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Goats

All Goats Content

Red angus cattle gathered in a feedlot in winter.

Livestock

South Dakota is home to a dynamic livestock industry.

small group of sheep standing in a pasture

Sheep & Goats

South Dakota ranks sixth nationally in sheep and wool production. And the industry is growing.

Newborn lamb feeding under a heat lamp.

Electrical Safety in the Barn

From heat lamps to extension cords, learn some important fire safety considerations when electricity is used to warm up your barn during lambing and kidding season.

Veterinarian using a digital tablet in a sheep barn.

Clostridial Disease Management and Vaccines for Sheep and Goats

Vaccination against clostridium perfringens is universally recommended for small ruminants. Learn some expert vaccine considerations for both sheep and goats.

White goat resting in a drought-stressed pasture.

Heat Stress in Small Ruminants

The Upper Midwest provides periods of extreme heat during summer and shorter periods of heat stress potential during spring and fall. Are your sheep and goats cool enough in their environment?

Three young trainees shadowing a veterinarian during a sheep examination.

Are Your Dewormers Effective For Your Sheep or Goat?

Using an effective dewormer properly can be part of a strategy in preventing internal parasites in sheep and goats. So how do you know if your dewormer is effective, and what does it mean to use it properly?

A newborn lamb.

Navel Dips for Lambs and Kids

Treating umbilical cords with a navel dip at birth is recommended to ensure a healthy start for lambs and kids and preventing the occurrence of navel (joint) ill.

Skidloader outside being used to turn compost pile.

Guidelines for Livestock Carcass Disposal in South Dakota

Everyone who works with animals tries their best to keep all animals alive. In turn, they also know there will always be normal mortality. Proper carcass disposal is crucial in preventing the spread of disease and protecting the environment.

A statue of a dairy cow on a landscaped terrace in front of a long dairy barn.

Being Vigilant of Livestock Property Security and Surveillance

Livestock producers have many daily responsibilities when it comes to caring for and protecting their animals. One responsibility is to remain vigilant regarding individuals that oppose the use of animals for food or other purposes.

FDA-approved sharps disposal containers.

Where Do the Sharps Go?

Sharps used in livestock husbandry practices are considered medical or infectious waste. Regardless of why an animal received a shot, it is important to dispose of the needle in a safe way.