Republic of the Philippines

Commission on Higher Education

Province of Sorsogon
Municipality of Donsol
DONSOL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Tres Marias, Donsol, Sorsogon

TLE IC 7
Module 9

GOAT PRODUCTION

TECHNOLOGY AND LIVELIHOOD EDUCATION

TEACHING COMMON COMPETENCIES IN AGRICULTURE

AND FISHERY ARTS
SECOND SEMESTER : AY 20___-20__
TLE-IC 7 : TEACHING COMMON COMPETENCIES IN AGRICULTURE AND
FISHERY ARTS
MODULE 8 : GOAT PRODUCTION

Republic Act 8293, Chapter IV, Section 176-Works of the Government,

Paragraph 176.1 states that, no copyright shall subsist in any work of the Government
of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government agency or office wherein
the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of such work or profit. Such
agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment of
royalties. No prior approval or conditions shall be required for the use for any purpose
of statues, rules and regulations, and speeches, lectures, sermon, address, and
dissertations, pronounced, read or rendered in courts of justice, before administrative
agencies in deliberative assemblies and in meetings of public character. (Sec. 9, first
par,.P.D. No.49)

176.2. The author of speeches, lectures, sermons, addresses, and dissertations

mentioned in the preceding paragraphs shall have the exclusive right of making a
collection of his works. (n)

173.3. Notwithstanding the foreign provisions, the Government is not precluded from
receiving and holding copyrights transferred to it by assignment, bequest or otherwise;
nor shall publication or republication by the Government in a public document of any
work in which copyright is subsisting be taken to cause abridgment or annulment of
the copyright or to authorize any use or appropriation of such work without the consent
of the copyright owner. (sec 9, third par., P.D. No.49)

Development Team
TECHNOLOGY AND LIVELIHOOD EDUCATION
Prepared by: RENE C. BAROLA, MAM
Reviewed by: JOAQUIN G. ATAYZA, MATEA
Layout Artist: RENE C. BAROLA, MAM
GLADYS S. MENDIOLA
ALBERT S. LLAVA

This module is a property of Donsol Community College. No portion/s of this

instructional material may be reproduced or used in any form without the
permission of Donsol Community College. This module is not for sale.

DISCLAIMER
The use of trade names in this module is to identify examples only and is not meant to
endorse these products or discredit any similar product.
 Introduction

Welcome to this self-learning module on GOAT PRODUCTION. This

module includes the introduction, objectives, vocabulary, Pre-assessment which you need to
answer. Then, the Activity, Analysis, Abstraction and Application which are the adult
learning processes. The Activity is designed to engage you as a learner in an activity dealing
with the concepts to be learned. Analysis is a reflective feedback which describes the process
of inquiry into the results of the activity. Abstraction is an integration which describes the
generalization derived from the activity and analysis. Application is a practical synthesis
which describes the various activities directed at you as a learner the need to transfer the
insights which were surfaced during the Activity, Analysis and Abstraction stages of the
learning process into your real-life concerns. After doing so, you may take the Post-
assessment to determine and gauge the knowledge, skills and attitudes you have gained from
this lesson.
To enhance your competence, you have also to accomplish Going Further found in this
module. The References are also included for further information. The Rubric in Assessing
Your Written Answers is also found in the module to guide you while you work on this
curriculum material. Enjoy in this learning journey. Thank you and Good luck!

Objectives

After completing this module, you must be able to:

[Link] understanding of goat production

[Link] concepts on goat production

[Link] the importance of technical knowledge on goat production

Vocabulary

Agriculture. Agriculture is simply defined as the art and science of crop, animal and fiber
production for human consumption. As a branch of agriculture, animal
production deals with production of domesticated animals other than pets and
game animals ([Link],2012).
 Pre-Assessment

Multiple Choice
Directions. Answer each question. Write the letter of the correct answer on your answer
sheet.
1. The process of eliminating undesirable and unproductive animals in the goat breeding
herd is called ______________________.
a. selection [Link] c. culling [Link]

2. What data are found in a breeding or reproduction record?

[Link] of Kidding & pregnancy diagnosis [Link] of service & estrus period
[Link] used & birth type IVKidding interval & date bought
a. I&II b. I,II &III [Link] & IV d. I,II & IV

3. Feed Record: Forage Fed;_________:mastitis

[Link] Control Record [Link] Inventory [Link] Record [Link] Record

[Link] is used as basis in most decisions in the goat farm.

a . Records b. Data c. Breeding Record [Link] Record

5. This practice in herd management prevents malformation of the toes and foot rot due to
manure getting inside untrimmed hoof.
[Link] b. culling c. selection d. breeding

6. Castration of goats is ideal when they are________________

a. I1-2 weeks old b.2-4 weeks old c. 3-4 weeks old d.4-5 weeks old
7. When is debudding conducted in goat production?

a. when goats are mature c. when goats are kid

[Link] goats are buck [Link] gots are doe

8. How long is the gestation period of a goat?

a. 115 days b. 150 days c.250 days d.105 days
9. What type of goat is raised for its milk?
a. milk goats [Link] goats [Link] [Link] goat

10. Fibrous herbage plants provided to goats are called___________.

[Link] c. roughages
[Link] libitum [Link]

11. Why are goats domesticated?

[Link] milk [Link] meat [Link] hide IV. For breeding
a.I&II [Link] &III [Link] & IV d. I & IV
12. Goat is considered as____________________
[Link] man’s meat c. poor man’s cow
[Link] man’s pet [Link] man’s animal
13. What should be done to goats during wet season?

