Wean male progeny at three months of age. Young bucks should be isolated from mature bucks during the rutting season, March to July. Retain only the top 5 per cent of males as future breeders. Other males should be sold as entire animals to the capretto market. Goat health Specific management practices for the introduction of feral goats onto farms are detailed in Farmnote No.
Goats are similar to sheep in most welfare and health matters.
However, goats are very susceptible to parasites and less responsive to vaccines than sheep. Goats do not need to be earmarked. If one is used, place it on the left ear for females, right ear for males. Private reference marks caan be placed on the ear opposite the registered earmark. A successful goat enterprise depends on maintaining control of the breeding stock at all times.