Raising Goats in Summer
If you’re considering raising an animal, goats are generally a good choice. Most farm animals, such as cows, chickens, sheep, or turkeys, are useful but few are as versatile as goats. As you probably know, goats can be used to produce milk, cheese, cashmere, meat, and can even be used as a pack animal.
However, if you intend to raise goats, there are a few important things you should understand. For instance, did you know that your goats will require specialized care during summer months. You see, goats are very vulnerable to heat stroke, which can affect their performance. In other words, if your goats are subject to heat stroke, their reproduction, dairy, and meat quality could suffer.
Goats are typically warmer than humans, usually having a temperature between 101.5 and 105. Still, we recommend cooling your goats on a hot day. You can do so by spraying our animal with a hose, though we recommend starting at the legs. You should also make sure your goats have sufficient shelter. This means you should have something with shade and good air flow. Typically, a tree or barn will work well.
Finally, you should know how to recognize the signs of dehydration, which can quickly lead to heat stroke. The first thing you can watch for is your animal’s breathing. Goats don’t sweat, however if they are breathing hard, they may be in danger. Similarly, you should be able to pinch your goats skin. If the skin is slow to return to its original position, your animal could be dehydrated.
If you’re interested in learning more, please contact [practice_name] at [phone]. We look forward to hearing from you soon!