For the Love of Goats

Got a question? 🤔  Head over to https://thriftyhomesteader.com/raising-goats-in-canada/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! DescriptionIn this episode, host Deborah Niemann is joined by Mallory Kaiser, president of the Alberta Goat Association and vice chair of the Canadian National Goat Federation. Mallory shares insights into the goat industry in Canada, including available breeds, import/export challenges, traceability regulations, and the demand for goat products. Whether you're curious about how goat farming differs in Canada or considering expanding your own herd, this episode is packed with valuable information.Key Takeaways:Canada has a strong demand for goat meat, but local production struggles to meet consumer needs.Strict import regulations limit genetic diversity, making it difficult to bring in new bloodlines from the U.S. or Europe.New traceability requirements could open doors for better disease monitoring but are met with resistance from producers.Goat farming in Canada comes with unique challenges, from frigid temperatures to predator threats, requiring strategic planning and infrastructure.The future of goat farming in Canada depends on better regulation, improved record-keeping, and stronger trade relations with the U.S.Correction Notice:In this episode (at 01:05), the guest mentioned that the Canadian Meat Goat Association is in the process of having Spanish goats recognized as a designated breed in Canada. This was incorrect. The correct information is that the Canadian Meat Goat Association is working on having Savannah goats registered in Canada, not Spanish goats. To see the most recent episodes, visit  ForTheLoveOfGoats.comWant to support the content you love?Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jarThanks for tuning in! If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar. 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 The Goat Academy 🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store. Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

Got a question? 🤔  Head over to  https://thriftyhomesteader.com/dewormer-resistance-goat-owners-experience/ --  and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! DescriptionIn this insightful and eye-opening episode, host Deborah Niemann is joined by Tammy Gallagher of Shady Paddock Farm in Texas to discuss the challenges of dewormer resistance and parasite management in goats. Tammy, a certified FAMACHA instructor and Nigerian Dwarf breeder, shares her personal experience of losing goats to barber pole worms and the lessons she learned in regaining control of her herd’s health.Tammy’s story underscores the importance of understanding parasite biology, pasture management, and responsible dewormer use. Through trial, research, and adaptation, she has successfully built a herd with strong parasite resistance and implemented effective strategies to reduce worm loads without over-reliance on dewormers.Key TakeawaysDewormer resistance develops from overuse and improper use of dewormers, leading to ineffective treatments.Farm environment plays a significant role in parasite management—what works in one location may not be effective in another.A combination of selective breeding, pasture management, and strategic dewormer use can help reduce worm burdens.Learning how to perform fecal egg counts at home allows goat owners to identify high-risk animals and make informed deworming and culling decisions.Lessons Learned from Tammy’s ExperienceParasite management is not one-size-fits-all—what works for one farm may not work for another.Identifying and culling high-risk goats can make a significant difference in reducing parasite loads.Sustainable parasite control involves a mix of breeding, nutrition, and pasture improvements.Understanding the biology of parasites and how they spread is crucial for effective management.Related ResourcesFAMACHA training is available in the Goats 365 membershipTo see the most recent episodes, visit  ForTheLoveOfGoats.comWant to support the content you love?Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jarThanks for tuning in! If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar. 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 The Goat Academy 🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store. Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

Got a question? 🤔  Head over to  https://thriftyhomesteader.com/americans-experience-with-goats-in-kenya/ --  and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! DescriptionIn 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.comWant to support the content you love?Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jarThanks for tuning in! If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar. 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 The Goat Academy 🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store. Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

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 EpisodeWhat scrapie is and why it matters to sheep and goat breedersHow scrapie is transmitted and its long incubation periodSymptoms of scrapie in sheep and goatsTesting methods for live and deceased animalsThe role of genetic resistance in controlling scrapieChallenges in eradicating the last few cases of scrapie in the USThe importance of slaughter surveillance and official ID in disease controlCurrent progress toward declaring the US scrapie-freeKey HighlightsScrapie 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 MentionedUSDA APHIS Veterinary ServicesWorld Organization for Animal HealthSee full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/scrapie-in-goats-and-sheep/To see the most recent episodes, visit  ForTheLoveOfGoats.comWant to support the content you love?Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jarThanks for tuning in! If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar. 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 The Goat Academy 🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store. Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

Got a question? 🤔  Head over to  https://thriftyhomesteader.com/hermaphroditism-freemartinism-goat-infertility/ --  and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! DescriptionWhen 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.comWant to support the content you love?Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jarThanks for tuning in! If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar. 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 The Goat Academy 🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store. Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

Got a question? 🤔  Head over to https://thriftyhomesteader.com/c-section-in-goats/ --  and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! DescriptionIn 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 TakeawaysC-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.Resources MentionedDeborah’s book: Goats Giving Birth: What to Expect During Kidding SeasonLearn more and join the Goats 365 community at www.goats365.comSee full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/c-section-in-goats/To see the most recent episodes, visit  ForTheLoveOfGoats.comThanks for tuning in! If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar. 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 The Goat Academy 🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store. Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

Got a question? 🤔  Head over to https://thriftyhomesteader.com/sharing-milk-with-baby-goats/ --  and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! DescriptionThe 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 TakeawaysMilk 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 ResourcesGoats 365 Community: goats365.comPodcast episodes: Colostrum for Baby GoatsBasics of Bottle Feeding Goat KidsSee full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/sharing-milk-with-baby-goats/To see the most recent episodes, visit  ForTheLoveOfGoats.comWant to support the content you love?Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jarThanks for tuning in! If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar. 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 The Goat Academy 🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store. Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

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! If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar. 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 The Goat Academy 🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store. Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

Got a question? 🤔  Head over to https://thriftyhomesteader.com/uterine-rupture-and-hemorrhage-in-goats/ --  and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! DescriptionIn 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 TakeawaysUterine 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.Resources MentionedDeborah’s book: Goats Giving Birth Previous podcast episodes: Blood Transfusion in GoatsAnemia in GoatsSee full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/uterine-rupture-and-hemorrhage-in-goats/ To see the most recent episodes, visit  ForTheLoveOfGoats.comWant to support the content you love?Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jarThanks for tuning in! If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar. 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 The Goat Academy 🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store. Happy goat-keeping! 🐐

Got a question? 🤔  Head over to https://thriftyhomesteader.com/raising-goats-in-australia/ --  and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! DescriptionAs 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.comWant to support the content you love?Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jarThanks for tuning in! If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar. 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 The Goat Academy 🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store. Happy goat-keeping! 🐐