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out of
hibernation and populate until the cold temperatures of fall (October)
return, resulting in parasites being less of a problem. This is a cycle
that occurs every year despite the best attempts to control parasites.
The good news is there are management practices that can be implemented
to address potential problems with excessive parasite infestation. Many
of them are simple practices that only require a moderate amount of
forethought, time and implementation.
Proactive
Approaches
With
simple management practices one can attempt to control parasites. The
following recommendations are based on speculation and personal
experience; there are no scientific studies for verification. (1) In the
fall of each year the application of hydrated agriculture lime on
pastures provides a dual benefit. It "sweetens" the soil
allowing availability of nutrients in the soil, which enhances the
forages’ ability to absorb more nutrients, providing for forages with
an improved nutritional value. Goats receiving an improved diet are more
likely to be hardy, vigorous and, hopefully, more tolerant to parasite
infestation. (2) Lime alters the pH level in soils and grasses,
affecting the living environment for parasites. A simple alteration of
their environment may reduce their ability to be so prolific. To the
best of my knowledge there are no scientific studies or data that verify
this. One can only hope this is true and will minimize the ability for
parasites to repopulate in a rapid fashion.
Another
approach is to provide a "dry lot" area for goats that suffer
from excessive parasite infestation. This practice will require feeding
sufficient amounts of hay and feed to keep the goat/s healthy, but it
prevents the opportunity for goats to graze forages that may house
parasites. There are several options to develop a dry lot area: (1) Set
up an area that has a concrete pad. The pen/s need to be large enough to
accommodate individual or multiple goats. This practice is very costly
but is very effective. (2) Set up an area/s that is heavily graveled.
This should have the same results as a concrete pad (no forages), but is
more affordable and practical. (3) Establish a dry lot that has nothing
but dirt for flooring. As long as forages are not allowed to grow in
this area there is no opportunity for parasites to thrive and be taken
in by grazing goats. Any one of these concepts is practiced at cattle
feedlots, and it seems to work for their situation.
When
utilizing a dry lot area to restore the health of an unhealthy animal
remember several things. (1) The development of a problem with excessive
parasite burden took time to develop, so for the problem to go away and
the goat to recover will require time. (2) Allow the animal to remain in
the dry lot area for a sufficient amount of time. Sufficient time may be
a judgment call, but basically when a goat suffers from excessive
parasite infestation the lining of the stomach is marred by tiny
lacerations caused by the gastrointestinal worms, so the digestive
system basically needs time to heal. A healthy stomach allows for more
efficient absorption of nutrients, resulting in a hardier animal.
Another
proactive approach includes: (1) The ability to visually assess the
health of each animal. Scruffy coats, animals that appear gaunt and
animals that will not retain a healthy weight could indicate animals
that are suffering from excessive parasite infestation. (2) Further
evaluation practices such as fecal egg exam and FAMACHA will more
accurately determine a possible overburden of parasites.
From
time to time the Extension Service offers educational workshops that
teach these evaluation practices. If you are unable to attend a
workshop, consult with a veterinarian and make arrangements for your
goats to be examined. A working relationship with a vet is always a good
idea. Accurate identification allows for more specific and effective
treatment.
Reactive
Approach
Often
a producer does not realize his animals have a problem until it becomes
blatantly obvious and something must be done immediately. Then, the
farmer reacts by struggling to keep the infested animal/s healthy and
alive. This type of response would include deworming or treating for
coccidia. This situation can be very stressful and costly to the farmer.
For this practice to be effective there are several approaches to
consider. (1) Know which parasite is causing the problem. Trying any and
every treatment (known as shotgun approach) limits effectiveness, can be
costly and might allow the unidentified parasite to become tolerant of
medicines used. (2) When the parasite is known, continue utilizing
recommended treatments that are effective until said parasite develops
immunity. THEN consider rotating medicines.
To
facilitate a successful reactive approach requires a working
relationship with a knowledgeable veterinarian. For example, if a
medicine labeled specifically for goats does not work, only a vet can
recommend an "off-label" medicine that may be more effective.
It is likely the vet is knowledgeable of potential side effects or
hazards resulting from the use of certain medicines.
The
practices discussed in this article are proactive and reactive in
nature; all hold potential to be effective when properly implemented and
monitored. There are more practices that could be discussed, but, as
always, time is a limiting factor. These are some general ideas that
should allow each farm manager to control the impact and costs
associated with excessive parasite infestation. Each farming situation
is unique and necessitates evaluation of what might work best for each
situation. Remember, parasites are a part of nature. It is impossible to
eliminate them completely; it is only possible to manage them.
Robert
Spencer is the Urban Regional Extension Specialist in the Urban Affairs
and New Nontraditional Programs Unit & The Urban Centers in North
Alabama for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. |
