Intro in livestock Management-parasites

Hello, I am working on a series of blogs on herd management for the entry level goat keeper. I have plans to branch out in a variety of topics, this is just the beginning. Visit the Risen Phoenix Farm facebook page or message me here with any questions.

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Welcome! What is one of the major things goat keepers give up the hobby over? Loosing goats do to Parasites! Yes, Those dormant nightmares that can explode and drop a goat over night, starving them of nutrients and red blood cells. It’s a silent speedy killer if you do not know what your combating and catch it early. Such a preventable travesty that can break your heart. I get so many messages new goat keepers watching their once healthy goat deteriorate right before their eyes . “If they only would of known what to do sooner” I hear so often.

Starting out years ago with goats, llamas and pigs; parasites were a very overwhelming topic for me to grasp. To combat that haze of confusion as a newbie, I signed up for every class I could find online or in person. I traveled to mentors farms, long hours researching or calling mentors in frustration of what to do when. All these visits added up over time, creating my goat keeping journal that I will be sharing here. I learned maintenance is a major key, but outside forces can affect the outcome, even with the best husbandry. For me, even with strict protocols, I still would get a goat here or there, that refused to follow the textbook and was a problem child with their health. This cost me thousands of dollars in vet bills and hundreds of man hours fighting to keep them healthy.

One story in specific, several years ago with a very expensive dairy doe, she was a drama Queen and everything stressed her, she also had parasites resistant except to the strongest of chemical, that was a complete nightmare! I was ashamed to post her online as she always had something wrong with her, while the rest of the herd managed nicely except occasional flare ups. When all hope was lost on this one doe, the vet and I gave up. we both were exhausted and used up all avenues to get her maintaining, I learned something new that changed everything!

She finally began to thrive!!

A few facts-

1. Goats always have parasites they are either active or dormant. what are some outward symptoms? Husbandry/management to reduce outbreaks two things to watch-checking FAMACHA and fecals on a regular schedule. What is FAMACHA and how do I do it? How to use a microscope. What kinds of slides and solution to use?

2. Not all de-wormers work for every parasite. Classes of chemicals. Chemical vs natural de-wormers, what is the difference? note-I found my miracle worker for my herd! 2a)Parasites become resistant (Immune)to chemicals Over time. 2b) types of parasites and cocci in babies, prevention programs.

3. My goat was treated and still anemic, what to do now? What treatments and how long is recovery.

4. tbd

I will be discussing these topics in parts and installments over the next several weeks, be sure to become a member and share with your friends. I may be adding to each thread over time with updates. in between may be blogs on other topics. Follow us here and our Facebook page.