Billy problem

[xdpatriot]

We've started raising Pygmy goats for another food source. (Milk and meat)
We have two nannys and two weeks ago picked up an unrelated billy. The billy was about three months old and we fed him the same protein(sweet) feed the breeder recommended. My daughter found him dead this evening while feeding. No animals could have done it. Didn't see any snake bites. I was feeding him the other day and heard a cough come from the little guy but only one. Anyone have any experience or ideas of what it could have been? Thanks.

[MustangGal]

Had he been dewormed? I think stress in combination with a parasite infestation is probably your most likely source.

You may know this, but many people do not, so I'll go ahead and post it.

Most dewormers are designed to cover only a few types of worms. So, it is always a good idea to have a fecal sample examined by your vet two to four times a year. That way you know what types of worms you are treating for.

Also, goats have a much higher metabolism than cattle, so the dosage is significantly different than cattle dosages. Most dewormers are designed for cattle.

I know this would not be the case for this little guy, but many parasites have developed a resistance to the most commonly used dewormers, so it is important to rotate your dewormers and avoid ones that have known high levels of resistance in your area.

Fiasco Farms is a good source of information about goat stuff. I don't buy into everything she says, but still, lots of good information about goats. Just search "Fiasco Farms goats" and it should get you there.

[tech]

Did the billy have access to recently cut tree leaves? Several varieties produce cyanide during decay. I know it will take down sheep in a matter of a couple hours...

Let us know what you discover...

[xdpatriot]

No tree leaves. He was with the two others and they're fine. I don't know. It's got me stumped.