Your environment can determine what housing you may, or may not, provide but, more importantly, it will dictate how you manage parasites.


In the search for seed stock there is a great desire to find the “parasite resistant” goat. It is here that brutal honesty must be revealed. There is no such animal as a “bulletproof” goat. All are susceptible to parasites and all can succumb at any given time — especially if the conditions of weather, environment and/or management styles support the parasite life cycle. While there are genetics — and in- dividual goats — that are considered “par- asite resistant”, one must always consider whether these traits can be reproduced in a different location, as well as passed on to the progeny. In other words, you may have a goat that does very well in South Texas but by moving it to South Georgia it literally “changes the game”.


ston University Animal Care and Use Com- mittee studying the heritability for parasite re- sistance to Haemonchus contortus (Barber Pole Worm) in three goat breeds and three sheep breeds.1


One thing the study revealed was that, in- deed, the proper selection of resistant animals for breeding can be effective in building nat- ural resistance to the parasite. (Note: the Boer and Dorper did underperform the other breeds in heritability.)


When looking to purchase breeding stock, check out the animal and how it has been managed.


Understanding that the results were from a multi-generational study means that it will be a multi-generational effort on your part. In short, a producer cannot bring one buck into a herd and believe that the buck will trans- form the entire herd with his first offspring. (Note: Breeds in the study were Boer, Kiko, Spanish, Dorper, Katahdin, St. Croix).


That is not at all to disparage the buck tests that are performed by universities and researchers where they put the animals under their charge through the same environmental conditions, feed, manage- ment, exposure rate and testing. However, I will caution buyers that if you purchase a goat that excels in these test situations that you should be prepared that his genetics may not pass on to his progeny. Remember, the dam contributes to the offspring as well. Your success rate increases if you are already implementing culling prac- tices concerning the inheritable control of parasitic infection. There has been a multi-year study conducted under the protocols of Lang-


Making a farm or ranch visit will help you to evaluate the man- agement practices of the producer. How do they manage parasites? Are the animals in pens and basically “dry lotted”? Are they on irri- gated pastures? Are they roaming 100+ acres? Are you allowed to see all the livestock?


Think of it as when you are buying a house. Do you ever buy a house sight unseen? This visit will give you the opportunity to ask many questions.


While you are there you should also take the opportunity to “look under the hood.” If you are discussing a particular animal for pur- chase, then you should inspect it visually and physically. Check the testicles, teat structure, hooves and teeth.


November 2025 | Goat Rancher


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