Preferred Production Practices in a MGQA program represent critical points in goat raising where problems or issues may arise that could lead to reduced product quality and safety or compromised welfare of the animal. One example would be proper injection techniques and the issue of broken needles. A needle that breaks off inside an animal represents more than a foreign object that could be found in the meat. It also affects the welfare of that animal. Unless immediate action is taken to locate and remove the needle, the broken point could migrate inside the animal causing pain, infection, and death. Thus, a critical point in herd health is proper injection technique.

Five areas have been targeted by this MGQA program as critical points in the production of quality goat meat. These five critical areas are: Herd Health, Nutrition/Feedstuffs, Management and Proper Care, Record Keeping, and Biosecurity. A brief description of the major points in each PPP is given.

Preferred Production Practices in Herd Health

Herd Health PPP #1 – Establish and follow a herd health program

A herd health calendar specific to your production system should be developed upon consultation with a veterinarian. All vaccinations should be given at times appropriate to individual groups of animals. Management practices that can impose stress on an animal, such as castration, should be done properly to prevent health complications. All kids should receive colostrum and receive proper care to prevent disease problems. The environment surrounding the animals should be maintained to minimize exposure to pathogens, for example, through regular manure removal.

Herd Health PPP #2 – Establish a valid veterinarian – client – patient relationship and use any off-label drugs in accordance with guidelines for their use within such a relationship

Having a good relationship with your veterinarian will assist in forming and following a comprehensive herd health program. Only a veterinarian can authorize the use of any drugs not specifically cleared for use in goats.

There are few drugs cleared by the Food and Drug Administration for use in goats. Many drugs used to treat diseases in goats are used in an “off-label” manner, meaning that they are administered in a manner not according to their labeled use. This is referred to as ELDU (extra-label drug use) and can only be authorized by a veterinarian in the context of a valid veterinarian – client – patient relationship. In general this means that 1) the veterinarian has been to the farm, examined the animal(s) in question and determined that no approved drug exists to treat their condition or that the dosage prescribed for an approved drug is ineffective; 2) the veterinarian instructs the producer on proper use and administration of the drug and determines an appropriate withdrawal period; and 3) the veterinarian is available in the case of adverse reaction to the drug and for follow-up examination and treatment. All three conditions must be met for ELDU. Complete records of animal number, drug given, dosage, route of administration, date, and specified withdrawal period must be maintained for all ELDU.

Herd Health PPP #3 – Store and administer drugs according to labeled use or veterinarian authorized off-label use and follow all withdrawal periods

Drugs should be stored securely away from curious animals and unauthorized persons. Some drugs require refrigeration. When administering drugs, follow recommended dosages and administration guidelines or follow veterinarian instructions regarding ELDU. Protect drugs from sunlight and heat during use to prevent reducing their effectiveness. Do not use drugs past their expiration date. Record the date and amount of drug administered and the date when the prescribed withdrawal period has been fulfilled. As an example, the dewormer Safe-Guard® states that “Goats must not be slaughtered for food within 6 days following treatment. Because a withdrawal time in milk has not been established, do not use in lactating goats.” Instructions such as these should be followed for all drugs administered on-farm.

Herd Health PPP #4 – Use proper injection technique including preferred injection site (in front of the point of the shoulder)

Use the correct injection method when administering injectables. Subcutaneous (SC) administration is preferred to intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) injections. When administering drugs SC, use proper “tenting” technique to avoid entering the muscle. If IM injections must be given, ensure that all injections are given in front of the point of the shoulder. Lesions can form from injection sites and injecting in the neck prevents damaging the more valuable cuts of meat.

When giving IM injections, proper technique calls for pulling back slightly on the plunger after entering the muscle to make sure a vein or artery has not been penetrated. Injections given in muscle allow for slower absorption of the active drug than IV injections. If, in an IM injection, a vein has mistakenly been penetrated, the rate of drug absorption will be dramatically increased. This can cause shock, seizures, or animal death. Intravenous injections should only be given by experienced individuals.

