The average lifespan of a goat is 10-15 years old, though some can live longer than that. There is no doubt that genetics can play a role in a goat’s health and life span, but good care and nutrition are even more important.
As your goat ages, they will need more frequent observation, health checks, and veterinary care. Catching and responding to any health issues early can help to prevent more serious problems from developing. With that said, the most common health problems that older goats encounter include dental disease, parasitism, and arthritis.
Photo credit: Nataliya Melnychuk
Dental Changes
The dental health of a goat naturally deteriorates with age, making it more difficult for them to eat hay or browse. This often shows up in the form of declining body condition. Goats with dental problems will need to eat something softer such as a small amount of senior horse feed, soaked alfalfa pellets/cubes, and/or soaked beet pulp.
Block minerals are commonly used with goats, but they can lead to broken teeth. Switching to a loose mineral for older goats can ensure that they get the minerals they need without damaging their teeth. A good loose mineral for older goats is Icelandic Kelp, which contains 60 trace minerals, micro-nutrients, amino acids, and many other natural vitamins.
Increased Parasitism
Aging animals, including goats, can become more prone to internal parasites due to reduced immunity. Having your veterinarian perform fecal testing can be useful in knowing your goat’s parasite load. However, you can keep parasites in check naturally by consistently feeding a product such as Omni WormGuard Plus or WormGuard Plus SC.
Arthritis
All mammals are susceptible to arthritic changes in their joints as they age, and goats are no exception. This usually shows up as difficulty walking or bending the front legs before lying down. Joints may also show signs of swelling or pain.
To help reduce pain and inflammation caused by arthritis, we recommend the following products:
- MSM Blend Powder, a natural anti-inflammatory and pain reliever that also helps to improve circulation.
- MSM Cream, which provides the same benefits as MSM powder, only as a topical.
- Glucosamine Powder, an ingredient which can provide pain relief and help to heal damaged connective tissue.
Important note: Feeding both glucosamine and MSM together can have an increased pain-relieving effect.
Additional considerations for senior goats
Senior goats may need to have their hooves trimmed more frequently if they have begun to bear weight unevenly, if they knee-walk on a regular basis, or if they’ve become less active. Overgrown hooves can lead to increased strain on the joints, which can exacerbate arthritic conditions.
You will also want to closely monitor your elderly goat’s weight. Weight loss often occurs due to disease, parasitism, or poor dental health. Other factors that can lead to weight loss include a decreased ability to absorb nutrients, environmental stressors such as extreme weather, or social dynamics. All of these factors should be considered when assessing the reason for your goat’s weight loss, and changes should be made accordingly.