The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Goats => Topic started by: Shawn on March 24, 2011, 07:31:56 am

Title: Vaccine & Flakey Horns
Post by: Shawn on March 24, 2011, 07:31:56 am
I have had my Boer goats for a three weeks now and they were vaccinated the day we brought them home i understand they need the Heptavac P every six months but other than that will they require any other vaccinations ?? I realise they will need a worming programme.....

Secondly, their horns appear to be flaking, they are grazing well, eating their feed very well and appear to be very content in the new environment. Is this a natural process or am i doing something wrong ie missing something in their diet ?

Your comments on this would be appreciated.
Title: Re: Vaccine & Flakey Horns
Post by: wytsend on March 24, 2011, 09:09:06 am
To a certain extent, goats do 'renew' their horns in the spring.   Not like deer of course !!!   
If it carries on, there is probably a mineral imbalance in the diet.

If you are feeding goat food, this is a likely cause as the mineral inclusion is inclined to sheep.

I would suggest using beef rearer cubes/ dairy cubes.  These are much more apprpriate for goats who require an almost identical mineral intake to a cow.