Goat Management Guide

1. Getting Started with Goat Management

Choosing Your Production Type

FarmSentry supports all three major goat production systems:

Setting Up Your Goat Farm

1. Go to Dashboard and click "Add Farm"
2. Enter your farm name and location
3. Specify primary production type: Dairy, Meat, or Fiber
4. Set your herd size and production goals
5. Save your farm profile

Creating Herds

Organize your goats by production stage and purpose:

1. Navigate to your farm dashboard
2. Click "Manage Herds"
3. Create herds for different groups:
   • Breeding Stock: Does and bucks
   • Lactating Does: Milking herd (dairy operations)
   • Dry Does: Non-lactating females
   • Kids: Birth to weaning (usually 8-12 weeks)
   • Growers: Post-weaning to breeding/market
   • Market Ready: Meat goats ready for sale
4. Select species: Goat
5. Save each herd

Adding Goats to Your Farm

1. Go to "Animals" section
2. Click "Add Animal"
3. Enter tag ID (ear tag, tattoo, or RFID)
4. Select herd
5. Choose sex (male/female)
6. Add date of birth
7. Select breed from dropdown
8. Choose production type: Dairy, Meat, Fiber, or Dual Purpose
9. For dairy does, enter lactation number (1st freshener, 2nd, etc.)
10. For breeding stock, optionally add sire and dam IDs for pedigree tracking
11. Set status: Active
12. Save the animal

2. FAMACHA Parasite Management

Why FAMACHA is the #1 Priority

Internal parasites (particularly Haemonchus contortus - barber pole worm) are responsible for massive economic losses in goat operations globally. Indiscriminate deworming has created drug-resistant parasites. FAMACHA scoring is the evidence-based solution that reduces dewormer use by 50-70% while maintaining herd health.

Understanding the FAMACHA System

FAMACHA is a 5-point scoring system based on eye membrane color. Anemic goats (from blood-sucking parasites) have pale membranes and need treatment.

Age-Based Treatment Thresholds

• Kids (<6 months): Deworm at score 3, 4, or 5 (more susceptible)
• Adults (≥6 months): Deworm only at score 4 or 5 (build immunity)
• Pregnant does (last 6 weeks): Deworm at score 3+ (stress period)
• Lactating does: Deworm at score 3+ (high nutritional demand)

How to Perform FAMACHA Scoring

1. Navigate to the Activities page from your dashboard
2. Click the "Animal Activities" button
3. Select "Goat" from the species selector (if you have multiple species)
4. Click the "FAMACHA Scoring" tool button
5. Select the date
6. Select goats to assess (can select entire herd)
7. For each goat:
   • Pull down lower eyelid
   • Compare membrane color to FAMACHA card
   • Enter score (1-5)
   • System automatically flags treatment based on age and score
8. Select weather conditions: Dry, Warm/Wet, or Cool
9. For goats requiring treatment:
   • Check "Dewormer administered"
   • Select dewormer type (Ivermectin, Fenbendazole, Moxidectin, etc.)
   • Record withdrawal period if animal produces milk/meat for consumption
10. System calculates next check date based on weather:
    • Dry conditions: 6 weeks
    • Cool conditions: 4 weeks
    • Warm/wet conditions: 2 weeks (rapid parasite development)
11. Add notes about body condition or other observations
12. Save FAMACHA record

Critical Refugia Principle

FAMACHA Check Frequency

• Summer (warm + wet): Every 2 weeks - peak parasite risk
• Spring/Fall (moderate): Every 4 weeks
• Winter (cold + dry): Every 6-8 weeks - low parasite activity
• After heavy rain: Check within 2-3 weeks - larvae migrate up forage
• During drought: Extend to 6 weeks - parasites dormant

Dewormer Rotation Strategy

Rotate dewormer classes annually to slow resistance:

• Year 1: Ivermectin (macrocyclic lactone)
• Year 2: Fenbendazole (benzimidazole)
• Year 3: Levamisole (imidazothiazole)
• Year 4: Moxidectin (macrocyclic lactone)

Dosage critical: Always dose goats at 1.5-2x the cattle/sheep dose. Goats metabolize dewormers faster. Under-dosing accelerates resistance.

