If you want to use goats for brush control, how do you get into the business? The first step is to visit other producers, especially those that are using goats for weed and brush control to see if goats will control your type of vegetation. Find out information about their goat management practices. Work to learn all you can about goats from extension personnel, other producers, and the internet. A good source of information is …
Parasite problems are generally considerably less when goats are used for vegetation management than when they are grazing conventional pastures. This is due to goats browsing and consuming feed that is above ground leve where most of the larva from parasites are locatedl. Many browse species also contain tannins, which aid in parasite control. However, if the goats are patch-grazing grass, they can develop serious parasite problems. If high stocking rates are used relative to available vegetation, goats will …
Goats being used for vegetation control in the southern United States typically need little shelter. Often goats have enough shade and shelter from the rain by utilizing cover from existing trees during the summer. Goats need shelter from the wind during the winter, which may be accomplished with a gully, pond bank, brushy mott or brush pile. Standing brush or cedars can also provide shelter. Does should be bred to kid late enough in the spring so that shelter …
Predators are a serious problem in the use of goats for vegetation management as locations are often remote, with habitat that provides natural cover for predators. Guard animals put with the goats can prevent predator attack. The number of guard animals needs to be sufficient to cover the area and terrain in which the goats are kept. If guard dogs are used, plans need to be made for feeding them. They can be fed using self feeders, but the …
