By Nathan Gomori
It is an important part of properly care for goats and be able to distinguish when they are unhealthy and need same extra care.
ONE: HEAD
– Eyes should be bright and clear. If they are watery, run, red, or filled with mucus they could be problems.
– Nose should be soft and wet. Watch out for some discharges or dry and cracked noise.
-Ears check for mites and ticks.
-Mouth the gums should be pink not red, inflamed or bleeding. Smell the breath from the mouth it should not have a rotten smell, if found they will be need for inspection.
TWO: BASE OF THE BODY
-Hair the skin should be bright and soft. Missing hair can be due to the rubbing effect of the goat due to parasites and can also be deficiency of nutrients.
-Tail check for hair loss and make sure it is not affected.
THREE: BACK AND BOTTOM OF THE BODY
-Anus check under the tail if they are dry fecal matter could mean diarrhea.
-Genital area check the discharge if it is infected it can cause infertility in time.
FOUR LEGS AND HOOVES
-Legs should be straight with an easy normal gait.
-Hooves should be strong and pliable and without cracks. Check toes if they need to be trimmed.
FIVE: OVERALL PICTURE
Always check the way goats move or act. If they are less live and keeping their heads down it means the goat is not feeling well. If the goat is not eating and drinking water, moving behind others it means the goat is not feeling well.