TO: ALL

FROM: MICK DOAK

RE: GOAT NEWS

DATE:6^TH JUNE 02

WATCH OUT FOR B1 DEFICIENCY

A warning is advised for a possible outbreak of Vitamin B1 deficiency, which can be seen by single Goats standing staring at the sky, or walking in circles, apparently blind. Animals may be found collapsed on the ground with no apparent injury.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) is an important vitamin for Goats and usually manufactured in the rumen. However it can be destroyed by an enzyme from bacteria growing on wet hay. With most of us now having experienced a dry period followed by a rainy period (hopefully) the conditions are suitable for B1 deficiency to develop especially if we are feeding out hay straight onto the ground in wet weather. This will not be a problem if hay is in racks as suggested before on several occasions.

Although you will most probably never see B1deficiency as a major problem effecting large number in a flock you may see some cases. You can be prepared and have some injectable B1 on hand in your vet supplies. Effected animals can recover remarkably after injection with the vitamin if treated quickly. Injection into the vein can result in a prone and virtual unconscious animal recovering in 20 minutes. Injection into the muscle results in a slower recovery but perhaps should be given as a follow up anyway.

The condition often causes death either directly or by misadventure and even treated animals may suffer long term blindness or brain damage. (Thanks to Mohair Newsletter)

AMNESTY FOR ANGORA REGISTRATIONS

Mohair Australia has announced an amnesty to encourage stud flock owners who have allowed their membership to lapse to back register or record their animals in the herd book. Owners who possess a registered prefix and tattoo may register/record animals born in the years when membership has lapsed providing they rejoin and pay membership for this year and the next. The amnesty will only apply till July 2002 when all animals in current herds must be recorded. (‘Maybe this would not have needed to be done if Goat breed societies had under taken a simular registration system as the stud sheep breeds have in place, instead of the system used by stud dog breeders”..Ed)

OPPORTUNE TIME TO GET INTO GOATS

Now is the time to start into a Goat flock and see the benefits these animals can bring into your farming enterprise. Not only will they give you an added income from a product which is in demand LOCALLY and OVERSEAS but their ability to rid a farm of many TROUBLESOME WEEDS must also be a benefit. Most farms can fit a few Goats on without dropping off other livestock to make way. It would be advisable to start up small, in multiples of 50, which is an ideal number for a sire, and see how they perform under your farming practises. A quick cash flow can be had by producing Capretto (6 to 10 week old kids), which are now sold all year round in WA.

FOR SALE: Alpaca males suitable for predator protection: Price $300 to $500 each

For further details contact Mick Doak on Mb 0428439978 or Ah Ph/Fax 08 93093225 or Email: doakmick@bigpond.com.au

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