What if adding a little algae to your goats’ diet could make their milk healthier? This week on Hoofnotes, we’re digging into new research that shows how microalgae can improve the fatty acid profile of goat milk, without changing how much your goats eat or produce. Scientists looked at results from 17 different studies and found that goats fed microalgae made milk richer in “good fats” like omega-3s and DHA, the same nutrients that make fish oil so healthy. We’ll break down what that means for your herd, how much algae makes a difference, and whether this natural supplement is worth adding to your feeding plan.

Article for this episode:

Boukrouh, Soumaya et al. “Microalgae supplementation improves goat milk composition and fatty acid profile: a meta-analysis and meta-regression.” Archives Animal Breeding (2025): n. pag.A NotebookLM deep dive human written to help you make goat science make sense.

Let’s talk poop. Specifically, that runny, stinky kind that shows up in your kids right around weaning time and makes you panic. Yep, we’re diving very deep this week into coccidiosis, one of the most common, and frustrating, issues in young goats.

Coccidiosis is caused by tiny parasites called Eimeria, which basically set up camp in the lining of the gut and start causing damage. It’s not just about scours, these little guys can wreck a kid’s digestive system, cause stunted growth, and in serious cases, even lead to death. Most adult goats carry coccidia without showing symptoms, but kids, especially stressed or weaning ones, are way more vulnerable.

This episode breaks down how coccidia mess with a goat’s gut bacteria and immune system, opening the door for other infections to pile on. We also talk about what makes outbreaks worse (dirty pens and overcrowding are biggies), and how to get ahead of it with good management.

We’ll cover things like:

• Why probiotics and good nutrition matter when you're dealing with coccidia

• When and how to use medications like Amprolium or Sulfa drugs

• Why prevention starts with clean barns and smart weaning practices

• And why you should always loop your vet in before reaching for meds, especially since drug resistance and off-label use are a real concern in goats

Coccidiosis might be common, but with the right tools and timing, you can keep your herd healthier and avoid a whole lot of messy drama.

Companion Blog: https://goathousefarm.com/hoof-notes-goat-science

Articles for this episode:

• Ali, Endris A., et al. "Global prevalence of Eimeria species in goats: a systematic review and meta-analysis." Frontiers in Veterinary Science, vol. 11, 23 Jan. 2025.

• Andrews, Anthony, and Anthony H. Andrews. "Coccidiosis of Goats." MSD Veterinary Manual, Merck & Co., Inc., 24 Sept. 2024.

• Barba, Emilio, et al. "Immunoprotection against mixed Eimeria spp. infections in goat kids induced by X-irradiated oocysts." Parasitology Research, vol. 121, no. 5, 3 Mar. 2022,

• Edwards, Erin. "Pathologic diagnosis of coccidiosis in goats." Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, 12 Aug. 2024.• Guedes, Aránzazu C., et al. "Metaphylactic strategies using toltrazuril against coccidiosis in goat kids." Veterinary Parasitology, vol. 327, Apr. 2024

• Kommuru, D. S., et al. "Use of pelleted sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) for natural control of coccidia and gastrointestinal nematodes in weaned goats." Veterinary Parasitology, vol. 204, no. 3-4, 29 Aug. 2014

• Lu, Chenyang, et al. "Coccidia-Microbiota Interactions and Their Effects on the Host." Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, vol. 11, 1 Oct. 2021, p. 751481,

• Metzger, Mike. "Coccidiosis can kill young goats and sheep." MSU Extension, 28 Feb. 2014, https://extension.msu.edu.

• Mohammed, R. A., et al. "The effect of coccidian infection on the gut microflora of Nubian goat kids." Deutsche Tierärztliche Wochenschrift, vol. 107, no. 10, Oct. 2000, pp. 414-16.

• Pradhan, Shashi, et al. "Morphometric identification of Eimeria species in goats at Jabalpur." The Pharma Innovation Journal, vol. SP-11, no. 9, 2022, pp. 1751-52.

