Goat Health and Husbandry

This unit develops practical skills in daily goat care, health management, and basic reproductive and neonatal practices. Students will learn to maintain appropriate housing and nutrition, identify and respond to common health and hoof problems, work with a veterinarian, and make informed choices about breeding, acquisition, and marketing of goats in preparation for more advanced animal production techniques.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze body-condition scores, common clinical signs, and feed-related issues to identify healthy versus at-risk goats and determine when veterinary intervention is required
• Apply routine husbandry practices including shelter design, bedding, hoof trimming, biosecurity, first-aid procedures, and accommodations for disability to maintain herd welfare
• Demonstrate breeding and neonatal care skills by explaining mating behavior, assisting during kidding, providing postnatal care for does and kids, and performing basic hand-milking
• Evaluate source selection, breed characteristics (meat, milk, fiber, mini breeds), and marketing/showing considerations to develop recommendations for acquiring goats and selling goat products