Frequently Asked Questions

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The normal internal temperature for healthy goats ranges from 38.6°C to 39.7°C. A fever in goats is typically considered when their temperature exceeds 40°C.

We recommend mating maiden does at 12 months or when they weigh 50 kg

The kidding process is considered finished when all kids have been born, the placenta has been expelled, and the doe appears stable and healthy. This typically occurs within a few hours to a day after the last kid is born, but it's important to monitor the doe for any signs of complications or retained placenta that may require veterinary attention.

You should trim your goat's hooves every 6 to 8 weeks, depending on various factors such as the goat's activity level, the type of terrain they are on (rocky or soft ground), and the rate of hoof growth. Regular trimming helps maintain hoof health, prevents overgrowth, and reduces the risk of hoof-related issues like foot rot and lameness.

Where possible, deworm only those goats' showing signs of worm infestation, not the entire flock. This is more cost effective and decreases the possibility of worms developing resistance to deworming medication.  Goats grazing on green pasture may need extra attention to manage their parasite load. 

 Dipping your goats for tick control is an important aspect of any health management plan, especially in areas where tick-borne diseases are prevalent. The frequency of dipping depends on several factors:

1. Tick Season: Dipping frequency often increases during the wetter, warmer months when ticks are more active. In regions with year-round tick activity, regular dipping may be necessary.
2. Tick Load: The severity of tick infestation on your goats can influence dipping frequency. If you notice a high tick burden, more frequent dipping may be needed.
3. Type of Dip: Some dips provide longer-lasting protection than others. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the specific dip you are using.
4. Local Recommendations: Your Vet may provide guidelines on dipping frequency based on regional tick challenges and disease risks.
5. Care should be taken to avoid tick resistance to dip products by alternating active ingredients and applying and/or mixing the product correctly.

 Yes, you can vaccinate pregnant goats, but it's essential to follow specific guidelines and consult with a veterinarian to ensure the safety of the pregnant doe and her developing kids. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Safe Vaccines: Certain vaccines are considered safe for use in pregnant does, such as vaccines for Clostridial diseases and some respiratory diseases. These vaccines are often recommended to protect both the pregnant doe and her offspring.
2. Avoid Live Vaccines: Live vaccines, which contain weakened live pathogens, are generally not recommended for use in pregnant goats due to the potential risk of causing abortion or other complications. Killed or inactivated vaccines are typically safer options during pregnancy.
3. Health Monitoring: After vaccination, monitor the pregnant does closely for any adverse reactions or signs of illness. Report any concerns to your veterinarian promptly.
4. Recordkeeping: Maintain accurate records of vaccinations administered to pregnant goats, including the type of vaccine, date of administration, and any observations or reactions noted.

 Rams can start mating as early as 6 to 8 months of age, but optimal breeding age is generally considered to be around 12 - 18 months old. This age allows the ram to reach sufficient maturity and size for successful mating and breeding. However, individual growth rates and maturity levels can vary, so it's essential to assess each ram's readiness for breeding based on factors like body condition, health, and behavioral maturity.

 Record-keeping supports informed decision-making, improves herd management practices and enhances productivity and profitability in the following ways:

1. Health Management: Keeping detailed records helps track the health status of each goat, including vaccinations, treatments, and any illnesses. This information is vital for timely interventions and maintaining a healthy herd.
2. Breeding and Reproduction: Recordkeeping allows farmers to track breeding cycles, mating dates, pregnancy durations, and kidding history. This information helps in managing breeding programs, identifying successful breeding pairs, and predicting kidding seasons.
3. Productivity and Performance: By recording milk production, growth rates, weight gain, and other performance metrics, farmers can assess the productivity of individual goats and make informed decisions about breeding, culling, and feeding practices.
4. Financial Management: Keeping records of expenses, income from sales and other financial transactions helps in budgeting, cost analysis, and overall financial management of your goat farming enterprise.
5. Genetic improvement: Recording lineage, genetic traits, and pedigree information is essential for maintaining and improving the genetic quality of your herd. It also helps in marketing breeding stock and demonstrating the quality of the goats to potential buyers.

We supplement our goats with ram, lamb and ewe pellets (every feed company has their own version) we also let them browse/ graze for 8 hours a day and give them access to a good lick. Animals who don't go out to browse/graze are fed good quality roughage such as Lucerne and Tef. If your goats struggle to gain weight or continue to lose weight it might be necessary to deworm them.

We do private sales as well. You are welcome to join our WhatsApp group where we advertise available animals - https://chat.whatsapp.com/EHb5QKtHxuNEWuZsG9xMIp or contact Le Roy van der Merwe - +27822103306.

Our farm is situated 22km from Lephalale, in the Limpopo province, South Africa.

You are more than welcome to arrange a visit on the farm.