ADAS is inviting people to the first Defra-funded meetings for goat keepers designed to provide practical and technical advice to increase the health and welfare of the goat herd in England.
This series of six meetings through February provide health and welfare workshops for goat keepers across the country.
Goats are susceptible to a number of health and welfare problems – the more important of which will be covered at these evening events:
1. The Goats Welfare needs in 2012 (David Harwood BVetMed, MRCVS and Honorary veterinary surgeon to the British Goat Society,)
2. Kid Rearing – Importance of Attention to Detail (Sue Smith/ Dreda Randall – independent specialist goat producers)
3. Goat Health (David Harwood BVetMed, MRCVS,)
a. Enterotoxaemia
b. Internal and external parasites
c. Lameness
4. Discussion panel
In addition, the panel will further discuss any husbandry practices that can impact on goat welfare such as ear tagging and disbudding.
Evening workshops (7 pm to 9.30 pm) will be held throughout February 2012; and are free to all commercial, and small scale goat keepers. Places are however limited and must be pre-booked.
Workshop details: 1st February 2012, Launceston
2nd February 2012, Shepton Mallet
8th February 2012, Worcester
9th February 2012, Peterborough
15th February 2012, Sheffield
16th February 2012, Durham
ADAS Livestock Consultant Odelle Walker says: "ADAS have campaigned hard for funded meetings for the minority livestock sector and the levels of attendance and the feedback received will be reviewed and details will be submitted to Defra at the end of this series. We would really like as many people as possible to attend in order to make these sessions a success."
If you are interested in attending please contact Georgie Fomes on 01354 697200 or email
georgie.fomes@adas.co.uk