Mastitis is the inflammation of the mammary gland usually due to a mammary infection that occurs in lactating goats (though sub-clinical mastitis can persist when dry, or can occur from a precocious udder). Several different strains of bacteria can be responsible for causing this illness. Early stages of mastitis or sub-clinical mastitis are hard to pick up on.
Many people are jumping on the trend of buffet-style mineral options for their herds—it’s slowly becoming more popular, especially within the natural community. The most important value that I strive to lead with in all of my consulting is that everyone’s situation is different.
Polio (Polioencephalomalacia) and Listeriosis (also referred to as “Listeria”) are two, unfortunately, highly common neurological illnesses in goats. Often when we hear about one, we hear about the other, because they appear very similarly. So much so that many people just refer to the issue as “polio/listeriosis.” When they treat for one, they also treat … Continue reading Treating Polio & Listeriosis in Goats
How much does your soil mineral content/forage mineral content actually impact your goats? I have heard from many industry professionals, vets, blogs, and goat owners to check and be aware of your soil mineral levels to determine how you need to supplement your goats. I cannot tell you how many people have come to me … Continue reading How Much Does Your Soil’s Mineral Level Affect Your Goats?
It is so important for any creature who is a soon-to-be-momma to have proper nutrition. Why? Because it’s not just for their bodies, it’s for the bodies of their offspring as well. I cannot begin to explain how many occurrences visible at birth in goat kids can be attributed to poor nutrition of their dam … Continue reading A Guide to Feeding Pregnant and Lactating Goats
Goat Medicine: why does it differ so much from the veterinary medicine of other ‘similar’ creatures? I mentioned this briefly in one of my Instagram posts, which sparked many people to request a longer explanation. I could write for days, but instead I want to focus on a few key reasons as to why goats … Continue reading Redefining Goat Care
Goats are fed a diet of mostly hay these days—as they are domesticated and most owners don’t have miles of land for them to forage on. This is totally fine; however, your goats will always be healthier if you can switch up their diet in small, meaningful ways by adding in a variety of forage/browse … Continue reading Goat Gardens: What to Plant, Forage, and Feed to your Goats
What is Coccidiosis? Coccidiosis is a parasitic infestation in goats caused by the parasite Coccidia. Coccidia is not a worm, it is a protozoa. This means that regular dewormers (chemical ones, in particular) do not affect it. Luckily, natural dewormers work very effectively for Coccidia. Coccidia (aka Cocci [pronounced Kok-see]) has been known to cause … Continue reading Preventing & Treating Coccidiosis in Goats
Goat kids: bouncy, lovable, adorable…and difficult! Today I want to talk about goat kid care—everything from what to do right after birth, to bottle feeding, to weaning! Prepping for birth: While this is not a post dedicated to pregnancy, kidding prep, etc., it is important to have a complete first aid kit by your side … Continue reading Caring for Goat Kids: From Birth to Weaning
Every goat needs minerals; every human needs minerals; every living creature needs minerals! While wild forages do contain minerals that they have absorbed through the soil, it is unlikely that goats will consume enough of these plants (or the right plants, with roots that draw up the most minerals) to supply all of their mineral needs.
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