Episodios

  • 94 | Winter Feeding Goats: How Growth Rate Changes Hay Needs and Marketing Plans

    94 | Winter Feeding Goats: How Growth Rate Changes Hay Needs and Marketing Plans
    Jan 26 2026

    Fast growth is something we’re genuinely excited about on our ranch. This winter, a stretch of unusually mild weather reduced maintenance energy demands, allowing our weaned goat kids to put more of what they were eating toward growth instead of staying warm. As a result, they’re running 15–20 pounds ahead of where we’d normally expect them to be this time of year.

    In this episode, I walk through how that weather-driven growth changed our winter feeding plan. I explain how we recalculated hay needs, what a 30–44% increase in feed demand looks like in real terms, and how we adjusted our marketing plan to match what the goats were actually doing instead of forcing the original timeline.

    I share what we noticed early, how we ran the feed calculations, and why additional weight matters so much during winter feeding. I break down dry matter versus as-fed hay, how waste factors into real-world feeding systems, and why those details add up quickly when you’re feeding a large group of goats.

    You’ll also hear how we evaluated our options, why buying more hay didn’t pencil out, and why selling earlier than planned was the most responsible decision given our feed inventory and the current market. This episode is a real ranch example of adjusting plans early, before a good situation turns into a costly one.

    If you’re feeding goats through winter and trying to balance growth, hay supply, and marketing decisions, this episode will help you think through those trade-offs with clarity instead of guesswork.

    In This Episode, I Cover:
    • A ranch update and how winter breeding conditions affect management decisions
    • How mild winter weather shifted energy use and increased growth in weaned goat kids
    • Why faster growth directly increases winter feed requirements
    • Calculating feed intake based on body weight
    • Converting dry matter intake to as-fed hay requirements
    • Accounting for hay waste in winter feeding systems
    • How increased growth led to a 30–44% increase in hay consumption
    • Evaluating winter feeding options: buy more hay or sell early
    • Why return on investment matters when feed requirements increase
    • How predictable goat markets factor into winter marketing plans
    • When adjusting a plan early is better than sticking to the original one
    Key Takeaways:
    • Mild winter weather can significantly increase growth rates in young goats
    • Faster growth increases winter feed needs more than most people expect
    • Winter feeding decisions should be based on math, not assumptions
    • Hay inventory creates real limits on how long animals can be retained
    • Selling early can be a proactive, responsible management decision
    Mentioned Episodes:
    • 28 | Winter Feed for Livestock: Calculate How Much Hay You Need and a Strategy to Save Money
    Related Episodes:
    • 35 | Winter Hay Feeding Evaluation: Meeting Nutritional Requirements of Goats and Reducing Hay Waste
    • 78 | Winter Grazing: Low Cost, Regenerative Strategies for Goats and Other Livestock
    • 71 | Livestock Management Decisions and Why We Are Selling Part of Our Goat Herd

    All the Best, Millie

    Resources & Links:
    • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart
    • Get Dry Creek meat: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com
    • Join my insider email list: https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider
    • Join the free community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community
    • Email me: millie@drycreekpastures.com
    • See ranch life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/

    Disclaimer:

    The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.
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    12 m
  • 93 | Winter Livestock Care Without Burnout: Chores, Water, and Simple Systems

    93 | Winter Livestock Care Without Burnout: Chores, Water, and Simple Systems
    Jan 19 2026

    Winter chores don’t have to take all day, but they do require good systems. In this episode, I’m sharing what a typical winter day looks like on our ranch, how we divide chores, manage water in freezing temperatures, and keep winter from turning into constant crisis mode.

    I walk through what’s happening on the ranch right now, from breeding season updates to moving chickens into the barn, and how winter changes the pace and priorities of daily management. I share how and why we assign consistent chores, what a realistic winter chore timeline looks like in a moderate year, and why letting winter be slower is not a failure, but a strategy.

    You’ll hear a detailed breakdown of how we handle winter water, hay feeding, and livestock care, including what adjustments we make when temperatures drop well below zero. I also talk about the reality of hard winters, when snow and weather dictate everything, and why even the best systems can’t eliminate difficulty, but they can keep hard days from becoming every day.

    This episode isn’t about doing winter “right.” It’s about building simple, repeatable systems that protect your time, your energy, and your animals during the coldest season of the year.

