Goat Feeding During Drought: Strategies for Forage Shortages

By Dr. Zubair Khalid, DVM, MS, PhD · 2026-08-14

Key Takeaways

• Drought-stressed forage exhibits reduced crude protein (often <6%) and digestibility, necessitating supplementation to meet goats' maintenance (10-12% crude protein) and production requirements.
• Goats' behavior shifts during drought, increasing exposure to internal parasites due to closer grazing and elevating poisoning risks as they consume normally avoided plants.
• Water intake is paramount; goats require 1-3 gallons daily, escalating significantly in heat or during lactation, with dehydration being a primary driver of drought-related losses.
• To mitigate forage shortages, replace up to 30% of hay by weight with alternative fiber sources like beet pulp or soybean hulls, ensuring gradual introduction over 7-10 days to prevent digestive upset.
• Body condition scoring (BCS) is critical for monitoring nutritional status; a drop below BCS 2.5 indicates a need for immediate feed increase, while maintaining BCS 2.5-3.5 is ideal.
• Nitrate poisoning, a risk in drought-stressed plants like sorghum and sudan grass, impairs oxygen transport and can manifest as rapid breathing, weakness, abortion, or sudden death, requiring immediate removal from suspect areas and veterinary consultation.

Drought creates one of the most stressful situations a goat keeper can face. When pastures brown out and hay supplies tighten, your herd's health, production, and even survival depend on the decisions you make early. This guide covers practical strategies for feeding goats during drought, including how to stretch existing forage, what alternative feeds are safe and effective, how to recognize when your goats are in trouble, and how to plan for the next dry spell. It is written for small and mid-sized herd owners, homesteaders, and commercial producers who need actionable advice now, not abstract theory.

At a Glance

Understanding How Drought Affects Goat Nutrition

Drought is not a single event. It is a slow-moving crisis that unfolds over weeks or months, and each phase presents different nutritional challenges. Understanding what is happening to your forage, your goats, and your land will help you make better decisions at each stage.

What Happens to Pasture During Drought

When soil moisture drops below what plants need, grass and legumes stop growing. The plants do not die immediately in most cases. They go dormant, shifting energy reserves to their roots. The forage that remains standing loses moisture content, which actually concentrates the fiber and dry matter. But it also drops in protein and digestibility. A mature, drought-stressed grass might have crude protein levels of 6% or lower, while the same grass in active growth could have 12% to 18%.

This matters because goats need about 10% to 12% crude protein in their total diet for maintenance, and more for growing kids, pregnant does, or lactating does. If your goats are eating only drought-stressed forage, they are likely getting less protein than they need. They will lose weight even if they appear to have plenty of grass to eat.

Drought also changes the mineral profile of forage. Potassium levels often drop, while nitrate levels can rise in certain plants, especially after a rain following a dry spell. Nitrate accumulation is a serious risk in drought conditions. Plants like sorghum, sudan grass, johnsongrass, and some weeds pull nitrates from the soil and store them in their stems and leaves. When goats eat high-nitrate forage, the nitrate interferes with oxygen transport in the blood. This can cause rapid breathing, weakness, abortion, and even sudden death.

How Drought Affects Goat Behavior and Health

Goats facing drought conditions change their behavior in predictable ways. They will graze closer to the ground, eat plants they normally avoid, and spend more time searching for food. This increases their exposure to internal parasites, because larvae live in the lower parts of the grass canopy. It also increases the risk of poisoning, because goats will sample toxic plants they would normally pass by.

Water intake becomes more critical during drought. A goat needs 1 to 3 gallons of water per day, depending on size, production stage, and temperature. In hot, dry conditions, that need rises. A lactating doe can drink 4 or more gallons daily. If water is limited, goats will eat less feed, produce less milk, and lose condition faster. Dehydration is often the hidden driver of drought-related losses, not starvation.

The Financial Reality of Drought Feeding

Feeding through a drought is expensive. Hay prices rise, alternative feeds become harder to source, and the costs add up quickly. A 100 lb adult goat eats about 3 to 4 lb of dry matter per day. If you are feeding hay at $0.15 per lb, that is roughly $0.45 to $0.60 per goat per day. For a herd of 50 goats, that is $22 to $30 per day, or $660 to $900 per month. A three month drought could cost you $2,000 to $2,700 just in hay.

