Goat farming can be highly profitable, but one of the biggest threats to your herd’s health and growth is worms. Internal parasites like stomach worms, tapeworms, and liver flukes can silently weaken your goats, reduce weight gain, lower milk production, and even cause death if not controlled.
This is why deworming should be an essential part of your goat management plan. In this guide, we’ll explain when to deworm goats, how to do it correctly, and common mistakes every farmer must avoid.
Why Deworming is Important for Goats
Goats are natural browsers, which means they eat leaves, shrubs, and grasses close to the soil—where parasite eggs often live. Without proper deworming, your goats can suffer from:
- Weight loss or poor growth
- Diarrhea and dehydration
- Pale eyelids (sign of anemia)
- Rough hair coat
- Weak immunity and higher disease risk
Healthy goats = higher productivity, which is why regular deworming is non-negotiable.
When to Deworm Your Goats
There is no one-size-fits-all timing, but farmers should deworm based on symptoms, age, and season:
- Kids (young goats): Every 4–6 weeks until they are about 6 months old, as they are more vulnerable.
- Adult goats: Every 3–4 months, or at the beginning and end of rainy season when worm load is high.
- Pregnant and lactating does: Deworm 2–4 weeks before kidding to prevent passing worms to kids.
- Based on symptoms: If you notice weight loss, diarrhea, or pale eyelids, deworm immediately.
Tip: Use the FAMACHA method (checking eyelid color) to detect anemia caused by worms.
How to Deworm Your Goats Correctly
To ensure your deworming program works effectively:
- Choose the right dewormer: Common options include albendazole, ivermectin, levamisole, and fenbendazole. Rotate dewormers to prevent resistance.
- Correct dosage: Always dose according to weight. Underdosing encourages resistance while overdosing can be harmful.
- Proper administration: Use oral drenches or injections as prescribed. Avoid mixing drugs without a vet’s advice.
- Maintain hygiene: Keep pens clean and avoid overgrazing, as dirty environments increase worm infestations.
Common Deworming Mistakes to Avoid
- Deworming too often, which causes drug resistance
- Using the same drug repeatedly
- Not weighing goats before dosing
- Ignoring pasture rotation and hygiene
Final Thoughts
Deworming is one of the simplest yet most powerful steps in ensuring goat health and farm profitability. By knowing when and how to deworm, you reduce losses, improve growth rates, and guarantee stronger, healthier herds.
If you’re serious about goat farming, make deworming a regular part of your management routine.