    If winter chores feel overwhelming or unpredictable, this episode will help you think more clearly about flow, responsibility, and how to simplify what you can without ignoring reality.

    In This Episode, I Cover:
    • A quick ranch update and what winter conditions mean for daily chores
    • Why we don’t rotate chores in winter and how consistency prevents problems
    • What a realistic winter chore schedule looks like in a moderate year
    • Managing livestock water in freezing temperatures
    • How we adjust hay feeding and grouping during breeding season
    • The difference between moderate winters and hard winters and why systems still matter
    • Why winter is a season for maintenance, not maximum output
    Key Takeaways:
    • Consistent chore assignments save time and prevent small problems from becoming emergencies
    • Water management is one of the most critical winter systems
    • Good systems reduce friction but can’t control the weather
    • Slower winter rhythms are intentional and necessary
    • If winter chores take all day, that’s a systems issue, not a personal failure
    Mentioned Episodes:
    • 09 | The Most Important Nutrient for All Livestock is WATER, Time-Saving Tips for Meeting Animal Requirements, and How We Do It Off-Grid
    Related Episodes:
    • 28 | Winter Feed for Livestock: Calculate How Much Hay You Need and a Strategy Save Money
    • 35 | Winter Hay Feeding Evaluation: Meeting Nutritional Requirements of Goats and Reducing Hay Waste
    • 40 | How to Help Your Goats Thrive in Winter
    • 42 | Surviving Extreme Cold with Livestock When Your Animals Aren’t Adapted to Freezing Temperatures

    All the Best, Millie

    Resources & Links:
    • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart
    • Get Dry Creek meat: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com
    • Join my insider email list: https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider
    • Join the free community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community
    • Email me: millie@drycreekpastures.com
    • See ranch life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/

    Disclaimer:

    The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.
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    11 m
  • 92 | Breeding Goats with the Long Game in Mind: How We’re Making Herd Decisions This Season

    92 | Breeding Goats with the Long Game in Mind: How We’re Making Herd Decisions This Season
    Jan 12 2026
    Breeding season is underway on the ranch, and this year our breeding decisions look a little different than they have in the past. In this episode, I’m sharing what’s happening right now at Dry Creek and walking you through how we’re thinking about herd genetics, maternal traits, and long-term direction—not from a textbook perspective, but from real-world experience. I talk through why we sold our longtime Boer buck, how that decision reshaped this year’s breeding plan, and why we’re intentionally slowing down instead of rushing to replace him. We dig into how past experience with show goats changed the way I think about first kiddings, mothering ability, and how breeding decisions can either set does up for success—or make their job harder from the start. You’ll hear how and why we’re using Spanish bucks across the Boer herd this year, what we’re watching for in the resulting kids, and how data collection—not trends or pressure—is guiding our next steps. I also share some of the longer-term options we’re considering, including terminal crossing, maintaining two distinct herds, and what market demand may influence moving forward. This episode isn’t about having the perfect breeding plan. It’s about making thoughtful decisions that keep options open, protect herd function, and align with the season of ranching and life you’re actually in. If you’re raising goats, planning future breeding decisions, or trying to balance improvement with practicality, this episode will help you think more clearly and move forward with confidence—even if you don’t have every answer yet. In This Episode, I Cover: A quick ranch update and what winter conditions mean for daily managementWhy we sold our Boer buck and how genetic concentration affects breeding decisionsHow past show goat experience reshaped our approach to first kidding doesUsing Spanish bucks to improve mothering and functional traitsThe pros and tradeoffs of slowing genetic progress for long-term herd successWhat a terminal cross is and why we’re considering itHow market demand, data, and personal goals influence herd direction Key Takeaways: Breeding decisions should support function, not just appearance or speedA doe’s first kidding experience is important for long-term doe successSlowing down can preserve options and prevent genetic dead endsData collection beats trend-chasing every timeIt’s okay to move forward without having every future decision locked in Related Episodes: 22 | What Is the Perfect Meat Goat? How to Choose the Right Breed for Your Farm or Homestead PART 123 | Boer vs Kiko, What Meat Goat Breed is the Best Fit for Your Farm or Homestead? PART 227 | Which Goats Should I Keep to Breed? How to Select Replacement Does and Plan Your Goat Breeding Season37 | Replacement Doe Management: Later Selection to Choose the Best Does for Your Herd76 | How to Choose Future Breeding Bucks for Your Goat Herd All the Best, Millie Resources & Links: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chartGet Dry Creek meat: https://drycreekheritagemeats.comJoin my insider email list: https://www.getgoatwise.com/insiderJoin the free community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/communityEmail me: millie@drycreekpastures.comSee ranch life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/ Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.
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    11 m
  • 91 | Seasonal Planning for Livestock: How We Plan a Ranch Year Without Burning Out

