15+ Essential Supplies For Raising Dairy Goats

So you’ve thought about purchasing a goat or two, but you have little knowledge about supplies that you may need. Keep reading below to find out about 15+ essential supplies for dairy raising goats.

Dairy goats require more than just feed, water, and a pail to milk into. They require great care in order to stay healthy and produce quality milk. This list includes some essential supplies for raising dairy goats that you may need for everyday care, nutrition, and medication. If you want to know more about the supplies and equipment needed for the milking process, check out our blog post called 10+ Pieces of Goat Milking Equipment you Need.

Essential Supplies for Raising Dairy Goats

Equipment

1. Hoof Shears-Hoof shears are a must if you are going to own goats. Every 6-8 weeks, you will need to trim your goat’s hooves. The longer you wait to trim, the longer the hooves will grow and eventually it can affect their posture and become painful. You can purchase them here.

2. Syringes/Needles– As hard as it is to think about, there will come a time when you have a sick goat and need to give it a shot. I recommend 5cc syringes and 1” 20g needles. You may also want to keep red top tubes on hand for blood samples when pregnancy testing.  

3. Thermometer-Keeping a digital probe thermometer on hand is always a great idea. You can pick one of these up from any drug store or pharmacy. Always check the temperature rectally when a goat is acting off. Normal temperature range on a goat is 101.5-103.5. Make sure to lubricate the thermometer with petroleum jelly before insertion. Clean well between uses. Here is a link to the thermometer I use.

Feed/Roughage

1. Feed-A quality feed is important when expecting quality milk. I personally get a feed blend custom made for me, but there are plenty of pre-made feeds on the market. Some good ones are the Purina Milk Parlor, or Nutrena Country Feeds 17% goat feed. You can also mix black oil sunflower seeds into the feed to provide additional fat and give the goats a shiny coat. 

2. Hay-Hay is something that goats should always have as a free choice. Hay helps to balance the moisture and fiber content in the rumen. 

3. Alfalfa-Alfalfa is a good choice for does that are in the milk stage. I only offer alfalfa when goats are in milk because it helps to boost milk production. It is also high in protein and fiber to help produce a better quality milk.

Supplements

1. Mineral-Mineral is a very important part of goat care. I personally make sure that I have the Manna Pro Goat Mineral offered as a free choice for all of my goats. Refill as necessary. 

2. Replamin-Along with minerals, I also give each goat a dose of replamin gel weekly. This ensures that each goat gets a recommended dose of minerals. Many studies show that goats will eat the mineral as their body craves it. I find this to be incorrect with my does, as I have noticed deficiencies in some goats that are offered free choice minerals. Therefore, I have since started the weekly doses of replamin.

3. Jump Start Plus Gel-This is something that I keep on hand incase I have a goat that isn’t acting right. I often give it to kids during weaning to keep them on feed. It helps to aid the rumen during times of extreme stress. Check it out here.

4. Molasses-I always keep blackstrap molasses on hand for my does as an after kidding treat. This offers a boost of energy as well as electrolytes. Just add about ½  cup per 2 gallon bucket of water.  
5. Bounce Back-In times of stress or dehydration, I offer Manna Pro bounce back electrolyte powder mixed into their water. This helps to rehydrate as well as provide energy.

Medications/Dewormers:

1. Draxxin-This is an antibiotic used for treating respiratory issues in bovine and swine, but can be used in goats at the rate of 1cc/100lbs SQ and repeated in 7 days. I have used it in the past when I had a goat breathing heavily, isolating herself and refusing to eat and drink. 

2. Banamine-This is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat swelling, pain, inflammation and fevers in livestock.  It can be given at the rate of 1cc/100lbs SQ every 24 hours. I have used this along with Draxxin when a goat is running a fever. Normal goat temperature is 101.5-103.5.

3. Valbazen-This is a broad spectrum oral dewormer for most species of livestock. This should NEVER be given to a pregnant animal. Use orally at a rate of 4cc/100lbs. This is what I use right after kidding to prevent a heavy worm load. You can also use this along with Cydectin Sheep Drench. See below for more information. 

4. Cydectin-This is another oral drench wormer. It is predominantly used on sheep, but can be used on goats as well. This should be given at the dose of 1cc/11lbs.

5. VItajec B Complex-This is a vitamin B shot for livestock. I use this when giving any sort of antibiotic or when a goat is not acting themselves. Provides vitamins and minerals as well as a boost of energy. This can be used at the rate of 5cc/100lbs. 
6. Kaopectate Liquid (Kaolin Pectin)-I use this when a goat is having bad diarrhea. Give 15-30cc orally for adults. Repeat every 4-6 hours as needed. You can purchase some here.

Please keep in mind these are just my personal recommendations. I am not a veterinarian. In the case of an emergency, always consult your veterinarian for professional advice.