How to Deworm Goats Naturally – A Beginner’s Guide

If you’re raising goats, deworming is an important part of their health care. Goats are naturally prone to carrying worms, but when certain types invade and their populations “bloom,” it can cause health problems. While there are chemical dewormers available, many goat owners prefer to use natural dewormers that are safer for the goats and the environment. In this article, we will discuss how to deworm goats naturally and safely.

There are many natural dewormers for goats that can be used instead of chemical options. Some of these include feeding hay, pumpkin seeds, and incorporating pasture rotation. Additionally, there are herbal dewormer recipes that use ingredients like clove, garlic, ginger, black walnut, wormwood, and slippery elm. Understanding the types of parasites that can affect goats is also important in determining the best deworming strategy. By using natural dewormers, you can help keep your goats healthy while avoiding the use of chemicals.

Key Takeaways

• Natural dewormers for goats include hay, pumpkin seeds, and herbal recipes that use ingredients like clove, garlic, ginger, black walnut, wormwood, and slippery elm.
• Understanding the types of parasites that can affect goats is important in determining the best deworming strategy.
• Using natural dewormers can help keep your goats healthy while avoiding the use of chemicals.

Natural Dewormers for Goats

When it comes to deworming goats naturally, there are several options available to you. Here are some of the most effective natural dewormers for goats:

Herbal Dewormers

Herbal dewormers are a popular choice among goat owners who want to avoid using chemical dewormers. Some popular herbal dewormers for goats include wormwood, chicory, and pumpkin seeds. These herbs can be used alone or in combination to create a potent deworming remedy. Land of Havilah and Fir Meadow are two companies that offer herbal dewormer blends specifically designed for goats.

Using Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are an excellent natural dewormer for goats. They contain an amino acid called cucurbitacin that paralyzes and eliminates intestinal worms. To use pumpkin seeds as a dewormer, simply grind them up and mix them into your goat’s feed. The recommended dosage is one tablespoon per 50 pounds of body weight.

Garlic as a Dewormer

Garlic is another natural dewormer that is safe and effective for goats. It contains compounds that help to eliminate parasites and improve overall gut health. To use garlic as a dewormer, simply chop up a few cloves and mix them into your goat’s feed. The recommended dosage is one clove per 50 pounds of body weight.

Remember, natural dewormers are not as potent as chemical dewormers, so you may need to deworm your goats more frequently. It’s also important to maintain good pasture management practices to prevent re-infestation. By using natural dewormers and practicing good pasture management, you can keep your goats healthy and parasite-free.

Understanding Goat Parasites

As a goat owner, it’s essential to understand the different types of internal parasites that can infest your goats. These parasites, known as goat parasites, can cause various health issues and even death if left untreated.

Types of Goat Worms

There are several types of goat worms, including stomach worms, tapeworms, and liver flukes. Stomach worms are the most common type and can cause weight loss, diarrhea, and anemia. Tapeworms are less common, but they can cause blockages in the digestive system. Liver flukes are rare, but they can cause liver damage and death.

Detecting Worm Infestation

To detect a worm infestation in your goats, it’s crucial to perform a fecal test. Fecal egg counts (FECs) are a valuable tool for assessing the worm burden in your goats. By analyzing a fecal sample, you can determine the number of worm eggs present in their digestive system. If you notice any signs of a worm infestation, such as weight loss, diarrhea, or anemia, it’s essential to take action immediately.

Overall, understanding goat parasites and the different types of internal parasites that can infest your goats is crucial for their health and well-being. Performing regular fecal tests and taking action if you notice any signs of a worm infestation is the best way to keep your goats healthy and safe.

Chemical Dewormers for Goats

If you’re looking for a quick and effective way to deworm your goats, chemical dewormers may be the answer. These dewormers come in various forms, including oral paste, injectable solution, and drench. Here are some of the most common types of chemical dewormers for goats:

Ivermectin

Ivermectin is a popular macrocyclic lactone dewormer that targets a broad range of internal and external parasites in goats. It is available in injectable, oral, and pour-on formulations. However, the overuse of ivermectin has led to dewormer resistance in some goat populations, so it’s important to use it judiciously.

Levamisole

Levamisole is another popular goat dewormer that targets roundworms and some stomach worms. It is available in oral paste and injectable solution forms. However, it is not effective against tapeworms and liver flukes.

Fenbendazole

Fenbendazole is a benzimidazole dewormer that targets a wide range of internal parasites in goats, including roundworms, tapeworms, and liver flukes. It is available in oral paste and granule formulations. However, it may not be effective against all types of parasites.

Moxidectin

Moxidectin is a newer macrocyclic lactone dewormer that targets a broad range of internal and external parasites in goats. It is available in oral and injectable formulations. However, like ivermectin, the overuse of moxidectin can lead to dewormer resistance.

Benzimidazole

Benzimidazole dewormers, such as albendazole, target a wide range of internal parasites in goats, including roundworms, tapeworms, and liver flukes. They are available in oral paste and granule formulations. However, they may not be effective against all types of parasites.

Imidazothiazole

Imidazothiazole dewormers, such as morantel tartrate, target roundworms and some stomach worms in goats. They are available in oral paste and drench formulations. However, they may not be effective against all types of parasites.

In conclusion, chemical dewormers can be an effective way to control internal and external parasites in goats. However, the overuse of these dewormers can lead to dewormer resistance, so it’s important to use them judiciously and rotate them to prevent resistance.

