SMALL RUMENANT

PRODUCTION
SELECTING AND MANAGING
BREEDING STOCKS
1. Breeds of goat commonly raised in the Philippines
are identified.
2. Suitable breeds of goats are identified based on
industry and BAI
standards.
3. Specific breeding objectives for goat production are
identified.
DEFINITION OF TERMS

• Breed – the distinct characteristics of an animal which are generally

• transmitted from generation to generation
• Type – a group of animals raise to serve a certain purpose
• Doe – female goat used for breeding
• Buck – male goat used for breeding
Types of Goat

Meat type- intended for the production of chevon.

Example: Boer 
Dairy type- intended for the production of milk
Examples: Saanen, Toggenburg, Alpine
Dual purpose type- raised for both meat and milk
Examples: Nubians, Jumna Pari
Different Breeds of Goats and Their Characteristics

1. Nubian. This breed comes from Nubia, Northeastern Africa.

Its average weightis 65 kilograms. Some are brown with horns
while other is hornless. It haslong drooping ears, a distinct
Roman nose and a prominent head. Its coatcolor may be
black, tan and white, or red and white. It produces an average
oftwo liters of milk daily. This breed is found to have a
satisfactory performancein the Philippines which can thrive in
plains or a rolling to hilly areas.
Nubian.
• Saanen. A native of the Swiss Alps, its weight is about 65 kilograms at
maturity.
• Some are hornless, although horned but disbudded ones are preferred. It
has
• a straight nose and erect ears. Its color is either pure or creamy white. The
• average milk production is 3 liters/daily with butter content of about 4.3%.
• This breed thrives well in higher elevations, approximately 1,000 meters
above
• sea level or higher.
Saanen.
Philippine Goat
Philippine Goat. Small but hardy, it weighs 25 kilograms at maturity. It
has
• average daily milk production which is 350 liters butterfat content of
about
• 4.6%. Its coat color is red, white or black or a combination of three
colors.
• This type of goat is found throughout the country, and thrives in all
Agro
• Economical Zone(AEZ).
Philippine Goat
Boer
Boer. It has half-drooping ears, a distinct Roman nose and a prominent
• forehead. Its head, neck and the tip of tail are brown to reddish
brown, while
• the rest of its coat is white. Its average weight is 75 kilograms at
maturity. It is
• a meat type breed. It thrives in a well-drained hilly to rolling areas.
Boer
Upgraded.
• Upgraded. It is a cross of a purebred (Nubian, Saanen or Boer) and
Philippine
• goat. It can weigh 35 kilograms at maturity. It is resistant to diseases
and is
• adaptable to all AEZs
Upgraded.
Toggenburg
• Toggenburg. This breed
originated in Switzerland. It is
smaller than the Nubian and
Saanen. Its distinguishing
features are white markings on
the face, legs and tail. The ears
are erect like the Saanen.
Alpine
Alpine. This is a
European breed. The
color ranges from
off-white to red or
black.
Breeding Objectives
Breeding of goats aims at increasing existing population in the inventory.
It also improves herd performance by optimizing their genetic potential
primarily for important economic traits.
 SELECTING SUITABLE AND SUPERIOR
BREEDS
Selection of Stock
Selection is the method used by animal raisers to make long-term genetic
change. It is the process that determines which individual animals
become
parents, how many offspring produced and how long they remain
productive in
the breeding population.
In selecting the breeding stocks, consider both the physical features and
the reproductive performance of the animals. If performance data are
available,
choose stocks based on the number of offspring weaned per year per doe
exposed
Selection of Stock
vigor, breeding quality, and aggressiveness.
Choose the breeder male that isthe heaviest in the herd,
born of prolific females, and capable of transmitting its
good qualities to its progeny. It should be active and always
ready to mount on abreeder female in heat. In evaluating a
buck, check its reproductive parts bypalpating the animal’s
sex organ. There should be two testicles, both descended
and about equal size.
Selection of Stock
These must be firm remaining large throughout the year and can slip
freely up and down the s crotum. There should no adhesions or
swelling in the sac.
On the other hand, choose female breeding stock based on
reproductive capacity, temperament, and motherly instinct. Regardless
of breed, select breeder females with good mouth and normal genitals
and udder..For both sexes of breeders, consider the large size, straight
and strong legs,
bright eyes, and high feeding capacity for these are desirable
characteristics.
FEEDING GUIDE FOR GENERAL HERD
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Milking/Lactating doe – nursing goat
Feedstuffs – ingredients used in the formulation of feeds
Legume plants – pod-bearing plants such as centrocema, ipil- ipil
Silage – fermented feed material stored in a silo for feeding
Silo – a structure usually sealed when full to exclude air and used for
storing silage UMMB(Urea Molasses Mineral Block) is a feed supplement
given to the ruminant animals to supply the needed minerals
Roughage- feed contain high in fiber but low in digestible nutrients
Concentrate- feeds low in fiber but high in digestible nutrients
Feed additives- chemical compound added to the feeds but does not supply
any nutrients
Ration – amount of feed given to the animal within 24 hrs
Colostrums- first milk secreted after kidding
Feeding Habits of Goat
Major considerations when choosing goats to be raised:
Doe Buck
a. alertness a. alertness
b. clear eyes b. clear eyes
c. good body conformation c. long body
d. long body d. good body conformation
e. long, straight, and strong legs e. long, straight, and strong legs
f. shiny coat f. masculine appearance
g. well-developed udder g. broad chest
h. angular and wedge-shaped body h. well-develop sex organs
i. good temperament and motherly i. aggressiveness
instinct j. resistance to diseases
j. resistance to diseases k. adaptability to environment
k. adaptability to environment
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
1. Reproductive phenomena of small ruminant are discussed.
2. Average duration of estrus is determined based on farm record
3. Estrus cycle of does/ewe is computed based on the reproductive
cycleof the animals.
4. Puberty age of small ruminants is explained thoroughly.
5. Post partum heat is monitored based on farm records.
6. Kidding interval is discussed.
7. Systems and types of breeding are practiced.
8. Breeding practices are discussed properly.
9. Breeding is performed using standards breeding procedures.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Breeding - the act of biological reproduction
Heat period/Estrus period - the period when the female is
receptive to male
Artificial Insemination (AI) - a reproductive technology in which
semen is collected from the males and then used in fresh or
frozen form to breed females through artificial means
Heat Cycle - the interval between two successive heat periods
Breeding Practices for Does
A doe may be bred for the first time when she is about eight months old,well
grown, in good health, and weighs not less than 15kg for native and 20kg or
crossbreeds.
Two services are recommended for maiden does. Although one service can
make a doe pregnant as goats are generally prolific. When hand mating is
being practiced, breed the doe upon observation of heat and repeat 12 hours
after.
Does with estrus period lasting for three days may be bred on the third day.
Best result is obtained when a maiden doe is bred on her second cycle after
eight months. This enables caretaker to establish the duration of estrus,the
estrus cycle, and the degree of manifestation of estrus.
Does can be returned to the herd after breeding .
If the does return to heat in about 21 days, they should be rebred. Failure of
the does to conceive after breeding with proven bucks for 2 cycles can be a
Reproductive Phenomena in Goats
Particular Parameter
Age of puberty 4-8 months
Estrus 2-3 days
Estrus cycle 18-24 days (average 21 days)
Ovulation 33 hours after the beginning of estrus
Gestation length 142-155 days (average 150 days)
Kidding interval
Pure breed 240 days
Native 210-260 days
Breeding Practices for Bucks
Bucks are allowed to serve does for the first time when they are
alreadyeight months old. However, he is only capable of light
service at this stage. The buck should not serve more than 20 does
before one year old. In hand mating/controlled mating, it is also
not advisable to use a mature buck to more than four services
weekly. In unrestricted breeding, the breeding load should be
one buck for every 25 does or less depending on the size, terrain
and vegetation of the pasture.
Avoid the trauma brought about by a large-sized buck servicing a
native doe.
In general, never allow bucks to run with the herd unless herding
is a part of the management practice. This is to prevent some of
the does from being bred too young.
The bucks may be kept as long as they are productive, provided
they are not allowed to breed their own daughters.
Exchanging or loaning bucks to other farms will allow other goat
raisers to avail of genetic superiority of a buck and can prevent
inbreeding. However, undertake utmost care and precautions so
as not to overuse the buck and the possible spread of
reproductive and other contagious diseases.
System of Breeding
 Upgrading/ Grading up- used to infuse exotic bloodline of bucks to
an existing breed, usually native female.
Grading up with a purebred buck will produce kids with the
following blood composition.
Purebred buck X Native doe

Purebred buck X (50% purebred: 50% Native doe)

Purebred buck X (75% purebred: 25% Native doe)