[Link] [Link] disease [Link] [Link] in shelter

14. Young male goats not intended for breeding is___________.

[Link] b. butchered [Link] d. castrated
[Link] newly bought goats with an effective dewormer.
[Link] b. False
[Link] breed type of goat is dominantly white in color?
[Link] [Link] [Link]-Nubian [Link] native

Activity

Read and study.

GOAT PRODUCTION
Goats which are scientifically called as Capra hircus is a popular ruminant animal in
the Philippines. It is raised nationwide because of its advantages. PCARRD(2004)
presented valuable significance on goat. These are the given succeeding data:
 THE IMPORTANCE OF GOAT PRODUCTION (PCARRD,2004)

Goat production offers advantages. These are the following:

[Link], being small animals, require only a small initial investment for their upkeep. As
such, the risk of loss is so small, making goat farming an attractive proposition among rural
farm families. Also, women and children can easily participate in goat production.

[Link] raising can easily be integrated with crop-based farming systems. While it may be
just a source of secondary income, it provides farm families with meat, milk, and skin for
processing into high –value products. Goat manure is also used as fertilizer for the farmers’
crops.

[Link] can thrive even on browse because they can digest cellulosic feed materials more
efficiently. They can survive in an environment in which available fodder ordinarily cannot
support cattle during the dry season. Moreover, they can subsist on vegetation that are
unpalatable to other ruminant species.
[Link] have other inherent advantages over other ruminant species such as: they mature
earlier; have higher fertility; are capable of multiple births; and have shorter gestation period.
Goats can be bred as early as eight months old and produce milk five months after. The first
carcass or kid crop can be sold in less than a year. Owing to their short kidding interval (8-9
months), production of both milk and meat can be increased in a relatively shorter time. Gost’s
milk has its own niche market. babies who are allergic to cow’s milk are usually fed with goat
milk. Because of its high vitamin A content, goat milk is now increasingly used in the
manufacture of cosmetics. It is also excellent for processing into cheese, butter, ice cream,
among other products.
5. It is a good source protein for rural fam families who cannot afford to raise a dairy cow
or buy dairy products from cows. Goat raising offers a good source of sustained income to rural
families or enterprises.
[Link] meat known as chevon is popular for certain delicacies such as kilawen, papaitan
and claderetta. It is part of the regular food intake of people, particularly in Northern Luzon
where chevon is sold in the market just like pork, chicken, and beef. Beacuse of the goats
meat’s high water-holding capacity, it is also a good material for processing into different meat
products such as corned chevon, sausages, tapa among other preparations.

STARTING A GOOD ENTERPRISE (PCARRD,2004)

Starting a good enterprise can be done. Its success depends on deep knowledge on goat
production. Given in the succeeding discussions is the data on how to start a good goat
enterprise.
 BREEDS OF GOAT

Goat is a multi-use animal which is commonly reared for the meat (chevon). In the
different parts of the world, goat is raised for the meat, milk, wool and leather. Goat is

also called “the poor man’s cow”. Goats can be dairy goat or meat type goat.

Breed Description
Boer Boer was developed in the South
Africa, and it can be reared in all
types of climate. Boer breed has
more immunity to diseases than
the local breeds, and can give
100% twin birth; and within two
years, it can give 3 times birth.
Adult Boer weighs more than 100
kg,

Boer breed is characterized by a red

head and red on at least a portion of
the neck, with a white body. They
have large pendulous ears. Some
breeders have chosen to breed
and promote solid color Boers, but
there is little scientific evidence that
they have any unique merit in
productivity.

Docility, high fertility and a fast

growth
rate are some of the traits of the
Boer
goat

Boer goats are the largest of the

goat breeds. Mature does can
weigh between 190-230 pounds,
and mature Boer bucks can weigh
between 200–340 pounds. They
have been selected for growth rate
and may gain in excess of 0.4
pounds per
day under feedlot conditions.

Scientific name: Capra aegagrus hircus

Source:[Link]
&oq=boer+goat&aqs=chrome..69i57.4787j0j15&source
id=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Sannen  This breed originated from
Switzerland
 .It is famous for milk production
throughout the world.
 This breed is polled or normally
has no horn.
 Ears are flopped towards front
side and has white and
small hairs.
 After parturition, this goat gives
milk for 150-180 days resulting in an
average of 600-700 liters
of milk production.
 Normally, it gives birth in a
year and gives a kid per birth.
 Doe weighs up to 68 kg and buck
weighs up to 91 kg in average

 These are large goats and are

heavy milk producers and usually
yield 3-4 percent butterfat content. These
animals are usually calm and mild
mannered.
 Saanens are white or light cream
in color, with white preferred. Spots
on the skin are not discriminated
against. Small spots of color on the
hair are allowable, but not
desirable. The hair should be
short and fine, although a fringe
over the spine and thighs is often
present. Ears should be erect
and alertly carried, preferably
pointing forward. The face
should be straight or dished.
A tendency toward a Roman
Source:[Link] is discriminated against.
nose
at&sxsrf=ALeKk02xHvHV06K7aODPfpRyY7HqckOBvg: The breed is sensitive to excessive
1615820655237&source=lnms&tbm=isch&biw=1366 sunlight and performs best
&bih=663#imgrc=VxcMOHZRiSelWM&imgdii=QaNUK in cooler conditions, hence shade
whfNzsr7M should be provided.
Anglo-Nubian  Anglo Nubian goat originated from
Great Britain. They are the
result of crossbreeding
of British and Indian goat
breeds.

 This goat breed is suitable

for all types of
domestic or commercial
meat, milk and fur
production purpose.
As, Anglo Nubian goats
are very strong and beautiful
to look, they also very
suitable for goat show.