3. Body Condition Scoring (BCS)

Why BCS Matters for Goats

Body condition directly impacts reproductive performance, milk production, and parasite resistance. Thin goats (BCS <2.5) have reduced kidding rates, lower milk production, and higher parasite susceptibility. Over-conditioned goats (BCS >4.0) face kidding difficulties and metabolic issues.

BCS Scale (1-5)

• BCS 1 (Emaciated): Spine and ribs extremely prominent, no fat cover, sunken flanks
• BCS 2 (Thin): Spine and ribs easily felt, minimal muscle and fat cover
• BCS 3 (Ideal): Spine felt with pressure, ribs covered, smooth appearance
• BCS 4 (Fat): Spine difficult to feel, thick fat layer, rounded appearance
• BCS 5 (Obese): Cannot feel spine, excessive fat, mobility issues, tail head buried

Target BCS by Life Stage

• Breeding (pre-breeding): BCS 3.0 (optimal fertility)
• Early pregnancy (first 3 months): BCS 2.75-3.0
• Late pregnancy (last 2 months): BCS 3.25 (prepare for kidding + lactation)
• Kidding: BCS 3.25
• Lactation (dairy goats): BCS 2.5-2.75 (will lose condition during peak milk)
• Dry period: BCS 3.0-3.5 (rebuild reserves)
• Growing kids: BCS 2.75-3.0
• Market goats: BCS 3.0-3.5

How to Assess BCS

Primary assessment sites:

1. Loin (lumbar vertebrae): Run hand along spine behind last rib
   • BCS 1-2: Sharp, prominent spinous processes
   • BCS 3: Smooth with firm pressure needed to feel
   • BCS 4-5: Difficult or impossible to feel spine
2. Rib coverage: Feel ribs behind shoulder
   • BCS 1-2: Individual ribs easily felt
   • BCS 3: Ribs felt with gentle pressure, smooth fat cover
   • BCS 4-5: Ribs difficult to distinguish, thick fat layer
3. Sternum (breastbone): Feel between front legs
   • BCS 1-2: Prominent, sharp
   • BCS 3: Rounded, some fat cover
   • BCS 4-5: Well-covered, difficult to feel

How to Record BCS

1. Navigate to the Activities page from your dashboard
2. Click the "Animal Activities" button
3. Select "Goat" from the species selector (if you have multiple species)
4. Click the "Body Condition Scoring" tool button
5. Select assessment date
6. Select goats to assess (can score multiple at once)
7. For each goat:
   • Select life stage (breeding, lactation, dry, etc.)
   • System displays target BCS for that stage
   • Enter current BCS (1.0-5.0 in 0.5 increments)
   • System flags if adjustment needed (current vs. target)
8. Review feeding recommendations for out-of-target goats
9. Add notes about herd condition trends
10. Save BCS assessment

BCS and Reproductive Performance

• BCS <2.5 at breeding: Reduced conception rates (60-70% vs. 85-95%)
• BCS 3.0 at breeding: Optimal - maximizes conception and twinning rate
• BCS >4.0 at kidding: Increased dystocia (difficult births), metabolic issues
• BCS loss >1.5 during lactation: Indicates negative energy balance - increase feed

Feeding Adjustments by BCS

• Thin goats (BCS <2.5): Increase grain by 0.25-0.5 kg/day, add alfalfa hay
• Optimal BCS (2.5-3.5): Maintain current ration
• Over-conditioned (BCS >3.5): Reduce grain, increase exercise/browse time
• Dairy goats in lactation: Focus on energy density - expect BCS 2.5-2.75 during peak milk

4. Kidding Management & Colostrum Tracking

Why Kidding Records Matter

Kidding management determines kid survival (target: 90%+ survival to weaning) and future herd genetics. Recording doe performance helps identify superior mothers for breeding and poor performers for culling. Colostrum intake within the first 4 hours is the #1 factor for kid survival.