87.5% Purebred buck: 12.5% Native

Pure breeding- a purebred buck is mated to a pure bred doe of
the same breed, this mating is also called straight breeding. Pure
breeding is practiced when a raiser wants to maintain primarily
the purity of his stocks. This mating scheme is usually observed
among nucleus farm, which are mandated to produce breeders
for the multiplier farms.
 Crossbreeding- is achieved when bucks of one breed or breed
combinations are mated to does of another breed or breed
combination.
Signs of In Heat Doe
•  mounting other animals irrespective of sex or stands still
when mounted by other goats
•  shaking of tail from side to side especially if other goats
• rub over her  bleating
•  mucus discharge from the vulva
•  swollen vulva
•  nervousness
•  frequent urination
•  decrease in appetite
Types of Breeding
Hand Mating
This type of breeding involves the complete confinement of the buck in a
separate quarter and not allowed to be mixed with the rest of the herd.
When a doe is “in heat”, they are brought to the breeding pen where they
are mated to buck with or without the assistance of the caretaker.
Hand mating has the following advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages:
1. Keeping record is easier and more accurate, ensuring better care for
kidding does.
2. Buck does not waste energy in mounting.
3. “Settled does” are separated from others and are not disturbed;
hence, the risk of abortion is lessened if not avoided.
Disadvantages:
1. More time and effort are required in identifying doe in heat so as not
to miss breeding with the buck.
2. A separate pen for the buck is required
Pasture mating
This permits the buck to run with the herd throughout the breeding
season or throughout the year. This type saves labor in the daily
inspection of the herd for in heat does and driving them to the
breeding pen for mating.
Artificial Insemination (AI)
A reproductive technology in which semen is collected from bucks and
then used in fresh or frozen form to breed does through artificial
means. Artificial Insemination offers a great potential in accelerating
Materials needed for AI 
Artificial vagina (7cm. in diameter and 15cm. long) for semen
collection
Microscope and a hemocytometer for semen evaluation. 
Catheter for semen deposition filled with either rubber bulb or a 2 ml.
syringe. 
Speculum for opening the vagina. 
Flashlight/penlight 
Semen Evaluation
As soon as the semen is collected, it is evaluated for motility and
concentration. Good quality semen can be used immediately as
liquid or fresh undiluted semen or it can be diluted to serve more
does from only one ejaculation using extenders.
Steps in Artificial Insemination
Place the doe in a breeding stall, to hold the doe firmly and elevate
itsrear quarters. In the absence of stall, support the doe by the knee
just in front of her udder. 
Clean the vulva and the surrounding area with ordinary tap water.
Lubricate the speculum with KY jelly-oil or Vaseline. 
Insert the speculum gently not with a jerk, through the vulva into
the vagina. 
The insertion is usually followed by twisting motion with slight
amount of pressure.
The speculum must be inserted following the angle of the rung. 
Using a flashlight mani
Steps in Artificial Insemination

Using a flashlight manipulating the speculum, locate the cervix.
With the correct amount of semen previously loaded into the 1ml.
pipette catheter, introduce the opened end through the speculum
into the cervix
The catheter must be put gently through the cervical opening.
Semen deposition must be made from 1 to 1.5 cm. inside the
cervix.
Releasing the semen behind. The first fold, approximately 0.6cm is
permissible in virgin does.
Steps in Artificial Insemination
Deposit 1-0.2ml of semen containing 120-125 million sperm cells
by pushing the syringe plunger or pressing the rubber slowly and
holding it at the position, until it is withdrawn from the cervix. If a
speculum is not available, a rubber hose 2cm. in diameter and
15cm. long may be used. Both ends must be smooth. To get high
conception rate, make technique of semen deposition as natural
as possible. Use semen of high quality, inseminate the animal at
the right stage of estrus and use only clean sanitized equipment.
Administering Artificial
Insemination (AI) in small ruminant
Signs of Pregnancy
 absence of estrus
 prominence of the milk vein
 gradual enlargement of the udder 
gradual increase of belly size
Guidelines in Culling or Removing Unproductive Breeder
 Cull does that do not settle in spite of repeated mating with a
proven buck, considering that mating was properly timed.
 Cull does with poor maternal instinct (mothering ability). They lose
their kids from natural causes such as lack of milk or refusal to nurse
their kids. 
Cull bucks or does producing undesirable hereditary traits. 
Cull bucks or does that react to diseases such as brucellosis. 
Cull bucks that can no longer mount due to old age. Remove also
sterile bucks. 
Cull does that have difficult or complicated kidding.
Gestation period
This is the period from conception to kidding. Normally, it is
from 145 to155 days or five months, or an average of 150
days.
Gestation table for goats (based on average gestation
period of 150 days)
Gestation table for goats (based on average gestation period of 150 days)
When Bred In: Will Fresher:
(Breeding date less
number below*
Month Day
January June 1
February July 0
March August 3
April September 3
May October 3
June November 3
July December 3
August January 3
September February 1
October March 1
November April 1
December May 1

To determine day due to kid, take breeding day and subtract the number
Reproductive Failures
There are many reasons why doe fails to reproduce.  It
receives infertile sperm from the buck. 
It has abnormal egg. 
It suffers from female diseases such as brucellosis and
vibriosis. 
It has hormonal malfunction. 
It has an over fat condition. 
Due to very hot weather which causes the fertilized egg
to be aborted. 
 MONITOR AND ASSIST KIDDING/LAMBING

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
1. Signs of kidding/ lambing are discussed thoroughly.
2. Signs of kidding / lambing are monitored based ob
breeding records.
3. Assistance is rendered during parturition following the
standard
procedures.
4. Post- parturition activities are properly performed based
on standard
procedure.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Colostrums -first milk of the doe after kidding
Progeny -the offspring of an animal
Placenta -constitutes the chief part of the afterbirth
which is expelled after parturition
Parturition -the act of giving birth.
Kidding Pen
Place the doe/ewe in a
clean, well-lighted, and
comfortable pen that has
been disinfected. Clean and
dry rice straws or dried
banana leaves are good
bedding materials
Kidding
The signs of approaching kidding are as follows: 
The udder and teats enlarge two months before kidding. 
Doe become nervous and bleats low. 
She appears hollow in the right flank and definitely hollow on
both rumps. 
A slight mucous discharge may appear and may be seen
several daysbefore kidding, followed by a slightly different
discharge, more opaque, and slightly yellow.
She may paw her beddings around.
Materials Needed During Kidding/Lambing
 piece of string
 clean cloth
 sharp knife or blade
 Tincture of iodine
 oil
The kid / lamb should be born within an hour after the doe
begins to have strong labor contractions. If this does not
occur, examine the doe for any kidding/ lambing difficulty.
As soon as the kid/lamb is born, the following steps
should be followed:
• Wipe its body and remove mucus clogged from the nose of the
newly born kid/lamb. 
• Tie a string around the umbilical cords about 2-3 cm from the
base of the navel.
• Cut cord after the knot and dip the navel in tincture of iodine.

• Place kids in a kidding box and expose them under the
sunshine to dry-off if possible. 
• Assist newly-born kids to suck the first milk or colostrums
which act as antibodies.
As soon as the kid/lamb is born, the following steps
should be followed:
• Dispose placenta and dead kids properly. 
• If the doe dies while kidding, give kids a liberal dose of any
vegetable oil or a little milk mixed with fresh egg white.
• Then, hand feed the kids with milk individually up to three
months when theyare already ready to eat concentrate feeds.
• Castrate male kids not intended for breeding purposes one
month after kidding. 
• Wean three-month old male and female kids from the mother
as growers.
• After choosing replacement stocks, remaining growers are
• sold at farm gate price.
It is important for the kid/lamb to receive the first milk or colostrums. It is
essential both as laxative and internal antiseptic as it removes the meconium
or fecal matter from the kid. After several hours, a full udder indicates that
the kid/lamb has not yet suckled its first milk supply. Tie and lead the
kid/lamb direct towards the teats.
If for any reason the kid/lamb cannot be fed colostrums or the mother died
while kidding/lambing, give the animal a liberal dose (from a teaspoonful to
a tablespoonful) of any vegetable oil or a little milk with the white of fresh
egg.
This is to start the bowels to function normally. It may become necessary at
this time to give an enema by using a baby syringe.
In farms where the electricity and refrigeration are available, store excess
colostrum in freezers. To feed the weak kids or those born from does with
inadequate colostrums, thaw the frozen milk by slow heating, then feed
lukewarm.
Allow them run with the does/ewe for 3-5 days. If the lactating mothers
are intended for twice-a-day milking, keep the kids/lamb in the pen and
individually hand feed with milk. The same person should care for the
kids/lamb and supervise their daily feeding. Train the kid/lamb with patience
and kindness to enable them to react to friendly handling and to avoid
excitement.
Observe closely their condition and development. Guard against wet
bedding in pen. Beddings may seem dry on top but wet underneath.
Change beddings two or three times daily.
In a less intensive production or if milking is only once-a-day, allow the
kid/lamb to run with the older stocks. However, keep them in the night
shelter where creep feeds and fresh water are available. Protect kids/lamb
from predatory animals.
 PERFORM OTHER MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
1. Animals are identified based on ear tag/ notches.
2. Age of kids to be dehorned, castrated, and dewattled,
and hoof trimmed are determined based on standards.
3. Proper ways of dehorning, castrating, dewattling, and
hoof trimming of growing kids/ lamb are performed
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Castration – a surgical operation that removes the primary
sex organ (testes)
Wattles- flesh hanging from the throat area of a goat
Disbudding – the process of controlling the growth of
horns
Dewattling – the process of removing the wattles of goat
Frog – the soft part at the center of the hoof
Castration
Castrate male kids intended for meat as early as possible,
preferably at the age of 2 – 4 weeks.
Castration should be done in the morning to avoid severe
bleeding.
Steps in Castration: 
Lay the buck kid on its back. 
Keep the goat from moving. 
Inject the kid with penicillin antibiotic. Fig 1.
Apply 3% creoline solution or tincture of iodine to disinfect
the scrotum and its surrounding area. 
Cut across the scrotum carefully then slowly push the
testicles out. Fig 2. 
Cut two connecting tissues with a sterilized knife or blade.
Apply tincture of iodine and dust sulfanilamide powder
over the wound.
In areas where tetanus is known to occur, a preventive
dose of tetanus anti-toxin (TAT) is recommended.
Fig.1. Injecting penicillin to buck kid
Fig.2. Castrating buck kid
Disbudding
Horns are
Fig.3.
dangerous on a Disbudding
mature animal. But kids
they are painful to
remove from
mature goats.
Remove the horn
buds when the kids
are about three
weeks old.
Use hot iron
Steps: 
Clip the hair around the base of the horn bud. 
Restrain the animal properly to avoid unnecessary burning.  Heat
the dehorner red hot. This instrument can be made at home from
an iron pipe 1.3 cm in diameter. 
When ready, press down the red-hot dehorner over the bud and
quickly remove it. 
Cover the burnt area with Vaseline.
Dewattling
Wattles of goats are subject to infection. To avoid this, remove the
wattles
by using a pair of sharp scissors and cut each wattle at its base.
Hoof Trimming
This practice aims to prevent malformation of the toes and to
prevent foot rot that results from manure getting inside the
untrimmed hoof.
A sharp knife, pruning shears, or a broad sharp chisel can be
used to trim.
Trimming is easily done in damp cold weather when the
hooves are more pliable.
Brittle hooves need a hoof ointment or softening can be
accomplished by letting the goat stand on damp floor for
several hours before trimming. Fig4.
How to Trim the Hoof: 
Hold the feet of the goat between your knees. 
With a pruning shear, trim down the excess hoof until the
feet are like those of a newly born kid. 
Edges of the hoof must be of the same level with the frog
(the soft part of the center). 
Whittle the frog with utmost care since this is the most
sensitive part of the hoof.
Fig.4. Hoof Trimming
 Goats and sheep are small ruminant; hence, their
upkeep is simpler than that of large ruminants.
Nonetheless, appropriate management practices even
before the kid/lamb are delivered; have to be employed
to ensure profitability and success of the enterprise.
Determining Goat Age
Choose young, healthy animals. You can estimate the
age of a goat bylooking at the teeth (Fig.5). Goats have
eight front incisors on the lower jaw. For animal younger
than one year, the set is complete; their small, sharp
incisors are temporary. Yearlings have two permanent
front incisors; the rest of their teeth are temporary. A
two-year old goat has four large front teeth while a
three- year old goat has six teeth. They develop a
complete set of incisors at the age offour. As goats grow
older, teeth become worn out, spread far apart, become
Fig.5. Dentition in goats

Two permanent teeth replace

two temporary incisor
1-year age teeth in the center.
 Two additional permanent teeth appear
for a total of
2-year age four permanent teeth.

