Carleton Ranch

Carleton Ranch show wethers are disbudded at 5-7 days old, and are vaccinated with Cavalry-9 (for tetanus, enterotoxemia and other diseases) and Super Poly Bac B Somnus (for pneumonia) when they are old enough.

We only use feed that includes Rumensin, a medication to prevent coccidiosis, which is a common disease of kid goats.  We strongly recommend that whatever feed you choose should contain Rumensin (generic name Monensin) as well.  Many brands are available, including SureFed N-Timidator, Ful-O-Pep Excel Show Goat, MoorMan's ShowTec Elite Goat, Purina Honor Show Chow Impulse, Essential Boer Goat Express,and others.  Rumensin is also a growth-enhancer that helps your goat get more out of the feed he eats.  We do not recommend using feeds medicated with Deccox (Decoquinate), as they can inhibit thiamine production, making your goat susceptible to polio.
CAUTION:  Rumensin is highly toxic to horses and other equines.

It is also important that your feed contain Ammonium Chloride, which helps prevent urinary calculi.  Bucks and wethers are subject to this disease, which causes the formation of "stones" that may block the urinary tract, causing a painful death when the bladder ruptures.  Most commercial feeds do contain appropriate amounts of ammonium chloride. CAUTION: Alfalfa is high in calcium, which is a contributing factor to development of urinary calculi. Feed alfalfa only in small quantities as a treat, not as a major portion of your goat's diet.

Another important aspect of caring for your goat is controlling internal parasites by worming him.  A heavy worm load can kill a goat, and even a less severe infestation will slow growth and make him generally unthrifty.  The most common worm affecting goats is the barberpole worm, which has developed resistance to many wormers.  We have good results with pour-on Cydectin made for cattle, given orally at a rate of 1cc per 10 pounds of body weight.

Following are links to more sites with information about selecting, caring for and showing your show wether.

Texas Show Goat Connection

Selection of a Market Goat, by Adam Segura, ABGA certified judge

Selecting Your Market Goat, by Dale Schlundt, AMGA certified judge

The Show Wether Information Center

Meat Goat Showmanship, by Matthew Claeys, Extension Livestock Specialist

Texas 4-H Meat Goat Projects 

Williamson County Youth Expo Show Clinic

   2016 Clinic - Sept. 10, Stony Point Ag Barn, Round Rock, TX (register by Sept. 6)

Aggieland Lamb and Goat Camps

    2016 Goat Camp - July 22-24, College Station, Texas (registration opens Mar.18) $150

Howard College Goat and Lamb Camps

    2016 Goat Camp - June 14-16, Big Spring, TX (enter now--only 200 accepted!) $85

ETGRA Youth Goat Clinic

     2016 Clinic - July 16, Jacksonville, TX. RSVP to Valre Leger at  409-273-4243  Free

     Features Jackie Edwards on selection, feeding, worming, grooming and overall goat care

Show-N-Kidds Goat Camp

    2016 Camps - June 14-16 or July 5-7,  Wagoner, OK    $150

Junior Meat Goat Show Circuit

Oklahoma Youth Meat Goat Association

Texas Prospect Show Info Page

Purple Circle: America's youth livestock magazine

The Showbox: official publication of the Texas Junior Livestock Association