LordsnLadies Nigerian Dwarf Goats

01/24/2026

THE BARN CLOTH ~ Let’s take a closer look at what a barn cloth holds…

Every farmer and shepherd has one. That one garment you wear to and from that place which holds your heart, and your breath, on every trip.

Mine is a once dark burgundy zippered hoodie now faded dull from countless washes.
The arms have cradled the head of laboring does and sleeping kids. It has been marked with birthing fluids as newborn kids are held and welcomed into the quiet dimness of a new world.

It gets moistened with saliva as I’m pickpocketed for the animal cookies I always carry, along with my own tears from the sadness and grief of loss. Blessed with spilt milk from rodeos of teaching the first-time milkers what the milk stand stands for.

I noticed tiny holes in the back hem, shoulders, and front where one or more has chewed, vying for my attention. I’ve recently noticed thumb holes torn into the cuffs – I guess I did that trying to keep my hands warm while still being able to use my thumbs. The hoodie lost its string years ago, deemed a non-safe chew toy unable to withstand the sharp back teeth of a goat.

There are threads now that mark the times when a life was hanging by one while working to get back on the right side again. Prayers are held in its fabric tight - along with my whispered breath of thanks.

Milk, saliva, dirt, p**p, blood, sweat, and tears all come out in the wash. But no amount of detergent and water can erase the invisible things it holds: Hours of countless kisses, hugs, baby kids held wrapped up for a nap, generations of love…infinite memories of those I’ve helped cross the rainbow bridge.

This hoodie will never be thrown away nor burned or trashed…It is a cherished cloak. My barn cloth is as old as our goat herd, and it will be buried at the end of the row when our last goat passes; you see, it was a huge part of their lives as well. For when that time comes, I hope it brought as much comfort to them as it did for me.

11/18/2024

With season changes quickly approaching, it's time to do a f***l check on your herd. Stress of drastic changes in temp, rainfall, leaves falling, wetter environment can quickly lead to parasite overload. Get ahead with baseline counts on everyone, treat those with high epg counts, and follow-up with anemia protocol if needed. Don't deworm without f***ls first - blindly using meds without necessity leads to resistance. 🐐

https://www.facebook.com/MDSmallRuminant/posts/pfbid023tE2RC9RR5emutz58YnWKE5e3tHZ5dKm1iydx7hCyq9ijZs2e2m6mzx5jKEWN2THl

THE OTHER WORMS

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

Small ruminants can be infected with many kinds of internal parasites, including different species of worms and protozoa. In fact, most small ruminants usually harbor mixed infections.

While most parasites are host-specific, sheep/goats get infected with the same ones (except for coccidia). In contrast, alpacas and llamas (often called camelids) can be infected with sheep/goat parasites, as well as those common to cattle.

By far, the most troublesome small ruminant parasites are the barber pole worm (Haemonchus contortus) and coccidia (Eimeria spp.). They are the most common, most pathogenic, and most costly. For this reason, they deserve the most attention. But, what about other internal parasites? How problematic are they?

Two other worms that are frequently part of mixed infections with the barber pole worm are the brown stomach worm (Teladorsagia circumcincta) and the black scour worm (Trichostrongylus spp.). While the barber pole worm causes blood and protein loss, these two mostly cause scours (diarrhea); production losses are more common than death. Unfortunately, it is not possible to differentiate the eggs of strongyle-type worms.

There are several other species of roundworms that may be identified in f***l samples from small ruminants. They include cooper’s worm (Cooperia spp.), hookworms (Bunostomum phlebotomum), nodule worms (Oesophagostomum), thread-necked roundworms (Nematodirus), threadworms (Strongyloides) and whipworms (Trichuris spp.). For the most part, they all have low pathogenicity and seldom cause problems.

Tapeworms (Moniezia expansa) are flatworms that usually cause much more concern than they should. It is because they are the only parasite that is visible outside the animal. While unsightly, tapeworms seldom cause problems. They don’t seem to affect nutrient absorption, and intestinal blockages are considered rare. Almost all research shows no benefit to treating lambs for tapeworms.

When animals cough or show labored breathing, some producers suspect lungworms. While possible, it’s not probable. The symptoms likely have other causes. Seldom do lungworms cause clinical disease in small ruminants. This is especially true with camelids and sheep. Lungworms tend to be more of a problem in wet, northern climates.

Symptoms of liver fluke are similar to the barber pole worm: anemia and bottle jaw. However, liver flukes are more common to cool wet climates, such as the Pacific Northwest and the Great Lake states.

One parasite that can be problematic on some farms is the meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis). Sheep, goats, and camelids are abnormal hosts for this parasite which naturally infects white tail deer. Small ruminants get infected when they ingest snails (or slugs) containing the larvae. Once the parasite crosses the blood-brain barrier, it causes various neurological symptoms.

If you think your animals are suffering from one or more of these other parasites, be sure to consult with your veterinarian. Diagnostic testing may be necessary. Not all of these parasites can be identified with traditional f***l exams. Sometimes, necropsies of deceased animals are necessary.

Published in the Delmarva Farmer, March 1, 2024

https://americanfarm.com/articles/delmarvafarmer/other-internal-parasites-shepherds-notebook/

11/12/2024

Great info! If you have older stock, be sure to check teeth...especially if you notice weight loss and no other parasite or health issues are the cause. Could simply be you'll need to change the consistency of feed; blending or moistening might be what they can handle in their senior years.

It is important to be able to tell how old a sheep/goat is by looking at its teeth. Sheep/goats with worn, broken, and missing teeth will have a more difficult time maintaining their body condition, especially under grazing situations.

https://www.sheepandgoat.com/_files/ugd/aded98_402cd4def3cf4613b225c6420687ba65.pdf