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In this fascinating episode, Deborah Niemann sits down with Mark Hicks, an author and adventurer, to discuss his unforgettable experience with goats during a trip to Kenya. Mark’s journey was part of his seminary doctorate program, where he stayed with a pastor who also happened to be a goat farmer. What he encountered there was a completely different approach to goat farming—one that challenged his understanding of how these animals are raised and utilized in different cultures.

During his stay, Mark observed that goats were a primary source of nutrition for the local community. He and his group had the rare opportunity to witness a goat being butchered, an experience that provided valuable insight into how food is prepared and consumed in different parts of the world.

One of the most surprising moments of Mark’s journey came when he learned about the local tradition of eating raw goat kidney. In this region, the kidney is considered a delicacy, often given as a treat to children. Curious about the experience, Mark and one of his fellow travelers decided to give it a try. Beyond the kidney, he was struck by how every part of the goat was utilized, including the blood, which was given to the farm’s dogs as a food source.

Reflecting on this experience, Mark gained a deeper appreciation for the cultural differences in food practices. What might seem unusual or even unappetizing to one person can be a cherished tradition in another part of the world. His time in Kenya also reinforced the importance of sustainability, as the local farmers ensured that no part of the animal went to waste. 

Through this conversation, Mark shares not only his incredible journey but also the broader lessons that travel can teach us about food, culture, and the different ways people sustain themselves around the world. Tune in to hear his full story and gain a new perspective on the role of goats in global communities!

See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/americans-experience-with-goats-in-kenya/

To see the most recent episodes, visit  ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

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As goat owners, understanding diseases that can affect our herds is crucial for maintaining healthy animals and preventing the spread of illnesses. In this episode, Deborah Niemann is joined by Dr. Linda Detwiler, staff veterinarian on the sheep and goat health staff at the USDA APHIS Veterinary Service, to discuss scrapie, a neurological disease affecting sheep and goats.

Dr. Detwiler provides an update on the current state of scrapie in the United States, including its history, transmission, symptoms, testing methods, genetic resistance, and efforts to eradicate it.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• What scrapie is and why it matters to sheep and goat breeders
• How scrapie is transmitted and its long incubation period
• Symptoms of scrapie in sheep and goats
• Testing methods for live and deceased animals
• The role of genetic resistance in controlling scrapie
• Challenges in eradicating the last few cases of scrapie in the US
• The importance of slaughter surveillance and official ID in disease control
• Current progress toward declaring the US scrapie-free

Key Highlights

• Scrapie is a prion disease with a long incubation period (2–5 years) that affects the brain and spinal cord of sheep and goats.
• The US has not had a reported case of scrapie since January 2021. To be declared scrapie-free by international standards, seven years without a case must pass.
• Genetic resistance plays a significant role in controlling scrapie. Certain genetic markers in sheep (e.g., RR at codon 171) and goats (e.g., K at codon 222) indicate increased resistance.
• Slaughter surveillance has been instrumental in identifying cases. Since its inception in 2003, over 765,000 samples have been tested.
• Official ID is critical for tracing positive cases back to their source and preventing further spread.

Resources Mentioned

• USDA APHIS Veterinary Services
• World Organization for Animal Health

See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/scrapie-in-goats-and-sheep/

To see the most recent episodes, visit  ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

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🔹 Or explore Goat Academy

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When our does have trouble conceiving, our minds often tend to go toward infectious causes. But there are non-infectious causes of infertility to consider as well. 

In this episode, Dr. Fauna Smith, Assistant Professor of Livestock Herd Health and Reproduction at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, discusses in detail the non-infectious causes of infertility. She explains the difference between true hermaphrodites and pseudo-hermaphrodites and explains the genetic reasons behind why breeding polled to polled can lead to sexual abnormalities.

Dr. Smith talks about freemartinism and how freemartins could be more common in goats than we think. She also touches on the process of fetus mummification in utero and how retained fetuses, as well as anatomic abnormalities from previous problem kiddings, can also negatively impact fertility. 

See full show notes here >> 
https://thriftyhomesteader.com/hermaphroditism-freemartinism-goat-infertility/

To see the most recent episodes, visit  ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

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In this episode, host Deborah Niemann shares the emotional and educational story of Caboose, the first goat on her farm to undergo a C-section. As part of the podcast’s fifth-anniversary celebration, Deborah reflects on the challenges, lessons learned, and how this experience helped her understand the critical importance of timely veterinary intervention during kidding complications.

Deborah details what led to Caboose’s C-section, including the initial signs of trouble, her attempts at manual intervention, and the decision to take Caboose to the University of Illinois for surgery. She also addresses common misconceptions about manual dilation and the danger of attempting at-home C-sections.