    91 | Seasonal Planning for Livestock: How We Plan a Ranch Year Without Burning Out
    Jan 5 2026

    Planning with livestock isn’t about filling a calendar—it’s about working with seasons, weather, animals, and real life. In this episode, I’m sharing what’s happening on our ranch right now, how we plan a full livestock year, and why I’ve stopped trying to force rigid schedules that don’t fit the reality of ranch life.

    I walk through our annual rhythm with goats, cattle, fencing, meat sales, and family life, breaking down what each season typically holds and how those rhythms shape our planning decisions. From winter breeding and paperwork to spring kidding prep, summer grazing and county fair, and fall weaning and breeding plans, this episode gives you a realistic look at how a working ranch year actually unfolds.

    We also talk about what’s changing for us in 2026—adjustments in breeding decisions, pasture and seeding experiments, a major perimeter fence project, and shifts in meat sales and time commitments. I share why flexibility has become a priority, how over-scheduling creates frustration, and what it looks like to plan with wider margins instead of tighter timelines.

    If you’ve ever felt behind because your plans didn’t survive weather, animals, kids, or life in general, this episode is here to give you permission to plan differently. Seasonal planning isn’t less disciplined—it’s more honest. And for many of us, it’s the only way to stay steady long-term.

    In This Episode, I Cover:
    • What’s happening on the ranch right now and how weather affects daily decisions
    • How we plan a livestock year around seasons instead of rigid schedules
    • A realistic walkthrough of our ranch year, from breeding to weaning
    • What’s changing for us in 2026 and why flexibility matters
    • How infrastructure projects reduce labor and stress long-term
    • Why overplanning creates frustration—and what we’re doing instead
    Key Takeaways:
    • Livestock planning works best when it follows seasons, not calendars
    • Weather, animals, and family life will always change the plan
    • Rigid timelines often increase stress instead of progress
    • Planning with margin creates steadiness and resilience
    • Seasonal rhythms support long-term stewardship and sustainability
    Related Episodes:
    • 02 | Overwhelmed? 4 Steps to Create a Practical Plan for Adding Livestock to Your Homestead Successfully
    • 06 | What Livestock Should I Get First? My Top Pick for Your First Homestead Animals
    • 30 | Livestock Decision-Making: What to do When You Make a Wrong Decision and How to Use that Information to Make Progress
    • 53 | Livestock and Land Management that Works WITH Your Environment and Resources, Not Against Them

    All the Best, Millie

    Resources & Links:
    • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart
    • Get Dry Creek meat: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com
    • Join my insider email list: https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider
    • Join the free community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community
    • Email me: millie@drycreekpastures.com
    • See ranch life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/

    Disclaimer:

    The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.
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    10 m
  • 90 | 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting Goats (Hint: They Are NOT Sheep)

