The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Nubian Goats: Health, Nutrition, and More

Nubian goats, with their distinctive long, floppy ears and Roman noses, are a popular breed among goat enthusiasts. Known for their rich, creamy milk and friendly personalities, Nubians can make excellent additions to farms and homesteads. However, like all livestock, they require specific care to thrive. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of Nubian goat care, from basic needs to health management, ensuring your goats live happy, healthy, and productive lives.

## Understanding Nubian Goats

Before diving into the specifics of care, it’s important to understand the characteristics that make Nubian goats unique.

* **Origin:** Nubian goats originated in England but were developed from crosses of African and Indian breeds with native English goats. This heritage gives them a heat tolerance that makes them well-suited for warmer climates.
* **Appearance:** They are easily recognizable by their long, pendulous ears, Roman noses, and a generally larger size compared to some other dairy goat breeds. They come in a variety of colors and patterns.
* **Temperament:** Nubians are known for being vocal and friendly goats. They often seek attention and can be quite affectionate.
* **Milk Production:** They are a dairy breed, renowned for producing milk with a high butterfat content (typically 4-5%), making it ideal for cheesemaking and other dairy products.

## Essential Requirements for Nubian Goats

### 1. Shelter

Goats are hardy animals but still require protection from the elements. A well-designed shelter provides shade in the summer, warmth in the winter, and protection from rain and wind.

* **Structure:** A simple three-sided shed is often sufficient, but a fully enclosed barn is preferable in areas with harsh winters. The size should be adequate to comfortably house your goats, allowing them to move around freely. A general guideline is 20-30 square feet per goat inside the shelter, and even more if you have multiple goats.
* **Bedding:** Provide clean, dry bedding such as straw, hay, or wood shavings. This insulates the goats from the cold ground and absorbs urine and feces. Clean the bedding regularly (at least once a week, more often if needed) to prevent the buildup of ammonia and other harmful substances. Deep litter method is also an option in colder climates, where you add fresh bedding on top of old, allowing a compost effect to create warmth, but it requires careful management to prevent disease.
* **Ventilation:** Good ventilation is crucial to prevent respiratory problems. Ensure the shelter has adequate airflow without being drafty. Open windows or vents near the roof can help circulate air.
* **Fencing:** A secure fence is essential to keep goats in and predators out. Goats are notorious escape artists, so choose a sturdy fence that they can’t climb or squeeze through. Woven wire fencing (e.g., field fencing) is a good option, especially when reinforced with electric fencing. The fence should be at least 4-5 feet tall. Consider using multiple strands of electric wire spaced at different heights to deter climbing and jumping.

### 2. Nutrition

A proper diet is the cornerstone of Nubian goat health and productivity. Goats are ruminants, meaning they have a four-compartment stomach that allows them to digest cellulose from plants. Their diet should primarily consist of forage, supplemented with grains, minerals, and water.

* **Forage:**
* **Hay:** Hay is the foundation of a goat’s diet, especially during the winter months or when pasture is limited. Choose high-quality hay, such as grass hay (e.g., Timothy, Orchardgrass) or legume hay (e.g., Alfalfa, Clover). Legume hay is higher in protein and calcium, which is particularly beneficial for lactating does (female goats). Ensure the hay is dry, free of mold, and has a pleasant aroma. Store hay in a dry place to prevent spoilage.
* **Pasture:** If possible, allow your goats access to pasture. Goats are browsers, meaning they prefer to eat leaves, twigs, and shrubs rather than just grass. A diverse pasture provides a variety of nutrients and helps keep the goats entertained. Rotate pastures regularly to prevent overgrazing and parasite buildup. Be cautious about poisonous plants in the pasture, such as rhododendrons, azaleas, and cherry trees. Research the plants in your area and remove any that are toxic to goats.
* **Browse:** Supplement hay or pasture with browse (leaves, twigs, branches) whenever possible. Goats enjoy browsing and it provides them with essential fiber and nutrients. You can offer them tree branches (e.g., apple, willow) or allow them to graze in wooded areas.
* **Grain:**
* **Supplemental Feed:** Grain should be used as a supplement to forage, not as the primary source of nutrition. It provides extra energy, especially for lactating does, growing kids (young goats), and goats in poor condition. Choose a commercially formulated goat feed that is specifically designed for your goats’ needs. Follow the feeding guidelines on the feed bag. Avoid overfeeding grain, as it can lead to obesity and other health problems. A typical adult goat might receive 0.5-1 pound of grain per day, depending on their condition and production level.
* **Types of Grain:** Common grains used in goat feed include corn, oats, barley, and soybean meal. Ensure the feed is fresh and free of mold. Store grain in a rodent-proof container.
* **Minerals:**
* **Loose Minerals:** Goats require access to loose minerals at all times. Provide a free-choice mineral supplement that is specifically formulated for goats. These supplements typically contain essential minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, selenium, copper, and zinc. Avoid mineral blocks, as goats can damage their teeth trying to lick them. Loose minerals are easier for goats to consume and provide better absorption.
* **Copper:** Copper deficiency is a common problem in goats, so ensure your mineral supplement contains adequate copper. Some goat breeds are more susceptible to copper toxicity than others, so research the specific needs of your Nubian goats.
* **Water:**
* **Fresh Water:** Goats need access to fresh, clean water at all times. Provide water in buckets, troughs, or automatic waterers. Change the water daily and clean the containers regularly to prevent algae growth. In the winter, use a heated waterer to prevent the water from freezing. Goats will drink more water when they are eating dry hay or grain, so ensure they always have access to plenty of water.

