DAILY GOAT HEALTH CHECKLIST
Have you taken the time to really observe your goats today? Or did you merely glance at them while speeding through your chores? As we rush through our distraction-filled lives, we might not even realize we’re neglecting this essential task. I know I’ve been guilty of this for sure. But by making a conscious effort to slow down and focus on our herds each day, we learn what’s normal for each individual — and more easily spot what’s not. Bonus: Goats are super fun to watch!
READ ALSO: Cattle Fattening: Four Steps for Optimising Cattle Performance
The following signs of illness/injury should raise a red flag:
Learn MoreUnusual lethargy or agitation
Keeping away from the rest of the herd
Eating much more or less than usual. Ditto for drinking
Abnormal weight loss or weight gain
Swollen abdomen
Unusual vocalizations, or vocalizing more than usual
Vomiting, diarrhea or constipation
Discharge from nose, ears, eyes, teats, etc.
Unusual skin swellings
Straining to urinate
READ ALSO: Goat Health Basics To Keep Your Herd in Good Performance
Tremors, shivering, staggering or paralysis
Coughing or other respiratory distress
Limping, hunched back posture
Bleeding, blood in urine or stool
Hair loss, dull coat and/or extreme itching
Pale gums or eye membranes
Teeth grinding
-Advertisement-
We do everything possible to supply quality information for farmers day in, day out and we are committed to keep doing this.
Your kind donation will help our continuous research efforts.