 The milk of this goat contains much

butter and fat than any other dairy
goats. Their breeding season is pretty
 long. So, you can produce milk from
them through the year. They are one
of the goat breeds who can

tolerate hot condition highly.

 They are very famous for their
beautiful look, milk and meat
production.
 They are of white, black,
brown or mixed with various
colored.
 They are mainly raised
 for milk production. But
they also
produce meat highly.
 Long sized pendulous ears
Source:[Link] hanged close to the head.
eKk029dD2rksBhoThKcJl-  They are generally short
PYLbpykZdA:1615820974444&source=lnms&tbm=isch&biw=1366 haired and carries a
&bih=663#imgrc=n1YP4fdIgvHkDM&imgdii=yKThSQpgj1ut1M decidedly Roman nose.
 Long sized legs.
 Udder is comparatively big
sized.
 They love grazing. But
suitable for raising at
home with other animals.
 They can adopt themselves
with the environment easily.
 A doe (female goat) can produce about
2-3 litter milk daily.
 The milk of Anglo Nubian goat
contains about 4% fat
and enrich with butter.
 Adult male goats weights
about 175 pounds.
 Adult female goats weights
about 135 pounds or more
It is common to think that the breed originated in Africa but the breed was actually
developed in Britain by crossing the African and Indian goats with native English goats. The
Anglo-Nubian is a relatively large,
proud, graceful dairy goat and is
regarded as an “aristocratic”
appearing goat. This goat has very
long, pendulous ears that hang close
to the head, carries a decidedly
Roman nose and is always short-
haired.

Any solid or parti-colored coat is

permitted in the Anglo-Nubian, but
black, red or tan are the most
common colors. Usually there is
shorter hair on the Anglo-Nubian
males, particularly along the back
and on the thigh, than is commonly
found on the Swiss breeds. The udder
of the Anglo-Nubian is capacious but
is sometimes more pendulous than
that of the Swiss breeds. A mature

Source: [Link]
goat/#:~:text=Anglo%20Nubian%20goats%20are%20the,mainly%20raised%20for%20milk%2
0production
doe should stand at least 30 inches at the withers and weigh 135 pounds or over, while the
males should stand at least 35 inches at the withers and weigh at least 175 pounds. The
Anglo Nubian is an all-purpose goat, useful for meat, milk and hide production. It is not a
heavy milk producer but has a high average butter fat content of between 4-5 percent.

Toggenburg goat farming is

Toggenburg Goat popular and very common,
because it is the oldest known
dairy goat breed. The Toggenburg
goats are highly milk productive
and they are very suitable for
commercial milk production
purpose.
The breed originated from the
Toggenburg valley in the Canton of
St. Gallen, Switzerland in the
1600’[Link] was named after the
region in Switzerland (from where
the breed originated).

The Toggenburg goats are of medium

sized animals with does
reaching a weight of at least
120lbs/55kgs with sturdy,
Toggenburgs have short to medium length
vigorous and very alert
hair that is soft and fine. The hair color can
appearance. They are very strong
vary from light fawn to dark chocolate but
and hardy and are very suitable for
there is no preference for any shade.
commercial production purpose.
The breed has characteristic white markings
on their bodies as follows: “white ears with This breed performs best in cooler
dark spot in middle; two white stripes down conditions
the face from above each eye to the muzzle; and shade should therefore be provided
hind legs white from hocks to hooves; for
forelegs white from knees downward with them if they are being grazed.
a dark lien (band) below knee acceptable; Toggenburg
a white triangle on either side of the tail; are known for their excellent udder
a white spot may be present at root of wattles development; in fact they produce more
or in that area if no wattles are present. The milk than Alpines
ears are erect and carried forward. Facial lines and have an average butterfat content of
may be dished or straight but never Roman.” 3.2% which makes their milk creamy in
(Handbook of Australian Livestock, Australian texture.
Meat & Livestock Corporation,1989, 3rd Edition)

Alpine
The French-Alpine is a breed of goat which originated in the Alps. The color of this breed varies
greatly, ranging from black to white; animals often display a variety of colors and shades that
may range from pure white through shades of fawn, grey, brown, black and red or various
shadings and combinations of these colors. There are recognized color patterns, such as:

i) Chamoisee (tan, red or brown with black markings on the head a black stripe down the back
and black stripes on the hind legs) ii) Sundgau color patterns have black and white markings
on the face and underside iii) Cou blanc have a white neck and shoulders shade through silver
grey to a glossy black on the hind quarters, there may also be grey or black markings on the
head.
Both sexes are generally short haired, but bucks usually have a roach of long hair running
along the spine. The beard of males is also quite pronounced. The ears in the Alpine should be
 of medium size, fine textured, and
preferably erect. Mature females of this
breed should stand not less than 30
inches at the withers and should weigh
not less than 135 pounds. Males should
stand from 34 to 40 inches at the withers
and should weigh not less than 170
pounds.
French-Alpine females are excellent
milkers and usually have large, well-
shaped udders with well-placed teats of
desirable shape. The French-alpine is
also referred to as the Alpine Dairy goat.
These are hardy, adaptable animals that
thrive in any climate while maintaining
good health and excellent production.
The milk butterfat content is estimated
to be 3.5 %. There are also British and
Swiss Alpines.

Philippine Native Goat

DETERMINING THE AGE OF GOATS

Records to guide selection and determination of age before purchase of stocks are still
unavailable in the country. However, age can be determined through dentition.

