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With the increasing popularity of goats on Vancouver Island, new goat buyers need to be aware of what to consider and questions to ask when purchasing goats.
Do your research!
There are many resources on the internet as well as at your local library. Visit goat farms. Connect with an organization such as the Vancouver Island Goat Association and talk to long-time goat breeders.
Why do you want a goat? For milk, meat, fibre, packing, or pet? You need to know what breed of goat best fits your situation and what is required to house and feed goats.
Don’t buy trouble!
Signs of good health include bright eyes, smooth shiny coat, lack of abscesses, tail relaxed or upright (not tucked under), firm pelleted stool. Never buy goats that appear unhealthy. Ask the breeder if you can visit their farm. Does the herd look healthy and well cared for?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Breeders should be willing to answer any questions you may have regarding the health of their herd and they should also provide lab results for any disease testing. If you are not sure about something, consult a veterinarian who works with livestock.
Be prepared!
Goats are herd animals and they need another goat companion to be happy. Shelter from rain and clean bedding must be provided. Goats need a good fence to keep them in.
Contrary to popular belief, goats do not eat everything. Goats require good quality hay and mineral supplements to maintain good health.
Goats are more particular about water quality than other livestock; they require continuous access to clean water. Goats may refuse dirty water, leading to dehydration and reduced feed intake, resulting in health complications.
Keeping your new goats healthy!
The breeder should be willing to provide a period of mentorship after you purchase a goat. Ask what vaccinations and dewormers the breeder uses, and what management strategies they use. Develop a relationship with a local veterinarian who works with small ruminants (i.e. goats and sheep).
Practice biosecurity on your farm and when you visit others - all visitors should remove manure and disinfect their shoes with bleach before and after each farm visit to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases. Wearing disposable booties is recommended. Biosecurity information for the general public can be found on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website: Biosecurity Information for the General Public
Do your research!
There are many resources on the internet as well as at your local library. Visit goat farms. Connect with an organization such as the Vancouver Island Goat Association and talk to long-time goat breeders.
Why do you want a goat? For milk, meat, fibre, packing, or pet? You need to know what breed of goat best fits your situation and what is required to house and feed goats.
Don’t buy trouble!
Signs of good health include bright eyes, smooth shiny coat, lack of abscesses, tail relaxed or upright (not tucked under), firm pelleted stool. Never buy goats that appear unhealthy. Ask the breeder if you can visit their farm. Does the herd look healthy and well cared for?
- Diseases
- Be aware that some signs of ill health may not be readily apparent. Ask if the herd is tested regularly for infectious and incurable diseases such as Johne’s disease, Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL), and Caprine Arthritic Encephalitis (CAE). Ask to see the full testing report with dates, if a breeder cannot supply one assume they have not tested. Ask if the herd is clear of Orf (sore mouth) this is a zoonotic disease which can infect humans. Best practise is to speak with the breeders Veterinarian.
- Genetic Disorders
- Certain breeds have genetic disorders that are heritable ( passed on to the offspring). Nubians or Nubian crosses run the risk of G6S, it is not curable. A G6S Carrier animal will appear normal. But if a G6S Carrier is bred to another G6S Carrier there is the risk of the offspring being affected and they will live a short unhealthy life. Ask about the G6S status of the animal and ask to see any test results.
- In Nigerian Dwarfs there is risk of Carpal hyperextension. This may cause issues with mobility. There is no test yet for this disorder.
- Hermaphroditism risk with polled animals. Hermaphroditism means the animal most likely will not be able to reproduce. Some breeds are polled (born with no horns) so ask about if both parents were polled to determine if there is a risk of hermaphroditism. If polled goat is bred to horned (or disbudded) goat there is no risk of Hermaphroditism. Only when a polled goat is bred to another polled goat will there be a risk.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Breeders should be willing to answer any questions you may have regarding the health of their herd and they should also provide lab results for any disease testing. If you are not sure about something, consult a veterinarian who works with livestock.
Be prepared!
Goats are herd animals and they need another goat companion to be happy. Shelter from rain and clean bedding must be provided. Goats need a good fence to keep them in.
Contrary to popular belief, goats do not eat everything. Goats require good quality hay and mineral supplements to maintain good health.
Goats are more particular about water quality than other livestock; they require continuous access to clean water. Goats may refuse dirty water, leading to dehydration and reduced feed intake, resulting in health complications.
Keeping your new goats healthy!
The breeder should be willing to provide a period of mentorship after you purchase a goat. Ask what vaccinations and dewormers the breeder uses, and what management strategies they use. Develop a relationship with a local veterinarian who works with small ruminants (i.e. goats and sheep).
Practice biosecurity on your farm and when you visit others - all visitors should remove manure and disinfect their shoes with bleach before and after each farm visit to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases. Wearing disposable booties is recommended. Biosecurity information for the general public can be found on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website: Biosecurity Information for the General Public