Six permanent teeth are present, the

last two being
found on either side of the two-year old
3-year age teeth.
 Full mouth. There is a
complete set of eight
permanent teeth.

4-year age
Identification of Animals
 In any recording program, proper identification of animals is
necessary. This is essential for their registration and breeding,
feeding, selection, kidding, and culling. Identification is either
permanent or temporary. Permanent identification includes color
patterns such as photographs, tattooing, ear notching, and
branding. Temporary identification consists of ear tags and neck
chains.
PRACTICE WEANING KIDS AND SEPARATE LACTATING
DOES/EWES FROM THE BUCKS/RAMS
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
1. Age of kids/ lamb for weaning is determined.
2. Lambs/ kids are properly weaned.
3. Feeding management during weaning is practiced.
4. Lactating does/ ewes are separated from the breeder
males..
5. Management of practices of lactating does are
performed.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Ad libitum feeding – unlimited or liberal feeding
Weaning – separating the kids from the does
Concentrates – grains or feeds that are low (less than
18%) in crude fiber, but high in digestible nutrient
content.
Roughage – fibrous herbage which has a high fiber
content but low in digestible nutrient.
Herd – a group of goats
Weaning
Weaning of kids depends on the system of management
and operation under which goats are raised. For dairy
purpose, kids may be weaned totally from does immediately
or at least three days after kidding and then raised byhand
feeding.
If milk is a secondary factor in raising goats, wean the kids
at the age of not less than three months. By this time, the
kids must have experienced consuming solid foods,
particularly concentrates and roughage.
At weaning, separate the buck kids from the kid herd. This
would prevent some of the doe kids from being bred too
Care of Lactating Does
Keep milk-type goats in a quiet environment before and
during milking.
Noise and sight of strangers affect the goats’ nervous
system and cause their
milk to decrease.
Clip hair in the udder regularly. This prevents
contamination of the milk
during milking. Separate the buck from the milking herd to
avoid tainting in
the milk.
To get the best milking results, the following are important
points to consider: 
• quietness
• gentleness
• regularity of milking process
Preparing the doe before milking
 To make the milking process easier, provide a milking
stand or goat holder.
A goat X – holder is used when milking goat in a
squatting position.
Use bamboo in making the holder (Fig. 6).
Fig.6. Goat Holder for milking goat in a squatting position
 Comb or brush the goat well. 
Clean the milk bucket
thoroughly.
A stainless steel or hard plastic
bucket is preferred. 
Wash hands well. 
Clean the udder using soap and
lukewarm water just before
milking.
Dry the udder with clean towel Fig.7. Milking Stand for goats
or soft cloth.
Milking periods must be established and strictly adhered
to. If milking is done twice a day, e.g. 6:00am and 6:00pm
the process should not be delayed or advanced. Possibly,
the same personnel should be used. Goats can withhold
milk, so unnecessary changes in the routines should be
avoided.
Proper Steps of Milking Doe

1. Wash hands with soap and water and 2. Do the same on the udder and
dry them before starting to milk. parts around it.
3. Grasp the teat with the thumb 4. Close the second finger and milk will squirt out.
and first finger. Discard the first stream for it is high in bacteria.

5. Close the forefingers and 6. Close the little finger and tear
press a little steadily. with the whole hand.
 7. Release the teat so that it will be
8. Feel the teat again if all the milk
filled with milk.
has come out.

9. Again grasp the teat with 10. Run your fingers down to
your thumb and first finger the teat to force milk to come
out.
RAISE SMALL RUMINANTS
MODULE TITLE : HOUSING AND OTHER FACILITIES

EXPECTED OUTCOME
After completing this module, you should be able to:
1. Construct housing for small ruminant.
2. Provide other support activities in housing small
ruminants.
 HOUSING SYSTEM AND OTHER MATERIALS OF
THE GENERAL HERD
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
1. Factors for site selection are considered.
2. Different types of goat houses are identified.
3. Roofs and their designs are illustrated according to requirements.
4. Appropriate floor space requirements for goat at different ages are
identified according to requirements.
5. Recommended floor space area of goat at different physiological stages is
computed based on established formula and procedures.
6. Importance of constructing appropriate pens and partitions is explained
thoroughly.
7. Materials needed in the construction of goat houses are identified.
8. Housing for the animals is constructed according to plan.
9. Proper fencing of goat ranch is discussed.
10. Appropriate fencing materials are identified and installed.
11. Maintenance of infrastructure, facilities, tools and equipment in the
goatery is observed based on the industry and Bureau of Animal Industry
standards.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Loafing area – a place where the animals stay
together before they are feed to the pasture area.

Predators– animals that prey on or eat other animals.

Feeding Lactating Goat
Forage alone cannot increase milk production among lactating
does.
For milk production, the does should be fed with good quality
forage and
concentrates containing 16 – 20% crude protein at the rate of
about 0.5 kilograms per liter of milk produced. Provide vitamin-
mineral and salt, ad libitum.
Whether the goats are on range or on confined feeding,
housing provisions are necessary. Basically, a goat house
or shed must provide shelter for the animals against the
elements and protection from other animals.

Factors to consider in site selection for goat houses: 

It should be accessible. 
It should be protected by natural windbreak. 
It should be near to the source of water.
Housing
The type of goat houses is dictated by the prevailing
system of production and husbandry. Unlike other livestock,
goats prefer to stay on elevated places like benches, steps of
houses, and piled lumber. Regardless of the types, goat
houses must be well-drained, and easy to clean. The
materials to be used must be suitable to local conditions
and depend upon the availability of the materials in the
locality and the financial capability of the raiser.
Nevertheless, it should be recognized that a good goat
house must be able to serve the basic purpose for which it
is built.
 The goat house should be located in the area in
the farm where it would be accessible, protected by
the natural wind breaks and easy supplied with
water.
Its design is should be suit the desired performance
and control of the goat husbandry, and breeding
measure such as feeding, breeding and selection
reproductive events, kid raring sanitation and
hygiene.
Fig. 1 Goat House with all the essential
fixtures
Galvanized iron sheet
nipa shingles, or
coconut fronds

Feed trough

Bamboo cocolumber,
or lumber slabs
 Slatted flooring
1cm spacing

Feed trough

Brooder box waterer

The primary function of a goat house is to provide protection for
the animals against:  Climatic elements
o Rain
o Wind
o Temperature
 Protection against theft  Predators
 Infectious diseases
 Traumatic injuries
The need for a functional house is further elaborated, particularly
when kidding occurs during the rainy season. As a defense
mechanism, goats would run and seek shelter at the first instance of
rain to avoid respiratory ailments to which they are known to be
very susceptible.
Its design should suit the desired performance and control of goat
husbandry and breeding measures such as: 
feeding
 breeding and selection
 reproductive events
 kid rearing
 sanitation and hygiene
Flooring and Its Area
For goats raised in the backyard, the shed may be
constructed of bamboo
and roofing materials of cogon, nipa, or anahaw leaves (Fig.
2) A shed 2-m wide and 3-m long is sufficient for a pair of
goats, although extra space is needed for the kids. The floor
can be constructed with bamboo or wooden slats, evenly
spaced to allow manure to pass down. If bamboo slats will
be utilized as flooring material, it must be of thicker
dimension and should be laid out evenly and nailed to floor
joints.
Fig.2. An ideal goat house with elevated flooring and feeding trough
(Courtesy of Solana Breeding Station, Solana, Cagayan)
 Strong enough to prevent any leg injury, it must be elevated from
the ground for ease of cleaning and periodic removal of the goat
manure. A feed box for the salt, concentrates, or forages, and
watering trough may be provided in the shed, especially during
inclement weather. The feed box should be constructed in a way
that would discourage its use as sleeping area by young
animals.
For goats raised in semi-commercial or commercial scale, there
are two essential elements to consider: building cost and comfort
and welfare of the goats. It is an ideal approach to construct the
goat house at lesser cost but it should not compromise the animal’s
comfort and welfare. The floor can be made of wooden slats 2.5 cm
thick and 5 cm wide.
A space interval of approximately 1 cm between slats is recommended
to avoid leg accidents owing to slips between the slats. The floor must
be elevated 1-1.5 m to facilitate air circulation and ease of manure
removal. Concrete ground floor under slatted
flooring is recommended for ease of manure collection. Table 1
presents the recommended floor space area for goats at different ages.
The estimation of the total floor area of the goat house should be
based on the number of breeding females and their reproductive
parameters. These include conception rate of 80%, kidding interval of
eight months for 1.5 kidding per year), an average kidding size of 1.5
kids per kidding:, a disposal age of one year for grower animals, an
annual replacement rate of 20% for female breeders, and 80% livability
rate up to one year of age. However, the idea for possible
expansion should also be considered in the layout of the goat house.
Table1. The recommended floor space area for goats at different
ages

