How to dose an Angora goat
By Dr Mackie Hobson BSc(Agric),BVSc

1. Procedures and Protocols

It is important producers are familiar with the concepts of anthelmintic resistance, ‘refugia’, Target Selective Treatment and FAMACHA before dosing.

For information on roundworm management see the SAMGA website https://www.angoras.co.za/article/roundworm-management-strategies-in-angora-goats

1. Choice of dose
2. Use an effective combination of two or more drench groups (multi-active product) this slows down the development of drench resistance.

See SAMGA website https://www.angoras.co.za/page/anthelmintic_drug_list#38 for combination dose lists.

1. Use short-acting treatments.
2. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS

2. Choose the correct dose gun

• Check the smoothness of the nozzle. If rough the nozzle can cause small abrasions on the lining of the mouth which can result in a painful cellulitis and abscess formation.
• Use drench guns with shorter nozzles. You can also add a simple plastic guard to a nozzle to prevent damage to the back of the throat if the goat jumps.

3. Check calibration of Dose gun

• Set for 10ml and dose into 10ml syringe casing (block needle attachment) or measuring container (example 10 doses of 10 ml into a 100ml container)
• Place the nozzle against your hand and try depress the plunger, it should not move- pressure test

4. Weigh a sample of goats

Weight a few of the goats to get an idea of their weights instead of guessing.

Dose for the heaviest weight,

Most doses we advise dosing goats 1.5x the sheep dose.

If variable sizes of goats in the flock then separate into groups of similar weight

• If you use a product containing levamisole be sure that the 1.5x the dose is not exceeded as it can be toxic at 2-4x the dose.
• If you use an injectable ivermectin product then also stick to the recommended dose as per the label.

Under dosing is a bad practice because it will not kill all of the worms and it will select for drench resistance.

5. Restrain the goat

• Approach the goat from behind in the race.
• Place your hand under its neck to hold it securely in place.
• Tilt the head slightly to the side so that you can see the mouth. The head should be mostly horizontal. If the head tilts too far some dose to pour out of the mouth. Pulling the head to far back can prevent the goat from swallowing.

6. Place the dose gun into the muzzle and deliver the dose

• Slot the nozzle in the gap between molar and incisor teeth and then over the back of the tongue.
• You must get the nozzle over the back of the tongue. If the dose is just put into the mouth, it will by-pass the rumen as it escapes down the oesophageal groove. This is particularly important for white ‘witmiddles’ doses.
• The nozzle must not point directly down the back of the throat but to the side
• The nozzle must not be too deep as this will prevent the goat swallowing and possible damage the back of the oral cavity.
• The correct position will be roughly at eye level of the goat.
• Press the plunger slowly- as you give the dose tighten your grip on the goat as it will try move away.
• WORK SLOWLY, give the goat enough time to swallow the dose.

7. Remove the dose gun from the muzzle

• As you remove the gun, keep a firm grip on the goat's mouth and head.
• After a few seconds, the goat should swallow the dose and then release it. If you release the goat before it swallows the dose may leak out of the mouth or the goat may spit it out.

8. Clean the dose gun afterwards

• Clean the drench gun with warm water.
• Rinse both the gun and pipe with warm water. Do not use any soap - it can damage the seal in the gun.

9. Keep records

• Record the identity of the goats, the date, dosage and product used.