hello, I have a few goat questions! I have been raising goats for a long while, but, it never ceases to amaze me all the new questions that come up on a daily basis with these animals! I have a lovely nubian buck born on christmas day, and he has a "problem" with keeping his boy part inside of his "pocket". Seems like the pocket opening is too large! and he simply hangs out of it. This not only draws alot of questions from kids and non-goat people, but, it seems to be drying the whole thing out, which can't be too comfortable and I would think, it would be detrimental to his breeding abilities in the future. Any suggestions? Maybe a stitch or two? I have started putting vaseline on him, but, I can't do this forever! Nor would I want to...He is really good breeding stock and I would like to get some kids out of him. The next question is about a doe, around 4 years of age. She is perfectly healthy, eating good, not wormie; yet, for the last 4 days she has been foaming at the mouth! No, she is not rabid!! She only foams when she is chewing her cud. The first time I saw her do this, I figured she got a bug in her hay, but, after 4 days...!! The only other thought is that she has something (bug?) still in the rumen that is causing this to occur. Should I give her baking soda? vinegar? insecticide??? Thank you for your responses. Sissy

-- sissy sylvester (jerreleene@hotmail.com), February 27, 2000

Answers

Hi Sissy,

I'm not sure what to think about the buck problem. I've never come across this or heard of it. Hmmm...... As for the goat foaming at the mouth, its probably due to rumen, you could give her baking soda or a few tums to help her out. I have one doe that sometimes does that too. Take care and I'll see what I can find out about the buck problem.

Bernice

-- Bernice (geminigoats@yahoo.com), February 27, 2000.

In response to your problem with your buck, I raise Golden Retrievers and had a similar problem with one of my pups. A stitch or two will fix the problem and could be done inexpensively and easily, however, this will only fix the problem, not cure it. I would not use this buck for breeding purposes if it were my animal, this problem could be genetic.

-- Polly Sergel (oakridge@netcommander.com), February 27, 2000.

In response to your problem with your buck, I raise Golden Retrievers and had a similar problem with one of my pups. A stitch or two will fix the problem and could be done inexpensively and easily, however, this will only fix the problem, not cure it. I would not use this buck for breeding purposes if it were my animal, this problem could be genetic.

Polly

-- Polly Sergel (oakridge@netcommander.com), February 27, 2000.

How funny I too raise , show ,and do obed with Golden Retrivers .I have never had this problem with any animal.Seems like hes proud of him self and wants to show off!O.K. no more joking .I to would not use him for breeding , I've always gone with the side of caution when it comes to any thing that could be genetic.If his offspring would only be meat animals go ahead and try .Is he from a tight line breeding? Did you own the last three generations behind him ? If not do you know who did ? Can you question them on how closely related they where? Ask about any birth defects or miscarriages.

-- Patty Gamble (fodfarms@slic.com), February 27, 2000.

About the doe: sounds as if it may be caused by gas generated in the rumen, which after all is a fermentation and bacterial digestion chamber. May also be a combination of that and what she's eating, some of which may be stabilising the foam. I'm not saying this is bloat, but that bit of it is similar, so maybe a remedy they use for bloat is worth trying. Give her some vegetable oil - try some on feed, if that doesn't work try a drench. Harmless enough, and may help.

-- Don Armstrong (darmst@yahoo.com.au), February 28, 2000.

I concur with the others on not having after 14 years seen a buck with this problem. Nor would I keep an animal to use as breeding that was not perfect (feet, bite, conformation, bloodlines and this penis thing!!?) The doe sounds as if it is a mild case of rumen acidossis, do you have animal fat or animal protein listed as ingredients on your feed tag? Do you know that fish and feather meal are used in goat pellets as a protein source (glorified hogfeed really) fish and feather meal are un-assimilated by a 4 stomached animal and can sit in the rumen and ferment.... Guess number 2 is to have a vet look at her molars, she may have some dental points that need to be floated. Keep us posted! Baking soda and Diamond V Yeast are fed free choice here, and our biggest milkers need it. Vicki McGaugh

-- Vicki McGaugh (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), February 28, 2000.

dont have an answer but i have a question i have a goat she had twins 6-6-000 her milk is good she let them nirse abuot a week now she will let them nirse about 5 mins then she will keck them away an not let them nirse they are not fat but they need milk dont know what to do about it if anyone has any info about something like that would like some you will have to send it by mail my copier dont work if i have to pay for postage i will Robert Farmer rt3 box 555 Stilwell ok 74960

-- Robert Farmer (mfarmer1@intellex.com), June 19, 2000.

Robert can you read it here? Anyway, does don't nurse very often and they don't let the kids nurse for very long. As long as they are peeing and pooping then they are fine. New kids are usually long and leggy, never seen a goat selectively be a bad mom, they either are good moms or they are horrible moms, and neglect them all together. She is likely nursing them when you are not looking, and honestly none of my does stand still for a whole 5 minutes to let the kids nurse, really its more like 1 minute! Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), June 19, 2000.