### 3. Health Care

Regular health care is crucial to maintaining the well-being of your Nubian goats. This includes vaccinations, deworming, hoof trimming, and parasite control.

* **Vaccinations:**
* **CD&T Vaccine:** Vaccinate your goats annually against Clostridium perfringens types C & D (overeating disease) and tetanus. This is a core vaccine that all goats should receive. Kids should receive their first dose at 6-8 weeks of age, followed by a booster 3-4 weeks later. Adult goats should receive an annual booster.
* **Rabies Vaccine:** If rabies is prevalent in your area, consider vaccinating your goats against rabies. Consult with your veterinarian about the appropriate vaccination schedule.
* **Deworming:**
* **Fecal Egg Counts:** Deworming should be based on fecal egg counts (FEC) rather than a routine schedule. FECs help determine the level of parasite infestation and which dewormers are effective. Work with your veterinarian to perform FECs on a regular basis (e.g., every 3-6 months) and to develop a deworming plan.
* **FAMACHA Scoring:** The FAMACHA system is a tool used to assess anemia in goats, which is often a sign of Haemonchus contortus (barber pole worm) infestation. The FAMACHA score is based on the color of the goat’s lower eyelid membrane. Goats with pale eyelids are likely anemic and require deworming. Learn how to use the FAMACHA system and incorporate it into your parasite control program.
* **Dewormers:** There are several classes of dewormers available for goats, including benzimidazoles (e.g., fenbendazole), macrocyclic lactones (e.g., ivermectin, moxidectin), and nicotinic agonists (e.g., levamisole). Resistance to dewormers is a growing problem, so it’s important to use dewormers judiciously and to rotate them periodically. Consult with your veterinarian to determine which dewormers are effective in your area.
* **Refugia:** Refugia refers to the population of parasites that are not exposed to dewormers. Maintaining a population of refugia is important to prevent dewormer resistance. One way to do this is to only deworm goats that are showing signs of parasite infestation, rather than deworming the entire herd.
* **Natural Dewormers:** Some goat owners use natural dewormers such as herbal remedies or diatomaceous earth. However, the effectiveness of these methods is not well-established, and they should not be used as a substitute for conventional dewormers in cases of severe parasite infestation. Always consult with your veterinarian about the best approach to parasite control.
* **Hoof Trimming:**
* **Regular Trimming:** Goats’ hooves grow continuously and need to be trimmed regularly to prevent overgrowth, lameness, and foot rot. Trim hooves every 6-8 weeks, or more often if needed. Use hoof trimmers to carefully trim away excess hoof growth, being careful not to cut into the sensitive tissue. Clean the hooves thoroughly after trimming.
* **Foot Rot:** Foot rot is a bacterial infection of the hoof that can cause lameness. It is more common in wet and muddy conditions. To prevent foot rot, keep the goats’ environment clean and dry. Treat foot rot promptly with foot baths and topical antibiotics. Copper sulfate foot baths can be effective in preventing and treating foot rot.
* **Parasite Control:**
* **External Parasites:** Goats can be infested with external parasites such as lice, mites, and ticks. These parasites can cause itching, hair loss, and anemia. Treat infestations with appropriate insecticides or parasiticides. Consult with your veterinarian about the best products to use.
* **Fly Control:** Flies can be a nuisance to goats and can transmit diseases. Use fly traps, fly sprays, and good sanitation practices to control fly populations.

### 4. Breeding and Kidding

If you plan to breed your Nubian goats, it’s important to understand the basics of goat reproduction and kidding (giving birth).