Category Floor Space ( m2)

Breeding female 1.5

Breeding buck 2.0

Young stock (up to one year old) 1.0
If ever there is an expansion, you have to consider the layout
of the goat house.
Example: 25-doe level
1. Breeder female (doe)

25 does x 1.5 m2 doe = 37.5 m2

2. Breeder male (buck)

1 buck x 2.0 m2 buck = 2.0 m2

3. Young stock
25 x 80% conception x 1.5 kids kidding x
1.5 kidding/year x 80% livability rate

= 36 offspring /year x 1.0 m2 animal

= 36.0 m2

The floor area =75.5 m2

Total number of goat =62 heads
Pens and Partitions
Pens and Partitions
Goats of different physiological stages should be separated.
This can be achieved by strategic construction of partitions or
walls to make pens. About four pens are needed to separate the
different classes of goats. These would include kidding and
rearing pen, buck pen, dry does and doeling pen, and grower
pen. The pen allocated for does that are ready to give birth
should be located at the farther end of the barn to give the
does a quiet environment during kidding and subsequent
rearing of the newly-born kid(s). Locate the pendesignated for
the bucks beside the pen of the dry does and doelings. The
presence of a buck has a positive effect on the occurrence of
The wall or partition of the buck pen should be made of
stronger materials and have a height of 1.35 – 1.5 m. This
would discourage the buck from jumping over and prevent
untimely mating with female grower goats. The buck pen size
should accommodate the number of male breeder animals
required based on the male to female ratio of 1:20 – 25. The
grower pen will accommodate all the male and female goats
weaned at three months old. If the male grower goats
were not castrated before weaning, construct a movable
partition to separate the female from the male grower goats
to prevent untimely breeding of the animals.
The door for each pen should be constructed at its corner along the
alley for control of animal movement. It should be hinged and
attached to a post that would allow its movement only towards the
inside of the pen. Design the peripheral walls of the goat house in
such a way that air circulation inside the goat house is improved
and the excessive draft inside is prevented.
Fig.2. Kidding Pen
(Courtesy from
Solana Breeding
Station, Solana,
Cagayan)
Roof and Its Design
The design of the roof should be considered to ensure adequate
ventilation. A goat house with a 2-3 m high roof from floor and
sloping to 1.5 m behind is suggested. Indigenous roofing materials
such as anahaw, nipa, or cogon leaves may be used. If galvanized
iron (G.I) sheets are to be used for roofing, it must be attached to
provide maximum comfort for the animals.
Under Philippine conditions, the open roof type (monitor type) is
recommended. This type allows the warm air inside to flow out of
the building. The improved circulation of air inside the building
provides fresh air to the goats and prevents build-up of odors and
gases given off by goats’ breath and their waste.
Other Facilities Inside the Goat House
Feeding trough can be constructed along the alleys and/or at the side
of the house. Provide a feeding space of about 40 cm for each mature
animal. Feed wastage minimization and contamination, and ease in
feeding and cleaning the trough should serve as the guidelines in the
construction. The cross-sectional dimension of the feeding trough
should follow a half-trapezoidal form measuring 20 cm at the bottom
x 15 cm at the lower perpendicular side x 40 cm at the higher slanted
side. Its bottom should be made of wooden planks so it can be utilized
for concentrate feeding. The bottom of the trough should be
elevated off the floor to discourage the kids from jumping into
it. The lower perpendicular side of the trough that will be
fastened at the outside of the wall will have partitions of
vertical spacing enough for the goat to put its head
through during the feeding. The provision for drinking water
can be located and attached outside the pen. The drinking
water is now maintained clean and is prevented from getting
spilled or contaminated with urine and or feces. Movable kid
boxes measuring 20cm deep x 30cm wide x 45cm long can be
constructed and placed inside the rearing pen. This will
provide protection to kids from
catching pneumonia, especially during the cooler months.
Feeding Facilities
The following feeding facilities must be provided in a goat house
 Fodder rack elevates the feeder 1 foot above the floor and
attaches it to the goat shed from outside. 
Water container like plastic basins, pails or drums cut into
two can serve the purpose. Place this outside of the pen to
avoid contamination with urine. 
Mineral box is a bamboo tube with two or more slits at the
bottom can serve as container for the ordinary table salt for the
goats to lick. Hang the bamboo tube inside the house. 
Hay rack is where the fodder/forage is being stored. It is
under a shed adjacent to the goat shed.
Isolation/Quarantine Area
It is necessary that a separate shelter measuring 3 m2 be
constructed for isolation of sick animals.
This should be located away from the main goat house to
control the rapid spread of highly infectious disease. The
provision for footbath should be located at the entrance of
this facility
Loafing Area
This facility can be considered optional where the type of housing
provides multi-level flooring that resembles that of bleachers in a
stadium. The loafing area is inter changeably called as exercise lot.
However, the area can have other functions such as providing an area
for gathering all the animals in one place before letting loose the goats
in the pasture or during the midday break of herding and the animals
can be secured during this idle time.
Additionally, a semblance of animal control can be implemented
during the time
when the goats are about to be driven back to respective pens.
An area of about 3-4 times as wide as the total floor space of the goat
house can be enclosed with a fence. This may be located in a well-
drained area adjacent to the goat house and provided with natural or
artificial shade where goats may ruminate under it. Elevated benches or
bleachers may be constructed or natural outcrops of rocks may be
designed as an exercise area especially for those highly active young
animals and since goats preferentially rest on elevated places. Feeding
racks for hay, straw, forages, or silages may be constructed and placed
inside the premises of the loafing area. The same guidelines in the
construction of feeding troughs should be followed. Its elevation from
the ground will not pose any problem to the goats because of its
bipedal stance during browsing.
Fencing
Goats are among the animals considered the hardest to confine,
thus,provision for fencing is one way of controlling them in the
pasture. The fence may be constructed by using 1 ft high hog wire
nailed to a wooden post or tied by a G.I. wire (gauge = 16) to a
concrete post. The post’s base should be buried deep enough and
these are planted every 5m-distance. In addition, it is necessary to
stretch one strand of barbed wire at the bottom of the hog wire, as
goats can squeeze themselves between any gaps
along the fence.Also, another strand of barbed wire should be
stretched 1ft above the hog wire to discourage goats from jumping
over the fence. This way, a high fence can be constructed to
successfully confine the goats in the pasture.
 Between the concrete or wooden posts, 3-4 kakawate posts
can be staked asadditional support to the fence that may
become replacement to rotten wooden pots. The establishment
of live fences with fodder trees such as kakawate,
ipil_x0002_ipil, etc. can aptly provide for additional feed
resource for goats, especially during times of feed scarcity.
Approximately, a hectare of pasture lot measuring 100m on its
four sides or about 400 m perimeter length can be effectively
fenced by using 10 rolls of 4-
ft high hog wire and 10 rolls of 30-kg barbed wire,80 pieces of
concrete or wooden posts, and 240-320 pieces of kakawate post
as fence reinforcements. Fencing cost is estimated to be as low
Fig.3. Simple
fencing of
a goat ranch
FEEDING GUIDE FOR GENERAL HERD

