Feeding Management of a

Meat Goat Herd

Adapted from an article by: Sandra G. Solaiman Tuskegee University,AL

The single most significant variable cost in any livestock operation is feed cost.  It averages 45 to 64% of the variable cost of an operation excluding labor.  Any management practive that can reduce feed costs will significantly improve profit.

Goats are a Ruminant:  The goat belongs to a group of animals called ruminants that have a 4-compartment stomach and a unique ability to digest roughages containing a relatively large amount of cellulose.  Cellulose in the chief part of the cell walls of plants and a potential source of energy for ruminant animals.  The digestive system of ruminants contains millions of bacteria and protozoa that can digest and manufacture a variety of nutrients.

Required Nutrients:  Nutrients in feed are divided into six classes:  protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water.  Carbs and Fats provide energy.  Protein is a source of nitrogen that is required by the body for muscle growth, milk productions, disease resistance, reproduction, and body maintenance.  Protein is the most expensive part of the ration and usually it varies between 12-16% of ration dry matter depending on two major factors: physiological stage of the animal (pregnant, lactating, growing) and forage quality.  Urea and other non-protein nitrogen can be utilized by the microbes of the rumen to produce microbial protein, which is a source of nitrogen for goats. 

Energy is measured by total digestible nutrients (TDN), digestive energy (DE) and the net energy (NE) system.  TDN accounts only for loss of energy in feces, whereas net energy accounts for energy lost in feces, urine, gasses, and the work of digestion.

Vitamins are very important nutrients in the diet.  All of the vitamin B complex and vitamin K are produced in the rumen, and the body manufactures vitamin C.  Therefore, only vitamins A,D, and E are of concern and should be supplemented in the ration.

Minerals of major concern are calcium, phosphorus, and sodium chloride (salt).  It is recommended that these minerals be mixed with the ration.  Note:  the calcium to phosphorus ratio in the ration should be kept at 2:1.  A good mineral mix will contain equal parts of salt and dicalcium phosphate.  Certain trace minerals such as copper and selenium should be supplemented not only for their nutritional contributions to the animal, but also for enhancing the immune system in goats.

Water supply is critical for all livestock.  Clean water should be available in each pen indoors or each paddock or pasture outdoors.  The water intake varies from 1.5 to 2 gallons, and in summer up to 3 gallons may be required.

Feeds:  A ruminant’s diet consists of roughages and concentrates.  Since 45% to 64% of the cost of production is feeding, good feeding management can reduce the cost of production significantly.  Goats are inclined to forage or browse from the top downward on a plant; therefore, consider making it an effective biological herbicide for controlling many undesirable plants and/or shrubs.  As selective browsers, their grazing behavior facilitates their ability to survive under more harsh semi-arid conditions than either sheep or cattle.  Goats are good browsers and can selectively utilize shrubs, woody plants, weeds, and briars.  You may use pastures, hay and silage to supply roughage, however very young goats should not be fed silage.  Goats also have a special interest in garden plants such as:  Rape, kale, or beets.  Cabbage contains goitrogens, which may interfere with thyroid hormones and should be limited to 30% of diet.  Beets are very palatable to goats and up to 1 Kg can be fed per day per goat.  AVOID FEEDING: clippings from rhododendron, cherry, apricot, and peach trees because when wilted, they may be toxic to goats.  Sweet potato forage and its mixture with grasses provide and inexpensive source of nitrogen in the diet of growing goats.

Concentrates:  In addition to roughage, grain mixes are required in the diet of growing and nursing goats.  This is the most expensive part of the diet.  Rations are made of high energy or high protein feeds.  High-energy feeds are all cereal grains, some root crops, flour mill and bakery by-products such as beet pulp and citrus pulp.  Vegetable oil and animals fats are also used to increase energy density of the diet; however, more than 7-8% fat in the diet may have a negative impact on rumen fermentation and depress fiber digestion.

When forages or browse is low in energy, 0.5-1.0 lb shelled corn or whole cottonseed can be used as energy concentrates.  Whole cottonseed contains high levels of both protein (20-24%) and energy and requires no processing, which makes it a very desirable by-product feed.  Caution: Whole cottonseed also contains gossypol, a polyphenolic yellow pigment.  Research has indicated that WCS could have a negative effect on male reproduction if consumed at a higher than 15% of the diet (McCrary, ’98).

 

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What About Dry Forages & Goats?

Hay added to high concentrate diets can increase rumen buffering capacity and, therefore, optimize rumen fermentation and improve animals performance.  Dry forages are hays, pelleted forages and some by-products such as straws and hulls.