Administering Dewormers

When it comes to administering dewormers, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to ensure that your goats are receiving the proper treatment.

Determining the Right Dosage

The dosage of dewormer that you give your goats will depend on their weight. It’s important to accurately weigh your goats so that you can give them the correct amount of dewormer. You can use a livestock scale or a tape measure to estimate their weight. Once you have their weight, you can refer to the dewormer’s label to determine the appropriate dosage.

Medicated Feed

Another option for deworming your goats is to use medicated feed. This is a convenient option because it allows you to deworm your goats while they are eating. However, it’s important to make sure that all of your goats are eating the medicated feed, as some goats may avoid it. Additionally, you need to make sure that the medicated feed contains the proper dosage of dewormer for your goats’ weight.

It’s important to remember that dewormers are just one part of a comprehensive deworming program. You should also make sure that your goats have access to clean water and that their living area is kept clean. Regularly rotating pastures can also help prevent the buildup of parasites in the soil. By following a comprehensive deworming program, you can help keep your goats healthy and free from parasites.

Maintaining a Healthy Goat Herd

Keeping your goat herd healthy is an essential part of controlling internal parasites. A healthy immune system is the first line of defense against parasites. Here are some tips to maintain a healthy goat herd:

Pasture Rotation

Regular pasture rotation is an effective way to reduce the parasite burden on your goats. When goats graze on the same pasture for an extended period, they can ingest a large number of parasite eggs. Moving them to a new pasture every few weeks or months can help break the parasite life cycle and reduce the number of eggs they ingest.

Nutrition and Supplements

A nutritious diet is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. Providing your goats with a balanced diet that includes high-quality hay, fresh water, and a mineral supplement can help improve their overall health and reduce their susceptibility to parasites. Copper and selenium are two essential minerals that can help boost the immune system and reduce parasite burdens.

Caring for Pregnant Does

Pregnant does require extra care to maintain their health and the health of their offspring. Deworming pregnant does before breeding can help reduce the risk of parasite transmission to their offspring. Famacha scoring can also help identify pregnant does that require deworming. Providing pregnant does with a clean, dry, and comfortable environment can help reduce their stress levels and improve their overall health.

Remember, maintaining a healthy goat herd is critical for effective parasite control. A combination of pasture rotation, proper nutrition and supplements, and caring for pregnant does can help keep your goats healthy and reduce their susceptibility to internal parasites.

Working with a Veterinarian

When it comes to deworming goats, it’s always a good idea to work with a veterinarian. They can help you develop a deworming plan that’s tailored to your herd’s specific needs. Your vet can also perform a fecal sample analysis to determine the type and level of infestation, as well as recommend the best course of treatment.

One of the most common types of internal parasites in goats is Haemonchus contortus, also known as the barber pole worm. This worm can cause severe anemia and even death if left untreated. Your veterinarian can help you identify the signs of a Haemonchus contortus infestation and recommend the appropriate dewormer.

In addition to prescribing medication, your veterinarian can also provide advice on pasture management and other preventative measures to reduce the risk of reinfection. Working with a veterinarian can help ensure that your goats stay healthy and free of internal parasites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some natural remedies to prevent worms in goats?

To prevent worms in goats, you can use natural remedies such as feeding them pumpkin seeds, garlic, and diatomaceous earth. These remedies can help boost the goat’s immune system and make them less susceptible to worm infestation. Additionally, you can practice good pasture management by rotating pastures and keeping them clean to reduce the risk of worms.

How often should you deworm goats naturally?

The frequency of deworming goats naturally depends on various factors such as the age of the goats, the type of worms they are susceptible to, and their living conditions. Generally, it is recommended to deworm goats every 3-4 months using natural remedies such as herbal dewormers or diatomaceous earth. However, it is important to monitor your goats’ health and fecal samples to determine if they need to be dewormed more or less frequently.

What are the benefits of using herbal dewormers for goats?

Herbal dewormers for goats are a natural alternative to chemical dewormers and offer several benefits. They are safe, non-toxic, and do not leave harmful residues in the goat’s milk or meat. Herbal dewormers are also effective in controlling various types of worms and can help boost the goat’s immune system. Additionally, they are easy to administer and do not require a prescription.

Can diatomaceous earth be used as a natural dewormer for goats?

Yes, diatomaceous earth can be used as a natural dewormer for goats. It works by dehydrating the worms and disrupting their digestive system, leading to their death. Diatomaceous earth is safe and non-toxic for goats and can be added to their feed or water. However, it is important to use food-grade diatomaceous earth and not the one meant for pool filtration.

What are the potential risks of using copper oxide wire particles for deworming goats?

Copper oxide wire particles (COWP) are a type of dewormer that can help control barber pole worms in goats. However, there are potential risks associated with its use. COWP can cause copper toxicity in goats, which can lead to liver damage, anemia, and even death. It is important to use COWP as directed by a veterinarian and monitor the goats for any signs of copper toxicity.

How can you tell if your goats need to be dewormed?

You can tell if your goats need to be dewormed by monitoring their health and fecal samples. Signs of worm infestation include weight loss, poor appetite, diarrhea, and rough hair coat. Additionally, you can perform a fecal egg count to determine the number of worm eggs in the goat’s feces. If the count is high, it indicates that the goat needs to be dewormed.