Goats | University of Maryland Extension

Updated: December 2, 2024

Animal Science Meetings

A list of meetings/events for Animal and Livestock Producers

Goat Tasting and Twilight Meeting at the Western Maryland Research and Education Center

Updated: November 18, 2024

Women In Agriculture Webinar Series on Risk Management: Production

This webpage is the production archives of the Women In Agriculture webinars.

Updated: October 21, 2022

Urinary Calculi in Male Goats and Sheep (FS-2021-0581)

Urinary Calculi is a nutritional disease caused by an improper balance of calcium to phosphorus in the diet of goats and sheep. Due to their anatomy, a buildup of urinary calculi can become deadly for male goats and sheep. Proper feeding and proper access to water is essential to prevent this disease. Prompt recognition of urinary calculi is essential to save the animal’s life. A good relationship with a knowledgeable livestock veterinarian is necessary if an emergency arises and owners should seek treatment immediately if urinary calculi is suspected. Treatment by a veterinarian is not always successful and there is a chance it can reoccur, so prevention is key. Authors: Maegan Perdue, Dr. Kimberly Braxton, DVM, Dr. Jonathan Moyle; Title: Urinary Calculi in Male Goats and Sheep (FS-2021-0581)

Updated: September 8, 2021

Cattle Tales Livestock Newsletter

This quarterly newsletter is focused on bringing timely, relevant information to Maryland's livestock producers

Updated: September 2, 2021

Cattle Tales Livestock Newsletter-May 2021

Cattle Tales Livestock is a quarterly newsletter published by the University of Maryland Extension that focuses on bringing timely, relevant information to Maryland's livestock producers. Topics in this issue (May 2021, Edition 1) are: Body Condition Score is a Critical Management, Tool for Cow-Calf Producers, Determining your Pasture Stocking Rate, Getting your Herd Ready for the Breeding Season, Considerations for Improving Hay Quality, Culling considerations for beef cow-calf herd, Controlling Flies and Ticks in Your Livestock, Implanting Pre-weaned Calves, and When should I deworm my sheep/goats?

Updated: June 29, 2021

Determining your Pasture Stocking Rate

How many animals will my pasture support? This is a common question, especially for the first-time livestock producer. Unfortunately, it is a complex and often difficult question to be answered.

Updated: June 29, 2021

When should I deworm my sheep/goats?

When they need it. No longer is it recommended that sheep/goats be dewormed preventively or based on the calendar. Nor is it recommended that all animals in a group be dewormed at the same time. These approaches have caused the worms (especially the barber pole worm) to develop resistance to the dewormers. Dewormers (called anthelmintics) are antiparasitic drugs. They should be given to treat clinical disease, not prevent it. Good management is what prevents clinical disease.

Updated: June 29, 2021

Controlling Flies and Ticks in Your Livestock

Fly and tick season is here, unfortunately. But there are management methods, both chemical and environmental, that will help you better control both the fly and tick populations that are going to try and wreak havoc with your livestock. Generally, in a pasture-based setting, chemical control of flies and ticks is going to be more effective than most environmental management strategies, though an integrated approach of both is recommended.

Updated: January 21, 2021

Maryland Niche Meats & Poultry Producers Directory (EB-402)

The Maryland Niche Meats & Poultry Producers Directory was developed jointly by the Maryland Niche Meat and Poultry Working Group and the Ag Marketing Program of University of Maryland Extension. This directory serves as a way to connect buyers, consumers, producers and market masters to fresh, high-quality farm-raised meats from Maryland producers. For ease of aggregating suppliers, this directory has been organized by product, though many producers offer multiple products. USDA on listing only applies to Beef, Bison, Chevon, Lamb, and Pork.

Updated: January 20, 2021

Maryland 4-H Requirements and Tools for Exhibiting 4-H Meat Goat Projects

When preparing to show livestock in 4-H it can be overwhelming at times with the rules and guidelines that are found within the Maryland 4-H program and specifically in your individual county. If you take the time to read over the rules and guidelines and have open communication with your 4-H Extension Educator, 4-H Meat Goat Department Superintendents and your Club Leader it becomes an easier process to ensure a positive experience.