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Deborah Niemann @ Thrifty Homesteader

🎥 Goat Studies, Hair Loss, and White Dewormers

Published 7 days ago • 2 min read

Hello Reader,

In this issue, we’re taking a closer look at what research really proves, how to tell why your goat is losing hair around its nose, and which white dewormers work against barber pole worms. Plus, with breeding season underway, we’re revisiting some of the things to consider when deciding whether to keep or cull a doe.

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▶ Why Most Online Goat Advice Misquotes Real Research

We’ve all seen people say, “Studies have proven…” but what does the research actually show?

In this video, I take a closer look at a rabies vaccine study in goats to show why it’s important to read beyond the headline or abstract. I’ll share the questions I ask when evaluating research so you can better understand what a study actually proves before accepting or sharing its claims.

▶ Why Is Your Goat Losing Hair Around Its Nose?

Not all hair loss around a goat’s nose is a sign of copper deficiency. In this video, I show you how to tell the difference between hair loss from copper deficiency and hair that’s simply being rubbed off on a hay feeder. I’ll also show you what to look for in your goat’s coat and tail, and how feeder design can play a role.

▶ Which white dewormers kill barber pole worms?

One of my parasite students told me that she'd been told that Valbazen was the only white dewormer that killed barber pole worms, but it's not safe to do during pregnancy, so how do you do a combination deworming with a pregnant goat that has barber pole worm?

▶ When and why do you decide to cull a doe?

As we enter breeding season, I'm getting a lot of questions about whether or not owners should sell a doe or breed her. Here are some of the things I think about when it comes to keeping or culling.

Happy goatherding!

​
Deborah
and the Thrifty Homesteader Team

📚Want to Learn Even More?

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Deborah Niemann @ Thrifty Homesteader

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