    90 | 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting Goats (Hint: They Are NOT Sheep)
    Dec 29 2025
    There are a lot of misconceptions about goats that set new owners up for frustration before they ever bring animals home. In this episode, I’m walking through five things I really wish I had understood before I got goats—lessons that would have saved me time, money, stress, and a lot of hard-earned mistakes. We start by resetting expectations around goat behavior and management, including why goats are not sheep and why treating them like they are leads to fence failures, nutrition problems, and constant headaches. I break down the common myth that goats will eat anything, why that idea causes disappointment and even safety issues, and how understanding goat selectivity can actually make them a powerful management tool when used intentionally. We also talk through the difference between poor management that forces goats to eat through hunger and strategic pressure that can be used carefully to influence forage selection. I explain why hunger-driven eating is often a sign that stocking rate, rotation, supplementation, or minerals are off—and when it can make sense to intentionally encourage goats to consume less-preferred plants without compromising health or welfare. Finally, we cover why fence isn’t just one piece of goat ownership but the entire system, why minerals are not optional for goats, and why bottle babies—despite being cute—are not the best place for beginners to start. If you’re planning to get goats, or if you already have them and things feel harder than you expected, this episode will help you step back, reset expectations, and build systems that actually work. In This Episode, I Cover: Why goats are not sheep and how their behavior, grazing style, and nutrition differHow managing goats like sheep creates fence, feeding, and safety problemsThe myth that goats will eat anything—and why it sets people up for disappointmentHow goats actually browse, sample, and select forageWhy hunger-driven eating is usually a sign of management problemsWhen and how goats can be strategically encouragedto eat less-preferred plantsThe role of stocking rate, rotation, supplementation, and minerals in forage selectionSeasonal changes in plant palatability and how that affects grazing plansWhy fence is not a detail but the foundation of goat managementCommon ways electric fence fails and why you need a secure backup enclosureWhy goats have higher mineral demands than many people expectThe problems caused by feeding sheep mineral to goatsWhy mineral availability does not always equal mineral intakeWhy bottle babies are emotionally appealing but management-intensiveThe higher risks and behavioral challenges of bottle-raised goatsWhy bottle babies make the learning curve steeper for beginners Key Takeaways: Goats require different management than sheep or cattleExpectation mismatches are at the root of most goat problemsGoats are selective browsers, not garbage disposalsHunger-based eating is a warning sign, not a management strategyStrategic pressure can influence forage use when applied carefully and intentionallyFence is the system that everything else depends onA solid, goat-proof enclosure relieves pressure when electric fence failsMinerals are essential to long-term goat health and performanceFeeding sheep mineral to goats will cause deficiencies over timeBottle babies are not the easiest place to start learning goatsClear expectations and intentional systems make goats much easier to manage Related Episodes: 03 | Ready for Goats! 4 Steps to Help You Confidently Shop for and Purchase Your First Goats10 | 5 Tips to Raise Bottle Goat Kids That Thrive17 | Do My Goats Need Mineral? How to Meet Their Micronutrient Needs and Keep the Herd Healthy07 | Should My Goats Have Horns or Not? Pros and Cons of Disbudding Goats02 | Overwhelmed? 4 Steps to Create a Practical Plan for adding Livestock to Your Homestead Successfully All the Best, Millie Resources & Links: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chartGet Dry Creek meat: https://drycreekheritagemeats.comJoin my insider email list: https://www.getgoatwise.com/insiderJoin the free community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/communityEmail me: millie@drycreekpastures.comSee ranch life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/ Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.
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    13 m
  • 89 | How to Prepare Your Goat Herd for Breeding Season: Feed, Flushing, Mineral, and Water

