Health

Sheep & Goat Toolbox

• Robust• Alert• Bright eyed• Lively

• Strong in structure• Deep bodied• Wide chested• Able to walk

squarely on feet & legs

Healthy Well-Conformed

The best animals are. . .

• Well-balanced udders• Two functional teats

• Proper body condition

• Lively appearance• Good coat or fleece• No abscesses• No limping

In General: For does & ewes:

What to look for:

What to look for: Teeth

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwpXzdE7h1I&feature=youtu.be

• Prevention is key!• Provide adequate nutrition

(pastures)• Observe animals daily• Provide sanitary conditions• Provide a low-stress

environment• Cull chronically ill animals • Have a good working

relationship with a veterinarian– www.aasrp.org (270) 483-

2090

Tips for keeping animals healthy

1 2 3 4 5

Body condition score

Signs of poor health

• Keep thorough health records including all illnesses and treatments.

• Have a working relationship with a veterinarian

Keep records!

• Many Available• Most Common is CD-

T: – Clostridium– Overeating Disease– Tetanus

• Consult Veterinarian

Vaccinations

• Primary Concern• Signs of

Parasitism:• Rough Hair Coat• Thin/Unthrifty• Bottle Jaw• Anemia

• FAMACHA is a system for detecting anemia:www.acsrpc.org

Parasites

• Trim as needed• Helps prevent hoof problems including

footrot• Keeps animals sound & walking

properly

Hoof care

Hoof trimming

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ffU_cBjlsk&feature=youtu.be

• Provide low-stress environment and handling

• Practice good management• Provide sanitary conditions• Vaccinate as recommended by

veterinarian• Protect from predators• Provide good nutrition and plenty of

forage• Observe animals daily• Cull animals that are chronically

unhealthy

How to prevent health problems

• Books– See ATTRA Small Ruminant Resource

List

• Websites– www.attra.ncat.org– www.acsrpc.org– http://www.luresext.edu/goats/training/

qa.html– Infovets.com– Pipevet.com– Sheepandgoat.com

Resources

The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is a nonprofit organization that helps people and communities. NCAT champions small-scale, sustainable and local solutions to reduce poverty, protect communities and promote natural resources. Since 1976, NCAT has weatherized houses, trained farmers, monitored energy use and demonstrated renewable technology. NCAT works on local and national projects that foster a healthy quality of life for everyone.