• Premaalatha, B., et al. "EFFICACY OF NEEM LEAF POWDER FOR TREATMENT OF COCCIDIOSIS IN YOUNG GOATS." Malaysian Journal of Veterinary Research, vol. 7, no. 1, Jan. 2016, pp. 1-8.

• Schafer, K. A., et al. "Hepatic coccidiosis associated with hepatic necrosis in a goat." Veterinary Pathology, vol. 32, no. 6, Nov. 1995, pp. 723-27, doi:10.1177/030098589503200618.

• Sontakke, Tejswini, et al. "The role of genetics in determining resistance to coccidiosis in goats a review of current research and future directions." Molecular Biology Reports, vol. 50, no. 7, July 2023, pp. 6171-75, doi:10.1007/s11033-023-08520-3.
A NotebookLM deep dive human written to help you make goat science make sense.

In this episode, we explore the surprisingly complex inner world of goat behavior, where bleats carry meaning, body language sets the tone, and who gets the feed bowl might come down to subtle social cues. Did you know goats have eight distinct emotional vocalizations? Even more fascinating, they can interpret the expressions on our human faces, picking up on whether we’re smiling or frowning, and responding accordingly.

We dig into current research on how goats interact with humans and each other, including a deep dive into the VOCAPRA project, which uses neural networks to classify goat vocalizations and deliver real-time emotional feedback to farmers. We also examine how selective breeding may influence a goat's behavior, with evidence that dwarf goats tend to be more adaptable than high-production dairy lines.

Whether you’re raising goats on a farm or just curious about what’s going on behind those sideways eyes, this episode is full of insights into how goats think, feel, and relate to the world around them.

It’s goat science with a social twist!

Articles for this episode:

• Celozzi, S., Battini, M., Prato-Previde, E., & Mattiello, S. (2022). Humans and Goats: Improving Knowledge for a Better Relationship. Animals, 12(6), 774. doi: 10.3390/ani12060774
• Minnig, A., Zufferey, R., Thomann, B., Zwygart, S., Keil, N., Schüpbach-Regula, G., Miserez, R., Stucki, D., & Zanolari, P. (2021). Animal-Based Indicators for On-Farm Welfare Assessment in Goats. Animals, 11(11), 3138. doi: 10.3390/ani11113138• Nawroth, C. (2017).
• Invited review: Socio-cognitive capacities of goats and their impact on human-animal interactions. Small Ruminant Research, 150, 70–75. doi: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2017.03.005
• Nawroth, C., Rosenberger, K., Keil, N. M., & Langbein, J. (2022). Goats (Capra hircus) From Different Selection Lines Differ in Their Behavioural Flexibility. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 796464. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.796464
• Ntalampiras, S., & Gamacchio, G. P. (2025). Explainable classification of goat vocalizations using convolutional neural networks. PLoS One, 20(4), e0318543. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0318543•
• Shackleton, D. M., & Shank, C. C. (1984). A Review of the Social Behavior of Feral and Wild Sheep and Goats. Journal of Animal Science, 58(2), 500–509. doi: 10.2527/jas1984.582500x
• Barroso, F. G., Alados, C. L., & Boza, J. (2000). Social hierarchy in the domestic goat: effect on food habits and production. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 69(1), 35–53. doi: 10.1016/s0168-1591(00)00113-1

A NotebookLM deep dive human written to help you make goat science make sense.

In this episode of Hoofnotes, we dig deep into the gut, literally. Rumen acidosis, also known as grain overload, is a serious condition that affects goats too, especially when their diet shifts too quickly or leans too heavy on grain. We'll explore the science behind what happens when the rumen turns acidic, the signs to watch for, and how a carbonate buffer mix (CBM) helped goats bounce back in a recent study. We will also explore options for treatment used by ruminant veterinarians and everything you need to get your goat back on track.

If you’ve ever wondered how something as simple as diet could ripple into such big health consequences, you don’t want to miss this one.

