Biosecurity
Ensuring the utmost biosecurity measures for our herd is paramount to us. Annually, we rigorously test for CAE, CL, and Johnes to maintain a high standard of health. Touching or petting our goats is strictly prohibited without permission, and hand sanitizer is readily available for use when permitted.
Furthermore, access to our pens at home is restricted to ensure the safety of our herd. We are deeply committed to not only the health of our own animals but also to the well-being of neighboring herds. As advocates for responsible goat husbandry, we strongly advocate for education, regular testing, and staying informed about the current health status of your animals.
It cannot be overstated that biosecurity and testing are fundamental aspects of goat husbandry and serve as the cornerstone for establishing a healthy herd. Many of the diseases we guard against have no cure and can pose zoonotic risks, underscoring the critical importance of preventive measures.
While we are transparent about our own test results, we urge individuals not to rely solely on our data for their own herds. For interested parties, we provide screenshots showcasing our results, with full PDF files available upon request. Should there be any inquiries or concerns, we welcome messages for further clarification or assistance.
feed/forage
We strongly prioritize providing high-quality hay as the primary means of ensuring the health and happiness of our animals. We source our hay locally opting for a blend of straight alfalfa for lactating does and a mix of alfalfa and orchard hay for the rest of the herd. The quality of the hay is consistently excellent, with minimal waste, which is a significant advantage for us.
In addition to hay, our animals receive a daily feeding of Burkmann dairy pellets (18% protein) when lactating, alfalfa pellets, and AlfaHay, provided once a day through mob feeding. To supplement their nutritional needs, we offer Burkmann Dairy loose minerals to all animals round-the-clock, year-round. Starting in the fall of 2023, we introduced a mineral bar, allowing our animals to self-select the minerals they need, catering to their individual preferences and nutritional requirements.
Vaccinations, Parasite protocol & Coccidia prevention
-vaccinations-
We administer CD&T (Clostridium Perfringes types C + D, and Tetanus vaccine) annually to the entire herd. Kids receive a two-series vaccination, with the initial shot followed by a second booster twenty-one days later. Expectant does are vaccinated approximately twenty-one days before kidding to provide protection to their offspring until they receive their first round of vaccinations.
-Parasite protocol-
We do not adhere to a fixed schedule for worming our goats. Instead, we rely on evaluating their FAMACHA score, initiating our parasite protocol only when their score indicates the need to do so. Initially, we obtain a fecal sample from the goat in question and have it examined by our trusted veterinarian. If the results indicate the need for worming, we administer the appropriate wormer at a dosage tailored to the goat's weight. Subsequently, we conduct another fecal exam 2-3 weeks after the initial dosing to verify that the issue has been effectively addressed.
We steer clear of deworming on a fixed schedule due to concerns about parasite resistance. Instead, we're focused on cultivating a herd that exhibits a degree of resistance to parasites. Our strategy involves rotational grazing, which we believe will help us maintain healthy, parasite-free goats with minimal reliance on medicinal intervention. By avoiding routine deworming and emphasizing sustainable practices like rotational grazing, we aim to foster a herd that is naturally resilient to parasites over time.
-coccidia prevention-
One of the most significant threats to young goats is coccidia, a parasite that can strike quickly and spreads through feces, making it highly contagious. This can result in unpleasant symptoms such as foul-smelling, watery brown or green diarrhea, leading to dehydration and potentially death. While some breeders opt to treat coccidia only when symptoms arise, we've found that prevention is the most effective approach, especially for kids. By implementing preventive measures, we can significantly reduce the risk of coccidia-related illnesses and safeguard the health of our young goats.
From the age of one week old, we kickstart a regimen of CalfPro for all our kids, administering a daily dose at a rate of 1cc per 11 pounds of body weight. This preventive measure continues until the kids are weaned from their dams and transition to consuming a medicated kid-specific feed (Kalmbach Start Right medicated feed).
Recognizing the potential stress of relocating to a new home, we strongly advise new owners to maintain coccidia prevention for at least 2-4 weeks after leaving our farm. This proactive approach helps mitigate the risk of a coccidia bloom during this transitional period. For those interested, we're more than happy to provide of enough CalfPro to cover these critical initial weeks for an additional fee.