New drench for goats and new parasite control publication launched

Review of Going into Goats: Keep Parasites out of Profit
Toowoomba event, 9 November 2007

A groundbreaking new goat parasite control publication and the first ever drench for goats were launched in Toowoomba at Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) Going into Goats: Keep Parasites out of Profit event.

Over 130 goat producers traveled from New South Wales and Queensland to participate in the event on 9 November, which was opened by MLA Chairman, Don Heatley.

“For the fast growing Australian goat meat industry, this event was another sign of the increasing significance and strength of the industry,” said Peter Schuster, goat industry consultant to MLA.

The goat meat industry has grown in export value from $18 million in 1997 to $91 million in 2006.

Having access to new information through the MLA Going into goats guide and an effective drenching option through Caprimec is expected to help boost the value of the industry even further as producers can now take the next step in lifting productivity.

The report into the chemical and non-chemical options available to goat producers for parasite control will provide goat producers with valuable information and useful options for parasite control to add to their existing MLA Going into goats guide. The new module highlights that, through strategic grazing management, goat producers can significantly reduce the parasite risks in their enterprises.

“The news that a broad spectrum oral drench is available is also a significant boost to the industry,” said Peter.

Caprimec is now available to all distribution outlets and has been developed by Virbac in consultation with the goat industry. It finally gives the industry a registered chemical tool against gastro-internal parasites.

“The relative size of the goat industry has in the past deterred chemical companies from registering drenches for goats. It is hoped that the increasing value of the industry, improved management practices and Virbac’s lead in registering Caprimec will encourage further investment in one of Australia’s fastest growing livestock industries,” Mr Schuster said.

Mr Schuster said that effective grazing management is still the best tool against worms in goats and highlighted that Caprimec must be used responsibly and in conjunction with worm testing and grazing management to maximise its effectiveness.

At the event, producers also received information on controlling nematode parasites (worms) in pasture-based systems and controlling lice and other external parasites on goats. There was also advice on National Vendor Declarations, the National Livestock Identification System and Livestock Production Assurance status.

Goat producers also learnt about the effect of finishing on goat meat eating quality; the requirements for handling goats to maximise eating quality and the effect of pH on goat meat eating quality.

Geoff Burnett-Smith, Chairman of the Federal Board of the Australian Boer Goat Breeders Association of Australia, said “It is terrific to see so many young people attending such an event. It is a good sign for the future of the goat industry.”

Speakers included Rick Gates from Burndoo Station and Depot at Wilcannia, Glen Telford of Telco Boer Goats, Roma, Dr Paul Martin, Director of R&D Pacific Area for Virbac Australia, Peter Schuster goat R&D Coordinator for MLA, Denise Riches, President of the Goat Industry Council of Australia and Don Heatley, Chairman of MLA.

The Going into Goats: Keep Parasites out of Profit event was supported by MLA, Virbac, Agforce, Queensland Department of Primary Industries and the Goat Industry Council of Australia.

To order the two parasite control factsheets and the new module for the Going into goats guide from MLA phone 1800 675 717.