This is why early planning matters. Feeds bought in bulk before the drought peaks are cheaper than emergency purchases at the height of a shortage. Culling decisions made early save money that would otherwise go to feeding animals you cannot afford to keep. The financial stress of drought feeding is real, but it is manageable with a written plan.

Step-by-Step Strategies for Feeding Goats During Drought

Step 1: Assess Your Current Situation Immediately

Before you can make a feeding plan, you need to know exactly what you are working with. Walk every pasture and evaluate the available forage. Dig a small hole in several locations to check soil moisture. Look at the condition of each goat, paying attention to body condition score, coat quality, and energy level.

Calculate your current feed inventory. Count every bale of hay, every bag of grain, every supplement. Estimate the weight of each bale or bag. Then calculate your herd's daily dry matter requirement. A simple formula is to multiply the total weight of your goats by 3.5%. So a herd of 20 goats averaging 100 lb each needs about 70 lb of dry matter per day.

This assessment gives you your baseline. You cannot manage what you do not measure. Write everything down, including the date, so you can track how quickly your situation is changing.

Step 2: Make Culling and Reduction Decisions Early

The hardest part of drought management is deciding which animals to keep. The goal is to match your herd size to your available feed supply, not the other way around. Every animal you keep through a drought costs you money and feed. Every animal you cull early frees up resources for the rest of the herd.

Start by identifying your cull candidates:

• Does that are open or failed to breed
• Does over 6 years old with declining production
• Animals with chronic health problems or recurring parasite issues
• Goats with poor conformation, bad feet, or bad udders
• Kids that are not growing well
• Any animal that is not earning its keep

Sell these animals now, not later. Prices for cull goats drop as the drought worsens, because everyone is selling at the same time. The early seller gets a better price. The late seller takes whatever they can get.

For animals you keep, consider whether you can reduce their nutritional needs. Wean kids earlier than usual. Dry off does that are not pregnant or that you do not plan to milk. Separate the herd by production stage so you can feed each group according to its needs. A dry, open doe needs less feed than a lactating doe. Feeding them the same ration wastes feed and money.

Step 3: Protect Your Pasture, Even in Drought

It is tempting to let goats keep grazing drought-stressed pasture, because it looks like there is still some forage available. But this is usually a mistake. When goats graze dormant pasture down to the crown, they damage the plant's ability to regrow when rain returns. What looks like careful use of limited forage is actually destroying next year's pasture.

Move goats to a dry lot or sacrifice paddock once pasture is grazed down to about 3 to 4 inches. A dry lot is a small, fenced area that is already bare or that you are willing to sacrifice. It should have access to water, shade, and shelter. Goats will eat whatever is there quickly, and then you will be feeding them hay or other feed entirely.

The sacrifice area will become dusty and muddy, and it will be ugly by the end of the drought. That is the point. You are sacrificing a small area to save your larger pastures. When rain returns, the dry lot will recover, but your main pastures will bounce back much faster because they were not overgrazed.

Step 4: Calculate Your Hay Needs and Source It Early

Once you know how many goats you are keeping and how long the drought might last, you can calculate your hay needs. A good rule of thumb is that a 100 lb goat eats about 3 to 4 lb of hay per day. A 50 lb bale of hay feeds about 5 adult goats for one day, or one goat for about 5 days.

Multiply your daily hay needs by the number of days you expect to feed hay. If you do not know how long the drought will last, plan for at least 60 days and reassess every two weeks. It is better to have extra hay than to run out.

Source hay early. Check with local feed stores, hay brokers, and neighboring farms. Look for hay that is free of mold, weeds, and foreign material. Grass hay is usually cheaper than alfalfa, but alfalfa provides more protein. For goats, a mix of grass hay and alfalfa is ideal. If you can only get grass hay, you will need to supplement with additional protein.

Do not buy hay sight unseen. Inspect it yourself, or have someone you trust inspect it. Open a few bales and check the color, smell, and moisture content. Hay that is too green may not be fully cured and can mold in storage. Hay that is brown and dusty has lost nutritional value. Good hay smells sweet and fresh, not musty or sour.

Step 5: Stretch Your Hay with Alternative Forages

If hay is scarce or expensive, you can stretch your supply by replacing part of the hay with other fiber sources. These are not complete feeds, but they can replace up to 30% of the hay in a goat's diet without causing digestive problems.

