Masports Rejects Runts & Rescues NZ

13/04/2024

https://youtu.be/i-JmxoytzDc?si=83vGHPha9kH1EvVi

A webinar presentation about BioWorma®, a fungus that traps and kills roundworm larvae in the manure of livestock. The presenter is Chris Lawlor from Interna...

17/08/2023

17/08/2023

HOOF ROT & some ideas to help deal with stubborn cases.
For those who are having issues, have you been able to cut back all the footrot area so that no dirt/gunk/contaminate bacterial matter is getting stuck in the area? I use my Burgon & Ball Footrot Shears (green handle snips) to cut away as much separated hoof wall as possible but unless youre really talented its hard to eliminate all area's for the bacteria to become impacted. So last month I invested ($229 - Mitre 10) in a cordless Dremel Kit which comes with a heavy duty barrel sander and also purchased a packet of pointed fine sanders tops ($30). I can use the barrel sander to do fine detailed 'trimming (grinding really) and the pointed sander (photo shows the tip - you dont need to buy this extra kit) to get into those really hard to reach places to make sure that there is no crevice for bacteria to get impacted and then keep the separation and foot rot issue going. Kopertox is my go to but for really bad feet I also soak any goat hooves (given this wet summer and ongoing wet since Jan) in Copper Sulphate solution using a Stick Blender beaker (cup) which is the perfect size for my goats hooves. I let the hoof soak for around 2 mins. Then leave them tied up on a dry surface until their hooves dry. Then release. For the more difficult cases, in the past I've made a paste of vaseline and copper sulphate mix and put that on their hoof only (not on the skin (ie: past the coronet band) and wrapped with gauze and then vet wrap. Then put them in dog boots (petkiwi.co.nz have a great selection of neoprene ones - otherwise Light-in-the-box have some good waterproof ones too - size is the most important feature though) and kept in a dry shed for a few days. If you cannot keep them out of the paddock (ie: dont have a shed) then you can get waterproof long boots for your goats from Medipaw which are fully waterproof boots with a car tyre sole so very robust and secures up the leg with velcro straps. My medipaw boots go right up to their armpit. If using anything waterproof you will need to make sure you put their hoof into a sock (ideally a kids thick boot sock (recommend Kmart $5 ea pair) rather than cotton/thin polyester) as the hoof will 'sweat' and the boot sock helps wick away the moisture. You will need to remove the waterproof boot at night or at least change the sock to avoid any other infections from the lack of oxygen. Check hoof daily and make sure the copper sulphate doesnt get onto the skin. I'll post some links and photos for you too. Hope these suggestions help 🙂
Note:
Pet Kiwi's neoprene boot. Masport who has a large Sannen/Alpine size hoof needs the XXL but the Arapawa's can get away with a Large. Pet Kiwi is run by a ex-vet and is based in Grey Lynn, Auckland. She's lovely to deal with and if you can get to the store, she will let you exchange for the right size if you buy the wrong size. Maybe even ring and have a chat to her if not able to get to the store for exchanges. Obviously you need to put a plastic bag on your goats hoof before you try it on.... 🙂 I have used this boot on Masport and then put this into the MediPaw boot for paddocks with long wet grass or swampy area's. The neoprene boot isnt waterproof but is good for night use if you can stable your goat overnight. PetKiwi boots come in a pack of 4 boots.
The Medipaw boots (totally waterproof) in Masports case goes right up to his armpit. On a friends full grown nubians leg it went 3/4 of the way up the leg - so its a decent length and ideal for wet or rainy conditions too as you can cinch up the top of the boot so rain is less likely to enter the boot. It has numerous velcro straps for a snug and secure fit too. The Medipaw website will give you precise sizings to help with the right size for your goats hoof. Bear in mind though that if you are going to use say the neoprene boot underneath you will need to take that into account as well. Medipaw boots are sold singly.

29/06/2023

Kidding positions during birth

29/06/2023

Getting the kids out of the mud
Decks, bridges and gravelled boxed area's

29/06/2023

MASPORTS TIPS - WINTER WETNESS & MUD, MUD, MUD...yuck

Like everyone else thats around me, we're all combating soggy paddocks and pretty horrible conditions post a sopping wet summer and now a cold boggy winter. The new farm hasnt got the best drainage (go figure when we're basically a steep mountain range lol) and behind Masports shed is one of the problem area's. So what to do? Well... have a look at the rather badly filmed video this afternoon as I dashed between heavy showers. There could be some idea's in there that might work for some. :-)

29/06/2023

HOT TIP - Anti-Flamme 'Extra' for your goat

Masport has severe arthritis and lately has been having inflamed (swollen) area's around his right knee. It was and has been 'hot' to the touch as well. Xrays were inconclusive but we suspect something is going on...long story there but there isnt a lot that can be surgically done for him now so....what to do?