Goat Gestation & Kidding

• Gestation length: 145-155 days (average 149 days - about 5 months)
• Normal kidding rate: 150-200% (twins common, triplets frequent)
• Birth weights: 2.5-4.0 kg (varies by breed and litter size)
• Kidding difficulty: Rare in healthy does with proper nutrition

Colostrum Critical Window

How to Record Kidding Events

1. Navigate to the Activities page from your dashboard
2. Click the "Animal Activities" button
3. Select "Goat" from the species selector (if you have multiple species)
4. Click the "Kidding Detail" tool button
5. Select the doe that kidded
6. Optionally select buck (sire) if known
7. Enter breeding date if recorded (system calculates gestation days)
8. Enter kidding date
9. Select birth type:
   • Single (1 kid)
   • Twin (2 kids)
   • Triplet (3 kids)
   • Quad (4 kids)
   • Quint (5 kids - rare but possible)
10. System displays kid entry forms based on birth type (e.g., 3 forms for triplets)
11. For each kid, record:
    • Sex: Male or Female
    • Birth weight (kg): Critical for tracking growth
    • Vigor score: Strong/Moderate/Weak (strong = standing within 30 min)
    • Survival status: Alive/Stillborn/Died within 24h
    • Colostrum received: Yes/No
    • Time to colostrum (hours): How long after birth - FLAG if >4 hours
    • Disbudding planned: Yes/No (most operations disbud at 3-7 days)
12. Select kidding ease:
    • Unassisted (normal)
    • Easy assist (minor help positioning kid)
    • Hard pull (significant intervention)
    • Veterinary (vet-assisted)
    • C-section (surgical)
13. Assess mothering ability:
    • Excellent (attentive, aggressive to protect, allows nursing)
    • Good (normal maternal behavior)
    • Fair (somewhat disinterested but allows nursing)
    • Poor (disinterested, walks away from kids)
    • Rejected (actively rejects kids - requires bottle feeding)
14. Rate doe condition post-kidding: Excellent/Good/Fair/Poor
15. Add notes about complications, placenta retention, etc.
16. Save kidding record

Weak or Premature Kids

Kids with weak vigor scores or birth weights <2.0 kg need special care:

• Heat: Use heat lamp or warming box - hypothermia kills within hours
• Colostrum: Tube-feed if kid won't nurse (stomach tube + 60 mL colostrum)
• Feeding schedule: Bottle-feed every 2-3 hours for first 24 hours
• Monitor: Check temperature (normal: 39-40°C / 102-104°F)
• Isolation: Keep separate from herd to prevent trampling

Kidding Calendar & Due Dates

FarmSentry calculates expected kidding dates when you record breeding dates:

• Breeding date + 149 days = Expected kidding date
• Normal range: ±6 days (143-155 days total)
• Early kidding (<145 days): Kids may be premature, need extra care
• Late kidding (>155 days): Veterinary check - may need induction

Using Kidding Data for Breeding Decisions

• Retain daughters from: Does with consistent twins/triplets, excellent mothering, easy kidding
• Cull does with: Repeated single births, rejected kids, chronic kidding difficulty
• Track buck performance: Kids from specific bucks - compare vigor, growth rates
• Seasonal patterns: Analyze kidding rates by season to optimize breeding schedule

5. DHI Milk Testing (Dairy Goat Operations)

What is DHI Testing?

Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) testing measures milk production and quality for dairy goats. Monthly testing provides data on milk volume, butterfat %, protein %, and somatic cell count (SCC) - the key metrics for managing dairy profitability and herd health.

Breed-Specific Production Targets

Somatic Cell Count (SCC) Standards

SCC measures white blood cells in milk - an indicator of mastitis and milk quality:

• Excellent (<200,000 cells/mL): Healthy udder, premium quality
• Good (200,000-500,000): Acceptable, monitor
• Monitoring (500,000-1,000,000): Subclinical mastitis risk, investigate
• High (>1,000,000): Clinical mastitis likely, treatment needed

Important: Goat milk naturally has higher SCC than cow milk. Bulk tank SCC of 500,000-1,000,000 is common on pasture (increases in summer). Individual does >1,500,000 need attention.

