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Homepage | Introduction | Acknowledgements | Is my goat healthy?
Using medicines correctly | Common diseases and conditions
The main focus of this manual is goat health care which is covered in sections 2-4. However, the general care of goats is also very important. This section briefly describes the basic things that you will need to know about the general care, housing, feeding, watering and handling of your goats.
In order for goats to thrive, it is important that they have a suitable shelter and that they are fed and watered appropriately.
Similarly, if it is necessary to move the goat it is important that the goat is well cared for on the journey and to remember that the goat will need food and water if he is to travel for a long time.
Accidental injuries, to both the goat handler and the goat, can result if goats are not handled or restrained in a safe manner.
It is useful to be able to determine the age of a goat, for example, before purchase or when selecting stock for breeding, sale or culling.
Checking on the condition of your goats on a regular basis will let you know that the goats are thriving.
It is also important to check the feet of the goat regularly since goats can become lame if their claws become overgrown.
Finally, we provide a list of useful equipment and medicines that you may need to have at hand in order to help with the day-to-day management of your goats.
As mentioned at the beginning, the primary concern of this manual is goat health so that this section on basic requirements and routine procedures is quite short. More detailed information on these topics can be obtained from a local agricultural extension officer, animal health technician, agricultural co-operative or veterinarian. |