Proper injection technique also includes proper needle selection depending upon the viscosity or thickness of the drug given, injection method, and age of the animal. Generally, 18 to 20 gauge needles are sufficient for most injections. Lengths of 1 to 1½ inches should be used for IM or IV injections, while shorter lengths of ½ to ¾ inch are suitable for SC injections. To minimize animal discomfort, avoid using dull needles. It is suggested to change needles after a maximum of every 10 animals. If a blood-borne disease is suspected to be present in the herd, needles should be changed after every animal. If a needle becomes bent, replace it immediately. Have an appropriate “sharps” container to dispose of used needles.

Herd Health PPP #5 – Provide training to all persons treating animals on proper drug usage and administration techniques

All persons who work on the farm should be trained in proper herd health care including drug use and storage, injection techniques, and in completing the record keeping system used. Training should be kept up to date and reviewed when new drugs are introduced.

Preferred Production Practices in Nutrition/Feedstuffs

Nutrition/Feedstuffs PPP #1 – Provide proper nutrition to all animals according to age and stage of production

Proper nutrition is essential in the well-being and productivity of all farm animals. Properly fed animals are healthier and will exhibit greater production efficiency than underfed or overfed animals. Good nutrition and health begin with ensuring that all kids consume colostrum to receive needed nutrients and antibodies. Body condition scoring provides producers with information on the nutritional status of their herd and the need for feeding adjustments. Using a nutrient calculator, such as the web-based calculator developed by the American Institute for Goat Research found at www2.luresext.edu, can help producers determine the amount of energy and protein needed for animals at different ages and production stages.

Nutrition/Feedstuffs PPP #2 – Ensure that feed and water are free of contaminants

Feed should be stored in areas that are free of the risk of contamination from foreign substances, such as motor oil, chemicals, baling twine, etc. Storage conditions should also ensure that no fermentation or mold growth occurs that could lead to the presence of mycotoxins. Purchased feed should be free of aflatoxins and other harmful substances. Water should not contain high levels of dissolved salts, chemical residues, feces, or urine. Feeders and waterers should be constructed to minimize opportunities for animals to foul feed and water through urine or manure. Control rodents from entering your feed supplies. Purchased feed and hay should be free of chemical, biological, and foreign material hazards.

Nutrition/Feedstuffs PPP #3 – Comply with FDA regulations on the ban of feeding ruminant-derived protein supplements to other ruminants

The Food and Drug Administration has published regulations prohibiting the feeding of goats feed or feedstuffs containing proteins derived from other ruminant species. This has been mandated to prevent potential cases of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), from occurring in ruminants in the U.S. Banned feeds include all protein supplements of ruminant origin including ruminant-derived meat meal, meat and bone meal, bone meal, blood and blood by-products, glandular meal, etc. Also prohibited is the feeding of broiler litter to ruminants as poultry feed may contain ruminant-derived protein supplements and spilled feed may be present in the litter. Pet food may contain substances banned from ruminants, thus, food for guard dogs should not be readily available for goats to eat. Other prohibited substances include human plate waste processed for livestock feed.

Nutrition/Feedstuffs PPP #4 – Take proper care in the use of medications and other feed additives

Few medications and feed additives are approved for use in goats. To find the current status of drugs, additives, and medications approved for goats, consult a veterinarian or the Food and Drug Administration “Green Book” that lists approved drugs for livestock. This searchable on-line database can be found at http://www.fda.gov/cvm/greenbook/greenbook.html. As of this writing, April 2005, only 23 drug products have been approved for use in goats. Consult a veterinarian concerning any possible use of medicated feeds in an off-label manner.

Nutrition/Feedstuffs PPP #5 – Record use of chemicals on pastures to prevent harvest and feeding of feed containing chemical residues

A major issue in food safety is chemical residue avoidance. Chemical residues (drug residues or chemical toxins) are one of the three contaminants that affect meat safety, the others being biological (microbial) and foreign substances (such as broken needles, glass, plastic, etc.). Anytime a pesticide or herbicide is applied there is potential for that chemical to enter the food chain. Appropriate sprayer cleaning procedures and proper disposal of used containers is essential. Care should be taken during application to prevent chemical runoff that will contaminate water supplies.