Because when it comes to goat care, what goes into the rumen doesn't just stay there, it affects everything.

Visit Companion Blog for this Episode: https://goathousefarm.com/rumen-acidosis

Articles for this episode:

Boileau, M., & Williams, N. (2020, October 5). Grain Overload in Goats. Oklahoma State University.

Braun, U., Rihs, T., & Schefer, U. (1992, April 18). Ruminal lactic acidosis in sheep and goats. Vet Rec, 130(16), 343-349. doi: 10.1136/vr.130.16.343.

Doss, A. (Douglas) ("stellargamebirds"). (2025, May 19). Understanding Rumen Acidosis in Goats: Causes, Pathophysiology, and Prevention. The Farm and Homestead.

Fan, G., Su, N., He, Y., Yuan, C., Zhao, C., Hu, X., Fu, Y., & Zhang, N. (2025, April 19). Carbonate Buffer Mixture Alleviates Subacute Rumen Acidosis Induced by Long-Term High-Concentrate Feeding in Dairy Goats by Regulating Rumen Microbiota. Microorganisms, 13(4), 945. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms13040945.

Hardcastle, A., & Lear, A. (n.d.). Fundamentals of Feeding Goats. Large Animal Hospital, Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Tennessee.

Nagar, J. K., Choudhary, S., Pathan, N. K., Sharma, A., Rathore, H., & Rolania, S. (2024). Prevalence, diagnosis and therapeutic management of ruminal acidosis in goats. International Journal of Advanced Biochemistry Research, 8(1), 345-348. doi: https://doi.org/10.33545/26174693.2024.v8.i1e.376.

Schmeltz, W. (2013, September 8). Ask A Vet: Acidosis in Goats. Dr. Weldy's Associates.

Snyder, E., & Credille, B. (2017). Diagnosis and Treatment of Clinical Rumen Acidosis. Vet Clin Food Anim. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cvfa.2017.06.003.

A NotebookLM deep dive human written to help you make goat science make sense.

When a goat can’t pee, it’s not just uncomfortable, it’s an emergency. In this episode of Hoofnotes, we dive deep into one of the most dreaded conditions for goat owners: urinary stones, or urolithiasis. It’s a painful and potentially fatal issue, especially for wethers, but one that is often preventable with the right knowledge and care.

We go far beyond the usual social media advice and get into the real science behind this condition. You’ll learn how urinary stones form, why male goats are more at risk, and what types of stones are most common based on urine pH and mineral balance. We talk about early signs to watch for, like straining, vocalizing, or tail flagging, and what to do if you suspect a blockage.

But most importantly, we walk through treatment and prevention in clear, practical terms. We explain how a high-grain, low-forage diet or an off-balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio contributes to stone formation, and how ammonium chloride works at a biochemical level to help dissolve certain stones and acidify urine. You’ll also learn when AC helps, when it doesn’t, and how to avoid long-term complications from improper use.

This episode is essential for anyone raising male goats, especially pet wethers. If you’ve ever wondered how feed choices, water intake, or even castration timing impact your goats' urinary health, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re just starting out or managing a full herd, understanding this topic can help prevent heartache, vet bills, and lost animals.

Articles for this episode:

Augustinsson, O., & Johansson, K. (1986). Ammonium chloride induced acidosis and aldosterone secretion in the goat. Acta Physiologica Scandinavica, 128(4), 535–540.

Coulson, S. (2024, September 13). Baxter the goat’s big pee problem: A tale of urinary stones and second chances. UF Large Animal Hospital - University of Florida.

Lifestyle Vet Auckland. (2019, June 29). Preventing Urolithiasis in your Goat & Sheep Pets.

Mejia, S., McOnie, R. C., Nelligan, K. L., & Fubini, S. L. (2022). Small ruminant urinary obstruction: decision trees for treatment. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 260(S2), S64–S71.

Merkatoris, P. (n.d.). Update on Obstructive Urolithiasis in Small Ruminants. Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. (2017, May 19). Obstructive Urolithiasis in Goats: A Case Report.