Goats have eight front teeth or incisors on the lower jaw. After four years old, the approximate
age can be determined by the amount of wear in the front teeth. As the animal gets older, the
teeth loosen and finally drop out. At this age, the animal begins to lose its usefulness as grazing
animal. They may be kept on and be fed with specially prepared feeds if the animals are
valuable breeding bucks or does and are still capable of reproduction. On the basis of dentition,
animals are considered mature if they have at least a pair of permanent teeth.
 Dentition
of Goats

BREEDING AND REPRODUCTION

Breeding of goats aims at increasing existing population inventory. It also improves herd
performance by optimizing their genetic potential primarily for important economic
traits. To increase the production of chevon and milk, appropriate breeding schemes
should be implemented and supported by proper management and nutrition.

Some Reproductive Phenomena in Goats

In the Philippines, goats can be bred throughout the year. Among native goats, sexual
maturity can be observed as early as five months, where onset of first estrus among
weanlings occurs, while purebred stock manifest puberty when they are 6-7 months
old. At this early stage, breeding should not be practiced, as this can cause stunted
growth and does tend to produce weak and lighter kids.

A doe in heat shows signs such as bleating, reddening of the vulva and vaginal discharge
of mucus, accompanied by restlessness, frequent urination, tail wagging and mounting
of other goats regardless of sex, or allowing another goat to mount her. The sure sign of
estrus is when the doe allows the buck to mount her, also known as the standing heat.

Selection

Selection is the method used by breeder and animal raisers to make long-term genetic
change. It is the process that determines which individual animals become parents, how
many offspring they produce, and how long they remain in the breeding population.
Heritability estimates are useful in determining the relative progress made in selection
to improve various traits. It is the proportion of gain made in selection of parents that
is passed on to the offspring. Therefore, traits from which the greatest progress can be
made should get priority attention in selection. Traits that are moderately or highly
heritable have high economic value, have larger body size and give more milk compared
to the indigenous breed. Crossbreeding Anglo-Nubian bucks with native does produce
progenies with larger body size, faster growth rate and improved milk yield.
REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS OF GOATS
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Proper Hand-Milking Procedure of a Dairy Goat
NUTRITION
HERD MANAGEMENT
BASIC DATA OF A GOAT
Proper management of all aspects of your goats is the key to preventing and controlling
disease. An properly balanced diet reduces the risk of developing hoof diseases,
especially as improper levels of copper and Sulphur in the diet can lead to foot scald.
Hooves should constantly be observed to ensure that they do not dry out and crack.
Cracked hooves allow harmful bacteria to enter the feet predisposing the animal to
developing hoof rot. Hoof trimming can help in preventing the disease and may be
needed as often as every 6 weeks for optimum management. Regularly disinfect pens
and include footbaths as a routine management practice for optimal disease prevention.
[Link]

Enterotoxemia also called “Overeating Disease” is not caused by overeating, but by a

toxin (poison) produced by the bacterium Clostridium perfringens type C or D. The
predominant predisposing nutritional factor in goats is linked with the sudden exposure
to grain or large increases in the quantity of milk consumed. This leads to indigestion
and allows more time for bacteria to proliferate and toxins to accumulate within the
intestinal tract. These bacteria are normally present in the soil and the intestinal tract
in relatively small numbers, however, under certain conditions (as described above), the
bacteria reproduces uncontrollably in the animal’s intestine and produces the toxin. In
high quantities, the toxin is lethal. Similarly, to Foot Scald, the disease is associated
with the animal’s diet.

Signs There are three forms of this disease: the per-acute, sub-acute and chronic forms.
In the per acute (sudden onset of the disease and the disease is usually severe) disease
course, a kid may be found dead with no signs of illness. This usually occurs if the
animal has consumed large quantities of concentrate. The per-acute course prolongs for
up to 24 hours and usually ends in death. Initially the temperature may increase to 105
°F (40.5°C). Kids with acute enterotoxaemia may cry so loudly that it may sound like
screaming, this is an indication of abdominal pain. Depression, wobbly gait and
recumbence occur early. The animal may also show signs of convulsions and may slip
into a coma before death or die groaning or even crying. These signs occur in kids but
can occur in adult milking goats from either Type C or D bacterial infections.
The Subacute form of the disease affects mostly the older kids and adults. This form of
the disease can prolong for days and even weeks. Animals affected with this disease
refuse to eat and begin to lose condition and very often show signs of severe diarrhea,
occasionally with epithelial shreds in the feces. Animals with this form of the disease
can be treated and will survive if treatment is administered efficiently. The Chronic form
of this disease is associated with intermittent illness which lasts for several weeks. The
goat will have a dull, starry look, an irregular appetite; drop in milk production and
growth rate but with treatment should make a full recovery.

Diagnosis Definitive diagnosis for this disease can only be made in the laboratory via
cell culture for the bacteria. PCR can also be used to identify the toxin gene associated
with this disease. Please consult your veterinarian for assistance in diagnosis.

Treatment and Control Treatment includes immediate administration of clostridium C

& D anti-toxin by a veterinarian. However, this vaccine is not readily available in
Trinidad and Tobago. Milk of Magnesia and activated charcoal can also be given to the
infected animal to bind the toxins and remove them from the body. The animal will also
need supplemented nutrition, electrolytes; coconut water can be orally administered to
keep the goat hydrated. Pain medication can also be given to the goat to help with the
abdominal pain. A farmer should contact a veterinarian if he suspects that he has a
Enterotoxemia problem on his farm, this will allow the veterinarian to give the best
control measures to the farmer, it is important to note however that sudden changes in
the diet of the animal is the main cause of the disease and should therefore be avoided
at all cost. You should have a proper feeding program on your farm and animals should
be fed at a similar time each day.
[Link]