How to Record DHI Milk Test

1. Navigate to the Activities page from your dashboard
2. Click the "Animal Activities" button
3. Select "Goat" from the species selector (if you have multiple species)
4. Click the "DHI Milk Test" tool button
5. Select test date
6. Select does to test (lactating dairy goats only)
7. For each doe, enter:
   • Milk weight (kg): 24-hour total or AM+PM composite
   • Butterfat %: From lab analysis or milk analyzer
   • Protein %: From lab analysis
   • Lactose %: Optional (usually 4.4-4.8%)
   • Somatic Cell Count (SCC): Cells/mL
   • Days in milk (DIM): Days since kidding
   • Lactation number: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.
8. System automatically calculates:
   • SNF (Solids-Not-Fat): Protein + Lactose + minerals
   • Total solids: Butterfat + SNF
   • Milk quality score: Based on components + SCC
   • Comparison to breed average: Above/at/below target
9. Review SCC status indicator (color-coded: green/yellow/orange/red)
10. Add test notes (mastitis treatments, feed changes, etc.)
11. Save DHI test record

Understanding Lactation Curves

Dairy goats follow a predictable milk production pattern:

• Days 1-30: Rapid increase to peak production
• Days 30-60: Peak lactation (highest milk volume)
• Days 60-150: Gradual decline (5-8% per month)
• Days 150-240: Moderate production continues
• Days 240-305: Declining - consider drying off
• After 305 days: Production drops significantly, dry off unless exceptional

High SCC Troubleshooting

If individual doe SCC exceeds 1,500,000:

1. Check udder: Feel for heat, swelling, hardness
2. Strip test: Examine milk for clots, watery consistency, blood
3. CMT test: California Mastitis Test for confirmation
4. Treat if positive: Intramammary antibiotics or systemic treatment
5. Retest in 7-10 days: Verify SCC reduction
6. Cull if chronic: Does with repeated high SCC (3+ tests) should be culled

Seasonal SCC Variation

Research shows bulk tank SCC varies seasonally:

• Winter/Spring (housed): 470,000 cells/mL average
• Summer (pasture): 1,100,000 cells/mL average (normal increase)
• Pasture season increases SCC due to environmental factors, stress, udder trauma from brush
• This is normal - don't over-treat based on summer SCC alone

6. Browse Rotation & Pasture Management

Why Rotational Browsing Matters

Goats are natural browsers (prefer woody plants, brush, weeds over grass). Proper browse rotation reduces parasite loads, improves forage quality, and maximizes carrying capacity. Continuous grazing in one area creates parasite hotspots and depletes forage.

Parasite Risk Management Through Rotation

Research shows parasite larvae migrate up forage to 4-6 inches from ground. Goats browsing above this height have dramatically lower parasite exposure.

How to Record Browse Rotation

1. Navigate to the Activities page from your dashboard
2. Click the "Animal Activities" button
3. Select "Goat" from the species selector (if you have multiple species)
4. Click the "Browse Rotation" tool button
5. Select paddock/pasture ID
6. Enter start date and end date of rotation
7. Select herd using this paddock
8. Assess forage height:
   • Tall (>6 inches) - Low parasite risk
   • Medium (4-6 inches) - Medium parasite risk
   • Short (<4 inches) - High parasite risk
9. Select parasite risk level: Low/Medium/High (system flags high-risk paddocks)
10. Enter stocking density: Number of goats per acre
11. Record rest period (days since last grazing)
12. Add notes about forage quality, invasive species control, etc.
13. Save rotation record

Optimal Rotation Frequency

• Rotation frequency: 3-7 days per paddock (prevents overgrazing)
• Rest period: 30-45 days minimum (allows forage recovery + parasite die-off)
• Stocking density: 6-8 goats per acre (varies by forage quality)
• Parasite reduction: 60+ day rest kills 90%+ of larvae

Browse Preferences by Type

Goats prefer woody browse over grass:

• Preferred (80% consumption): Blackberry, multiflora rose, poison ivy, kudzu, sumac
• Good (60% consumption): Oak leaves, willow, poplar, maple, honeysuckle
• Acceptable (40% consumption): Grasses, clover, alfalfa
• Avoided (10% consumption): Buttercup, bracken fern, rhododendron, azalea (toxic)

Seasonal Rotation Strategy

• Spring: Fast rotation (3-5 days) - rapid forage growth supports frequent moves
• Summer (wet): CRITICAL rotation - parasites peak, maintain 30+ day rest
• Fall: Moderate rotation (5-7 days) - parasite risk declining
• Winter: Extended paddock use (7-14 days) - slow forage growth, low parasite activity

7. Hoof Trimming Schedule

Why Hoof Trimming is Critical

Overgrown hooves cause lameness, joint damage, and reduced browsing efficiency. Goats on pasture wear hooves naturally but still need trimming. Housed goats require more frequent trimming. Neglected hooves harbor foot rot bacteria and lead to chronic lameness.

