Our journey to traditional healthy living has been very rewarding and has certainly been filled with much joy due to our discovery of quality breeds such as personable high producing Mini Nubians, Guernseys and Toggenburg dairy goats, along with our sociable Kunekune!
Pasture is prioritized, ensuring all possible nutritional benefits for both our animals and the products we produce. We use pasture rotation, lespedeza, occasional dry lots, herbals, and Bioworma to break the parasite cycle. The last year I will use Bioworma will be 2023 as my herd has increased hardiness and the pasture rotation with kunekune has cleaned up the larva in the pasture. Animals have access to free choice mineral buffet to supplement nutritional needs. Chemical wormers are used only if absolutely necessary. Each generation away from conventional practices has improved hardiness. The herd is intentionally managed to restore natural "goat/kunekune" wisdom in supporting optimal health and vitality.
Herbal (1)-Conventional (10) 1-10 Scale: 2
Parasite Protocol: Primarily the farm management noted forms the basis of my parasite protocol. Supporting the animals for optimal nutrition and strong immune systems has greatly increased hardiness. Some of my animals came from herds with conventional management. For these animals I find a time of transition is needed. In 2018 I had a large barberpole outbreak. Even after cleaning out the pasture with rotation and kunekune some of the does harbored the parasites internally and they would break out with a high load during times of stress, such as kidding. In 2022 I experienced great success with very low parasite loads. I did use minimal chemical dewormers. In 2023 I will do one more year with Bioworma to ensure the pastures are clean and I do not plan to use chemical dewormers.
Vaccination Protocols: No Vaccinations
Alterations: - Disbudding
- Castrating
- Microchipping