Parasites
Parasite problems are generally considerably less when goats are used for vegetation management than when they are grazing conventional pastures. This is due to goats browsing and consuming feed that is above ground level. Many browse species also contain tannins, which aid in parasite control. However, if the goats are patch-grazing grass, they can develop serious parasite problems. If high stocking rates are used relative to available vegetation, goats will be forced to graze close to the ground. Goats that are losing weight are more susceptible to parasites. Good management practices will include some type of parasite monitoring procedure, such as fecal egg counts or visual examination of the mucous membranes.
Hart, S. 2006. Goats for Vegetation Management. In: Meat Goat Production Handbook, ed. T.A. Gipson, R.C. Merkel, K. Williams, and T. Sahlu, Langston University, ISBN 1-880667-04-5.
