Kulnura Vet - Goats

Goats

Goats are increasing becoming a popular small acreage pet, especially in semi cleared areas. Boer goats are also gaining a strong following as a duel purpose meat and milk production animal. There are numerous internet sites devoted to goats in Australia, Boer, Angora and milkers. Check out some of the links at the bottom of this page.

Goats are great pets, and quite companionable. Looking after them is fairly easy, so long as you follow basic feeding and worming rules. There are several things to consider when owning goats. Many people have the belief that they are "mobile garbage cleaners" and don't need to be fed, and will live off weeds and the bush. This is not entirely true. Goats, like any other animal, have dietary requirements regarding vitamins and minerals. They are capable of grazing small shrubs etc in times of need, but they will not survive well in a small paddock without supplement feed.

There are many common garden plants that are in fact toxic to goats, and unfortunately they will eat them quite happily with drastic results! So be careful about feeding garden cuttings. Below is list of poisonous plants -

Azaleas - Kalmia
Aconite (monkshood) - Laburnum
Avocado - Larkspur
Bulbs - Laurel
Deadly nightshade - Lilac
Foxglove - Oleander
Fuchsia - Rhubarb leaves
Hellesorus (Christmas rose) - Yew

(this is not a complete list…..there are other plants, or parts of, that are toxic, these are just the most common)

The easiest way to feed goats is with good grazing, and supplement goat pellets. During the winter months feeding hay as well as pellets may be needed. Remember, that goats will need worming, and in some areas very intensively, especially if you don't have much grazing area and are running a few goats. Have a chat to your vet about what sort of problems are local to your area. The vet can run tests to see what sort of worms your goats have (if any) and tell you the best way to manage them.

Boer Kids