Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
with appropriate shelter, handling, and feeding facilities.
New arrivals to the farm will be unloaded at the fi rst pen,
where proper vaccinations and strategic deworming prac-
tices will be performed. After 24-48 hours, the animals
should be moved to the next quarantine pen or paddock,
where they will be observed for several weeks (at least for
30-60 days) for any signs of abnormality or disease before
joining any group of animals on the farm except the closed
herd (those animals that are produced on the farm or are
your seeding stock), if possible. Quarantine pastures or
pens should be designed for easy cleaning after each group
of animals.
As a preventive measure (not necessary), new arrivals,
except the milking does, should get medicated feed con-
taining approved coccidiostat, if possible. Goats usually
are stressed when hauled, and that may cause coccidiosis.
It is important to provide shelter, plenty of fresh water, and
good quality hay, but to avoid grain overfeeding that may
cause enterotoxemia in young kids or adults. Caretakers
should tend this group of animals last and change clothes/
shoes before and after for biosecurity measures.
(for dairy goats), along with fresh water should be
provided.
Kidding Pens
These are temporary pens at least 2-4 m
2
or more, prefer-
ably indoors in a cold environment, or under shelter in a
pasture situation, protected from drafts and rain. Kidding
pens improve kid survival rate, but they are not a neces-
sity. These pens are used when animals are close to partu-
rition and for a few days after kidding depending on
management strategies. The newborn kid(s) and the doe
will be closely watched, the doe will bond with kid(s), and
they are protected from other adult goats on the pasture.
This may seem complicated, but in a natural setting, where
animals are maintained year-round on a pasture or browse,
expecting does will move away from other does in the
herd, fi nd their own protected shelter, prepare a nest, and
keep kids protected for 1-2 days, and then return to the
herd. Shelter, feed, and minerals, if not provided in the
complete mix ration, along with fresh water should be
provided.
Sick Animal Quarters
Every goat operation should have a minimum area as a
sick animal ward. The shelter and exercise area, or sick
animal pasture, should be completely separated from
where healthy animals are housed. The pasture(s) should
have a minimum of 3-4 m (10 feet) fenced buffer zone
from healthy animal pastures. Shelter, fresh water, and
minerals should be provided, if not included in the com-
plete mix ration.
Weaning Pens or Pastures
These pastures or pens are designed specially for the
weaned kids. The feeding requirements of this group of
animals are different from milking does or mature animals.
This group of goats requires feed with higher digestible
protein that may have higher fi ber content than other grain
mixes. Also kids should be separated from does to prepare
does for the next breeding especially if accelerated kidding
program management is practiced. Shelter, feed, and loose
minerals, along with fresh water should be provided.
Breeding Pens
These are also either temporary pens or isolated pastures
that provide for the breeding does to be exposed to bucks
under a more controlled breeding management. The size
of pens or pastures will depend on the operation type
(meat, dairy) and the number of does breeding at one time.
In a more intensive dairy setting, at least 150 m
2
(1,600 ft
2
)
will be suffi cient for up to 30-40 does to move freely for
breeding purposes. This system allows for intensive use of
a buck. The majority of producers use smaller pastures
with three to fi ve goats per 0.40 hectare (1 acre) and leave
bucks with does for a certain length of time (at least two
estrus cycles) until all the does are exposed. The use of
breeding pens or pastures along with some marking tech-
niques will allow producers to record the breeding date for
individual does for better time management. Shelter, feed,
and minerals, if not provided in the complete mix ration
Buck Pens
Separate pens with shelters and proper fencing for ade-
quate exercise areas are needed to house herd sires. Buck
pens should be constructed away from housing for does.
Herd sire(s) should be kept away from breeding does at all
times except for breeding time. The shelters should be
constructed from durable materials that can tolerate physi-
cal abuse, and pens should be constructed with durable
panels or fencing materials to keep bucks contained. Space
allowance should be according to the guidelines and feed,
and loose minerals and water should be provided.
SPECIALIZED HOUSING
Housing requirement for dairy goats is more elaborate
than for meat or fi ber goats. The main requirements for
housing dairy goats are adequate ventilation, ceilings free