I know Anti-Flamme 'Extra' works on me so thought I'd try this on Masports knee. Overnight the swelling reduced and all the heat is gone by morning. Great result!

The knee does get warm again in the evening after he's been head-butting, running around and carrying on as they do with Beanie, so Masport is his own worst enemy sometimes....alas, he's a stubborn ole coot lol.

Anyhow, vets are impressed (they did suggest Voltaren Emugel) but I preferred the Anti-Flamme 'Extra' on my aches as I find this is more effective.

IMPORTANT - do a test area first to make sure you dont have any adverse allergic reactions or suchlike. Not all goats are built like Butty. AND check with your vets if your goat is on any other medications that could adversely affect your goat.

23/11/2022

Manure is an organic matter that is used in agriculture as a natural fertilizer to help crops grow more efficiently.

22/06/2022

17/06/2022

Novice herd owners can stumble when raising their first bucks, does, and kids. Consider these goat herding tips before buying your first goat.

09/05/2022

https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/homed/latest/128577268/the-owner-who-takes-her-goat-tramping

Masport sleeps in a tent, carries a horn cam and has instant recall: He's a dream tramping and camping companion.

26/03/2022

Removing horns that are growing towards the face safely

by Dr Sandra Baxendell, Goat Veterinary Consultancies - goatvetoz www.goatvetoz.com.au. This video shows a goat being given an intravenous anaesthetic and ...

19/01/2022

The power of the goat!

19/01/2022

04/01/2022

A goat may paw a person in an attempt to communicate, so it’s important to understand their body language and know how they read ours.

06/12/2021

21/09/2021

PREDATOR PROOF FENCING SOLUTIONS that work.

Take what suits your situation and modify it to your mean/ability if not able to implement the full setup in this Australian guide.

Australian farmers are all too familiar with 'wild dogs' marauding their area's and prey on their stock. Some of these dogs are abandoned domestic dogs that may have bred with wild dogs like dingos and they generally run as a pack. It is a significant issue in Australia and the Australian Wool Board put together this fantastic .pdf which gives some great ideas that can be applied in our country too.

Take a look and you may well see area's in your own fencing that could do with a upgrade to protect your own stock.

https://www.wool.com/globalassets/wool/sheep/pest-animals/wild-dog-exclusion-fencing--australian-wool-innovation/wild-dog-exclusion-fencing---a-practical-guide-for-woolgrowers.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2bF4dV8Dc0xEme4poMhIoA_lQhMfF7KUmTf9Pr5DKwZrLdo87CMEjEkoM

25/08/2021

DIET FOR WETHERS (castrated males)
Shared post from: FaceBook Group - Goat Tips & Tricks
Author: Meghann Morse
Published Date: 24th Aug 2021

"GRAIN causes urinary calculi. FALSE.
MINERALS cause urinary calculi. FALSE.
CASTRATING before 12 weeks causes urinary calculi. FALSE.
ALFALFA causes urinary calculi. FALSE.

I read all of these on ONE post today. All misinformation. I'm going to explain.

GRAIN: grains are high in phosphorus which DOES cause UC. Ok, so why would I say feeding grain doesn't cause UC??? BECAUSE when we feed a balanced goat specific "grain" or "pelleted" feed it's BALANCED by nutritionists so it's SAFE as a component of a well rounded BALANCED diet. Now, not ALL goats need grain, but a lot of goats do need it. Over all diet, hay quality, and body scores should all be considered when deciding whether your goats need concentrated feed, aka grain, aka, pellets. Bottom line, a BALANCED feed does NOT cause urinary calculi.
MINERALS: minerals are a necessary part of a goat's diet and do NOT cause urinary calculi.

CASTRATING BEFORE 12 WEEKS: does not cause urinary calculi. What it DOES do is makes it more difficult to pass stones and more difficult to treat a case of urinary calculi because if castrated before 12 weeks it's nearly impossible to extend the p***s in order to snip the pizzle. Castrating before 12 weeks doesn't allow the urinary tract to fully mature so it's narrower which allows stones to block it more easily. But it does NOT actually cause urinary calculi.