Tetanus is also referred to as “lock jaw”. This disease is caused by a specific neurotoxin
that is produced by the Clostridium tetani bacteria in necrotic tissue; this bacterium is
usually found in the soil and in animal feces. The spores of this bacterium can remain
in the soil for years as it is resistant to destruction. Tetanus has a group of characteristic
signs associated with the syndrome; these include muscular rigidity, hyperesthesia and
convulsions. The disease causing organism usually enters into the goat’s system
through cuts, scrapes and puncture wounds that the animals may receive while grazing
but can also enter into the body when the farmer or veterinarian is performing routine
procedures such as disbudding, dehorning, tattooing, castration, and hoof trimming.
Wounds caused by dog bites are also sites of infection.
Signs The incubation for this disease is usually 10-14 days. Early signs of tetanus
include an anxious expression, a stiff gait, and mild bloat. The area around the site of
the infection may be stiff as well. Over time the animal develops reluctance to move, and
difficulty opening the mouth. The animal may also become constipated. Over time,
animals become hyper aesthetic (increased sensitivity to senses) and will respond to
touch and noises by stiffening up and collapsing to the ground. Convulsions will usually
follow. Eventually animals are permanently recumbent with rigid extension of all limbs.
Affected animals will convulse periodically at the slightest disturbance. Once
recumbent, death usually occurs within 24 to 36 hours.
Treatment and Control If detected early, sedatives and antibiotics can be used along
with tetanus antitoxin to treat the disease, but it often fails. The site of infection should
be opened to allow for proper air flow, cleaning and to allow the wound to be infiltrated
with penicillin or tetanus antitoxin. This will reduce the chance that more pre-existing
toxins will be absorbed during tissue manipulation. Excessive tissue manipulation can
also cause the toxins to spread rapidly and may make the animal dramatically worse.
Consult with your veterinarian for proper treatment.

Prevention of this disease is much more effective and economical than treatment of
affected goats. An annual vaccination program should be implemented on your farm.
The Ministry of Agriculture offers this service at a subsidized coat. It is recommended
to vaccinate all goats on your farm to achieve optimal disease prevention. Sharp objects
should be removed from the pens and pastures because they may cause damage to the
goats and predispose them to contracting tetanus. Remember, prevention is always
better than cure!

3. Pregnancy Toxemia

This disease is also known as pregnancy disease, ketosis or twin lamb disease. It occurs
during late pregnancy and happens more frequently in doe’s that are carrying multiple
fetuses. Pregnancy toxaemia is a metabolic disease of goats and the following factors
predisposes the pregnant doe:
• Multiple fetuses.

• Poor nutrition and undernourishment during late pregnancy when the fetuses
are rapidly growing.
• Stress such as severe weather, sudden changes in feed, other diseases or
transportation.

The disease usually appears in the last 30 days of pregnancy. The mortality rate is high
in affected animals as both the doe and the fetuses can be lost.

Causes As pregnancy progresses, an increasing demand is made on the available blood

glucose supply of the doe because of fetal development. Glucose requirements during
late pregnancy are increased up to 70-80% since most of the fetal development takes
place during this stage. The doe’s blood sugar level will decrease as the pregnancy
progresses and pregnancy toxaemia may develop when levels decrease to about 18 mg
per 100 ml blood.
Clinical Signs The clinical signs displayed by the animal begin with isolation. Initially,
the animal tends to separate from others and to display mild depression. As the disease
progresses the doe will show signs of visual impairment as she will usually run into
objects or will not react when she is approached. Dullness and depression become
progressively severe and the doe becomes reluctance to move and eat. Eventually she
becomes recumbent. The temperature and pulse of the animal usually remains within
normal limits and respiration is usually normal until the later stages when it may
become laboured. The appetite is poor or absent. Ketones may be detected in the urine
the breath of the animal will also be sweet almost like the smell of molasses. During the
last stages of this disease does become comatose and eventually die.

Treatment and Control Oral administration of glycerol, propylene glycol or intravenous

administration of glucose may be effective in the early stages of the disease. A dose rate
of 50 mls twice per day is recommended for goats and sheep. Intravenous administration
of large volumes of electrolyte solutions with sodium bicarbonate and/ or glucose can
help the animal to retain energy. In severe cases, caesarean section or other humane
methods of terminating pregnancy may be effective in saving the life of the doe and/or
her kids.

An adequate nutritional level throughout the pregnancy will prevent pregnancy

toxaemia. Management during the late stage of pregnancy is important to preventing
this disease. Protein and energy levels during the last 30-40 days of pregnancy should
meet the doe’s maintenance requirements as well as the growth requirements of the
foetuses. You must avoid sudden changes in feed and reduce the stress on the animal
as much as possible. Monitoring the pregnant animals can allow for early detection of
the disease and aid in reducing any losses associated with this disease.
[Link]

Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland caused by specific disease producing

microorganisms. The most common organism involved in dairy goat mammary disease
is Staphylococcus epidermidisa, which is commonly found on the skin of human hands
and the udder skin of goats This organism that causes mastitis in goats is similar to
those that cause mastitis in cows. As in dairy cows, infection usually spreads during
the milking process from infected to susceptible goats.

Mastitis may manifest in two ways: subclinical mastitis (mammary gland infection as
revealed by laboratory examination of milk samples as physical signs of the disease are
usually absent or mild) and clinical mastitis (can be physically observed by signs such
including inflammation, swelling, pain, fever and abnormal milk secretion). Clinical
cases may be acute, where animals clearly show all the characteristic signs of
inflammation or where the infection remains in a more or less quiet state with recurrent
mild to severe attacks.

Diagnosis Subclinical mastitis in goats may be identified as it is done in dairy cattle; by

laboratory culture and examination of carefully collected milk samples. The California
Mastitis Test (CMT) and Somatic Cell Counts (SCC) of milk are useful monitoring tools
which aid in detecting the presence of mastitis in the mammary glands of dairy goats.

