Carleton Ranch

Carleton Ranch show wethers are disbudded at 5-7 days old, and are vaccinated with Cavalry-9 (for tetanus, enterotoxemia and other diseases) and Super Poly Bac B Somnus (for pneumonia) when they are old enough.

We only use feed that includes Rumensin, a medication to prevent coccidiosis, which is a common disease of kid goats.  We strongly recommend that whatever feed you choose should contain Rumensin (generic name Monensin) as well.  Many brands are available, including SureFed N-Timidator, Ful-O-Pep Excel Show Goat, MoorMan's ShowTec Elite Goat, Essential Boer Goat Express and others.  We do not recommend using feeds medicated with Deccox (Decoquinate), as they can inhibit thiamine production, making your goat susceptible to polio.
CAUTION:  Rumensin is highly toxic to horses and other equines.

It is also important that your feed contain Ammonium Chloride, which helps prevent urinary calculi.  Bucks and wethers are subject to this disease, which causes the formation of "stones" that may block the urinary tract, causing a painful death when the bladder ruptures.  Most commercial feeds do contain appropriate amounts of ammonium chloride.

Another important aspect of caring for your goat is controlling internal parasites by worming him.  A heavy worm load can kill a goat, and even a less severe infestation will slow growth and make him generally unthrifty.  The most common worm affecting goats is the barberpole worm, which has developed resistance to many wormers.  We have good results with pour-on Cydectin made for cattle, given orally at a rate of 1cc per 10 pounds of body weight.

Following are links to more sites with information about selecting, caring for and showing your show wether.

Texas Show Goat Connection

Selection of a Market Goat, by Adam Segura, ABGA certified judge

Selecting Your Market Goat, by Dale Schlundt, AMGA certified judge

The Show Wether Information Center

Meat Goat Showmanship, by Matthew Claeys, Extension Livestock Specialist
 

Aggieland Lamb and Goat Camps

    Goat Camp - Friday, July 27, 2012 at 11 a.m. - Sunday, July 29, 2012 at 3 p.m.

Show Rite Goat Camps

     June 24-25, 2012   El Reno, OK
     July 5-6, 2012        Kerrville, TX
     July 8-9, 2012        Lubbock, TX
     July 19-20, 2012    Rosenberg, TX


Junior Meat Goat Show Circuit

Oklahoma Youth Meat Goat Association


Purple Circle: America's youth livestock magazine

The Showbox: official publication of the Texas Junior Livestock Association