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
1. Feeding practices for goat and sheep are explained.
2. Kinds of feeds for goats and sheep are enumerated.
3. Appropriate forage crops are provided based on
industry standard.
4. Feed the animals as required and based on Bureau of
Animal Industry standard.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Milking/Lactating doe – nursing goat
Feedstuffs – ingredients used in the formulation of feeds
Legume plants – pod-bearing plants such as centrocema, ipil- ipil
Silage – fermented feed material stored in a silo for feeding
Silo – a structure usually sealed when full to exclude air and used for
storing silage UMMB(Urea Molasses Mineral Block) is a feed
supplement given to the ruminant animals to supply the needed
minerals
Roughage- feed contain high in fiber but low in digestible nutrients
Concentrate- feeds low in fiber but high in digestible nutrients
Feed additives- chemical compound added to the feeds but does not
supply any nutrients
Ration – amount of feed given to the animal within 24 hrs
Feeding Habits of Goats
Goats require all the nutrients necessary for the maintenance of body
functions meat and milk production growth and pregnancy. The best and most
economical method of nourishing goat is by providing with unlimited access to
fresh water, grass and legumes. They can also b fed with 2-3 kg of of fresh
leaves of trees and shrubs such a leucena gliirida, and flemingia. Goats also
look through on leaves of shrubs and bushes for their feeding
requirement. Goats can be raised solely on improved pasture. Brush land, with
common pasture grasses, legumes and different species of plants, is an ideal
place to raise goats. A well-developed pasture can sustain 35-50 goats per
hectare.
Classification of Common Feed Ingredients for Goats
Goat feeds are classified according to the amount of a specific nutrient or
the amount of digestible nutrients they provide. There are five classes of feed
ingredients, namely:
Roughage. These are feeds containing relatively large amounts of fiber or
non-digestible material. This group of feeds includes freshly-cut grasses and
legumes, hay, silages fodder, and other green herbages.
Concentrates. These are feeds with high digestibility. They are relatively
low in fiber and include all grains and many by-products of grains and animals,
such as rice bran, corn bran, tiki-tiki, soybean oil meal, meat and bone meal,
and molasses.
Classification of Common Feed Ingredients for Goats
Feed Additives. These are chemical compounds that are included in
animal rations but which do not supply nutrients to the animal. Examples of
these additives are antibiotics, antibacterial agents, anti-microbial
combinations,
stimulants, tranquilizers, and enzymes.
Mineral Supplements. The most obvious function of mineral elements in
the body is to provide it structural support. Salt, oyster shell, limestone, and
wood ash are some examples of mineral supplements.
Vitamin Supplement. Examples of vitamin supplements available in the
market are Duphasol, Vitamin, etc. These supplements, however, are seldom
needed in goat feeds.
Local Ingredients for Goat Feed
Listed below are some of the common ingredients for goat feed which are
probably readily available in your area:
Corn. This is the most popular grain used for feeds. It ranks high in
total digestible nutrients (TDN) low fiber, and higher in fat than any other
cereal grain (except oats) and contains 8-9% crude protein. It contains
vitamin A and yellow pigmenting compounds.
Corn bran. (known locally as tahup) .This is a by-product of corn
milling. It consists of broken grains of corn and bran. It contains the
plumules of the corn grain and is rich in protein (10-12% crude protein).
Rice bran (called tiki-tiki locally). The good quality fine rice bran
contains an adequate amount of fat. First-class rice bran contains
approximately 11% crude protein.
Sorghum. This is very similar to corn in feed value except that it is
lower in fat. Its protein content ranges from 5-9%. It makes, therefore, a very
Local Ingredients for Goat Feed
Listed below are some of the common ingredients for goat feed which are
probably readily available in your area:
Copra meal. This is what is left of the coconut meat after the oil has
been removed or extracted. It contains an adequate amount of carbohydrates
but it is used mainly for its protein content (21% crude protein).
Soybean oil meal. This is a by-product after extracting the soybean
oil. It contains about 44% crude protein and is also a good source of energy.
This could be substituted by mongo.
Mongo. Although this legume is a human food, it can also be given to
goats in place of soybean oil meal. It contains about 24% crude protein.
Molasses. These are practically all carbohydrates with only three
percent crude protein. It is a by-product of the sugar industry and is sold in
a dark and semi-liquid (thick) state.
Local Ingredients for Goat Feed
Listed below are some of the common ingredients for goat feed which are
probably readily available in your area:
Ipil-ipil. As a leaf meal, ipil-ipil contains 21% crude protein. It is also
a good source of vitamin A.
Feed used by the commercial raiser are based largely on the
silage ,sugar cane tops and chopped sugar cane with rice bran and copra
meal tapioca, pine apple pulp local cottonseed meal ,wheat pollard and
brewery spent grain .
Plant materials that can be made as silage:
1. sugar cane tops
2. grasses
3. corn
4. sorghum
5. farm by product
6. Mixture of grasses and legumes-liquid (thick) state.
The basic process of silage making or ensiling is the preservation of the
succulent or high quality forage under the anaerobic condition or the
exclusion of air principally oxygen from the ensiled forages. The
transformation of the green forage into silage takes place in the
silo .where the green forage is place in a compact mass. The plant cells
and the aerobic organism continue to respire thus rapidly consuming
the oxygen in the entrapped air and in turn giving carbon dioxide .When
the oxygen is totally consumed by the bacteria aerobic
activities stop creating oxygen free – atmosphere inside the silo.
Table1. List of Common Philippine Feedstuffs for Goat Production
Feedstuff Dry matter TDN CP DCP
(%) (%) (%) (%)
Concentrates:
Copra meal 89.6 78.6 20.6 14.5
Corn gluten feed 90.1 74.9 20.2 17.1
Corn, grain 88.8 84.2 0 8.1 0 7.7
Rice bran, cono 88.0 69.1 12.3 0 8.3
Rice bran, kiskis 89.0 46.6 0 6.2 0 4.5
Soybean oil meal 88.4 76.0 4 4.0 4 1.0
Molasses, cane 76.3 53.6 0 2.0 00
Corn bran 88.0 72.1 10.5 05.6
Feedstuff Dry matter TDN CP DCP
(%) (%) (%) (%)
Green roughages:
Napier grass 27.5 12.6 ____ 1.6
Para grass ___ 15.3 ____ 0.90
Guinea grass 20.4 16.0 ____ 1.40
Centrosema 24.2 11.8 ____ 3.16
Feedstuff Dry matter TDN CP DCP
(%) (%) (%) (%)
Tree Leaf/Browse Plant
Banana 94 ___ 9.8 5.7
Kakawati 25.3 ___ 6.52 ___
Ipil-ipil 13.30 ___ 27.80 22.50
Santan 27.68 ___ 4.02 ___
Caimito 48.32 ___ 4.98 ___
Camachile 34.78 ___ 9.96 ___
Gumamela 19.10 ___ 4.14 ___
Bamboo 42.00 ___ 7.60 3.54
Acacia 43.00 ___ 9.10 ___
Sources of Ca and P % Ca %P

Steamed bone meal 28.00 14.00

Dicalcium phosphate 28.00 14.00
Oyster shell powder 33.00 00.00

SOURCE: Nutrients Composition of Some Philippine Feedstuffs, 1974

Goat Rations
Below are examples of formula of 100 kg for practical g
Kind of ration Ingredients Parts by weight
(kg)
General purpose ration First class rice bran 8.0
for all ages of goats Ipil-ipil leaf meal 0.0
(not for milking does) Molasses 0.0
(not balanced) Salt 2.0
Homemade ration First class rice bran 5.0
(General purpose) Ipil-ipil leaf meal 3.0
(not balanced) Salt 2.0
Milking ration # 1 Shelled corn 50.0
Copra meal 29.0
Rice bran 20.0
Oyster meal 0.5
Salt 0.5
Goat Rations
Below are examples of formula of 100 kg for practical g
Kind of ration Ingredients Parts by weight
(kg)
Milking ration # 2 Ground yellow corn 33.0
Fine rice bran 33.0
Copra meal 33.0
Salt 0.5
Ground oyster shell 0.5
Milking ration # 3 Rice binlid 28.0
Rice tiki-tiki 20.0
Copra meal 30.0
Molasses 8.0
Ipil-ipil leaf meal 8.0
Meat and bone meal 5.0
Salt 1.0
Goat Rations
Below are examples of formula of 100 kg for practical g
Kind of ration Ingredients Parts by weight
(kg)
Milking ration # 4 Tiki-tiki 18.0
Rice binlid 11.5
Ground corn 11.5
Copra meal 21.0
Ipil-ipil leaf meal 36.0
Limestone 1.0
Salt 1.0

Fattening ration Tiki-tiki 77.0

Ipil-ipil leaf meal 15.0
Limestone 6.0
Salt 2.0

You can modify the above formulas depending on availability and

price of feed ingredients.
Goat Rations
Table2. Suggested feeding guides for goats
Age Feed Amount per Day

Birth – 3 days Colostrum Ad libitum

3-5x feeding)
4 days – 2 weeks Whole milk (goat milk) 0.5-1L/kid
divided into 3x feeding
Vitamin-mineral Ad libitum
Water Ad libitum

2 weeks – 16 weeks Whole milk or milk 0.5-1L/kid

replacer divided into 2x feeding
Grass-legume hay or Ad libitum
quality fresh forages
Vitamin-mineral mix Ad libitum
Water Ad libitum
Starter (22% CP) Increasing amount
without causing digestive
upset
Goat Rations
Table2. Suggested feeding guides for goats
Age Feed Amount per Day

4 months to kidding Forages, vitamin-mineral Ad libitum

mix
Water Ad libitum
Concentrates Up to 0.5kg/head
(18-20% CP)
Dry, pregnant, bucks Forages, vitamin-mineral Ad libitum
mix
Water Ad libitum
Concentrates 0.3-0.5kg/L milk
(16-18% CP) produce
Ad libitum
Ad libitum
Whole milk can be goat or cow milk. Milk substitutes can be used after two weeks.
Formula I Ground corn – 12; rice bran – 24; copra meal – 40; soybean
oil meal – 8; meat and bone meal – 10; molasses – 5; and
salt – 1kg
Formula II Copra meal – 50; wheat pollard – 32; molasses – 5; and salt –1kg
Formula III Copra meal – 40; corn – 25; soybean oil meal – 15; rice bran–
10; molasses – 8; bone meal – 1; and salt – 1kg
Different forages that can be given to the goat
ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN PASTURE GRASSES FOR
THE FLOCK /HERD
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
1. Different species of forages are identified.
2. Different species of forages are planted according to standard
farmprocedures.
3. Rotational grazing is observed according to requirements and
Bureau of Animal Industry standards.
4. Cut and carry is practiced based on standards.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Forage – feed materials for ruminants, usually with
lower nutritive value and digestibility than concentrate.
Fodder- feed materials for ruminants either fresh or
dried but usually coarse

Pasture Grasses
The best and method of the most economical method of
nourishing the goat is by providing the animal with
unlimited access of fresh water and
legumes.
 Forages are grasses or legumes usually grown in the
grazing area or field. The factors that determine the
feeding value of forages are the season of the year and
the geographical location, during the rainy season. The
water content of the forages runs as high as the 90%
diminishing the nutrient contents. Topical forages
require high management to obtained maximum quality
and quantity of digestible nutrients one of the
commonly used forages among the ranches today is the
Napier grass. Corn as forage is also now used and
practiced in the country and regions as well.
Fig.1.Napier grass (Pennisetum purpereum)
It is a robust can like perennial species, reaching the
height 2-5 meters when mature .It spread by short of,
stout underground stem to give stool up to 1 meter
across. Its leaves are broad and tapering with a strong
midrib, its flower is cylindrical, golden yellow and from
10-25cm long. It is advisable that the grazing
frequency be adjust so that the Napier stand are
grazed whenever the grasses reach75-100cm long. A
month of interval would assure production of
forage of desired quality.
 It is a creeping perennial
plant with stout above
the ground runners
which root fully at the
nodes. It grows well
under the warm, moist
conditions thus it most
suitable for the lower flat
lands and any area
where poor drainage
Fig.2. Para grass (Brachiaria is a problem.
mutica )
 It is a coarse leafy, deep
rooted perennial with a
typical stool forming
habit .The leaves are long
and broad and well
distributed along the
stem. It can survive in long
drought period but show
best performance in a
humidenvironment. It is
Fig.3.Guinea grass (Panicum adaptable to wide variety
maximum) of soil but will not tolerate
poorly drain soil.
Fig.4. Centrocema Fig.5.Star grass (Cynodon
(Centrozema pubescens) plectostachyus)
How to Feed the Goat
 Feeding the dry doe. A pregnant, dry doe should be adequately fed
with quality feeds in order to build reserves for coming lactation and
also to nourish the developing fetus or fetuses. Nutritious grasses and
legumes whether cut or in pasture, will normally be sufficient to
support the doe. However, if the pregnant doe looks thin, give her
about one-half to one kilo of concentrate every day. A concentrate
high in fiber (such as plain corn or rice bran) can be given a few days
before kidding and will act as laxative. The lessening of the contents
of the digestive tract can help the doe to kid more
easily.
 Feeding the milking doe. Feed the milking doe with as much
high quality grasses and legumes as many as they can eat. For
every kilo of milk that a doe gives, feed her with one kilo of
concentrate. Fresh water and mineral lick-brick or loose coarse
salt should be provided to the doe freely. If the doe does not
consume all of her concentrate, reduce the next day’s feeding
by the amount she did not eat. From time to time increase her
feed to see if she needs more than what you are giving her.
 Feeding the buck. Your buck for breeding should be fed
properly. When it is not being used, feed him at least one-
half of concentrate every day plus give him plenty of
grasses and legumes. However, do not overfeed the buck
with concentrate for this will make him fat and non-
aggressive. But when he is scheduled for service, increase
his concentrate to one kilo per day two weeks before and
during the breeding period in order to keep him fertile and
in good condition.
 Feeding the young goats. The goal of feeding yearlings or
young goats is to provide them nutrients for maintenance
and growth. Adequate space for exercise plus abundant
quality grasses and legumes are important for yearlings.
Feed them with concentrate that is at least 1% of their
bodyweight. 
Feeding the kid. Let the kid stay with the mother for the
first month. Follow this schedule until the kid is ready to be
weaned at 3-4 months old.
Bottle-feed the kid in cases when: 
 there are more than two kids from a doe
  a doe is unable to nurse her own kids due to sickness
  a doe dies after delivery
  goat’s milk is preferred for consumption or for sale