ALFALFA: is high in calcium. If all you fed was alfalfa, no grass no grains, then yes, it could cause urinary calculi because the diet would not be balanced. As a part of a balanced diet alfalfa is a great source of fiber, protein, and calcium.

So what DOES cause URINARY CALCULI???? A diet that is not balanced. Goats, especially bucks and wethers MUST be fed a diet that is balanced at least 2:1 calcium to phosphorus but can be as much as 4:1 and still be safe. This is OVERALL diet. All things must be considered. Treats are often high in phosphorus. BOSS is very high in phosphorus. Weeds, brush, grass, all high in phosphorus. Grass hay, not balanced on it's own, too high in phosphorus. Grains on their own, too high in phosphorus. Corn on it's own, too high in phosphorus. Alfalfa on it's own, too high in calcium.

So what to do?

Get your hay tested for starters since that is going to be the biggest part of the diet. Your local county extension office is a good place to start. If your goats need grain DON'T BE AFRAID TO FEED THEM. Check labels and be sure to get a feed that is balanced at least 2:1 calcium to phosphorus. If you feed mostly browse or grass hay? Add a little alfalfa or beet pulp to the diet to bump up the calcium.

Bucks are just as at risk for developing stones. Over the years my only cases of UC have been in bucks. One was a mature buck many years ago on a grass/browse only diet. Before I knew better. The others were little bucklings growing out for market and they were sorting the corn out of their creep feed (pellets only for creep kids from now on so they can't sort it). So be sure to manage your intact buck's diets as well as your wether's.

This book I'll post a picture of is very helpful as well. Order a copy of it for more in depth information."

24/08/2021

24/08/2021

Masport, Beanie, Philip and the girls. Hoof trimming stand and scary goat moments :-D

Note: For a better quality video, click the 'settings' button and change from 'sd' to 'hd' to get rid of the blurring.

24/08/2021

Nothing like a goat that p*es and poos on command. One of the most handy things you can teach your goat :-)

Note: For a better quality video, click the 'settings' button and change from 'sd' to 'hd' to get rid of the blurring.

24/08/2021

A tour of the buck paddock, a new mineral block stand made today, combating hoofrot with mud everywhere and boys in rut :-)
For a better quality video, click the 'settings' button and change from 'sd' to 'hd' to get rid of the blurring. Details in comments.

24/07/2021

Today's essential for your kidding first aid box
AI or shoulder length gloves. Kidding does can excrete large numbers of germs that can infect people e.g. Q fever. You need to protect yourself and also ensure you don''t introduce bacteria into the doe's uterus so long plastic gloves are essential

16/06/2021

2020-07-23 - The Great Goat Escape

Day 1 - What starts as another lazy day sunbathing and mooching around until someone discovers a gate that hasnt been latched properly and Neebo & Kookie decide to have an adventure. Up to the deck, shred some bushes and a headbutting stoush that sets the whole group off when they cant work out how those two got up there onto the deck. This sets off Fight Club goat style, followed by running around chasing each other, off to the paddock for more fight club before racing back to home base. Masport as cool as a cucumber, just takes it all in his stride, though he's not totally innocent either lol. 4x Views of the same escapade :-)

We didnt know they were having daily adventures until 2 days later when I discovered the unlocked gate. Video for Day 2 coming shortly when they all get out and do the neighbourhood rounds visiting the 'hot chicks' next door.
https://youtu.be/Qdx9rTBzcaU

Day 1 - What starts as another lazy day sunbathing and mooching around until someone discovers a gate that hasnt been latched properly and Neebo & Kookie dec...

14/06/2021

We all need someone. Given the tiger lived alone, I feel this relationship was born from loneliness. I wonder if Amur(tiger) has another 'friend' since Timur's (goat's) passing.
https://fascinatingthings.net/tiger-refuses-to-eat-goat-who-was-given-to-him-as-live-food-instead-they-became-best-friends/?fbclid=IwAR1orB5DGGnwovE6ATrtpLZ9i7XSAo4goXRF9kKtCHgOC8VxZGfUO-gPx78

Besides eating their prey, predators can also form friendships with their prey. They build a unique bond with their “live” food instead of eating them. Some people may not believe this but it actually happens. Friendship has no limit. It can beat all the obstacles in this world. This is the situ...