Caprine

Handling of Caprines

When working with caprines, be very calm and gentle when approaching. Caprines are nervous animals by nature, and will spook easily if yelled at or handled roughly. When handling caprines, use a rope halter. If caprines have horns, these can also be held to control them. If possible, it is best to have someone available to assist with handling. Once caught, some caprines respond better when laying down, with someone cradling their head. Always offer lots of affection, praise and treats even if they are difficult. Positive reinforcement will lead to a better response from caprines.

Health Care and Health Problems of Caprines

Maintenance Caprines are relatively easy to take care of, and sanitary housing, good quality pasture, nutritious food and plenty of sunshine will greatly help to reduce health problems. Caprines need their hooves trimmed every 4-6 sevendays. This is very important as neglect can lead to lameness and infection. Hoof trimming is a simple procedure which a Beastcrafter can teach you.

During daily contact with caprines, always be on the lookout for any physical or behavioral changes. Symptoms indicating illness include loss of appetite, limping, listlessness, labored breathing, diarrhea, discharge from eyes or nose, or abnormal body temperature. If any of these symptoms occur, consult a Beastcrafter immediately.

Common health problems

• Upper Respiratory Problems - A respiratory problem is any condition which affects the caprine's breathing. Symptoms include nasal discharge, excessive coughing or sneezing, loss of appetite, and raised body temperatures. If any of these symptoms occur consult with a Beastcrafter immediately.

• Abscess - Abscesses are pockets of infection filled with pus, usually caused by wounds or cuts which have penetrated the skin. They are indicated by swellings or lumps found below the skin and could be anywhere on the goat's body. Should any unusual lumps or swelling be noticed, isolate your caprine from others and contact a Beastcrafter.

• Bloat - This is a serious condition commonly caused by overeating grain or new pasture. Preventative steps should be taken to stop bloat from occurring. Do not put caprines out on new pasture until their digestive systems are adjusted to that type of food. Be especially careful with fields of rapidly growing plants. Gradually introduce capriness to new pasture by bringing them some of the new pasture for a few days along with their regular hay. Then turn them out for only a few candlemards at a time, making sure that the field is not wet, as a wet field is more likely to cause bloat than a dry field. Make sure feed barrels and bags are completely inaccessible. The first obvious symptoms of bloat are distension of the abdomen, labored breathing, and signs of discomfort such as kicking, grinding teeth, bawling, and profuse salivation. ANY EVIDENCE OF BLOAT SHOULD BE DEEMED AN EMERGENCY - CONTACT A BEASTCRAFTER IMMEDIATELY.

• Hoof Rot - Hoof rot is an infection of the hoof. It is more prevalent during wet seasons or when caprines spend long periods of time on wet grounds. One or more hooves can be infected at any time. Symptoms include: lameness, swelling between claws, and an elevated temperature. If left untreated, the foot will begin to "rot", revealing a foul-smelling discharge. By tending to caprine's hooves on a regular basis and by keeping bedding clean and dry, the occurrence of hoof rot can be prevented. If hoof rot occurs be sure to isolate the caprine, and keep the bedding very clean and dry. Consult a Beastcrafter if you have any questions about your caprine's condition or treatment.

Nutritional Needs of Caprines

• Water

Clean, fresh water must always be available to your caprines. Use heavy containers to avoid spilling.

• Feed

Caprines are ruminants (multi-stomached animals) and consequently rely mainly on hay or pasture for their dietary needs. They will need at least 8 candlemarks of grazing time per day.

The best caprine pastures include mixed grasses in addition to plenty of twigs, saplings, brush, and trees. Caprines do not like (nor is it good for them) to have lush grasses alone. If necessary, supplement their pasture with plenty of browsing materials. Caprines particularly relish fruit tree prunings. Before pasturing, be sure to remove all plants that are poisonous to caprines. Contact a Farmcrafter for a complete listing of poisonous plants in the area.

If adequate pasture is not available, feed caprines a grass hay. Adult caprines need 2 to 4 pounds of hay per day. To locate a source of hay in the area, check with a local Farmcrafter for farm/cotholders who could supply the hay.

Physiology of Caprines

The average lifespan for a caprine is approximately 12 to 14 turns. Mature female caprines (does) generally weigh between 135-150 pounds. Mature male caprines (bucks) generally weigh between 150-175 pounds. Goats' normal temperature is 101-102 degrees.

Shelter Requirements of Caprines

• Building

A large barn or shed makes a fine shelter for caprines. Be sure the shelter has good ventilation and no direct drafts. Always provide caprines with plenty of clean, dry straw for bedding. Remove damp and soiled straw daily, replacing it with fresh straw.

• Fencing

In addition to adequate shelter, a fenced in area is needed. This is particularly important in areas where there are wandering canines, as a large canine could kill a goat in a matter of minutes. If a canine resides in the same location as caprines, introduce her or him slowly and keep a very close eye on the canine and the caprines for the first few sevendays. Caprines are notorious for escaping, so it is a good idea to use at least a five foot high fence.

• Tethering

Tethering caprines (putting them on a long leash) is not recommended, as it can be stressful. Tethering can also be very dangerous, as caprines can hang themselves on a tether.

• Pasture

We recommend one acre of land for every 2 caprines. This may vary, depending on the amount of pasture versus the amount of hay you want to utilize. For warm weather, the fenced area must have plenty of shade. Be sure to fence in any shade trees you want to keep, as caprines are great landscapers and the trees will not last unless they are protected.