Education
Goat Care Guide
This guide explains the medications and health checks you will use to keep your goats healthy. Each section covers what the procedure is, why it matters, and how it is done. Written for first-time goat owners with links to authoritative sources.
COWP Bolus Deworming
What It Is
COWP stands for Copper Oxide Wire Particles. A COWP bolus is a small capsule filled with tiny copper wire fragments that is given to goats orally. Once swallowed, the copper particles settle in the abomasum (the goat's true stomach) and slowly release copper over several weeks.
Why It Is Used
COWP boluses are primarily used to control Haemonchus contortus, commonly known as the barberpole worm. This blood-sucking parasite is one of the most dangerous internal parasites in goats, causing severe anemia and even death if left untreated.
How to Administer
The bolus capsule is given orally using a balling gun or bolus applicator. The goat's head is gently tilted upward, the applicator is placed over the back of the tongue, and the capsule is released. Do not break open the capsule — it needs to reach the stomach intact.
Schedule and Dosing
COWP boluses are typically given on a spring and fall schedule. Dosing is based on the goat's body weight. Always weigh your goat before administering and follow the manufacturer's dosing guidelines. Over-supplementing copper can be toxic, so accurate dosing is important.
Watch and Learn
Safeguard (Fenbendazole)
What It Is
Safeguard is the brand name for fenbendazole, a broad-spectrum antiparasitic medication. It targets a range of gastrointestinal parasites including roundworms, hookworms, and certain tapeworms.
How to Administer
Safeguard is given orally, usually as a liquid suspension or paste. It is administered directly into the goat's mouth using a dosing syringe. It is best given on an empty stomach for maximum absorption.
Dosing
Dosing is based on the goat's body weight. It is critical to weigh your goat accurately and use the correct dose. Under-dosing is one of the main causes of parasite resistance. Always follow your veterinarian's dosing recommendations.
Schedule
Safeguard is typically administered every 6 months, but your veterinarian may recommend a different schedule based on fecal egg counts and your local parasite pressure.
Drug Resistance
What It Is
Drug resistance occurs when parasites survive exposure to a dewormer and pass that resistance to their offspring. Over time, the dewormer becomes less effective against the parasite population in your herd.
How to Prevent It
- Dose accurately — Always weigh your goat and use the correct dose.
- Use targeted treatment — Only deworm animals that need it based on FAMACHA scores or fecal egg counts.
- Rotate drug classes — Alternate between different dewormer classes.
- Check effectiveness — Perform a fecal egg count reduction test after deworming.
- Maintain refugia — Leave some susceptible worms in the environment by not treating every animal.
Fecal Egg Counting (FEC)
What It Is
A fecal egg count (FEC) is a laboratory test that measures the number of parasite eggs in a goat's fecal sample. Results are reported as eggs per gram (EPG) of feces.
Interpreting Results
- Low (under 500 EPG): Generally does not require treatment in a healthy adult goat.
- Moderate (500–2000 EPG): Monitor closely. Consider treatment if the goat shows clinical signs.
- High (over 2000 EPG): Treatment is typically recommended, especially if combined with clinical signs.
Always interpret FEC results alongside clinical signs like FAMACHA scores and body condition.
CDT Vaccine
What It Prevents
The CDT vaccine protects goats against Clostridium perfringens types C and D (enterotoxemia) and tetanus.
Initial Series
Goats that have never been vaccinated need a two-dose series. The first dose is given, followed by a second dose 3 to 4 weeks later. The goat is not considered fully protected until 2 weeks after the second dose.
Annual Booster
After the initial series, goats need an annual booster. Pregnant does should receive their booster about 4 weeks before their due date to pass immunity to their kids through colostrum.
Injection Site
The CDT vaccine is given as a subcutaneous injection, typically in the neck or behind the shoulder. If you are not comfortable giving injections, your veterinarian can administer the vaccine.
FAMACHA Scoring
What It Measures
FAMACHA is a quick method for assessing anemia in goats by examining the color of the lower eyelid mucous membrane.
The 1–5 Scale
When to Deworm
Goats scoring a 4 or 5 should be dewormed immediately. A score of 3 is borderline — consult your veterinarian. Goats scoring 1 or 2 generally do not need deworming.
Body Condition Scoring (BCS)
What It Measures
Body Condition Scoring is a hands-on assessment of a goat's body fat and muscle condition, scored on a 1 to 5 scale.
The 1–5 Scale
- 1 — Emaciated: Bones are very prominent with no fat cover.
- 2 — Thin: Bones are easily felt with minimal fat cover.
- 3 — Good: Bones can be felt with moderate pressure. Ideal condition.
- 4 — Fat: Bones are difficult to feel under a thick layer of fat.
- 5 — Obese: Bones cannot be felt. Excessive fat deposits visible.
How to Assess
Feel two key areas: the sternal region (chest) and the lumbar region (lower back). The target BCS for most healthy adult goats is 2.5 to 3.5.
Body Condition Scoring in Goats — Indiana Board of Animal Health →
Hoof Trimming
Why Monthly Trimming Is Needed
Goat hooves grow continuously. Domestic goats on soft pasture or bedding need regular trimming. Without trimming, hooves can become overgrown, fold under, trap dirt and bacteria, and cause pain, lameness, and infections like foot rot.
Signs of Overgrowth
- Hooves that curl or fold to one side
- Walking on the sides of hooves instead of flat
- Limping or reluctance to walk
- Foul smell coming from the hooves
- Visible dirt or debris trapped under overgrown hoof walls
When to Seek Professional Help
If your goat's hooves are severely overgrown, if you notice signs of infection, or if you are not comfortable trimming hooves yourself, contact your veterinarian or an experienced goat keeper.
Learn More
- WormX — Best Management Practices for Parasite Control University-backed resources on FAMACHA scoring, deworming strategies, and integrated parasite management.
- wormx.info — Copper Oxide Wire Particles Detailed information on COWP bolus use, dosing, and effectiveness for barberpole worm control.
- wormx.info — Fecal Egg Counting How to collect samples, interpret results, and use FEC to make smart deworming decisions.
- Cornell University — Goat Hoof Trimming Step-by-step hoof trimming guide with illustrations from Cornell's animal science program.