Good hay stretchers include:

• Chopped forage or chaff
• Beet pulp
• Soybean hulls
• Corn stover or corn stalks
• Oat straw or barley straw
• Cottonseed hulls
• Almond hulls (where available)

Beet pulp and soybean hulls are particularly useful because they are highly digestible fiber that goats can use efficiently. They are often cheaper than hay on a per pound of fiber basis. But they are low in protein, so you will need to balance the ration with a protein source.

Straw is a common emergency feed, but it is low in nutrition. Goats can eat it, but it is mostly filler. If you feed straw, you must provide adequate protein and energy from other sources. Think of straw as a way to keep goats feeling full and to keep their rumens working, not as a complete feed.

When introducing any new feed, do it gradually over 7 to 10 days. Sudden changes in diet can cause digestive upset, including bloat and acidosis. Mix the new feed with the old feed, slowly increasing the proportion of the new feed each day.

Step 6: Add Concentrates and Supplements as Needed

Hay and forage alone may not meet your goats' nutritional needs during drought, especially for pregnant or lactating does. Grain concentrates provide energy and protein in a concentrated form. Common options include:

• Corn (whole or cracked)
• Oats
• Barley
• Commercial goat grain or sweet feed
• Soybean meal or other protein supplements
• Distillers grains

For most goats, a commercial goat feed is the safest choice because it is formulated with the right balance of protein, energy, and minerals. If you are mixing your own grain, aim for a ration that provides 14% to 16% crude protein for maintenance, and 16% to 18% for lactating does.

Introduce grain gradually, just like any new feed. Start with a small amount per goat per day and increase slowly over two weeks. Watch for signs of acidosis, which include diarrhea, off-feed behavior, and lethargy. If you see these signs, back off the grain and provide plenty of fresh water.

Minerals are especially important during drought. Provide a loose mineral mix formulated for goats, free choice at all times. Look for a mix that includes calcium, phosphorus, copper, selenium, and zinc. During drought, selenium and vitamin E are particularly important because stressed forage is often deficient in these nutrients.

Step 7: Consider Complete Feeds and Total Mixed Rations

In severe drought, when hay is completely unavailable, you may need to use a complete goat feed. These products are formulated to be the sole ration for goats. They contain fiber, protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals in a balanced form. They are more expensive than feeding hay and grain separately, but they can save your herd when nothing else is available.

Complete feeds come in pelleted or meal form. Look for products specifically formulated for goats, not cattle or sheep. Goats have different mineral requirements, especially for copper. Cattle feeds often contain too much copper for sheep but too little for goats. Sheep feeds may contain additives that are toxic to goats.

When feeding a complete feed, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for feeding rates. Most products suggest feeding 3 to 5 lb per adult goat per day, divided into two or more meals. Always provide plenty of fresh water. Goats on complete feeds drink more water than goats on hay, because the feed is dry and concentrated.

Total mixed rations, or TMRs, are another option for large herds. A TMR combines forage, grain, and supplements in a single mix. This requires specialized equipment, so it is usually only practical for commercial operations. If you are considering a TMR, work with a livestock nutritionist to formulate the ration.

Step 8: Manage Water Carefully

Water is the most critical nutrient during drought. Goats need clean, fresh water at all times. During hot weather, they drink more. During drought, water sources may dry up or become contaminated.

Check water sources daily. Clean water tanks and troughs regularly to prevent algae growth and contamination. If you are using a pond or stream, test the water quality. Drought can concentrate salts, nitrates, and other minerals in surface water, making it unsafe for livestock.

If water is limited, prioritize which animals get access first. Lactating does and young kids need water most. Dry does and wethers can tolerate some water restriction better, but they still need regular access. Never let goats go more than 24 hours without water.

Consider adding electrolytes to the water during extreme heat. This can help goats maintain their electrolyte balance and encourage them to drink more. Electrolyte products are available from feed stores and veterinary supply companies.

Step 9: Watch for Poisonous Plants

Drought changes what goats eat. When preferred forage is scarce, goats will sample plants they normally avoid. Some of these plants are toxic. The risk of poisoning increases during drought because toxic plants are often more palatable when they are stressed, and goats are hungrier than usual.