Preferred Production Practices in Management and Proper Care

Management PPP #1 – Provide proper care to all animals

Goats should have daily observation and care to lead healthy, productive lives. Observing animals during feeding and learning their normal behavior allows a producer to immediately sense when something is “wrong” and extra attention is needed.

Proper care of goats begins with care of pregnant does, including nutrition, housing, vaccination, and avoiding stress. Properly cared for does will have healthier kids with fewer future health problems. Care should be matched to animal age and expected production level. Trim hooves as needed to prevent foot and leg problems. At all times, the welfare of the goats should be considered and efforts made to minimize pain and stress on the animals. This promotes a healthy production environment and reduces the need for medicines and veterinary costs.

Management PPP #2 – Use proper gathering and handling techniques to reduce animal stress

The herding behavior and flight zone of goats should be understood in order to make gathering and catching them easier. In a pasture setting, a small catch pen should be made and goats fed a small supplement in that area to accustom them to entering. The use of a catch pen or similar arrangement is much less stressful, and tiring, to both goat and owner than trying to catch untrained animals on pasture. When herding goats, move calmly and let goats go at their own pace. Most people will move faster than the rate at which goats normally walk. Goats should not be caught or held by grasping the hair or skin, or by catching a leg or tail.

The preferred method of holding is to place one hand under the chin and the other on the back of the head. Animals should not be subjected to undue stress.

Management PPP #3 – Provide training in proper goat care and handling techniques to all people working on the farm

All persons who care for or manage animals on your farm should receive training in goat care and handling. This will pay dividends in better animal productivity and reduced injuries and disease incidence. If many people are employed or the production system is complex, training manual providing information on the management and care practices used on-farm could be devised and available for employee use.

Management PPP #4 – Inspect facilities periodically to maintain them in good working condition

Buildings and fencing should be inspected periodically and repairs made. The condition of buildings and facilities can affect the welfare and productivity of goats. Injuries due to poorly maintained facilities can leave an animal open to infection, necessitating additional expenditures for veterinary care and (or) long-term problems. In extreme cases, death can result from inadequately cared for buildings or fencing. As an example, predators can enter animal pens or pastures through holes in fencing or walls and kill animals.

In general, any money spent in maintaining facilities will be recouped in reduced veterinary costs and death losses.

Preferred Production Practices in Record Keeping

Record Keeping PPP #1 – Identify each animal

Identifying animals is essential for good record keeping and all animals should have a unique identifying number. Some breed registries may require a tattoo be applied and have their own policies concerning placement and numbering. Ear tags or neck ropes may be used as identification. Ear tags are preferable to neck chains for goats in grazing situations. If used, neck chains should be moderate in strength allowing them to break if the chain gets caught in brush or on fencing where it could be a choking hazard. Ear tags should be applied properly between the cartilage ribs on the ears. If clip type ear tags are used on young animals, the tag should be placed allowing for future growth of the ear. Ear notching is an acceptable form of identification if performed on animals less than two weeks of age. Some breed organizations may not allow ear notching. Ear notching pliers should be disinfected between animals to prevent transmitting blood-borne diseases. Goats should never be hot or freeze branded.

Record Keeping PPP #2 – Keep and maintain records on all animals on pertinent production parameters, vaccinations given, and other drug treatments

Complete, accurate records of animals on your farm will assist in making management decisions regarding breeding, culling, and sale. Records of health treatments given to animals are necessary to prevent the harvest of animals prior to completion of withdrawal periods, to prevent multiple doses of a drug being given to a particular animal, and to check on treatment progress. Records on chemical use, feed and drug purchase, etc., can also help safeguard your operation should questions arise concerning animals you may have sold. Breeding records are necessary for registration purposes. Keep written records in a safe place and ensure backup copies are made of any electronic files kept on a computer.

Record Keeping PPP #3 – Periodically review records for completeness and accuracy

Records are most useful when complete and accurate. A periodic review of records and record keeping methods will help catch mistakes and oversights while they can still be easily corrected. This review should happen at least annually. A better management practice would be to review records quarterly. Ensure that all new employees are trained in record keeping to prevent mistakes from occurring.