The California Mastitis Test is a simple, rapid means for detecting mammary gland
infection and irritation. A higher CMT is normal for goats than for cows but if high levels
of somatic cells are present in the milk then clumps will form in the milk sample when
the test is performed. Somatic Cell Count is another method that checks the somatic
count of the milk. This test is usually performed on bulk samples. A healthy dairy goat
herd should have a somatic cell count under 500,000 colony forming units (CFU) per
ml of milk but infected herds will have counts exceeding 1,000,000 CFU per ml of milk.
A good producer will keep in mind that goats in heat produce a higher somatic cell count
than normal goats in their milk and this usually returns to normal within a day.
Prevention and Treatment Animals can easily become susceptible to mastitis.
Sanitation and milking technique are very important to prevent mastitis from occurring.
A milker must always shower and wear clean clothes and gloves when milking. If a
milking machine is being used then it should always be sanitized, the milking process
should be done rapidly and performed by trained operators. Over milking or inadequate
preparation for milking all take their toll in causing stress and injury to the milking doe.
If hand-milking the milker should not pull on the teat and udder which may lead to
injury. Managing these factors will directly affect mastitis resistance and susceptibility
in your dairy herd.
There are dry treatments and systemic treatments used to treat mastitis. Dry cow
mastitis treatment infusion formulations can be used for goats which show evidence of
mastitis infection before the drying off period. A single dry cow quarter udder infusion
dose is recommended for each udder half in the goat.

In severe acute attacks of mastitis, systemic administration of antibiotics by intravenous

or other parenteral means is suggested and should be administered by a veterinarian.
Frequent udder massage with gentle hand milking may be helpful to relieve pressure in
the affected gland to aid recovery. When mastitis cases are treated by a veterinarian, be
sure that you follow milk-withholding instructions given.
Internal Parasites

Coccidiosis

Coccidiosis is a contagious disease of goats and is common in young kids. The disease
is caused by one or more of approximately 12 different species of protozoa, called
Eimeria, which parasitize and destroy cells lining the intestinal tract of the goat.

An infected goat will shed thousands of these microscopic coccidial oocysts in its feces
every day. When first passed, the oocysts are harmless to another goat but if conditions
are favorable (warmth and moisture) for their growth, these oocysts will mature or
sporulate into the infective stage of this parasite. This usually occurs in approximately
3 days. One oocyst develops into eight infective sporozoites. If a young kid swallows the
sporulated oocyst, the sporozoites are released and rapidly enter the intestinal cells.
From here on, the life cycle gets very complicated but eventually reproductive stages are
reached and new oocysts are produced and released. The entire life cycle from infective
oocyst to new oocyst takes approximately 2-3 weeks.

If a young kid is suddenly exposed to many sporulated oocysts, it can become severely
ill 1 – 2 weeks later. It will lose its appetite, become listless, and weak. It may display
abdominal pain by crying or getting up again as soon as it lies down. At first, the kid
might have a fever, but later the body temperature is normal or even below normal. The
kid will show signs of diarrhoea that is pasty, and then becomes watery, causing the kid
to rapidly dehydrate. The diarrhoea is only rarely bloody. Signs of infection often show
2-3 weeks after the kids are weaned. Infestation usually occurs after weaning, as the
lactic acid in the digestive tract during weaning prevents infestation.

Young weak kids may die quickly by a severe attack of coccidiosis while others who are
stronger will develop a chronic disease characterized by intermittent diarrhoea and
stunted growth. The kid will have digestive problems because of the severely damaged
intestines. As consequence, this kid will be potbellied, lasting for months afterwards.

Even though coccidiosis is typically a disease of the young growing kid, most adults are
mildly infected and continuously shed oocysts which serve to infect young kids.
Occasionally an adult goat shows temporary diarrhoea when stressed or exposed to a
new species of coccidia. This is especially common after the doe has been boarded at
another farm for breeding purposes.
Diagnosis of coccidiosis can be based on clinical signs or microscopic faecal exams.
Coccidiosis is so common that is should be suspected whenever kids older than about
2 weeks of age have watery diarrhoea. Sudden changes in the diet can also cause
diarrhoea and make the kid more susceptible to coccidiosis. Diets high in concentrates
or lush green forage also predisposes kid to coccidiosis.

If a kid dies of coccidiosis, post-mortem examination will quickly confirm the diagnosis.
The small intestine will have many irregularly raised white areas, often about ¼ inches
in diameter. A smear sample viewed under a microscope will also show the presence of
the parasite.
Whether or not a goat gets sick with coccidiosis depends on several factors. The age of
the goat sometimes affects the outcome of the situation. This is partly because an older
animal would usually have had time to develop some immunity to the parasite and are
less likely to die. Good nutrition (including vitamin E-selenium supplementation in
selenium deficient areas) helps the goat to defend itself against coccidiosis. The area
where the kids are being kept should also be cleaned daily and should not be kept moist
as this encourages the growth of the parasite If the kid is exposed to a large quantity of
oocysts, this will destroy all the intestinalcells at one time and kill the kid. If the kids
become infected, trimethoprim sulpha or sulpha based water soluble products
(coccidiocide) can be given orally to destroy the parasites. Amprolium©, a coccidiostat
can also be given to reduce the parasites in the long term. This may be administered in
the feed or orally. This along with supportive therapy will help the kid recover if done
early. Coconut water and other electrolytes such as Prolyte© or Geesol© can be used to
provide additional electrolytes to the kid.