MU Veterinary Health Center. (n.d.). Recognizing a Medical Emergency in Small Ruminants.

Perdue, M., Braxton, K., & Moyle, J. (2022, October). Urinary Calculi in Male Goats and Sheep (FS-2021-0581). University of Maryland Extension.

Pongphitcha, P., Chuchoed, K., Thetsana, T., Dachphun, N., Sukhong, P., & Ratanapob, N. (2024). Factors associated with success rate of oral force-feeding ammonium chloride administration to acidify urine in goats. Open Veterinary Journal, 14(9), 2310–2314.

Reed, S. (2023, April 6). Treating And Preventing Urinary Stones In Goats. VMBS News, Texas A&M School ofVeterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

Schoenian, S. (2005). Urinary calculi in sheep and goats. Maryland Small Ruminant Page.

The Merck Veterinary Manual. Urolithiasis in Ruminants.

Van Metre, D. C. (2010, August 1). Urolithiasis in small ruminants (Proceedings). DVM360.

American College of Veterinary Surgeons. (n.d.). Urolithiasis in Small Ruminants.

A NotebookLM deep dive human written to help you make goat science make sense.

What if the way you scratch a pregnant doe's neck could shape the life of her kids before they’re even born?

In this episode of Hoofnotes, we're digging into groundbreaking research that shows just how powerful human interaction is during goat pregnancy. From reduced fetal loss to stronger maternal instincts and quicker kid development, the science is clear—how we handle our does matters.

We’ll break down a fascinating study that compares gentle, minimal, and aversive handling during mid-gestation, and explain what it means for those of us caring for goats in real life. This one hits home, especially for anyone who's ever juggled chores while trying to stay calm in a chaotic barn.

Join us as we explore how simple, mindful handling can lead to healthier births, happier does, and livelier kids.

Because sometimes, the most powerful medicine is a little kindness.

Visit Companion Blog for this Episode: https://goathousefarm.com/gentle-handling-goat-pregnancy

Article for this episode:

Emma M. Baxter, Johan Mulligan, Sarah A. Hall, Jo E. Donbavand, Rupert Palme, Emad Aldujaili, Adroaldo J. Zanella, Cathy M. Dwyer, Positive and negative gestational handling influences placental traits and mother-offspring behavior in dairy goats, Physiology & Behavior, Volume 157, 2016, Pages 129-138, ISSN 0031-9384, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.

A NotebookLM Deep Dive human written to make goat science make sense.

What if the future of goat feed came with six legs and a crunchy shell? In this episode of Hoofnotes, we're diving into the fascinating world of insect-based feed and what it could mean for your herd. From protein-packed black soldier fly larvae to methane-reducing cricket meal, researchers are buzzing about the nutritional potential of bugs for ruminants like goats.

We’ll break down what the science says, how these tiny powerhouses stack up against soybean meal, and why insect feed might be more planet-friendly than you think. Plus, we’ll unpack the legislative red tape, cost barriers, and good ol' “ick factor” that are keeping insects out of most feed bags. . . for now.

Whether you're a curious goat owner, a feed nerd, or just wondering if goat milk from bug-fed goats tastes different, this episode is for you.

Visit Companion Blog for this Episode: https://goathousefarm.com/insect-based-feed-for-goats/

Articles for this episode:

Renna, M., Rastello, L., Veldkamp, T., Toral, P. G., Gonzalez-Ronquillo, M., Jimenez, L. E. R., & Gasco, L. (2023, August 14). Are insects a solution for feeding ruminants? Legislation, scientific evidence, and future challenges. Animal Frontiers, 13(4), 102–111. https://doi.org/10.1093/af/vfad026.

INRA CIRAD AFZ. (n.d.). Black soldier fly larvae, fat > 20%, dried | Tables of composition and nutritional values of feed materials.

