Goat Grazing to Reduce Parasite Loads

Published Dec 3, 2014

Internal parasites are an important issue in goat production, and parasite resistance to drugs is prevalent. • Grazing management, including frequent rotations and providing browse, reduces the likelihood that goats ingest larvae. • Reductions in FAMACHA score and some fecal egg counts were observed following grazing interseeded pastures.

Key Findings

  • At Frog Hollow Farm, FAMACHA scores did not change throughout the grazing season, but fecal egg counts were lower after interseeded pastures had been grazed.
  • At Girl and a Goat Farm, FAMACHA scores and some parasite fecal egg counts were lower in goats grazing seeded pastures.