This episode is a valuable resource for goat owners, providing insights into recognizing when a goat might need a C-section and how to ensure the best possible outcome for both mom and kids.

Key Takeaways

• C-sections should always be performed by a veterinarian in a clinical setting for the safety of the goat and her kids.
• Failure to dilate (ringwomb) usually requires surgical intervention.
• Kids don’t go from healthy to dead instantly. Oxygen deprivation occurs over time, and delayed veterinary intervention can lead to complications or loss.
• Timely veterinary care is essential—don’t wait too long if things aren’t progressing during labor.

Lessons Learned from Caboose’s Story

Recognizing the Signs:

• When a doe fails to progress for several hours and is pushing against a closed cervix, it may indicate failure to dilate.
• Don’t rely on manual dilation attempts — this is rarely successful and may lead to serious complications.

Importance of Veterinary Relationships:

• Having an established relationship with a vet ensures quicker access to help in emergencies.
• University veterinary hospitals can provide specialized care and are well-equipped for complex cases like C-sections.

Understanding Placenta Separation:

• Goat kids rely on the placenta for oxygen until birth. Once the placenta detaches, oxygen deprivation begins, affecting the kid’s survival and health.

Why At-Home C-sections Are Dangerous:

• Attempting a C-section without anesthesia or proper surgical equipment is not only unethical and illegal but also likely to result in death.
• Even experienced veterinarians can struggle with difficult C-sections, underscoring the complexity of the procedure.

Resources Mentioned

• Deborah’s book: Goats Giving Birth: What to Expect During Kidding Season
• Learn more and join the Goats 365 community at www.goats365.com

See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/c-section-in-goats/

To see the most recent episodes, visit  ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

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🔹 Or explore Goat Academy

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The answer to, “When can I start milking my doe?” is not as simple as listing the specific age of the kids. In this episode, we are discussing the complexities of sharing milk with baby goats and offering practical advice for goat owners who want to balance kid health with milk production. 

Deborah draws on her experience as both a homesteader and a former Board Certified Lactation Consultant to share important tips on when to start milking, how to manage multiple kids, and how to ensure healthy growth for your goat kids.

Whether you’re dealing with a single kid or a set of quintuplets, understanding how milk production works and monitoring your kids’ growth is essential to avoid common problems like low milk supply and slow weight gain.

Key Takeaways

• Milk does with a single kid from day one to maintain a strong milk supply.
• Colostrum is vital in the first 24 hours—kids need 20% of their body weight in colostrum within this time to develop a healthy immune system.
• Weigh kids daily for the first two weeks to ensure they are gaining at least 4 ounces per day.
• Dam-raised kids can be just as friendly as bottle-fed kids with enough human interaction.

Related Resources

• Goats 365 Community: goats365.com
• Podcast episodes: 
  • Colostrum for Baby Goats
  • Basics of Bottle Feeding Goat Kids

See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/sharing-milk-with-baby-goats/

To see the most recent episodes, visit  ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

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No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information.

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🔹 Or explore Goat Academy

Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

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Happy anniversary to us! FTLOG is five years old! As we enter our sixth year, you can continue to count on us to help you cut through the clutter of conflicting information out there so that you can be confident that your goats will be living their best lives! 

You can expect to hear from more goat experts like veterinary professors and published scientists who are on the leading edge of goat research. You’ll also hear from goat owners who have turned their love of goats into a successful business. And this year, you’ll hear more stories about goats and the people who love them. 

I’m Deborah Niemann, your host and former clueless city slicker who just wanted a couple of goats so I could make goat cheese. Before I knew what had happened, two goats turned into 20, and a simple desire to make cheese turned into a career in helping people raise their goats. 

Learn more on our website, fortheloveofgoats.com 

Thanks for tuning in!

No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information.

🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership

🔹 Or explore Goat Academy

Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

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In this deeply personal and emotional episode, host Deborah Niemann shares the heartbreaking story of her goat, Coco, who experienced a uterine rupture and hemorrhage during a challenging kidding in 2013. 

Deborah takes listeners on a journey through Coco's life, from her birth to her tragic passing after giving birth to quintuplets. This episode not only honors Coco’s memory but also provides valuable insights into the risks of uterine tears and hemorrhages in goats, how to recognize the signs, and what steps can be taken to prevent or address such emergencies.

Key Takeaways

• Uterine ruptures can occur during difficult births, especially when there is excessive pressure or improper handling during interventions.
• Goats are horizontal animals, so internal bleeding may not be visible externally. Instead, blood collects in the abdomen.
• Warning signs include mental absence, lethargy, pale eyelids (indicating anemia), and disinterest in kids or milking.