Gastrointestinal Worms
There are a range of internal parasites commonly found in goats. Because internal
parasites tend to prefer a specific organ, there are multiple types of these parasites. The
most common internal parasites in goats are: lung worms and stomach worms such as
Haemonchus contortus which is commonly called the “barber pole” worm.

Lung worms reside in the lungs and irritate the bronchioles inside the lung, the irritation
and pain due to the parasite causes the animal to cough. Stomach worms are voracious
bloodsuckers and destroy the lining of the stomach to gain access the bloodstream. The
severe destruction of the lining of the stomach can cause pain, diarrhea, anemia, and
weight loss due to the animal’s inability to digest feed completely.

Identification The standard method to test for parasites is to look under the microscope
for parasite eggs in the feces of the animals; this works for both lung worms and
gastrointestinal worms. The various parasite families have different egg shapes, which
helps in identifying them. However, to determine the specific parasite, other tests may
be needed. To identify the specific parasite, the eggs are usually cultured in a laboratory,
allowed to hatch and the worms are then identified under a microscope. To quantify the
parasitic load and decide if the animal is heavily infested then a EPG or (Eggs Per Gram)
test can be done. This is also done using a microscope to quantify the eggs but a special
slide called a Mc Master© slide is used to hold a special mixture containing the fecal
sample, which is mixed in a solution of super saturated sodium chloride or sugar. The
super saturated solution allows the eggs to float to the top of the solution and they are
then counted under the microscope. The count is then multiplied by 50 to calculate the
number of eggs present in one gram of feces. Larger numbers indicate a higher
infestation of parasites.

Signs of Infestation There are common signs associated with parasites and they are as
follows:
 • Weight loss - animals don’t get all the nutrients they need. • Diarrhea - detected
by dirty tail and hind end.
• Rough hair coat - when nutrients are insufficient, the animals’ hair loses its
luster.
• Depression - animals keep their head and ears down and are unwilling to stand
for long periods of time.
• Weakness - animals are easier to catch or unstable when walking.
• Anemia - animals’ gums, perineum, and eyes appear white due to blood loss.
• Fever or, in the late stages of disease, cold extremities (e.g., ears and legs).
• Fast breathing (lung worms) - animals try to get oxygen into their damaged
lungs.
• Coughing (lung worms) - animals cough from the irritation of their damaged
lungs.
• Bottle jaw (stomach worms and liver flukes) - animals have fluctuant swelling
under the jaw from the accumulation of fluid (submandibular edema). Sometimes it can
spread to under the abdomen.

Treatment and Control There are only a few drugs approved to treat parasites in goats.
These are referred to as de-wormers. It is important to use these drugs as recommended
on the label as using a drug in any way other than that listed in the drug pamphlet is
considered ‘extra label drug use’ and can only be done by veterinary prescription.

It is very important to note that all de-wormers are not effective against all parasites or
stages of parasites. In addition, some de-wormers that were once effective against a
specific parasite are no longer effective, due to the development of resistance by some
worms. Therefore, just because you apply a de-wormer doesn’t mean you’ve killed the
worms; you have to be sure to use the right de-wormer for your specific situation.
Goats have a much higher metabolic rate than cattle; this means that the drug dosages
for goats will likely be higher than those listed for cattle. To properly treat your animal,
the worm (parasite) burden must also be considered. Consult with your veterinarian
about the best option for your specific circumstances.

Some de-wormers can be given orally or be injected subcutaneously (under the skin).
Generally speaking, injected de-wormers intended for treating gastrointestinal parasites
take longer to take effect than oral medications. This long action at low concentrations
is considered to induce resistance. However, given your specific circumstances, your
animals may respond better to injectable rather than oral de-wormers.

Affected animals should be moved into an area that can be easily cleaned and disinfected
away from unaffected animals at the time of treatment. After treating affected animals,
wait 3 to 4 7 days and retest to determine the effectiveness of the treatment. Animals
that still have high burdens after treatment should be retreated and retested 7 to 14
days later. Animals that still have high burdens after a second treatment are likely to
be very susceptible and can act as carriers for parasites, infecting other animals in the
flock. In addition it can also be that the dosage you are using is too low or that the
dewormer being used is inadequate.

A combination dewormer may be needed. You should consult your veterinarian if you
are having this problem. These animals can be culled from the flock to decrease the
burden of parasites in the entire flock and to increase the susceptibility of parasites in
the flock to de-wormers. This action can prevent re-infestation of animals’ and need for
further treatment.
The best prevention is to reduce your animals’ exposure to parasites by providing a
clean environment beginning at birth and avoiding overcrowding of pens or premises.
Balanced nutrition is very important to keep animals healthy and help them develop
appropriate resistance to external pathogens, especially for dams before and after
lambing/kidding. Other important preventive actions are to:
• Avoid pasturing in damp areas and during early morning and evening hours,
when there is dew on the pasture. Rotate pastures to avoid high burdens of
parasites.

• Select animals from bloodlines that show low worm burdens.

• Use the FAMACHA© system when de-worming.