* **Breeding Season:** Goats are seasonally polyestrous, meaning they cycle multiple times during a specific breeding season. The breeding season typically occurs in the fall and winter, when the days are shorter. Nubian goats may have a slightly longer breeding season compared to some other breeds.
* **Heat Cycle:** The estrous cycle in goats is approximately 21 days. Signs of heat include tail wagging, vocalization, restlessness, and a swollen vulva. Does in heat will often seek out a buck (male goat).
* **Gestation:** The gestation period for goats is approximately 150 days (5 months). Provide pregnant does with extra nutrition during the last trimester to support fetal growth. Vaccinate pregnant does with the CD&T vaccine 3-4 weeks before kidding to provide passive immunity to the kids.
* **Kidding:**
* **Preparation:** Prepare a clean and dry kidding area for the doe. Provide fresh bedding and ensure the area is free from drafts. Monitor the doe closely for signs of labor, such as nesting behavior, restlessness, and contractions.
* **Labor:** Kidding typically lasts for 1-2 hours. Most does will kid without assistance, but it’s important to be prepared to intervene if necessary. If the doe is straining for more than 30 minutes without progress, or if the kid is malpositioned, call your veterinarian.
* **Post-Kidding Care:** After kidding, ensure the kids nurse within the first few hours of life to receive colostrum, which is rich in antibodies. Dip the kids’ navels in iodine to prevent infection. Monitor the doe and kids closely for any signs of illness.
* **Raising Kids:**
* **Colostrum:** Colostrum is essential for newborn kids, as it provides them with passive immunity. If the doe is unable to provide colostrum, you can use frozen colostrum from another goat or a commercially available colostrum supplement.
* **Bottle Feeding:** If the kids are orphaned or the doe is unable to care for them, you will need to bottle-feed them. Use a commercially available goat milk replacer and follow the feeding instructions on the package.
* **Weaning:** Kids can be weaned at 8-12 weeks of age. Gradually reduce the amount of milk they receive and increase their access to solid food.

### 5. Enrichment and Socialization

Goats are intelligent and social animals that require enrichment and socialization to thrive. Boredom can lead to destructive behaviors and health problems.

* **Social Interaction:** Goats are herd animals and need to be kept in groups. A single goat will become lonely and stressed. Provide your goats with opportunities to interact with each other.
* **Enrichment:**
* **Toys:** Provide goats with toys to keep them entertained. Old tires, balls, and climbing structures can provide hours of fun.
* **Browsing Opportunities:** Allow goats to browse on trees and shrubs. This provides them with mental stimulation and helps keep them occupied.
* **Attention:** Spend time with your goats each day. Talk to them, pet them, and scratch their backs. This will help build a bond and make them more manageable.

## Common Health Problems in Nubian Goats

While Nubian goats are generally hardy, they are susceptible to certain health problems. Being aware of these issues can help you identify and address them early.

* **Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE):** CAE is a viral disease that can cause arthritis, encephalitis, and pneumonia in goats. There is no cure for CAE, but it can be managed through testing and culling infected animals. Prevent CAE by purchasing goats from CAE-free herds and by pasteurizing milk fed to kids.
* **Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL):** CL is a bacterial infection that causes abscesses in the lymph nodes. CL is contagious and can spread through direct contact with infected goats or contaminated equipment. Treat CL by draining and disinfecting abscesses. Prevent CL by practicing good biosecurity measures and by vaccinating against CL.
* **Johnes Disease:** Johnes disease is a chronic bacterial infection that causes weight loss and diarrhea in goats. There is no cure for Johnes disease, and infected animals should be culled to prevent the spread of the disease. Prevent Johnes disease by purchasing goats from Johnes-free herds and by practicing good sanitation practices.
* **Foot Rot:** As mentioned earlier, foot rot is a bacterial infection of the hoof that can cause lameness. Prevent foot rot by keeping the goats’ environment clean and dry and by trimming hooves regularly.
* **Pneumonia:** Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Symptoms of pneumonia include coughing, fever, and difficulty breathing. Treat pneumonia with antibiotics and supportive care. Prevent pneumonia by providing goats with good ventilation and by vaccinating against common respiratory pathogens.
* **Bloat:** Bloat is a condition in which the rumen becomes distended with gas. Bloat can be caused by eating too much grain, consuming lush pasture, or by an obstruction in the digestive tract. Treat bloat by administering anti-foaming agents and by relieving the gas pressure in the rumen. Prevent bloat by feeding goats a balanced diet and by avoiding sudden changes in feed.
* **Urinary Calculi:** Urinary calculi are mineral deposits that can form in the urinary tract and cause obstruction. Urinary calculi are more common in male goats, especially those that are fed a diet high in phosphorus and low in calcium. Prevent urinary calculi by feeding goats a balanced diet and by providing access to fresh water.

## Conclusion

Caring for Nubian goats requires dedication and knowledge. By providing proper shelter, nutrition, health care, and enrichment, you can ensure your goats live happy, healthy, and productive lives. Remember to consult with your veterinarian regularly and to stay informed about the latest advancements in goat care. With proper care and attention, Nubian goats can be a rewarding addition to any farm or homestead.

This comprehensive guide provides a solid foundation for Nubian goat care. Continuously learning and adapting your practices based on your goats’ individual needs and your local environment will lead to success. Enjoy the journey of raising these wonderful animals!