Episode 42 For the Love of Goats       Most of us love our goats so much and want to share their awesomeness with the world. Unfortunately, that is not a risk-free proposition because there are some diseases that goats can transmit to humans — even healthy goats! In today's episode, we are talking to Megin Nichols, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, at the Center for … [Read more...]

Episode 41 For the Love of Goats     If you're confused by everything you've heard about copper needs in goats, then hopefully this episode will clear things up. We are joined again by Dr. Robert VanSaun who teaches veterinary science at Pennsylvania State University and specializes in ruminant nutrition, and he debunks common myths while explaining … [Read more...]

Episode 40 For the Love of Goats   Although we are finally getting the word out that current research shows that you should not routinely deworm goats or deworm the whole herd at one time, one of the last old-fashioned ideas about dewormers is still hanging on -- the idea that you must deworm all does after kidding (or within a week or two before kidding). The … [Read more...]

Episode 39 For the Love of Goats     I've always referred to colostrum as liquid gold. Whenever someone asks me what they should give a kid when it's born, the answer is short and simple -- colostrum. When a kid is born, the number one goal is to get colostrum into it as soon as possible. After recording this episode, I am even more appreciative of this … [Read more...]

Episode 38 For the Love of Goats     Whether you live in Florida or Canada, odds are good that you will be worried about your goats giving birth when it is cold out. However, the definition of cold can vary dramatically between those two places. When I'm talking to people in southern states, they are worried when temperatures are dipping below 50. Whereas … [Read more...]

Episode 37 For The Love Of Goats     Selenium is a very important mineral in a goat's diet. However, since most soil in the U.S. is deficient in selenium, and the U.S. government limits the amount of selenium that can be added to goat feeds and minerals, it's not that easy to make sure your goats get enough selenium.  In this episode, I'm talking … [Read more...]

Episode 36 For The Love Of Goats     What is the difference between a controlled study and observations that you make on your farm? In this episode I'm talking to Joan Burke, Ph.D., who has been researching alternative dewormers in small ruminants for about two decades. In addition to talking about some of her parasite research, we also are debunking … [Read more...]

Episode 35 For The Love Of Goats       In addition to being the author of the newly released book, Grow Your Own Spices, Tasha Greer is also a homesteader and goat owner. Today we are talking about extended lactations in Nigerian dwarf goats, as well as making cheese without a recipe. Although most people only milk their goats for a few months or … [Read more...]

Episode 34 For The Love Of Goats       Meningeal worm, also known as deer worm, is a worm that is normally found in white tail deer, but goats can become infected. In this episode Dr. Tatiana Stanton, a goat and sheep specialist with Cornell University Extension, is talking about how deer worm is different than intestinal worms that goats have, symptoms … [Read more...]

Episode 33 For the Love of Goats       If you've had friends taste your cheese and tell you that you should go pro and start selling it, this is the episode for you. Years ago when that happened to me, I visited Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery in Illinois for a two day workshop to learn more about turning my passion into a … [Read more...]