Recommended Trimming Frequency

• Standard schedule: Every 8 weeks (6-10 weeks depending on conditions)
• Housed goats: Every 6 weeks (minimal wear)
• Rocky pasture goats: Every 10-12 weeks (natural wear)
• Breeding bucks: Every 6 weeks (poor hoof health = poor breeding performance)
• Kids (first trim): 4-6 months of age

How to Record Hoof Trimming

1. Navigate to the Activities page from your dashboard
2. Click the "Animal Activities" button
3. Select "Goat" from the species selector (if you have multiple species)
4. Click the "Hoof Trimming" tool button
5. Select trimming date
6. Select goats trimmed (can select entire herd)
7. For each goat, assess hoof condition:
   • Excellent: Minimal overgrowth, no cracking, proper shape
   • Good: Moderate overgrowth, no issues
   • Fair: Significant overgrowth or minor cracking
   • Poor: Severe overgrowth, deep cracks, or foot rot signs
8. Record trim level:
   • Light (maintenance)
   • Moderate (normal trim)
   • Heavy (corrective - overgrown hooves)
9. Check for foot rot indicators:
   • Foul odor (characteristic rotten smell)
   • Separation between hoof walls and sole
   • Gray, necrotic tissue
   • Lameness
10. If foot rot detected:
    • Check "Foot rot treatment given"
    • Select treatment: Zinc sulfate footbath, Topical antibiotic, Injectable antibiotic
    • Record withdrawal period if applicable
11. System calculates next trim date (8 weeks from current trim)
12. Add notes about hoof issues or special cases
13. Save hoof trimming record

Proper Hoof Trimming Technique

1. Restrain goat: Use milking stand, trimming stand, or have assistant hold
2. Clean hoof: Remove mud, manure, debris with hoof pick
3. Trim overgrowth: Cut hoof wall flush with sole using sharp hoof shears
4. Level toes: Trim toe walls to match heel height
5. Remove flaps: Cut away loose or folded hoof wall
6. Check sole: Trim any overgrown sole material (should be flat)
7. STOP at pink: If you see pink tissue, STOP - you're at the blood supply
8. Apply copper sulfate: Dust trimmed hooves to prevent infection

Foot Rot Prevention

Foot rot is caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum + Dichelobacter nodosus bacteria. Prevention is easier than treatment:

• Keep feet dry: Wet, muddy conditions promote bacterial growth
• Regular trimming: Prevents overgrowth and trapping bacteria
• Zinc sulfate footbath: 10% solution, walk goats through monthly during wet seasons
• Quarantine new goats: Check and trim hooves before introducing to herd
• Cull chronic cases: Goats with repeated foot rot (3+ episodes) should be culled

8. Buck Breeding Soundness Evaluation (BSE)

Why BSE Testing Matters

A single buck serves 25-40 does in natural breeding programs. One infertile or low-fertility buck can devastate your kidding rate and profitability. BSE testing (annually before breeding season) ensures bucks are reproductively sound.

Buck-to-Doe Ratios

• Young bucks (8-12 months): 1 buck : 15-20 does (first breeding season)
• Mature bucks (2-5 years): 1 buck : 30-40 does (peak fertility)
• Aged bucks (>6 years): 1 buck : 20-25 does (declining fertility)
• Pasture breeding: Use 2-3 bucks per group (fertility backup if one fails)
• Hand breeding/AI: 1 buck can service 100+ does via collected semen