FAMACHA

The FAMACHA was developed in South Africa by Francois Malan to combat the
Haemonchus Contortus parasite. By using the FAMACHA, system only the goats that
need de-worming would be treated. This helps the farmer as treating all does is
expensive and helps the parasites build up immunity to the de-wormers commonly
used. The FAMACHA system consists of a score card which is used to determine the
levels of anemia displayed by the animal identified. Red or pink ocular membranes
indicate that the parasite load of the animal is not high. Light pink or white membranes
indicate a high parasite burden and the need for de-worming.
The FAMACHA scoring system is only useful when dealing with the blood sucking,
Haemonchus contortus parasite. This worm lives in the animal’s gastrointestinal tract
and heavy infestations result in the animal becoming anemic. The symptoms of anemia
show up in the color of the membrane of the eye or can even be observed in the color of
the animals’ jaw. In the FAMACHA system, that eyelid color is matched up with a
scorecard that ranks color on a 1 to 5 scale.
A dark red eyelid membrane color is given a score of 1 indicating that the animal is
healthy and has no significant signs of anemia. A white color is a score of 5 and
indicates an unhealthy animal with severe anemia. The intermediate light red, pink and
pinkish white colors indicated by scores 2 through 4 indicate increasing levels of anemia
that generally correspond to the parasite burden of the animal. In general, if an animal
scores a 3, 4 or 5 it is treated with a natural or chemical de-wormer. Sometimes
resistance to a particular de-wormer may develop thus limiting the effectiveness of it;
this will mean that another class of dewormer should be used. Consult a veterinary in
instances where this occurs since they can advise on the best de-wormer’s to use. Keep
in mind that some de-wormer’s can cause abortions.

Another method of determining the parasite load is by analyzing a fecal sample from
each individual animal. This is usually done in a lab by a veterinarian or lab technician
and is referred to as a fecal egg count test. This method is usually costlier than the
FAMACHA method as it requires trained technicians and special equipment. After
selecting the animals to be de-wormed the correct dosage of the de-wormer must be
applied. The dosage rate listed on the de-wormer label for sheep and cattle should
generally be increased by 1 ½ times to 2 times when used for a goat, as a goat’s
metabolism is faster than a cow or sheep’s; so a goat dosed at the rate listed for cattle
or sheep will be under-dosed. Knowing the weight of the doe is critical to calculate the
correct dosage which is usually based on live-weight. Weights can be collected using a
weigh band or a scale.

Analysis

Directions: Answer the questions.

[Link] are the economic benefits derived by man from goat production?

[Link] are the food nutrients needed by goats?

[Link] will you do in order to ensure success in goat production?

 Abstraction

Directions: Answer the questions.

[Link] did you learn from this lesson?

[Link] concepts on goat production were new to you?

Application

Directions: Present a concept map of the ideas or concepts that

you have derived from this lesson

Post-Assessment

Multiple Choice
Directions. Answer each question. Write the letter of the correct answer on your
answer sheet.
1. The process of eliminating undesirable and unproductive animals in the goat
breeding herd is called ______________________.
[Link] [Link] c. culling [Link]

2. What data are found in a breeding or reproduction method?

[Link] of Kidding & pregnancy diagnosis [Link] of service & estrus period
[Link] used & birth type IVKidding interval & date bought
a. I&II b. I,II &III [Link] & IV d. I,II & IV

3. Feed Record: Forage Fed;_________:mastitis

[Link] Control Record [Link] Inventory [Link] Record [Link] Record

[Link] is used as basis in most decisions in the goat farm.

a . Records b. Data c. Breeding Record [Link] Record

5. This practice in herd management prevents malformation of the toes and foot rot
due to manure getting inside untrimmed hoof.
[Link] b. culling c. selection d. breeding
6. Castration of goats is ideal when they are________________
 a. I1-2 weeks old b.2-4 weeks old c. 3-4 weeks old d.4-5
weeks old
7. When is debudding conducted in goat production?
a. when goats are mature c. when goats are kid
[Link] goats are buck [Link] gots are doe
8. How long is the gestation period of a goat?
a. 115 days b. 150 days c.250 days d.105 days

9. What type of goat is raised for its milk?

a. milk goats [Link] goats [Link] [Link] goat

10. Fibrous herbage plants provided to goats are called___________.

[Link] c. roughages
[Link] libitum [Link]

11. Why are goats domesticated?

[Link] milk [Link] meat [Link] hide IV. For breeding
a.I&II [Link] &III [Link] & IV d. I & IV
12. Goat is considered as____________________
[Link] man’s meat c. poor man’s cow
[Link] man’s pet [Link] man’s animal
13. What should be done to goats during wet season?
[Link] [Link] disease [Link] [Link] in shelter
14. Young male goats not intended for breeding is___________.
[Link] b. butchered [Link] d. castrated
[Link] newly bought goats with an effective dewormer.
[Link] b. False
[Link] breed type of goat is dominantly white in color?
[Link] [Link] [Link]-Nubian [Link] native

Going Further

Research about the following diseases of goat. Provide data on the table below.

Disease Cause Mode of Symptom Treatment/Prevention/

Transmission Control
[Link]
[Link] and Mouth
Disease
[Link]
Pneumonia
[Link] eye
 References

PCARRD(2004)The Philippines Recommends for Goat [Link]-PARRFI-

LDC,DA,Los Baňos,Laguna.

TIGSS(2016)Dairy Goat Manual-Breeds,Milking,Herd Health and Records.

Images(PCCARD,2004) and google search (2021)

Key to Correction

PRE-ASSESSMENT

ANALYSIS
Answers may vary

ABSTRACTION
Answers may vary

APPLICATION
Answers may vary

GOING FURTHER
Answers may vary

POST-ASSESSMENT

Rubrics in Assessing Written Answers

Criteria Percentage(%)
100% of the questions were answered correctly 100
Relevant answers
Observed proper mechanics like grammar, punctuations etc.
Originality(personal answer or cited the source/references)
50% of the questions were answered correctly 90
Relevant answers
Did not observe some of the proper mechanics like grammar, punctuations
etc.
Originality(personal answer or cited the source/references)
Less than 50% of the questions were answered correctly 85
Relevant
Did not observe some of the proper mechanics like grammar, punctuations
etc.
Originality(personal answer or cited the source/references)
Tried to answer but too many incorrect answers 75
Irrelevant answers
Did not observe proper mechanics in writing.
Not original answers