Common poisonous plants to watch for include:

• Bracken fern
• Milkweed
• Nightshade
• Jimsonweed
• Larkspur
• Water hemlock
• Poison hemlock
• Oleander (in warmer regions)
• Yew (in cooler regions)
• Rhubarb leaves
• Cherry leaves and pits

Signs of plant poisoning vary by plant, but common symptoms include drooling, weakness, staggering, rapid breathing, colic, diarrhea, and sudden death. If you suspect plant poisoning, remove the goats from the area immediately and contact your veterinarian.

Do not assume that goats know which plants are toxic. They do not. Goats are curious and will sample new plants, especially when they are hungry. Walk your pastures and sacrifice areas regularly, and remove or fence off known toxic plants.

Step 10: Monitor Body Condition and Adjust the Ration

Body condition scoring is the single most useful tool for monitoring goat nutrition during drought. It gives you an objective measure of whether your goats are gaining, losing, or maintaining weight.

To score body condition, feel the goat's spine, ribs, and sternum. A score of 1 is emaciated, with prominent bones and no fat cover. A score of 5 is obese, with bones that are difficult to feel under a thick layer of fat. For most goats, a score of 2.5 to 3.5 is ideal. Pregnant and lactating does can drop to 2.5 without major problems, but anything below 2.5 is a warning sign.

Score your goats every two weeks during drought. Record the scores in a notebook or spreadsheet. If a goat drops below 2.5, increase its feed. If a goat is holding condition, you may be able to reduce feed slightly to stretch your supplies.

Body condition scoring is not a substitute for weighing, but it is practical and does not require equipment. If you have a scale, weigh a sample of goats each month to track trends.

Common Mistakes in Drought Feeding of Goats

Waiting Too Long to Act

The most common and most costly mistake is waiting until hay runs out before finding alternatives. By then, prices are higher, supplies are tighter, and your goats are already losing condition. Start planning for drought as soon as the forecast turns dry. Do not wait until the pasture is bare.

Overgrazing Pasture

It is hard to watch goats go hungry when there is grass in front of them. But letting goats graze pasture down to the dirt destroys the pasture for years. The short term gain of a few days of grazing is not worth the long term loss of productivity. Move goats to a dry lot while there is still some stubble left.

Changing Feed Too Quickly

Goats have sensitive digestive systems. Sudden changes in feed cause acidosis, bloat, and other digestive problems. Introduce any new feed gradually over 7 to 10 days. This is not optional. It is essential for goat health.

Forgetting Minerals

During drought, goats often miss key minerals that are normally provided by diverse forage. A good loose mineral mix is not a luxury. It is a necessity. Provide minerals free choice at all times, and make sure the mix is formulated for goats, not for other livestock.

Ignoring Water Quality

Drought concentrates contaminants in water. A pond that was safe in the spring can become toxic by late summer. Test water sources regularly, and be ready to haul water if necessary. Clean water tanks at least twice a week.

Assuming All Hay Is Equal

Hay quality varies dramatically. A bale of mature, stemmy grass hay has far less nutrition than a bale of leafy alfalfa. Buy the best hay you can afford, and have it tested if possible. A forage test costs a small amount compared to the cost of feeding poor quality hay.

Feeding Grain Without Fiber

Grain is concentrated energy, but goats need fiber to keep their rumens healthy. If you feed too much grain and not enough forage, goats will develop acidosis, founder, and other digestive problems. Always provide some form of fiber, even if it is straw or beet pulp.

Decision Thresholds for Drought Feeding

Knowing when to take action is just as important as knowing what to do. These decision thresholds can help you stay ahead of the crisis.

When Pasture Is Grazed Down to 3 to 4 Inches

Move goats to a dry lot or sacrifice paddock. Do not wait until the pasture is bare. Protecting the plant crowns is essential for regrowth.

When Hay Supply Drops Below 30 Days

Start sourcing alternative feed immediately. Do not wait until you are down to a week of hay. The earlier you buy, the better the price and the more options you have.

When Goats Drop Below Body Condition Score 2.5

Increase feed immediately. A goat at 2.5 is still healthy enough to recover. A goat at 2.0 is in danger. Do not let your goats get to that point.

When Water Supply Drops Below 50% of Normal

Start rationing water and prioritize access for lactating does and kids. Look for alternative water sources. Consider drilling a well or hauling water from a municipal source.