How to Record Buck BSE

1. Navigate to the Activities page from your dashboard
2. Click the "Animal Activities" button
3. Select "Goat" from the species selector (if you have multiple species)
4. Click the "Buck Breeding Soundness" tool button
5. Select buck being evaluated
6. Enter evaluation date (ideally 6-8 weeks before breeding season)
7. Record body condition score: Target BCS 3.0-3.5 (not too fat or thin)
8. Physical examination:
   • Overall health status: Healthy/Minor issues/Major issues
   • Hoof condition: Good/Fair/Poor (lameness prevents breeding)
   • Eyes: Clear/Cloudy (vision problems affect breeding ability)
   • Teeth: Good/Fair/Poor (affects nutrition and body condition)
9. Scrotal measurements:
   • Scrotal circumference (cm): Measured at widest point with tape
     • 8-12 months: 20-25 cm minimum
     • 12-24 months: 25-30 cm minimum
     • Mature (2+ years): 30-38 cm (larger = higher fertility)
   • Testicular tone: Firm/Soft (firm = healthy, soft = problem)
   • Symmetry: Even/Uneven (testicles should be equal size)
10. Libido assessment:
    • Excellent: Immediately interested in does, aggressive breeding
    • Good: Shows interest within 1-2 minutes
    • Fair: Slow to respond, hesitant
    • Poor: Disinterested, won't mount
11. Semen quality (if lab testing available):
    • Sperm motility: Target ≥70% progressive motility
    • Sperm concentration: Target ≥1 billion/mL
    • Normal morphology: Target ≥70% normal
12. System provides overall BSE status:
    • Pass: Suitable for breeding
    • Marginal: Use with caution, monitor performance
    • Fail: Do NOT use for breeding - replace or retest in 60 days
13. Add notes about specific concerns or veterinary recommendations
14. Save BSE record

Common BSE Failure Reasons

• Small scrotal circumference: Indicates low sperm production
• Soft testicles: Testicular degeneration or infection
• Asymmetry: One testicle injured or diseased
• Poor libido: Hormonal imbalance, arthritis, vision problems
• Lameness: Buck unable to mount does effectively
• Poor body condition: BCS <2.5 or >4.0 reduces fertility

BSE Timing & Frequency

• Annual testing: 6-8 weeks before breeding season (allows time for replacement)
• First-time breeding bucks: Test at 10-12 months before first use
• Post-injury/illness: Retest 60 days after recovery (testicular damage takes time)
• Purchased bucks: Always test before introducing to doe herd

Maintaining Buck Fertility

• Nutrition: BCS 3.0-3.5 year-round (fat bucks have lower fertility)
• Hoof trimming: Every 6 weeks (lameness prevents effective breeding)
• Separate housing: Keep bucks away from does except during breeding (constant doe exposure reduces libido)
• Exercise: Provide space for activity - sedentary bucks have poorer fertility
• Heat stress: Provide shade in summer - testicular heat stress reduces fertility for 60 days
• Companion animals: Never house bucks alone - use wether or another buck for companionship

9. Weight Tracking & Market Readiness

Why Weight Tracking Matters

Weight tracking optimizes marketing timing for meat goats, monitors growth rates for all production types, and identifies underperforming animals. Regular weighing provides early warning of health issues (sudden weight loss) and ensures kids reach target weights before weaning.

Breed-Specific Market Weight Targets

How to Record Weight Checks

1. Navigate to the Activities page from your dashboard
2. Click the "Animal Activities" button
3. Select "Goat" from the species selector (if you have multiple species)
4. Click the "Weight Tracking" tool button
5. Select weighing date
6. Select goats to weigh (can weigh entire herd)
7. For each goat:
   • Enter current weight (kg)
   • System retrieves previous weight and calculates:
     • Weight change (kg): Current - previous
     • Days since last weigh: Auto-calculated
     • ADG (g/day): Weight change ÷ days between weighings
     • Total gain from birth: Current weight - birth weight
   • System displays breed-specific ADG target for comparison
   • Select production purpose: Meat/Dairy/Breeding/Replacement
8. For market goats, system calculates:
   • Market readiness: Yes/No (based on breed-specific target)
   • Days to target weight: Estimated based on current ADG
   • Performance classification: Above target/At target/Below target
9. Add notes about health issues or feeding changes
10. Save weight record