Gao, M., El-Sherbiny, M., Szumacher-Strabel, M., Cieślak, A., Yanza, Y. R. Y., Irawan, A., Xie, B., Cao, Z.-j., Fusaro, I., Jalal, H., Abd El Tawab, A. M., & Liu, Y.-b. (2024, November 20). Cutting-edge exploration of insect utilization in ruminant nutrition—feature and future: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2024.1484870.

Lu, S., Taethaisong, N., Meethip, W., Surakhunthod, J., Sinpru, B., Sroichak, T., Archa, P., Thongpea, S., Paengkoum, S., Purba, R. A. P. P., & Paengkoum, P. (2022, September 13). Nutritional Composition of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens L.) and Its Potential Uses as Alternative Protein Sources in Animal Diets: A Review. Insects, 13(9), 831. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13090831

A NotebookLM Deep Dive human written to make goat science make sense.

Think your milkroom is clean? Think again. In this episode of Hoofnotes, we dive into the microscopic world of biofilms, sticky, invisible communities of bacteria that love to set up shop inside milk lines, inflations, and buckets. These aren’t just harmless slime layers. Biofilms can harbor dangerous pathogens, resist standard cleaning routines, and quietly compromise both milk quality and herd health.

We’ll break down the science behind how biofilms form, why they’re so hard to kill, and what the latest research says about cleaning protocols that actually work. From the role of Clean-in-Place (CIP) systems to the chemistry of disinfectants and the dangers of “just rinsing it,” this episode arms you with the know-how to fight back.

Whether you're hand milking two goats or machine milking twenty-two, when it comes to biofilms, it's not just about milk safety, sloppy sanitation can lead to sick goats, mastitis outbreaks, and costly setbacks.

Visit Companion Blog for this Episode: ⁠https://goathousefarm.com/goat-parasite-control-national-study/

Articles for this episode:

Biofilms in hoses utilized to divert colostrum and milk on dairy farms: A report exploring their potential role in herd health, milk quality, and public health. Latorre, A. A., Oliva, R., Pugin, J., Estay, A., Nualart, F., Salazar, K., Garrido, N., & Muñoz, M. A. (2022). Front. Vet. Sci., 9:969455. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2022.969455.

Biofilms in the Dairy Industry. Kaylegian, K. E., & Rolon, L. (2023, January 10). Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education..

Biofilms in the milking machine, from laboratory scale to on-farm results. Desmousseaux, C., Guilbaud, M., Jard, G., Tormo, H., Oulahal, N., Hanin, A., Jha, P. K., & Laithier, C. (2025, March 4). J Dairy Sci. Advance online publication. doi: 10.3168/jds.2024-25352.

Biofilms: A Persistent Challenge to the Dairy Industry. Johnson, C., & Bigalke, D. (2023, February). QualiTru Sampling Systems..

Effect of biofilm formation by antimicrobial-resistant gram-negative bacteria in cold storage on survival in dairy processing lines. Woo, J., Guk, J.-H., Yi, S., Lee, J., Song, H., Kim, W.-H., & Cho, S. (2023, February 2). Int J Food Microbiol., 386:110019. Epub 2022 Nov 19. doi: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2022.110019.

FORMATION OF BIOFILMS ON DAIRY EQUIPMENT AND THE INFLUENCE OF DISINFECTANTS ON THEM. Kukhtyn, M., Berhilevych, O., Kravcheniuk, K., Shynkaruk, O., Horiuk, Y., & Semaniuk, N. (2017). Eastern-European Journal of Enterprise Technologies, 5(11 (89)). doi: 10.15587/1729-4061.2017.110488.

How to Clean Your Milking Equipment for Low-Risk Raw Milk. Smith, S. (2024, June 7). Raw Milk Institute..

Microbial Biofilms in the Food Industry—A Comprehensive Review. Carrascosa, C., Raheem, D., Ramos, F., Saraiva, A., & Raposo, A. (2021, February 19). Int J Environ Res Public Health, 18(4):2014. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18042014.

A NotebookLM Deep Dive human written to make goat science make sense.