Goatherd 101 - An Introduction To Raising Meat and Dairy Goats (Self Sustained Living) by Kenn Christenson

Author:Kenn Christenson [Christenson, Kenn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Goat, homesteading, meat goat, dairy goat, goatherd, off the grid, farming
Published: 2014-09-01T04:00:00+00:00

The Signs of a Healthy Goat

Udder and Teats

When choosing a doe for your herd, one of the first things you must check is her udder and teats. Both female dairy and meat goats must have a healthy looking udder and teats. Remember that even meat goat kids need a healthy supply of milk. If the doe’s udder and teats are not in good shape, then she will likely have a difficult time nursing her young.

Here are a few signs to watch for when checking a doe’s udder and teats.

1. Healthy does will have soft, supple udders and two firm teats. In general, all does have two teats, with the only exception being Boer and Savanna goats, both of which naturally have four teats.

2. The ligaments connecting the doe’s udder to the rest of her body must be strong. Her udder must not brush the floor, nor must it sag or feel floppy or sticky. The udder must be smooth to the touch, and must not have any lumps.

3. If you want to choose a young doe that is not yet old enough for a developed udder, then ask the breeder for the parents. Check the mother’s udder and the father’s teats. The condition of the parents’ udder and teats will give you a good idea as to how your young doe will look like when she matures.

Ears, Eyes, Mouth and Nose

All of your potential herd members must show the following physical traits before you agree to purchase them:

1. Bright, clear eyes, with no signs of mucous or injuries near the eyelids or pupil.

2. Clean ears that are free of external parasites, swelling and clogged ear wax.

3. Clear nasal airways with no mucous or lumps. Listen to the goat’s breathing through a stethoscope if you can. The potential herd member must have an even, clear breathing pattern.

4. Check your goat’s mouth for signs of bleeding, infection or swelling. Healthy goats have generally clean teeth and sweet-smelling breath. Their lower teeth are neither pushed forward nor backward. Rather, both the lower and upper teeth easily meet and allow the mouth to close properly. The mouth of a goat is especially important to examine if you should ever plan to enter show ring competitions.

Coat and Body

While it is nearly impossible to have a goat that is 100% free of external parasites, keep in mind that healthy goats will have no problem keeping their skin fauna to a minimum. This is a reflection of the strength of their immune system. If the goats are infested with parasites, or if their coats appear patchy, with lumps, bruises and injuries, it is likely that they are already suffering from sickness.

A healthy goat’s body must neither be too fat or too lean. Feel the sides of your goat’s ribs. If you can pinch more than a handful of fat on each side, chances are that that goat is too fat. Even meat goats must keep their weight and body condition under control lest they encounter problems with obesity and respiratory or circulatory system issues.

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