Grass hay usually is of a lesser quality and feeding value than legume hay.  Goats tend to eat pelleted and chopped hay more than long hay.  The stage of maturity of forage cut for hay can influence its feeding quality.  Legumes (alfalfa, clover) and grass (Bermuda and Bahia) are good sources of hay for goats; however, endophyte-infected fescue should be used with caution.  Feeding better quality hay allows lowering the protein content of grain mix fed and, thus the geed cost.  Factors influencing quality of hay include: date of harvest, leafiness, lack of seed head, absence of coarse stems, lack of foreign material and green color.  Straws, most hulls, and clovers are of lower quality (digestibility) but not necessarily of low value in mixed feed.  Cottonseed hulls have higher palatability and feeding value than peanut hulls and oat hulls.  Soybean hulls (an exception) in combination with hay are excellent forages for goats.  If you are looking for more nutrient information on the feedstuffs you are working with check out the nutritive tables at http://beefmagazine.com/images/2009%20feed%20table.pdf  or receive a copy of them at the next General Membership Meeting – the HOMECOMING!  Using the Feed Compositions Tables, I compiled a chart to compare some feedstuffs I feed.

 

 

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Preparing For Kidding

Submitted by:  Dr. Lou Nuti, Prairie View A&M University

 

Prior to kidding, provide does with a clean, dry, well-ventilated shelter and try to be around in case animals should require assistance. Hay, straw or pine shavings can be used for bedding if desired. Some of the signs that parturition, or kidding, is approaching include hollowness on either side of the doe's tail, the doe isolating herself from the rest of the herd and an enlarged udder that begins to fill with milk. These events will begin to appear one to six weeks prior to kidding.

 

At two weeks prior to kidding, the muscles of the ligaments on both sides of the doe will begin to soften and relax. During the last three to four days before labor, the udder will appear quite large. Does that kid for the first time may not show this development until two weeks or more after kidding. One to two days before labor, the does will begin to show signs of nervousness, pawing at the ground, acting restless and lying down. The doe will also expel a thin mucous discharge from the vulva, which will gradually become thicker as parturition approaches. The last 12 hours of labor consist of continuous bleating sounds by the doe. The tail may be straight out or slightly elevated. The first several vertebrae of the spine in front of the tail head may appear to stand higher and taller than usual.

 

A normal delivery usually takes five hours. Cervix dilation usually requires four hours, and then one hour is required for the delivery of the offspring. For normal delivery the kid should be right side up with the front feet first and the head lying between the knees and pasterns. After the water sac breaks, the doe should start to give birth within 30 minutes to one hour. If the doe or has not progress within the hour, it may be necessary to contact a veterinarian for further assistance.

If the doe has kidded, make sure she has shed her placenta and contact the veterinarian if the placenta has not detached after 12 to 18 hours. Try letting the cord break naturally, and if the sac is not broken, try breaking it for the doe. If the kid appears lifeless, swing it back and forth by its hind legs. Place a straw up the nose which will trigger a sneezing reaction and help clear the airways. Give the kid short hits with the fingers in the middle of the heart until it cries.

 

Difficult Births (Dystocia)

Normal presentation of the kid is 2 front legs and nose backwards. If there is any variation in the presentation of the kid, then the delivery will not be normal.  Abnormal presentations include a kid position that is fully breached, with the buttocks or back feet appearing first. Another abnormal position may include the head presenting itself, with one foot visible, and the doe straining unproductively.  A person assisting the doe should trim his nails, remove jewelry, don latex gloves or thoroughly wash his hands.  Remember, you can do more harm than good if you pull before the doe is ready or pull in the wrong manner.

 

Neonatal Care

After birth, clean the mucous away from the nose, mouth and throat, weigh the kid, tag the ear and dip the navel cord in 7-percent iodine to prevent navel joint disease. Make sure the kids receives its mother’s first milk within the first 24 hours after birth. The first milk is rich in colostrum, which contains lots of antibodies which helps the kid fight diseases. The sooner the kid nurses, the more antibodies the animal can absorb. After three days the kid’s ability to absorb antibodies is minimal. In the case of orphans, try bottle feeding them will milk replacement that has colostrum in it or provide the orphan with milk from another doe who has also just given birth. Efforts can also be made to force a doe that has given birth to a single kid to adopt the orphan. (or grafting on a kid)

 

The adoption process between animals may not be as easy as it seems. First, try isolating the adopting parent in a small pen with the orphan. Hold or securely tie the animal to a post and allow the kid to nurse the doe for several times during the day. Hopefully, after seven to 10 days, the doe will think the kid is hers and

decide to keep it as her own. If this process does not work, stick with bottle feeding. If there are several orphans, a lamb feeder can service up to 10 orphan kids at one time.

