Goats

All Goats Content
Johnsongrass, Saltmarsh Arrowgrass, and Reed Canarygrass.

Hidden Dangers of Prussic Acid

Prussic acid is a herbivory defense mechanism used by numerous plant species, but is most-associated with sorghum and sudangrass hybrids. While the risk of prussic acid poisoning is greatest in sorghum species, several additional species present across South Dakota can produce prussic acid at varying levels of concern.

A group of brown cattle foraging in a green field.

Prussic Acid Poisoning

As the first frost date approaches, producers often have concerns about the risk of prussic acid poisoning in livestock. Certain forage plants, especially sorghums and related species are associated with an increased risk of death loss because of prussic acid poisoning.

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.

Flock of sheep sorted into holding pens inside a barn.

Defending Your Flock Against Scrapie

Scrapie is a prion disease occurring in sheep and goats that results from proteins within the body becoming incorrectly structured. Understanding scrapie and the role sheep producers play in its eradication is key to protecting flock health and supporting successful eradication.

Red angus cattle gathered in a feedlot in winter.

Livestock

South Dakota is home to a dynamic livestock industry.

SDSU Extension welcomes new sheep and goat specialist

July 09, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Ryan Spurling as a new assistant professor and Small Ruminant Production Specialist.

Small flock of sheep grazing in a pasture.

Using Livestock to Promote Healthy Rangelands

Fact sheet about using livestock to promote healthy rangelands

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.

Row of sheep eating from a trough in a feedlot.

Waterbelly in Small Ruminants

Waterbelly (urolithiasis or urinary calculi) is a concern in male sheep and goats on high-concentrate rations. Knowing its symptoms, forms, and prevention strategies can help you make the best decisions for your flock.

blades of brome grass with a brown to black, thumbnail-shaped growth on one of the blades.

Ergot: A Potential Livestock Poisoning Problem

Cool, damp weather followed by warmer temperatures favors grasses becoming infected with ergot bodies, which can cause a certain kind of poisoning that can affect cattle on pasture.