When Nitrate Levels Are Suspected

Test forage for nitrates before feeding. Forage testing labs can measure nitrate levels. If levels are above 1,500 ppm, dilute the forage with other feed. If levels are above 5,000 ppm, do not feed it at all.

When Multiple Goats Show Signs of Illness

Call your veterinarian immediately. Do not try to diagnose and treat problems yourself when several animals are sick at once. This could be poisoning, a nutritional deficiency, or a disease outbreak.

Monitoring and Recordkeeping During Drought

Good recordkeeping is essential during drought. You need to know exactly what you are feeding, how much it costs, and how your goats are responding. This information helps you make decisions and also helps you plan for the next drought.

What to Track

Keep a daily feeding log that records:

• Date
• Number of goats fed
• Type and amount of feed given
• Cost of feed
• Water consumption
• Any health problems observed

Keep a separate log for body condition scores. Score each goat every two weeks and record the results. This gives you a trend line that shows whether your feeding program is working.

Forage Testing

If you are feeding hay you are not familiar with, send a sample to a forage testing lab. Most agricultural universities and some private labs offer this service. The test will tell you the protein, fiber, energy, and mineral content of the hay. This information lets you balance the ration properly.

Collect hay samples with a hay probe, not by grabbing a handful from the outside of the bale. Take samples from multiple bales and combine them into one sample. Label the sample with the date, the type of hay, and the field it came from.

Cost Tracking

Drought feeding is expensive, and the costs add up quickly. Track every dollar you spend on feed, water, and supplements. This information is essential for making culling decisions and for planning your budget for the next year.

At the end of the drought, review your records. Calculate the total cost per goat per day. Compare this to the value of the goats you kept. This analysis will tell you whether it was financially worth keeping certain animals, and it will inform your culling decisions for the next drought.

When to Call a Veterinarian or Extension Agent

Drought feeding is mostly a management problem, but there are times when you need professional help. Do not hesitate to call your veterinarian or your local extension agent when you encounter situations beyond your expertise.

Call a Veterinarian When

• Multiple goats show signs of illness at the same time
• A goat is down and cannot get up
• A goat has not eaten or drunk for more than 24 hours
• You suspect plant poisoning
• A pregnant doe is aborting
• You see signs of nitrate poisoning, such as rapid breathing or weakness
• You are unsure how to treat an injured or sick animal

Call an Extension Agent When

• You need help formulating a ration
• You want to test your forage but do not know where to send samples
• You need advice on pasture management during drought
• You are considering planting drought-resistant forages
• You need help calculating feed costs or making culling decisions
• You want to learn more about drought management programs

Extension agents are a free resource. They are employed by your state's land grant university and their job is to help farmers and ranchers. They can provide publications, workshops, and one on one advice. Do not be shy about using them.

Planning for the Next Drought

Droughts are a fact of life in most goat producing regions. The key to surviving them is preparation. Start planning for the next drought now, while the current one is still fresh in your mind.

Build a Feed Reserve

Aim to have at least 30 days of feed on hand at all times. This is your emergency reserve. It gives you time to source additional feed if a drought hits. Store hay in a dry, covered area off the ground. Rotate your reserve so the oldest hay is fed first.

Diversify Your Feed Sources

Do not rely on a single feed source. Establish relationships with multiple hay suppliers, feed stores, and grain dealers. Know who you will call when you need feed in a hurry. The more options you have, the better your negotiating position.

Improve Pasture Management

Good pasture management reduces the impact of drought. Rotate grazing to prevent overgrazing. Plant drought resistant forage species. Manage soil fertility to promote deep root growth. These practices will not prevent drought, but they will reduce its impact.

Consider Alternative Forage Crops

Some forage crops are more drought tolerant than others. Sorghum, sudan grass, and pearl millet can produce forage in dry conditions where other crops fail. Teff is another option that is gaining popularity. Research what works in your region and consider planting some of these as a drought reserve.

Develop a Written Drought Plan

Write down your drought plan before you need it. Include your culling criteria, your feed purchase strategy, your water management plan, and your monitoring schedule. Share the plan with anyone who helps manage your goats. A written plan is much more useful than a plan you keep in your head.