    89 | How to Prepare Your Goat Herd for Breeding Season: Feed, Flushing, Mineral, and Water
    Dec 22 2025
    Breeding season success doesn’t start when the buck goes in—it starts weeks earlier with intentional management decisions around feed, body condition, mineral, and water. In this episode, I’m walking through how we prepare our goat herd for breeding season on our ranch, and why flushing is less about grain and more about timing and rising energy intake. I explain how our does typically come off pasture somewhat thin due to declining forage quality and demands of lactation, how we use a gradual hay-based recovery phase after weaning, and why we don’t rush into flushing too early. You’ll hear how we intentionally set the stage so that a modest energy increase 2–3 weeks before breeding actually produces a favorable reproductive response. We also dig into forage-based flushing using high-quality hay, why mineral intake is often the hidden limiting factor in breeding success, and how winter water access quietly controls feed intake, mineral consumption, and overall herd health. If breeding hasn’t gone the way you expected in the past, this episode will help you evaluate the foundational pieces before blaming genetics or the buck. In This Episode, I Cover: What flushing really is—and why it’s primarily an energy strategy, not a grain strategyWhy flushing needs to start 2–3 weeks before breeding, not the day the buck shows upHow our does come off pasture thin from limited forage and lactation—and why that mattersOur post-weaning feeding strategy to gradually rebuild body condition without overdoing itWhy flushing works best when does are moderate condition or slightly thin, not fatHow forage-based flushing works with high-quality hay like sainfoinWhy intake—not just feed quality—determines whether flushing is effectiveThe critical role of mineral intake in estrus expression, conception, and early pregnancyWhy bucks are often overlooked in mineral programs—and how we handle thatThe trace minerals most closely tied to reproductive successHow winter water access limits feed and mineral intakeWhy water is often the most overlooked nutrient in breeding prepSigns that water intake may be holding your herd back reproductivelyHow consistency—not perfection—sets the stage for a successful breeding season Key Takeaways: Breeding success starts weeks before breeding with intentional preparationFlushing works because of rising energy intake, not because of grainGradual post-lactation recovery sets the stage for an effective flushing responseHigh-quality forage can support flushing when intake truly increasesMineral intake—not just availability—can make or break reproductive successBucks need mineral too, even when feeders don’t cooperateWithout adequate winter water, goats won’t eat enough feed or mineralWater is often the limiting nutrient in cold-weather breeding preparationConsistency and timing matter more than aggressive feeding Related Episodes: 14 | When Should My Goats Kid? Timing Your Production Cycle to Optimize Goat Fertility and Forage Nutrition17 | Do My Goats Need Mineral? How to Meet Their Micronutrient Needs and Keep the Herd Healthy09 | The Most Important Nutrient for All Livestock is WATER, Time-Saving Tips for Meeting Animal Requirements, and How We Do It Off-Grid24 | What Is That Smell? The Bucks are In Rut! Should You Buy a Buck to Breed Your Does or Is Leasing a Better Option?26 | Is My Goat Old Enough to Breed? How To Decide When Your Does Are Ready to Have Their First Kids All the Best, Millie Resources & Links: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts+ grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chartGet Dry Creek meat: https://drycreekheritagemeats.comJoin my insider email list: https://www.getgoatwise.com/insiderJoin the FB community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/communityEmail me:millie@drycreekpastures.comSee ranch life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/ Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.
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    13 m
  • 88 | Regenerative Ranching Is a Process, Not a Destination: How We Actually Make Decisions

    88 | Regenerative Ranching Is a Process, Not a Destination: How We Actually Make Decisions
    Dec 15 2025
    Regenerative agriculture can feel like a buzzword, a badge, or a list of practices you’re supposed to follow. But in real life, and especially in a challenging climate, regeneration is a process of learning, comparing ideas against your own environment, testing small changes, observing what your land and animals are telling you, and adjusting as you go. In this episode, I’m sharing the decision-making loop we use on our ranch with both goats and cattle, and why I see multi-species grazing as a long-term benefit—even though it adds complexity in the beginning. I also walk through our big-picture goal of reducing supplemental hay by extending the grazing season, and the real constraints we have to work within, like limited moisture, fragile pasture, frozen ground, predators, and wildlife pressure. You’ll hear how we’re approaching water infiltration and soil building in a dry climate, why we’re testing straw bales to slow runoff first, and what we’ve already observed from years of intensive rotational grazing, chicken tractors, and summer bale grazing. I also explain why certain popular practices don’t translate well to goat management in our conditions—and how we adapt without abandoning the principles. In This Episode, I Cover: Why regenerative agriculture is a process, not a destinationThe decision-making loop: Learn → Compare Context → Clarify Goals → Test → Observe → Adjust → RepeatHow to learn from other producers without copy-pasting their practicesShifting from “this won’t work in my climate” to “how do these principles apply here?”Why nature is the best teacher and how to use observation as your guideOur big-picture goal: reducing hay by extending spring and fall grazingThe resource bottleneck in dry country: water infiltration and water-holding capacityWhy soil cover and organic matter are critical in moisture-limited environmentsUsing straw bales to slow runoff as a low-risk way to test water flow pathsWhat we’ve observed after 5 years of intensive rotational grazingThe forage improvements we’ve seen from chicken tractors and summer bale grazingWhy winter bale grazing is risky/not feasible for us right now (electric netting in frozen ground, elk pressure)A winter feeding strategy that works within predator pressure and management realityA soil-building feeding approach we’re preparing to test (and why snow cover matters)Why we’re not buying a no-till drill right now—and what we want in place firstWhy starting with annuals can make sense before investing in expensive perennial seed Key Takeaways: Regenerative practices aren’t universal—principles transfer, but application must fit your climate and animals.Nature is the best teacher: observation turns theory into real management decisions.Start with clear goals and real constraints, then break big objectives into small, testable steps.Moisture-limited land requires prioritizing water infiltration, water-holding capacity, and soil cover.Testing small and reversible ideas (like straw bales) can prevent expensive mistakes.Multi-species grazing is a long-term benefit, but it adds complexity—especially in the beginning.“Not yet” is a valid answer on tools and investments; timing matters.Progress comes from repeated cycles of learning, testing, observing, and adjusting—not from perfection. Mentions: Gabe Brown — Dirt to Soil Related Episodes: 84 | The Messy Middle of Regenerative Ranching: Key Insights from “A Bold Return to Giving a Damn” by Will Harris78 | Winter Grazing: Low Cost, Regenerative Strategies for Goats and Other Livestock53 | Livestock and Land Management that Works WITH Your Environment and Resources, Not Against Them21 | Seeking Sustainability? How to Evaluate Options and Make Decisions with a Sustainability Mindset All the Best, Millie Resources & Links: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chartGet Dry Creek meat: https://drycreekheritagemeats.comJoin my insider email list: https://www.getgoatwise.com/insiderJoin the FB community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/communityEmail me:millie@drycreekpastures.comSee ranch life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/ Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance. *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
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    18 m
  • 87 | Coccidia in Goats: Understanding Coccidiosis, Symptoms, and Practical Prevention That Works