Preferred Production Practices in Biosecurity

Biosecurity PPP #1 – Establish a biosecurity plan for your farm

Consider your production operation and devise a plan to ensure your animals are protected from diseases entering your herd. Potential ways in which diseases could enter your farm include: visitors, feed deliveries, new animal acquisition, and show animals returning to the herd, stray animals, rodents, birds, and others. The potential risk from these various areas should be examined in the context of your production situation. Plans should be made to protect animals from identified risks and to deal with animals that become ill so that diseases occurring on your farm are not transmitted beyond your farm gate.

Biosecurity PPP #2 – Minimize or avoid contact between your animals and animals not on your farm

Many diseases are transmitted through animal to animal contact. Avoiding contact with animals not on your farm will reduce disease outbreaks. Consider the location of pastures and grazing areas in relation to your neighbors’ animals. If new facilities are planned, consider the location of neighboring livestock barns and pens. Do not build facilities in or near drainage areas from livestock facilities. If your animals are very valuable, for example breeding males whose semen is collected for sale; consider double fencing along adjoining property lines to further protect them from neighboring animals. At exhibitions, house animals using solid partitions to minimize contact. Control stray animals, both domestic and wild. Maintain quarantine procedures. Do not haul other animals with your own and clean mud and manure from livestock trailers.

Biosecurity PPP #3 – Establish a quarantine protocol for animals entering your herd

Preventing diseases entering your herd from new animals begins during purchase. Be sure to ask the seller for health and production records on animals you plan to buy. Ask about the disease or herd health program followed. Also, look at the whole herd, not just the few animals you plan to purchase. This will give an indication of the health program followed. Upon arrival at your farm, place new animals in quarantine for a minimum of 30 days. Consult a veterinarian for a quarantine vaccination and deworming protocol and any diagnostic tests that should be performed. Buckets, shovels, fencing, etc., used in the quarantine area should not be moved and used in the general herd. Feed and care for quarantined animals last and do not re-enter your herd before changing clothing and washing boots to prevent carrying diseases from new animals to your herd. As an example, if a quarantined animal has a caseous lymphadenitis abscess that bursts, a person may inadvertently step in the pus from that abscess and carry that on his or her boots. If that person then reenters the farm herd, he may contaminate the ground or other animals.

Quarantine animals upon return from exhibitions or fairs if they have had contact with other animals. Follow the same quarantine guidelines for these animals as with purchased animals. Do not haul animals other than your own to and from shows.

Biosecurity PPP #4 – Establish a protocol for visitors to your farm

Many visitors to your farm will likely be producers themselves. To ensure that diseases are kept from entering your farm area, establish a protocol for any visitors and their vehicles. Control traffic entering your farm and have a separate parking area or ensure that vehicles are clean of mud and manure. This includes livestock trailers, feed delivery trucks, and veterinary vehicles. Consider having disposable boots available for visitors who wish to tour your facilities and herd. Alternatively, have a footbath with disinfectant where visitors can clean their shoes before and after seeing your animals. Have a wash basin or facility for visitors to wash their hands before and after handling animals. Explain that your procedures protect not only your herd, but theirs as well.

Biosecurity PPP #5 – Do not allow persons who have had contact with livestock in foreign countries on your farm, or bring clothing or other items from them to your farm, for a period of 5 days after their arrival in the U.S.

Largely in response to outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in other countries, the USDA published guidelines for persons from, or who have traveled to, foreign countries where FMD is present. These persons are encouraged not to have contact with livestock for 5 days after entering the U.S. Some states or institutions, such as Langston University, recommend a 10-day waiting period. The virus causing FMD can be carried in hair and nasal passages, clothing, luggage, shoes, etc. Following this PPP helps safeguard the entire U.S. livestock industry. Outbreaks of FMD, while not a threat to humans, result in the necessary destruction of all infected and potentially infected animals with enormous industry and economic consequences.

Preventing or minimizing contact between foreign travelers and your herd for the period after their arrival may also prevent the spread of other diseases as well.

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