as well as ensure high
levels of antibodies in the doe's colostrum for the
newborn kid's protection. The vaccines used depend
upon the problems and needs within each individual
herd, but should include enterotoxemia, and tetanus.
8 Nutritionally, the dry period is
a critical time. The metabolic and physiological needs
are de manding. This is a rebuilding time for the
doe, getting her ready for the demands of her next
lactation. The developing fetus(es) grow rapidly during
the last several weeks of gestation, thus greatly
increasing the metabolic demands on the doe.
9 The most common problem seen during
this dry period is allowing the doe to become over-conditioned.
Over-conditioning puts excessive stress on the heavily
pregnant doe and predisposes her to serious metabolic
problems, one of which is ketosis. The excessive abdominal
fat and pregnant uterus reduce the holding capacity
of the doe's rumen, preventing her from being able
to consume enough feed to meet her metabolic needs
as well as the needs of the rapidly developing fetuses.
Subsequently, to meet her metabolic need she begins
to metabolize her fat reserves and potentially may
develop ketosis. It is important during the early
dry period to provide good quality roughage to ensure
active, normal rumen function. During this brief period
the doe's metabolic needs are minimal and the hay
will be adequate to meet her energy needs; but 2-3
weeks before freshening, her metabolic needs begin
to increase and she will require more concentrated
forms of energy (grain). During this dry period, the
doe should slowly gain in condition and weight. The
eyes and hands of the owner can best determine the
doe's condition. The quality and quantity of feed
during the dry period will affect the doe and the
kids throughout, at least, the next year. Not enough
emphasis can be given to the tremendous importance
of nutrition in any animal production unit.
10 Each dairy goat herdsman should
have an annual calendar listing approximate times
and ages when certain activities should be performed
to maximize profits per productive unit. This annual
calendar should begin with the pregnant doe, 40 to
60 days prior to kidding. ++++MISSING DATA++++
11 Mastitis Program:
1. Examine udder two times daily for abnormal secretions
and treat early if mastitis is detected.
2. Use a recommended teat dip following each milking.
3. Dry treat at drying off.
4. If milking by machine, have equipment checked at
least every fourth month.
5. Employ strict sanitation practices.
12 Foot Care:
1. Trim hooves at least four times yearly.
2. Fence goats out of wet, marshy areas.
13 External Parasites:
1. Ringworm, daily topical treatment of equal parts
iodine and glycerin.
2. Lice, biting and sucking, Coumaphos (co-ral 25wetable
powder). Spray or dip all goats in the herd when necessary.
++++MISSING DATA++++
HERD HEALTH PROGRAM
COLLECTION;GOAT HANDBOOK
ORIGIN;United States
DATE_INCLUDED;June 1992
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