    87 | Coccidia in Goats: Understanding Coccidiosis, Symptoms, and Practical Prevention That Works
    Dec 8 2025

    Coccidiosis is one of the most common kid-health problems goat owners face, and it’s one of the most misunderstood. Some herds battle it every year. Others hardly see it. In this episode, I’m breaking down what coccidia actually is, how it functions inside the gut, which strains are the most dangerous, and why stress and environment play such a big role in outbreaks.

    I’m also sharing the major shifts we made in genetics, kidding season, and management that completely changed our coccidia situation. After years of losing show goats to coccidiosis, we haven’t had a single case in our main herd in three years—and I’ll walk you through exactly why.

    And I’ll touch on some natural, tannin-based supplements that some producers use to support gut health in herds that battle chronic coccidiosis pressure. We’re incorporating one into our mineral mix right now, mainly for our show-goat breeders, and I’ll share updates as we see results.

    Finally, if you think a kid might be dealing with coccidiosis, I explain why getting your vet involved quickly makes all the difference.

    In This Episode, I Cover:
    • What coccidia is and how it functions in the intestinal lining
    • How infection spreads and why kids are most vulnerable
    • The strains of coccidia that cause the most damage
    • The genetic component: why some goats struggle more than others
    • How stress, moisture, overcrowding, and management influence outbreaks
    • Our real-world experience with coccidiosis in show goats
    • How shifting genetics and kidding season broke our coccidia cycle
    • Why chickens donot give goats coccidia
    • Natural tannin-based supplements some producers use for gut support
    • When it’s time to call your vet and why timing matters
    Key Takeaways:
    • Coccidia are microscopic protozoa that damage the gut by destroying intestinal cells.
    • The most pathogenic strains includeEimeria ninakohlyakimovae, arloingi, and
    • Stress + moisture + high oocyst load = ideal conditions for coccidiosis.
    • Genetics and kidding-season timing have a huge impact on resilience.
    • Chickens cannot give goats coccidia—the strains are species specific.
    • Tannin-based supplements may support gut health in high-pressure herds.
    • Bottle kids remain more vulnerable due to stress and barn exposure.
    • Good management prevents most cases—but if you suspect coccidiosis, contacting your vet early is critical.
    Mentions:
    • 86 | Can Goats and Chickens Live Together? What’s Safe, What’s Not, and How to Do It Right
    Related Episodes:
    • 82 | Internal Parasites in Goats: Monitoring, Prevention, and Treatment for Barber Pole and Other Worms
    • 68 | New to Raising Livestock? Risk Management Strategies When the Learning Curve is Steep
    • 08 | When Animals Aren’t Working Out on the Homestead/ How to Evaluate Your Livestock Projects and Decide to Keep or Sell

    All the Best, Millie

    Resources & Links:
    • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts+ grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart
    • Get Dry Creek meat: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com
    • Join my insider email list: https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider
    • Join the FB community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community
    • Email me:millie@drycreekpastures.com
    • See ranch life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/

    Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.
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    16 m