Work with Your Veterinarian

Establish a relationship with a veterinarian who understands goats. Have them visit your farm and review your herd health program. Ask them about drought specific concerns, such as nitrate poisoning and plant toxicity. A veterinarian who knows your operation is much more useful in an emergency than one you call for the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much hay does a goat need per day during drought?

A mature goat eats about 3 to 4% of its body weight in dry matter per day. A 100 lb goat needs about 3 to 4 lb of hay daily. During drought, when there is no pasture available, you should plan to provide this amount entirely from hay and other feed. A 50 lb bale of hay will feed about 5 adult goats for one day. Adjust this amount based on the size of your goats, their production stage, and the quality of the hay.

Can goats eat straw during a drought?

Yes, goats can eat straw, but it is low in nutrition. Straw is mostly indigestible fiber that fills the rumen without providing much energy or protein. You can use straw as a filler to stretch hay supplies, but it should not be more than about 30% of the total diet. If you feed straw, you must provide adequate protein and energy from other sources, such as grain or a complete feed. Always introduce straw gradually to avoid digestive upset.

What is the best emergency feed for goats when hay is unavailable?

A commercial complete goat feed is the best emergency option when hay is completely unavailable. These feeds are formulated to provide all the nutrients goats need, including fiber, protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals. Look for a product specifically formulated for goats, not cattle or sheep. Feed at the manufacturer's recommended rate, usually 3 to 5 lb per adult goat per day, divided into two or more meals. Provide plenty of fresh water at all times.

How can I tell if my goat is losing too much weight during drought?

Use body condition scoring. Feel the goat's spine, ribs, and sternum. A score of 1 is emaciated, 5 is obese, and 2.5 to 3.5 is ideal for most goats. Score your goats every two weeks during drought. If a goat drops below 2.5, increase its feed immediately. Also watch for signs of weight loss such as a dull coat, lethargy, and a tucked up appearance. Weighing a sample of goats monthly is another way to track trends.

What plants become dangerous to goats during drought?

Many plants become more dangerous during drought because goats are hungrier and will eat plants they normally avoid. Common toxic plants include bracken fern, milkweed, nightshade, jimsonweed, larkspur, water hemlock, poison hemlock, oleander, and yew. Drought also increases nitrate levels in plants like sorghum, sudan grass, and johnsongrass. Walk your pastures regularly and remove or fence off known toxic plants. If you suspect poisoning, call your veterinarian immediately.

How long can goats go without water during drought?

Goats should never go more than 24 hours without water. Dehydration is a serious risk during drought, especially in hot weather. A goat needs 1 to 3 gallons of water per day, and lactating does need more. If water is limited, prioritize lactating does and kids. Check water sources daily and clean tanks regularly. Consider adding electrolytes to the water during extreme heat to encourage drinking.

Should I feed grain to goats during drought?

Yes, grain can be a valuable supplement during drought, especially for pregnant or lactating does. Grain provides concentrated energy and protein that may be lacking in drought stressed forage. A commercial goat feed is the safest choice. If you mix your own grain, aim for 14% to 16% crude protein for maintenance. Introduce grain gradually over 7 to 10 days to avoid digestive upset. Always provide adequate fiber alongside grain to keep the rumen healthy.

How do I know if my hay is safe to feed after being stored through a drought?

Inspect hay carefully before feeding. Open several bales and check for mold, dust, and foreign material. Moldy hay can cause respiratory problems and digestive upset. Hay that is brown and dusty has lost nutritional value. If you are unsure about the quality of your hay, send a sample to a forage testing lab. The test will tell you the protein, fiber, energy, and mineral content, and it will also detect some toxins. Buy the best quality hay you can afford and store it in a dry, covered area off the ground.

Related Farming Guides

This section will be populated with related farming guides. Check back soon for links to articles on goat nutrition, pasture management, herd health, and drought preparedness.

Related Clinical & Scientific Guides

• Goat Breeding Season Planning: Timing, Nutrition, and Health Checks
• Alfalfa Hay for Goats: Feeding Decisions and Mineral Context
• Goat Fiber Production: Cashmere and Mohair Management

References

• American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control (ACSRPC): https://www.wormx.info/
• USDA APHIS Goat Health: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/sheep-goats
• FAO Sheep and Goat Production: https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/
• FAO Animal Production and Health: https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/
• WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health): https://www.woah.org/en/home/

This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.