The baby goat to be bottle-fed should be separated from its mother

three to four days after birth. Warm the milk to be fed to about 103
to 105oF during the first week. Powdered milk can also be used to
feed the kids.
Salt for the Goats. Goats need salt everyday. Apart from providing
salt in the mixed concentrate, it should be available in a free choice
supply. This means that salt blocks or salt granules (common salt)
should be made available in a place where the goats can have it any
time of the day. One way of providing salt to your goats is to put the
granules in bamboo tubes with holes around it. Pour
water into the tube every now and then (especially when goats
come in from grazing) so that they could lick it freely. Provide your
goats with shade and water. Trees provide good cover from the
intense heat of the sun. In some cases, a simple shed can be put in
the pasture area. You can use local materials like cogon, nipa or
bamboo shingles for the roofing.
Alternative Feed Resources
•  Tree leaves and shrubs
•  Banana stalks
•  Peanut hay
•  Gumamela
•  Ipil-Ipil
Strategic Concentrate Supplementation
Concentrate supplementation is seldom practiced because it entails
additional costs to farmers. However, feeding with high protein and
energy feeds during critical stage of production (i.e., last month of
feeding period among market stocks or the last month of pregnancy
period among does) is found to be profitable.
Fattening Stocks
If market demands pay an extra peso for finished goats, supplement
grower stocks with concentrate mixture one month before selling the
animals. This improves the meat’s quality.
Breeding Stocks
When production of kids is desired at regular short intervals of 6-8
months, concentrate supplementation becomes necessary. Feeding
concentrate mixture one month prior to lambing until the does are
bred again results in the following: 
 bigger kids with higher survival 
 more milk from does resulting in heavier weaning kids
 early and regular post-lambing estrus
 high succeeding pregnancy rate
 better body conditions of does and kids during lactation period
Use of Urea in Goat Diets
Goats are efficient in utilizing non-protein nitrogen in the diet. The
capacity of microorganisms to utilize nitrogen into microbial protein
makes it possible to incorporate a small amount of urea in the ration of
goats, primarily to increase utilization of low-quality roughages. High
concentration of ammonia in the blood is toxic and fatal to ruminants.
Hence, urea as supplement for goats must be used with caution. The
following guidelines are recommended for the safe use of urea:
Add fertilizer grade urea at not more than
- 1% of the ration (DM basis), or
- 2-3% of the concentrate mixture (air-dry basis), or
- 25-30% of the total dietary protein
Give adequate source of energy (molasses, corn, etc.).
Provide sufficient amounts of minerals, particularly sulfur in case
molasses is used.
If possible, provide daily allowance of urea in small amounts throughout
the day instead of just one feeding.
Mix urea well with other feed ingredients.
The use of Urea-Molasses-Mineral Block (UMMB) is highly
recommended, particularly when goats are grazed on poor quality
pastures. UMMB is a low- cost protein, energy, and mineral lick
supplement for ruminants. It contains macro and micro minerals that are
commonly deficient in fibrous feeds. A 15-20
kg goat needs 50-80 g/day of UMMB.
UMMB has the following composition:
Ingredient Part by Weight (%)
Molasses 38.0
Rice bran (D1) 38.0
Urea 10.0
Salt 1.0
Dicalcium phosphate 3.0
Cement 10.0__
Total 100.00
IMPLEMENTING HERD HEALTH
PROGRAM
DISEASES AND PARASITES AND THE PREVENTIVE
MEASURES BASED ON INDUSTRY AND BAI STANDARD
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
1. Different diseases and parasites of goats are identified.
2. Preventive measures against diseases and parasites of
goats are strictly followed.
3. Common parasites and diseases of small ruminants are
effectively controlled.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Vaccinate – to inoculate with a vaccine as a preventive or
therapeutic measure
Delouse – to remove lice or other external parasites using
insecticide
Disease – abnormal condition affecting the body of an
organism
Parasite – an organism that lives on or in another organism at
whose expense it obtains nourishment and shelter
Disease Preventive Measures
 Start with healthy breeder stocks. When buying or selecting your
breeder stocks, examine the animals for the presence of superficial
lumps/abscesses by running your hands on the neck, abdomen and
pelvic regions. The presence of lumps/abscesses indicates caseous
lymphadenitis and there is a high possibility that they could infect the
herd. Check also the mouth for the presence of wart like lesions.
Provide good housing. It should be elevated, and can be cleaned
easily.
Deworm newly bought animals with an effective dewormer (e.g.,
Vermisantel, Ivermectin. Levamisole) upon arrival in the farm and isolate
these for 30 days.
In regions where Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) has high incidence,
vaccinate the animals with FMD vaccine. Likewise, if hemosep vaccine is
available, vaccinate them as well. 
Check for the presence of lice. A practical way to do this is to observe
the haircoat of the animals. If their haircoats are always ruffled and they
are always scratching their body using their head, horns, or against the
wall, it suggests that they have lice. Delouse the animals with an
effective insecticide (i.e., asuntol ivomec, and neguvon powder, and
follow the instruction for application)
Fig. 1 Delousing with an effective insecticide
 Provide salt lick in a perforated bamboo tube and UMMB to
supplement their diet. Provide adequate amount of water for the
animals. Confine the animals during rainy season and provide them
forages and tree leaves (e.g., ipil-ipil, madre-de-cacao, among
others).  Grazing animals, allow them to graze when the sun is
relatively high (i.e., when the dews on the grasses already subsided)
since the infective larvae are present on the blades of grasses on the
presence of dews. Suckling kids should not be allowed to join their
nannies during grazing. They should be penned up to avoid early
exposure to infective larvae in the pasture. 
For bucks to be introduced as breeder in the herd, have them
checked against brucellosis, leptospirosis, and caprine arthritis and
encephalitis (CAE). Submit coagulated blood or serum samples to the
Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory near your place.
Parasites
These are two kinds of parasites. 
external/ecto parasites – lice, ticks, mange internal/endo parasites
– round worm, tapeworm
Goats are more susceptible to internal parasites than cows and
carabaos.
It is believed that internal parasites are the secondary – if not the
primary –cause of most deaths that occur in goats in the country.
Your success or failure in goat raising will primarily depend on how
on you to control the herd.. However, for a positive diagnosis, it is
recommended to consult a veterinarian, the livestock technician or
any livestock authority in the area. 
Stomach worms. The most common disease to which goats,
particularlythe kids, fall victims is parasitism caused by stomach
worms. This parasite is thread-like in appearance, measuring three-
fourth to one inch in length. It is a blood-sucking organism causing
affected animals to become thin, pale and weak and even lose its
appetite when large numbers of the parasites are present
in the body.
Tapeworm. Tapeworm offers a serious problem to goat raisers
because of the high mortality occurring among infested kids. The
infestation of the animals in the herd, however, does not take place as
rapidly as in the case of stomach worms. The infected animal becomes
thin and weak with a pale mucus membrane. Segments of the
tapeworm can be seen in droppings, and look like grains of cooked
rice. For control, deworm your goats with Yyomesan or
Liverfluke. The liver fluke attacks the liver of the goats, cows or
carabaos. While animals are grazing in low, wet areas, the fluke is
ingested into the stomach and soon, it travels to the liver. Since the fluke
has part of its life cycle inside a small snail, the eradication of the snail
will soon result in athe disappearance of the liver fluke in your pasture
area. Snails can be eradicated by letting ducks “pasture” in the area.
Roundworm. Eggs are laid by the mature worms while they are still in
the stomach or intestines of the goat. The eggs are passed out with the
droppings and hatch on the pasture into the infective larvae. 
Scabies or Mange. Although this occurs under ordinary conditions of
management, it is more severe during wet months. Itchiness, loss of hair,
and scabby skin are the usual signs. Spray regularly with insecticide. Dip
in or spray with Asuntol.
Lice. This is usually associated with poor nutrition, unsanitary
conditions, overcrowding and other general management failures.
The usual signs are itchiness, rough hair coat ”dandruff” and poor
body condition. To prevent its emergence, dip in or spray the animal
with insecticide like Asuntol.
General guide on worm control
Strategic worm control
This is a preventive practice that involves careful planning in the use
of chemical dewormers for animals. Once parasitism is suspected
because of symptoms like diarrhea, ruffled hair coat, and lack of
appetite, subject the animals to some tests to determine their
actual worm burden. Such tests include the monitoring of the
packed cell volume (PCV) from blood samples and fecal egg count
(FEC) from the fecal samples. After that, plan out a strategic
worm control program.
This program may involve the use of a medicated feed block or the
usual chemical dewormers. Deworm the animals twice a year-first
before the onset of the rainy season and next during the peak rainy
months. Usually, with the adoption of complete confinement and rapid
rotational grazing in the wet season, only initial deworming is
necessary, as these measures maintain the animal’s worm burden at a
tolerable level. Give the succeeding doses after individual assessment
of the animal’s condition through PCV and FEC. These measurements
are very good indicators of resistance or susceptibility of goats to
parasite infection. These aid animal raisers in making better decisions
about deworming.
Use of MUMMB Lick
When employing strategic worm control with the feed supplement
block,use both the medicated (i.e., MUMMB) and the non-medicated
(i.e., UMMB) feed blocks (Fig. 2).

