Goats and other animals, whether livestock or family pets, can thrive with holistic care.

Man-made medicines and vaccines, while convenient, are not required.

During our first year with a goat herd, we’ve used natural products for all aspects of goat health except for the small amount of grain we feed in the evening that includes a medication for coccidiosis (a common intestinal problem caused by coccidia). Our next goal is to begin making our own feed using a mixture of grains and seeds so that we can stop purchasing commercially made feed.

We are so thankful for those that have gone before us and have learned so much from other holistic ranchers and farmers. This practice made sense to us from day one since this is also how we try to take care of our family and pets.

Below are a few management practices we’ve had work well for us here in Texas ~ the land of bugs, parasites and drastically changing temperatures!

Grazing Practices
Allowing your goats to graze from sunup to sundown allows them to eat their natural diets. If you’re keeping them in a pen all day, you’re forced to feed them commercially made feed that may contain the nutrients they need but is also mixed with chemicals, additives and preservatives they don’t need. Just like in humans this weakens their guts natural defenses which in turn weakens their immune system.
It’s also important to provide them free choice minerals - this varies depending on your location. It might be a good idea get your soil tested or you can try setting out a mixture of minerals, the ones they consume the most are most likely the minerals your soil and plants don’t provide.
For goats the most common minerals set out for free choice are salt, copper, selenium, calcium, zinc, baking soda. Much of this depends on your property and the water that you are providing. It’s trial and error unless you go the route of testing your soil, water and/or goats.
Lastly, improve your land. This happens naturally when you allow your livestock to graze in a managed way, especially with goats. Goats love to eat the weeds we hate! They fertilize the soil, feeding the ground so that native plants can thrive. Goats out on pasture, climbing shrubs and trees are happy, healthy goats. You may need to plant some native plants out on your property before allowing your goats to graze. Find a local dealer and only plant seeds that are native to your area. This will be best for your land, your family and your goats.
Sanitation
Just like with any other animal, people included, living arrangements have a direct correlation with health. Keep your goats pen dry and mucked. Provide shelter so they can get out of the cold and rain. Goats also need clean food, including clean, dry hay. Providing your goats with a clean “home” will go a long way in how healthy your goats are in the long run.
Pest Care
Like our pets, goats get mites and lice. These can be treated many different ways. Preventatively. rotational grazing is a great practice. But even with this practice, they will still most likely get mites and lice from time to time. There are several ways to combat these pests
1. First line of defense/prevention is an oil mixture applied just like flea medicine on dogs. This is great as a prevention applied monthly or if you notice the pests before they get too bad. Repeat the application if it rains. We like to use olive oil in a dropper bottle mixed with 20 drops each of tea tree oil, lavender oil and cedarwood oil. So far, this is all we have had to use, occasionally applying treatments back-to-back.
2. Second line of defense is VetRX. A natural oil blend for both goats and poultry. This is applied all over the animal and combed through. Apply from the nape of the neck all the way to the tail. Repeat in 10 days if needed or if it rains.
3. The last option is CyLence. This is a chemical so it’s our last choice if the first two don’t do the trick. It is safe for young goats and pregnant does. 1cc per 25lbs down the top line of the goat. Repeat in 10 days and again 10 days later if needed.
Natural Antibiotics & Herbs for Management and Prevention
Just like with humans, antibiotics wreak havoc on the gut. And when the gut is weak this affects our immune system. Therefore, conventional antibiotics are a last resort here at Mackadoo Farms. We choose to use as many preventative practices as a first line of defense, stronger natural products next and then if all else fails we hit the hard stuff.
1. Preventative: Both Apple Cider Vinegar and Garlic Oil mixed into their water or given orally via a dropper are natural preventatives that have so far kept our goats healthy. We also give them time to heal naturally when they have a cough or diarrhea. Isolation, more nutrients and natural supplements do wonders for their overall health.
2. Natural Treatment: Oregano Oil diluted in a carrier oil such as Jojoba or Olive Oil can be applied to the skin or ingested as a natural, powerful antibiotic. It is such a strong, potent oil that it must be given in VERY small doses when administered to both humans and animals.
  1. Fight infection
  2. Fight parasites
  3. Aid in their overall health

I hope this helps you see how beneficial it is to take care of your livestock in a more natural, holistic way. When we take care of our bodies, humans and animals alike, thinking about the whole body versus one symptom most diseases and problems don’t occur as often and/or can be caught early enough that gentler remedies work wonders. When taken one step at a time, you too can use a more natural, holistic approach for caring for your livestock as well.