The goal of the program is to improve the herd's productivity through general husbandry, nutrition management, parasite control, vaccination, and environmental management. Careful recordkeeping must be done to monitor the program's progress. Regarding general husbandry, it is important to feed goats the appropriate rations and provide shelter against rain and dampness. The goat's hooves must be trimmed regularly to prevent the overgrowth that leads to foot rot and other foot problems. Goats should be fenced out of wet, marshy areas for proper foot care.
Wethers being fed grain are subject to urinary calculi, which are potentially fatal.
Feeding ammonium chloride along with grain may help prevent formation of calculi. A constant source of fresh water is necessary for all goats. All breeding-age animals must be tested for brucellosis and tuberculosis annually. Although it is not necessary for a veterinarian to perform all procedures, a herd health program becomes more effective when a veterinarian's advice and services are used regularly. Each goat herd is unique and requires a program to suit individual herd needs.