Causes of Infectious Abortions in Goats 

Goat herds generally have a 2 to 5 percent abortion rate. Any percentage above this is a serious problem because abortions can lead to economic losses. Indeed, infectious abortion in a doe herd can be a public health concern because infectious agents that cause abortions in goats can also infect and cause diseases in humans.  Infectious abortions should be taken seriously by the producer and herd manager.  The most common microorganisms that cause abortions in goats are:  Chlamydiosis, Query or Queensland (Q) fever, Listeriosis, Leptospirosis, Toxoplasmosis, and Brucellosis.  These infectious agents are associated with abortion outbreaks that range from 25 to 30 percent in a season.  “This year, East Texas has confirmed cases of Chlamydiosis infection resulting in losses.  Please take note of the simple detection and prevention methods.  Information on the other abortion causing infections may be requested from the Cherokee County Extension Office.     

Chlamydiosis (Chlamydia, Enzootic Abortion)

Chlamydiosis, commonly known as chlamydia, is the most frequent cause of abortion in goats in North America. It is associated with pneumonia, pink eye, inflammation of epididymis (a part of the buck's reproductive system), and inflammation of the joints. It can be transmitted to does through the direct contact of feces from infected pigeons and sparrows. Chlamydia can be also transmitted to goats by ticks or other bloodsucking insects.  Chlamydia multiplies in the blood and is located in the reproductive organs of the doe. In pregnant does, this microorganism can be found in the fetus and placenta, leading to an inflammation of the placenta that prevents normal transfer of nutrients from the doe to the fetus. It can also lead to miscarriage or abortion.  Abortions can occur any time between days 100 and 130 of gestation. Does may show no symptoms other than a bloody vaginal discharge two to three days prior to aborting. During the first three weeks after abortion has occurred, the doe will have uterine discharge containing chlamydia. If chlamydia is not diagnosed and treated, the infection will persist and the infected doe may abort again during the next pregnancy.  Diagnosis A diagnosis of chlamydiosis is based on the history of the herd, clinical signs, and characteristics of the placenta. When chlamydiosis is suspected, aborted fetuses and fresh placenta should be packed in ice, marked with correct identification of the doe, and sent to a lab for positive diagnosis. Up to three days after abortion, a vaginal swab should be taken by a veterinarian and sent to a diagnostic laboratory for isolation of the microorganism.  Treatment and Prevention of infected does should be treated with tetracycline, oxytetracycline, and chlortetracycline.  The injection of 20 mg/kg of oxytetracycline given by intramuscular route at 105 and 120 days of pregnancy can prevent abortion but cannot prevent chlamydial shedding at kidding. Tetracyclines affect the replication of chlamydia and can be effective in preventing abortions.  Chlamydia psittaci are susceptible to chlortetracycline. In an infected herd, abortion can be prevented by administrating 80 mg/head/day during pregnancy. In an outbreak, 250 mg/head/day for 3 weeks has been recommended and appears to be effective. 

What to do when abortion occurs:

·   Never ignore abortions in a goat herd.  Conduct a thorough investigation immediately.

• Isolate the animal from the herd and keep it in a quarantine pen for further examination.
• Consider many different causes of abortion.
• Inform your veterinarian if you suspect infectious abortion in a goat herd; the veterinarian will refer you to a nearby diagnostic center.
• Consult the diagnostic laboratory prior to submitting your sample. The diagnostic center should be aware of the infectious agent most likely to be present in the area. Note: Diseased tissue requires proper handling.
• To facilitate the diagnosis, keep detailed records and accurately identify each aborting animal and the stage of pregnancy at which the animal aborted.
• Refrigerate (avoid freezing) any fetus and placenta of an aborted kid to send to the diagnostic laboratory.
• Work with the local veterinarian to draw blood and to send serum samples from aborting does to the diagnostic laboratory for immunological tests.
• Consult your local veterinarian when you suspect infectious abortion in your herd. This might constitute a public health issue. Your veterinarian can guide you on the treatment and prevention procedure.
• Ask for performance and health records before purchasing new animals.
• Quarantine any new animals before introducing them into your existing herd. • Be aware that certain classes of dewormers administered to pregnant does can cause insidious abortion or stillbirths, which can be mistaken as abortions caused by infectious agents.
• Be aware that certain poisonous plants can cause abortions in does. Identify plants in your area that can cause abortion and try to eliminate them from the pasture.
• People who assist does at kidding or collect placental or fetal waste for disposal or diagnostic evaluations should be aware of the danger of infection and are advised to wear plastic gloves. The gloves should be burned to prevent environment contamination.  Quaternary ammonium compounds are satisfactory disinfectants.