Drench with An effective Peak rainy season

dewormer

Rainy Months

Shift to
Gradually introduce Gradually shift back to
UMMB MUMMB
UMMB
(for two months)
Fig.2. An Illustration of the strategic worm control using MUMMB
 UMMB becomes MUMMB when a dewormer is added for
parasite control. Both blocks can be hung at specific periods in a
strategic place in the pen and allowed to be licked for a maximum
period of eight weeks. They are appropriate when feed resource
is scarce or during the rainy season, when endoparasitism is a
problem.
In strategic worm control using MUMMB, the following recommendations should
be considered:
• Months before the rainy season, introduce UMMB gradually to goats.
• This is to prepare them to eat mineral supplements and condition their rumen
for medication.
• At the onset of the wet season, deworm with an effective dewormer to kill
standing adult parasite population. 
• As the rainy months peak and risk of infection rises, shift to medicated feed
MUMMB. Continue giving this block for two months. 
• After that, replace the MUMMB with UMMB and continue
supplementation as needed. Withdraw block gradually. 
• Hang the blocks in a strategic place in the pen such that young animals
three months and younger cannot reach them. 
If animals are grazed, give them the block before they set out for the field
and again upon their return to the pen in the afternoon. 
• Allow each animal to have 20-40 g of the blocks per day; for a herd,
• estimate the number of blocks needed based on individual requirement. 
Prepare just enough blocks, preferably good for six months. 
The blocks can be stored for an indefinite period, as long as they are kept
in a dry place. 
• If molds appear at the surface, scrape them off before giving to animals.
• For fully confined animals, give medicated blocks to protect the animals
from possible infection from contaminated cut grasses. 
• Use medicated blocks for a maximum period of eight weeks. Continuous use may cause the
development of anthelmintic resistance.
Avoid giving the block to preweaners as the anatomical structure of their
• rumen is not yet fully developed; hence, aurea in the block will be toxic.

Strategic Worm Control without MUMMB

When goats are strategically dewormed with chemical dewormers
and not
MUMMB, the following considerations should be observed:
For free-grazing goats
1. Kids
- For kids without a good pen and when threadworm is a
problem . Deworm at 2-3 weeks and repeat after 21 days. - At three
months or upon weaning, whichever comes first,
repeat deworming.
2. Adults
- Drench twice a year- first, a month before the onset of the rainy
season; and second, during the peak of the rainy season, and
second during the peak of the rainy months. - Succeeding treatments will
depend on the condition of the
animals. The following FEC and PCV levels should serve as
indicators if deworming needs to be repeated or not.
Drench if FEC exceeds 1000 and PCV is less than 22.
If laboratory analysis is not available and the animal appears
parasitized, consult a veterinarian or an animal technician to
assess animal condition and make appropriate
recommendations.
3. Pregnant Does
- Drench 2-3 weeks before kidding to avoid transplacental
transmission of parasites. - To avoid accidents, restrain pregnant
does carefully when drenching. 

For confined animals

1. All non-pregnant animals
- Drench animals irrespective of age twice a year- first, a month
before the onset of the rainy season; and second, during the
peak of the rainy months. Succeeding drenches may be given
based on the individual assessment of the animal condition.
2. Pregnant does
- Drench two weeks before kidding to avoid trans-placental
transmission of parasites.
3. For transferred and newly purchased animals
- Deworn new animals with an effective anthelminthic at source
to avoid importing of parasites into the farm. An effective dewormer is one
that has not been used in the farm continuously for over a year and to which
worms have not shown buildup of resistance .
- If animals cannot be dewormed at source, isolate them for one month in an
area of the farm and drench immediately upon arrival.
- If records on the worm burden of the new animals are not available and
they cannot be immediately gathered, drench with a broad-spectrum
dewormer (e.g., Vermisantel. Ivermectin.Triclabendazole.)
General Recommendation in Deworming Animals
 Before giving dewormers, withhold feed for 12-24 hours, but
give large amounts of water.
• This will facilitate easier drug absorption and make the
dewormer more effective. However, if the Levamisole group of
dewormers is to be used, make sure that the animals are not
empty prior to drenching. 
• If blanket deworming is to be done before or during the wet
season, drench all small ruminants in the community, especially
those sharing communal pasture areas.
• This is to avoid possible contamination from other animals
grazing in the village. Make sure that each animal gets the right
amount of drench. Double check the recommended dose on
• Get the weekly weights of the animals less than one month of
age not only to track down increases and fluctuations in weight,
but also to facilitate computation of drench dosage, mature
animals usually have uniform weights, with very insignificant rise
or fall. 
• Place the drench near the base of the tongue to ensure its
deposition first into the stomach (rumen). This will extend its
potency and effectiveness.
• Drench delivered at the front of the mouth usually reaches the
fourth stomach and becomes less effective. 
• Take care not to direct it to the lungs and windpipe.
Diseases and their Causes
Disease is a pathological condition of a part, organ, or system of an
organism resulting from various causes, such as infection, genetic
defect, or environmental stress, and characterized by an identifiable
group of signs or symptoms.
A disease is also defined as any departure from the normal state of
health. Anything that they may bring about an abnormal condition
of any or all tissues of the body is a disease-producing agent.
Among the chief causes of disease are: 
• Infectious agents like bacteria and viruses
• Non-infectious agents like chemicals, poisons, poor nutrition and injuries
• Conditions which make the goats susceptible to diseases such as
exposure to cold, long shipment and parasites.
Signs of poor health in goats
• standing off from the group
• loss of appetite
• decreased milk production for milking does
• dehydration
• above or below normal temperature
• pale mucus around eyes and in mouth
• runny eyes
• limping
• abnormal general posture and manner of walking
• hair falling out or rough in appearance
• external changes in the different regions of the body
• emaciation in advanced cases
Table 1. Infections, Diseases of Goats, their Mode of transmission,
and Prevention and Control
Disease/ Symptoms Prevention and Control
Mode of Transmission

Mastitis Hot, painful and swollen Treatment: Intramammary

Direct or indirect udder. May become red due infusion of antibiotics. Early an repeated
to treatment needed to prevent complication
inflammation later changing such as gangrene and toxemia
to dark reddish-blue Prevention: Proper treatment of injured
indicating necrosis of udder teats with antiseptics; disinfecting udders
tissue. Milk may be for milking and proper milking technique.
bloodstained, may contain Monitor by surveillance to detect
flakes or clots. Fever, loss of early eases for immediate isolation
appetite, depression and and treatment.
dehydration; gait or
movement of doe is affected.
Table 1. Infections, Diseases of Goats, their Mode of transmission,
and Prevention and Control
Disease/ Symptoms Prevention and Control
Mode of Transmission

Foot and Mouth Fever, vesicles, erosion in Notify livestock inspector

Disease between hooves, coronary immediately.
Direct and indirect band (junction between skin Designate quarantine areas and
contact with infected and hoof), teats and udders, restrict movement of animals;
animals, carriers, oral mucosa and tongue. disinfect areas with virucidal
implements, and other Raw ulceration follows agents (commercial disinfectant
infected material. rupture of vesicles, stingy or or lye caustic soda).
Blister fluid, saliva and foamy salivation, smacking Keep animal on dry ground.
other bodily discharges of the lips, difficulty in feed Treat lesions with mild
highly infective ingestion; staggering gait antiseptic (5% formation).
and lameness. Abortion in Mass immunize all animals.
pregnant animals.
Table 1. Infections, Diseases of Goats, their Mode of transmission,
and Prevention and Control
Disease/ Symptoms Prevention and Control
Mode of Transmission

Hemorrhagic High fever, loss of appetite. Prophylactic vaccination.

Septicemia Respiratory distress, Removal of predisposition
Ingestion or inhalation salivation, when possible. Early
of nasal discharge, swelling of treatment with parenteral
infective agent. Maybe throat and brisket, antibiotics and sulfa drugs.
normally present in the congestion of mucous
nasopharyngeal area membrane, diarrhea
but becoming bloody later
predisposition causes
flare-up of infection.
Table 1. Infections, Diseases of Goats, their Mode of transmission,
and Prevention and Control
Disease/ Symptoms Prevention and Control
Mode of Transmission

Bacterial Pneumonia Fever, inability to suckle, Burn dead animals or bury

Direct ingestion of nasal under a layer of lime.
infected udder; navel discharge, coughing and Antibiotic treatment is only
infection, genital or respiratory distress. effective in early and less
intrauterine infection of Gradual emaciation may acute cases.
doe, contaminated terminate as pneumonia-
environment. enteritis combination.
Death common
Table 1. Infections, Diseases of Goats, their Mode of transmission,
and Prevention and Control
Disease/ Symptoms Prevention and Control
Mode of Transmission

Tetanus Early stages characterized by Treat wound with hydrogen

Direct infection due to rigidity and stiffness of peroxide until completely
introduction of muscles, stilthy gait. healed; use clean instrument
organism Late stages; with titanic in castrating and dehorning.
in wounds. Castration, convulsions, prolapse of
old ulcerating wounds, third
dehorning eyelid, stiff tail, head and
complications. neck
Not contagious to other thrown back;
animals. hyperexcitability.
Bloat and other nervous
signs.
Table 1. Infections, Diseases of Goats, their Mode of transmission,
and Prevention and Control
Disease/ Symptoms Prevention and Control
Mode of Transmission

