Helmstead Mobile Farm Services - Goat & Equine

01/03/2025

REDDICK/ANTHONY Monday 1/6!

I have afternoon appointments available. PM to get added to the schedule.

01/02/2025

Just look at these meat goat babies a client had for New Year’s! The one in the middle is a buck and it sounds like she’d love to see him stay that way at another farm! His dad is polled - she didn’t tell me if he is or isn’t. They’re a hybrid mix that produces really solid meat goats. If you’re looking for color in your meat goats - let me know and I’ll pass along the info!

01/02/2025

There’s no hiding from it - goats need hoof care!!

I’m open for business and back to scheduling! PM to get on the list of upcoming stops!

01/01/2025

Happy New Year from all of us at Helmstead!

12/31/2024

12/30/2024

PLACED!!

DUNNELLON/SW OCALA!

I have a long time client looking to downsize their substantial pet herd. These are (perhaps a bit OVER) loved does and wethers of varying ages and sizes. All are some percentage Nigerian Dwarf (half or more). It has been quite some time since any of the does have kidded, so we must assume they’re pet quality at this point. They have had consistent veterinary and hoof care. If interested please contact the client (link to follow).

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Dcw9kVxSt/?mibextid=wwXIfr

12/30/2024

EDIT: trip is full

I’m back from vacation (lightly)! Working this area of Volusia County tomorrow and have time for perhaps one more stop. PM for details.

12/24/2024

DIARRHEA IS A MESSY TOPIC!

by Susan Schoenian
Sheep & Goat Specialist Emeritus
University of Maryland Extension

Diarrhea is a messy topic, but a necessary one for livestock producers. Diarrhea (scours as it is called in livestock) can happen anytime the bacteria in the ruminant’s digestive system get “out of whack.” While diarrhea can be a common occurrence in sheep/goats, it is usually more of a symptom than a disease.

There are many causes of diarrhea in small ruminants, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, diet, and other causes. In many situations, diarrhea is transitional and will go away on its own, especially in adult animals. However, it can also be indicative of serious illness, and if left untreated, could cause dehydration, organ damage, and even death.

If wooled sheep get scours, they are at greater risk for fly strike (maggots). This is one of the primary reasons why wooled lambs are docked. Animals that have “dags” or f***l matter stuck to their hindquarters have less market value.

Treatment of diarrhea depends upon the underlying cause(s). While antibiotics are used to treat bacterial causes (such as e. coli), with other causes, they are not usually warranted and could be harmful, as they kill beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Deworming often isn’t the answer either, as the barber pole worm (most common worm parasite) doesn’t cause scours, and dewormers aren’t effective against coccidia, which is the more likely cause of parasitic diarrhea.

In many cases treatment (for diarrhea) is mostly supportive: hydration (electrolytes) and probiotics. Many studies have shown the benefit of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of scours in livestock. For animals that scour because of “wet” pasture, getting some dry matter (such as hay) into them can help.

While preventing scours is not always 100% possible, most causes of diarrhea can be prevented with good hygiene and management. Indoor pens should be deep bedded. The bedding on top should always be clean and dry. Ideally lambing/kidding pens are cleaned between litters. Overstocking almost always leads to health issues.

Feed and water receptacles need to be kept clean and free from f***l matter. Grazing should be managed in a way that eliminates potential “hot spots.” All dietary changes should be gradual, to allow time for the rumen bacteria to adjust. Adequate colostrum intake helps lambs/kids fight off the disease organisms that cause scours.

It is recommended that a coccidiostat be put in the feed, mineral, milk replacer, and/or water to aid in the prevention of coccidiosis, the most common cause of diarrhea in lambs/kids (1-6 months). Bovatec® (Lasalocid) is FDA-approved for lambs while Rumensin® (Monensin) is approved for goats. Deccox (decoquinate) is a non-antibiotic feed additive that is approved for both species.

The success of coccidiostats depends on timing and the animals consuming enough of the drugs; they need to fed 3 to 4 weeks ahead of the risk. For coccidiosis, the period of highest risk will vary by farm, but is often around the time of weaning. Clostridial vaccinations (CDT or Covexin-8) are recommended for all flocks/herds.

It is important to consult with a small ruminant veterinarian when you are unsure of the cause of diarrhea in your animals. Your vet can make treatment recommendations. Serious outbreaks of scours may require veterinary diagnostics, including necropsies.

Originally published in the Delmarva Farmer, March 2024

12/23/2024

Monday Morning Management Post: Mastitis and Udder Management!

Mastitis is common and can be deadly. A few simple steps can prevent it from becoming a serious medical issue. This doe had apparently been secretly nursing her year old kid and developed a nasty case of mastitis unbeknownst to her inexperienced owners. I found her on the verge of gangrene. The udder was painful, cold and filled with blood and puss.

Want to learn more about good udder management? Ask at our next appointment! Udder management IS NOT just for milking goats!

12/21/2024

It’s almost Christmas! 🎄
I am scheduling limited days next week and the week after. PM to inquire.