Boer goat management: Dosing for success

Boer goats were bred for South African conditions, making them hardy and well-adapted. However, like sheep, they still need to be dosed against parasites.

- By Koos du Pisanie

Ilse Lombard, a well-known Boer goat breeder from the Vrede region, emphasises that dosing must be done correctly and only when necessary. "I usually treat the goats that need dosing about two weeks after the first spring rains, then every six weeks until after the first frost - depending on the rainy season and the Famacha results. Parasites are more prevalent after good rains, so dosing should be done more frequently," she explains.

The Famacha system

Dr Faffa Malan's Famacha system is a practical tool for monitoring parasite levels in goats and sheep. By gently closing the goat's upper eyelid over the eyeball and pulling down the lower eyelid, producers can check the colour of the inner eyelid. A healthy animal's eyelid should appear red or pink, while pale pink to white indicates a high parasite load.