Infectious Arthritis Swollen knees, lameness, Minimize infection by treating

Direct, through mouth, pain wounds (castration and navel)
skin open wounds or via if pressure is applied on dressing, hygiene
umbilicus. affected joint. Fever may be management specially in
present. Joints involved are areas of confinement.
hock, knee, elbow and stifle. Treatment includes wide
Animal prefers recumbency, spectrum antibiotics and sulfa
appetite affected with drugs.
gradual
deterioration
Table 1. Infections, Diseases of Goats, their Mode of transmission,
and Prevention and Control
Disease/ Symptoms Prevention and Control
Mode of Transmission

Brucellosis Infertility. Abortion, Blood test and removal of

Ingestion of contaminated feed retained placenta, infected animals
and water. Aborted fetus, persistent vaginal
fetal membrane, placenta, urine discharge. In males,
and uterine discharge are swollen and painful
main sources of infection. testicles with
Infected males may transfer subsequent infertility
disease through natural/artificial sterility.
breeding.
Table 1. Infections, Diseases of Goats, their Mode of transmission,
and Prevention and Control
Non-parasitic diseases/ Symptoms Prevention and Control
Mode of Transmission

Bloat Swollen flank which is Feed straw or fibrous diets before turning
Non-contagious resonant when tapped. loose on lush pasturePuncture rumen with
Signs of colic such as large needle.Oils and fats (mineral)oil,
uneasiness, difficult vegetable oil or tallow) are satisfactory to
respiration, bloating and prevent foaming in the rumen. Commercial
absence of rumen anti- bloat preparations are Avlinox,
movements. Tympanol and Bloatguard
Table 1. Infections, Diseases of Goats, their Mode of transmission,
and Prevention and Control
Non-parasitic diseases/ Symptoms Prevention and Control
Mode of Transmission

Acute Indigestion or Signs appear from 10-36 Avoid sudden dietary changes.
Grain Overload hours after dietary Treatment: generally unsatisfactory. Early
cases may respond to high antibiotics levels
Non-contagious changes. Depression, given orally to reduce population of
loss of appetite, acid_x0002_forming bacteria (acidosis).
abdominal distention Indigestion may be treated with antacids
causing pain and like baking soda (sodium bicarbonate),
discomfort. Diarrhea magnesium carbonate or magnesium
hydroxide given orally in warm water (1
develops. g/kg body weight) to neutralize rumen
Rapid respiration and acidity. Systematic acidosis requires
pulse, in coordination,weakness, intravenous
coma and injection of acid neutralizers like 5%
death. sodium bicarbonate
repeatedly given.
Care of Sick Goats
Goats are not delicate animals. However, sick goats should not be taken
for granted. They need special attention.
The following are some of the things
you should do when a goat shows signs of sickness: 
• Separate the goat in a comfortable, well-lighted, and well-ventilated
pen.
• Provide fresh grasses, feed and clean water. 
• Observe the goat at frequent intervals for changes in its condition. 
• Administer recommended treatment. 
• Consult a veterinarian or other animal health authorities in your area.
IMMUNIZATION/ MEDICATION PROGRAM

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
1. Kinds of vaccine are explained.
2. Rules in handling vaccines are strictly followed according to
Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) standard.;
3. Effects of vaccines and vaccination are discussed.
4. Procedures in vaccination are performed using standard BAI
procedures;
5. Immunization program is practiced in accordance with the
industry standards.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Vaccination – the inoculation of vaccine to prevent disease
Intramuscular - in the muscle
Subcutaneous - under the skin
Toxoid - product containing a treated toxin (e.g. tetanus toxoid)
Vaccine - any microbial preparation used for disease prevention
Withdrawal - amount of time before legal slaughter/use for food
Anthelminthics – drugs administered as drench, bolus, or mixed in
feed to get rid of internal parasites, such as worms and flukes
 Here are the common vaccines for goats:
Goat Vaccinations
Vaccine Disease Protected Against When to Give
CDT Enterotoxemia and Tetanus Does: Fourth month of pregnancy
Kids: 1 month old and one month later
All: Booster annually
Pneumonia Pasteurella multocida or Two doses 2– 4 weeks apart
Mannheimia
Haemolytica pneumonia
CLA Cornybacterium Cornybacterium Kids: 6 months old, 3 weeks
pseudotuberculosis Kids: 6 pseudotuberculosis later and annual booster
months old, 3 weeks
later and annual booster

Rabies Rabies Annually Rabies Annually

Chlamydia Chlamydia abortion First 28– 45 days of pregnancy

Soremouth Orf Annually

All goat vaccines are formulated to be and so must be given as injections.
Follow these guidelines when giving a vaccination: 
To minimize the chance of an adverse reaction, vaccinate goats only when
they are in good health. 
Do not use expired or cloudy vaccines. 
Use a 20-gauge, 1-inch or 3/4-inch needle on an adult, or a 1/2-inch needle
on a kid.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dosage. 
Use a new, sterile needle and syringe on each goat. 
Do not mix vaccines. 
For the best effect, do not delay booster shots. 
Keep a record of vaccinations given.
Types of Injections
1. Intramuscular (IM) - in the muscle
2. Intravenous (IV) - in the vein
3. Subcutaneous - (SQ, Sub-Q) - under the skin
 The leg and loin regions should be avoided when giving IM injections.
IM injections can cause damage to the muscle tissue (meat). IM injections
should be given in the heavy neck muscle near the back of the head. The
needle should be inserted into the muscle with a quick thrust. Care
should take to make sure the needle is inserted in the muscle, not just
under the skin. You should pull pack on the plunger to make sure they
the needle has not been inserted into a blood vessel, as evidenced by
blood appearing in the syringe. The medication should be slowly injected
into the muscle.
SQ injections should be given behind the point of the shoulder, in the
neck region, or on the side of the animal. A SQ injection is given by
making a "tent' with the skin and injecting the solution under the fold of
the skin, parallel with the muscle. The medicine should be slowly
injected.. Sometimes IV injections are necessary to get medicine directly
into the blood stream for a quick response. These are given in the jugular
vein. Most producers rely on veterinarians for this type of injections.  For
SQ injections, a ¾ or 1 inch needle should be used. A 1 inch needle
is recommended for IM injections. For thin solutions, such as vaccines,
an 18 or 20 gauge needles should be used. For thick solutions, such as
penicillin, a 16 or 18 gauge needles may be used. Larger gauges may be
necessary when drawing blood or fluid from an abscess.
Oral medication or a SQ injection is preferred to an IM injection and
should be given, if allowed. Use the smallest gauge needle possible when
giving injections. A clean needle should be used (each time) when
drawing medications or vaccines from a bottle. No more than 5 cc should
be injected at any one site. You should not inject into a dirty or wet spot.
Unhealthy animals should not be vaccinated. Each time you give an
injection (or administer other animal health products); you should keep a
record of it. Withdrawal times should be strictly adhered to.
Goats serve many purposes, whether they are used for meat, as
pets, show animals and working animals. No matter what you use
goats for, they must be vaccinated and cared for properly. Vaccines can
keep your goat healthy and prevent them from catching deadly
diseases. Learn how to vaccinate a goat with the following steps.
1. Know what vaccinations are available for goats. Clostridium
perfringens types C and D + tetanus toxoid and the multivalent
clostridial vaccine are two vaccines that your goat should not be
without. Both of these vaccines cover more than one disease; the
multivalent clostridial vaccine is an 8- way vaccine.
2. Determine what your goats are used for. Special precautions should be
taken if you use your goats for meat. Some vaccines should not be given
a certain number of days before slaughter. If you travel with your goat, it
may need other vaccines.
3. Talk to your veterinarian so you are prepared for disease outbreaks in
your area. Some vaccines are not needed unless a disease has been
found in close proximity to your area.
4. Vaccinate your goats on a schedule. Male goats can be vaccinated once a
year, while pregnant and young goats may need more frequent
vaccinations.
5. Watch your goats for wounds and other health problems. Some vaccines
may need to be given if your goat is wounded or hurt.
Vaccine Administration
To achieve the best possible results from vaccines, carefully follow the
recommendations for storage, handling, and administration found in each
vaccine’s package insert. Here are other steps you can take to help ensure
vaccine safety: 
• Inspect vaccines upon delivery and monitor refrigerator and freezer temperatures to assure maintenance of the cold
chain.
• Rotate vaccine stock so the oldest vaccines are used first. 
• Never administer a vaccine later than the expiration date. 
• Administer vaccines within the prescribed time periods following reconstitution. 
• Wait to draw vaccines into syringes until immediately prior to administration. 
• Never mix vaccines in the same syringe unless they are specifically approved for mixing by the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA). 
• Record vaccine and administration information, including lot numbers
and injection sites, in the patient's record.

If errors in vaccine storage and administration occur, take corrective

action immediately to prevent them from happening again and notify public
health authorities
Types of Vaccine
Vaccines come in two basic types: modified live and killed. Modified live vaccines
may contain one or more agents of disease viruses that have been treated so that
they do not cause disease but still reproduce in the animal. The
animal's immune system responds by producing antibodies. These vaccines
closely mimic an infection and should not be used in pregnant animals. Killed
vaccines are made from viruses or bacteria that have been rendered inactive. The
agents are not alive and they do not reproduce in the
animal's body. It is the components of the disease agents which stimulate the
animal's body to produce antibodies which aid in preventing disease if the animal
is exposed. Killed vaccines are generally safe to give to pregnant animals.
Effects of Vaccines
• There are numbers of side-effects that may be seen following vaccination,
including the following: 
• The organisms in live vaccines can sometimes cause mild signs of the disease and
they can be transferred to other animals in a herd and cause mild signs of disease in
them as well 
• Live vaccines may damage the fetus in pregnant animals, so they should not be used
in pregnant animals if a killed vaccine is available. 
• Some live vaccines can result in a long term "latent" infection which may affect
blood tests and have implications on the future movement of animals
• Vaccines can cause a local reaction and irritation at the site of injection
• Hair loss, and sometimes a change of hair colour can occur at the injection site
• If the vaccine is administered by injection without cleaning the skin surface infection
may be introduced into the site resulting in abscess formation
• Rarely an individual animal may show a severe shock (anaphylactic)
reaction following vaccination.
THANK YOU !!!