Angora Goat
Management Plan
Angora goat farming and mohair production are economic activities that must adhere to recognised social, ethical, and environmental standards. Compliance with the Responsible Mohair Standards (RMS) ensures that animal welfare and land management practices align with the highest ethical and sustainability norms.
Every farm will differ in its management plan with variations in land use (pastures and veld), mating (kidding), shearing and husbandry procedures. This Management Plan is intended as a guideline only (informative and educational). Consult with your livestock advisor, accredited shearing agents, and your local veterinarian when more detailed advice is required.
The welfare of the Angora goat is critical, and minimising stress during management procedures on the farm will go a long way to increasing the production and improving the health of the Angora goat.
More information on reducing stress on the farm, as well as the protocols for handling goats, is available in the Management plan set out below. Read more here. It is essential to perform a basic health check on the Angora goat and recognise health-related issues. Read more here. With any farm management plan, the biosecurity of your farm is important in providing a disease-free environment for your Angora goats.
Monthly planning
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Crutch Kids.
Test faecal samples of kids and young goats for roundworms and coccidiosis. Treat if required.
Class young replacement ewes.
Begin supplementary feeding of replacement ewes
(target weight for mating is roughly 28kg).
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Wean kids (+/-4,5 months old)
Introduce feed slowly before weaning kids.
Test faecal samples of kids and young goats for
roundworms and coccidiosis. Treat if required.
Class out old ewes and excess stock.
Dose ewes and rams for parasites
(roundworm, nasal worms) 6 weeks before mating.
Dose ewes with vitamin and mineral supplements.
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Start supplementary / flush feeding of rams and ewes in preparation for mating.
Dip kids and young goats with wash (pre-shearing preparation).
Test faecal samples of kids and young goats for roundworms and coccidiosis. Treat if required.
Shear kids and young goats (6months).
Crutch ewes before mating.
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Mating season starts. Put rams with ewes for 8 weeks (3 rams per hundred ewes).
Test faecal samples of kids and young goats for roundworms and coccidiosis. Treat if required.
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Test faecal samples of kids and young goats for roundworms and coccidiosis. Treat if required.
Take rams out from ewes (2 Cycles + 2 weeks)
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Treat animals for external parasites (pour-on for pregnant ewes recommended).
Crutch kids.
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It is essential to feed late pregnant ewes.
Dip goats with a wash (pre-shearing preparation). Do not dip pregnant ewes.
Shearing season starts,adults and young goats (winter clip).
Vaccinate ewes (Pulpy Kidney, Pasteurella) 4 - 6 weeks before kidding.
Dose goats with vitamin and mineral supplements (4 - 6 weeks before kidding).
Dose ewes for internal parasites (general broad spectrum).
Minimal handling of pregnant ewes to reduce stress(late pregnancy).
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Start supplementary feeding of ewes for milk production (1 month before kids are born.)
Minimal handling of pregnant ewes to reduce stress (late pregnancy).
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Ewes start kidding (provide shelter).
Extra attention for ewes during the kidding season.
Dip previous years' kids with a wash (pre-shearing preparation).
Shear previous years' kids (1 year old)
Shear kids and young goats (6months).
Crutch ewes before mating.
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1st Vaccination kids (multi-clostridium and Pasteurella) as per manufacturer’s guidelines.
Crutch ewes.
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2nd Vaccination kids before weaning (multi-clostridium and Pasteurella) as per manufacturer’s guidelines.
Test faecal samples of kids and young goats for roundworms and coccidiosis. Treat if required.
Castrate ram kids/tag kids (8 weeks old).
Dose kids for tapeworm.
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Vaccinate ewes if indicated (enzootic abortion).
Treat goats for external parasites.
Test faecal samples of kids and young goats for roundworms and coccidiosis. Treat if required.