Deworming goats involves administering specific medications (anthelmintics) to eliminate internal parasites, primarily gastrointestinal nematodes. The approach should be strategic and often guided by a veterinarian to combat drug resistance.
Understanding Dewormers for Goats
Various dewormer classes are available, each targeting parasites differently. It's crucial to know which product to use and its proper dosage and withdrawal times.
One example of a dewormer used in goats is Morantel tartrate, often marketed under the name Rumatel. According to the Dewormer Chart for Goats from Cornell University, the recommended label dose for goats is 10 mg/kg, administered orally.
Important Considerations for Morantel Tartrate (Rumatel)
When using Morantel tartrate, pay close attention to withdrawal times to ensure the safety of milk and meat for consumption.
- Milk Withdrawal: There is 0 (zero) withdrawal time for milk in lactating cattle and dairy goats. This means milk from treated goats can be consumed immediately after administration according to label directions.
- Meat Withdrawal: The meat withdrawal time for goats treated with Morantel tartrate is 30 days. This means goats cannot be harvested for meat for at least 30 days after the last treatment.
Here's a summary of the Morantel tartrate (Rumatel) details based on the reference:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Morantel tartrate |
| Common Name | Rumatel |
| Recommended Dose | 10 mg/kg body weight |
| Administration | Orally |
| Milk Withdrawal | 0 days (Lactating Dairy Goats) |
| Meat Withdrawal | 30 days (Goats) |
| Reference Source | Cornell University Dewormer Chart |
Best Practices for Deworming Goats
Effective deworming goes beyond just giving medication. Consider these points:
- Accurate Weight: Always weigh your goats to ensure you administer the correct dose. Underdosing can contribute to resistance.
- Targeted Deworming: Instead of routinely deworming all goats, consider using methods like the FAMACHA scoring system (checking eyelid color for anemia) and Fecal Egg Counts (FEC) to identify which goats truly need treatment.
- Rotate Dewormers: Use different classes of dewormers strategically over time under veterinary guidance to slow down resistance development.
- Consult Your Veterinarian: Work with a veterinarian familiar with small ruminants in your area. They can help you:
- Choose the most effective dewormer based on the parasites prevalent in your area.
- Develop a deworming schedule.
- Interpret FEC results.
- Address issues of drug resistance.
Proper deworming is a critical part of goat health management, requiring careful planning and execution.