Lessons Learned from Coco’s Experience

1. Recognizing Symptoms: 
   • If a goat seems mentally absent or unresponsive after kidding, check for anemia by examining their eyelids. Pale eyelids can indicate severe blood loss.
2. Importance of Veterinary Relationships: 
   • Having an established relationship with a vet ensures quicker access to help during emergencies.
   • University veterinary hospitals can provide 24-hour care and specialized expertise if local vets are unavailable.
3. Risks of Certain Tools and Procedures: 
   • Tools like kid pullers (wire nooses) can be effective but carry risks of causing uterine tears if not used carefully.
   • Procedures like fetotomies (cutting up a fetus for removal) are especially risky in small goats like Nigerians due to limited space in their uterus.
4. Postpartum Care: 
   • Small uterine tears can heal naturally but may lead to infections.
   • Severe tears often require surgical intervention or result in fatal hemorrhaging.
5. Preventative Measures: 
   • Avoid breeding smaller does with larger bucks to reduce the risk of oversized kids causing birthing complications.
   • Always ensure hands are clean, nails are trimmed short, and gloves are worn when assisting with kidding to minimize risks of tears or infections.

Resources Mentioned

1. Deborah’s book: Goats Giving Birth 
2. Previous podcast episodes: 
   • Blood Transfusion in Goats
   • Anemia in Goats

See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/uterine-rupture-and-hemorrhage-in-goats/ 

To see the most recent episodes, visit  ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

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No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information.

🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership

🔹 Or explore Goat Academy

Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

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As goat owners in America, we know the challenges we face in caring for our herds here at home. But what is it like to breed and raise goats in another country?

In this episode, Sue Ludwig and Jade Holberton are here to talk about raising goats in Australia. Sue is the founder of the Australian Miniature Goat breed, and is the author of Australian Miniature Goats: A Comprehensive Guide to a Unique Little Breed. She is also a lifetime member and president of the Miniature Goat Breeders Association of Australia (MGBA).

Jade is secretary of the MGBA and a major importer of Nigerian Dwarf genetics into Australia from the US, mostly from Old Mountain Farm. She has been very successful with embryo and AI programs and bringing in new genetics. 

Sue and Jade detail how they approached the breeding of the Australian Miniature Goat, an especially challenging undertaking considering that live animals cannot be imported into Australia due to the fact that the US has not yet been officially declared scrapie-free. They also discuss some of the practical challenges Australian goat owners face, such as finding knowledgeable vets and good minerals.

~~

See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/raising-goats-in-australia/

To see the most recent episodes, visit  ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

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No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information.

🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership

🔹 Or explore Goat Academy

Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

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There have been instances where a goat owner watched a severely parasitized, anemic goat die because they did not realize that a life-saving blood transfusion was an option for their animal. Surprising as it may be, it is!

In this episode, Dr. Ryan Breuer, Assistant Clinical Professor of Large Animal Internal Medicine at the University of Wisconsin-School of Veterinary Medicine and Diagnostic Case and Outreach Coordinator at the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, discusses blood transfusions in small ruminants. He covers when a transfusion may be needed, whole blood vs plasma transfusions, potential risks, and whether or not goats are always crossmatched with their donors.

Dr. Breuer also talks about his research on the practice of xenotransfusions, which is transferring blood from one species to another–from cow to goat in his study. He discusses why they chose a cow as the donor and whether or not xenotransfusions can be successful in emergency situations when a same-species donor is not available.

See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/blood-transfusion-in-goats/
To see the most recent episodes, visit  ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

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No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information.

🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership

🔹 Or explore Goat Academy

Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

Send us a text

The Nigerian Dwarf goat has become a staple breed in the American Dairy Goat Association, and it has only grown in popularity since first arriving in the US from Africa in the 20th century. But how did these wonderful goats climb the ladder from relative obscurity to high demand?

In today’s episode, we are talking to Karyl Dronen, an ADGA Pioneer who worked tirelessly beginning in the late ‘90s to get Nigerian Dwarfs accepted into the American Dairy Goat Association. Karyl relays the story of how she, along with several others who were equally as passionate, lobbied to have the breed accepted into ADGA as a dairy goat breed. She also touches on how the induction of the breed into ADGA in 2005 has gone on to support the organization into the present day.

Though Nigerian Dwarfs are so well-known today, there was a time when they were little known and out of favor against the bigger dairy breeds. Karyl’s story of how a group of people saw their potential and worked relentlessly to bring them into the limelight is truly inspiring and one that any lover of the breed should hear.

See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/nigerian-dwarf-goats-in-adga/

To see the most recent episodes, visit  ForTheLoveOfGoats.com

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No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information.

🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership

🔹 Or explore Goat Academy

Happy goat-keeping! 🐐