Weight Check Frequency

• Birth: Record birth weight (critical baseline)
• Kids (0-12 weeks): Weigh every 2 weeks (rapid growth phase)
• Growers (3-8 months): Weigh monthly (monitor growth trends)
• Market goats: Weigh every 2 weeks when approaching target weight
• Breeding stock: Weigh quarterly (monitor body condition)
• Dairy does: Weigh monthly during lactation (track body condition loss)

Average Daily Gain (ADG) Targets

ADG benchmarks for healthy, well-managed kids:

• Birth to weaning (8-12 weeks): 150-200 g/day (nursing + creep feed)
• Post-weaning to 6 months: 100-150 g/day (forage + grain)
• 6 months to market: 75-125 g/day (finishing phase)
• Poor performance (<75 g/day): Investigate - parasites, poor nutrition, illness

Market Timing Optimization

Strategic market timing maximizes profitability:

• Peak demand periods:
  • Easter (March-April) - premium prices for young kids
  • Eid al-Adha (varies) - highest prices, 32-45 kg goats preferred
  • Hispanic holidays (September-December) - steady demand for cabrito
• Target weights by market:
  • Cabrito (Mexican): 4.5-9 kg (10-20 lbs) - milk-fed kids 6-8 weeks
  • Chevon (general): 32-45 kg (70-100 lbs) - 6-9 months
  • Halal market: 32-45 kg (70-100 lbs) - specific religious requirements
• Avoid overshooting: Goats >50 kg have lower per-kg prices (less tender meat)

Culling Decisions Based on Weight

• Underperforming kids: Kids in bottom 20% for ADG at 4 months - consider culling (genetic or health issues)
• Slow-growing doelings: Replacement doelings below 70% of target weight at 9 months - cull (won't perform)
• Weight loss in adults: Unexplained weight loss >15% - investigate parasites, disease, teeth
• Low birthweight does: Does consistently producing kids <2.0 kg - cull (poor maternal genetics)

10. Best Practices & Seasonal Management

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Goat Operations

Track these metrics to benchmark your operation against industry standards:

Seasonal Management Calendar

Genetic Selection Strategy

Continuous genetic improvement is key to long-term profitability:

• Doe selection criteria:
  • Kidding rate: Retain does that consistently produce twins/triplets
  • Mothering ability: Keep excellent mothers (attentive, good milk, easy kidding)
  • Parasite resistance: Does that maintain FAMACHA 1-2 without treatment
  • Production: Dairy does >3.5 kg/day, meat does with fast-growing kids
  • Longevity: Does productive for 6-8+ years
• Buck selection criteria:
  • Scrotal circumference: >32 cm for mature bucks (high fertility)
  • Dam performance: Choose bucks from high-producing, high-twinning dams
  • Growth rate: Bucks from fast-growing kids (genetic ADG)
  • Breed standards: Conformation, breed character, structural correctness
  • Unrelated genetics: Avoid inbreeding - introduce new bloodlines every 2-3 years
• Culling strategy:
  • Cull bottom 10-15% of herd annually
  • Replace with top-performing daughters or purchased genetics
  • Track performance over multiple years - one bad year isn't enough to cull
  • Prioritize reproductive failures: Does that fail to breed 2 years in a row

Record-Keeping Best Practices

• Use FarmSentry consistently: Record ALL events the day they occur (memory fades quickly)
• Track individual IDs: Ear tags or tattoos - never rely on visual identification alone
• Photo documentation: Take photos of does with kids at birth (prevents mis-mothering claims)
• Monthly reviews: Analyze trends (FAMACHA patterns, weight gains, kidding intervals)
• Annual reporting: Generate full-year reports to benchmark against industry standards
• Backup records: FarmSentry cloud storage ensures records survive farm disasters

Biosecurity Fundamentals

• Quarantine new arrivals: 30 days minimum, check and trim hooves, FAMACHA score
• Deworm at entry: Use multi-class dewormer on new goats to prevent resistant parasite introduction
• Visitor protocols: Clean boots or boot baths for visitors (foot rot, CAE spread)
• Equipment sanitation: Disinfect clippers, tattoo equipment between animals
• Closed herd strategy: Minimize introductions - buy only from tested, disease-free herds
• CAE/CL testing: Test annually for Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis and Caseous Lymphadenitis