# Goat Farm Labor Requirements: Task Analysis and Staffing Plans ## Key Takeaways - Dairy goat operations demand the highest daily labor, with milking (twice daily) and udder health management accounting for significant time; proper sanitation protocols, as emphasized by the Merck Veterinary Manual, are critical for milk quality and doe welfare. - Meat and fiber goat production systems exhibit lower daily labor but experience pronounced seasonal peaks, particularly during kidding, weaning, and shearing, requiring careful planning for increased demands and specialized skills like hoof trimming every 6-8 weeks. - Kidding season represents the most predictable and critical labor surge across all production types, potentially doubling or tripling labor needs for 4-8 weeks due to intensive neonatal care, night checks, and assistance with births, necessitating at least one dedicated person for 4-6 hours daily. - Calculating Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) workers requires a systematic task analysis, time estimation per task per animal, multiplication by herd size and frequency, and the addition of a 15-20% buffer for unforeseen events, with a standard 40-hour work week used as the divisor. - Labor efficiency can be significantly improved through optimized facility design, such as well-designed milking parlors and pasture layouts, and the strategic use of equipment like automated feeders and milk replacer systems, as recommended by USDA NRCS guidance. - Understaffing during kidding season is a common failure pattern leading to increased kid and doe mortality, while overreliance on a single individual poses a critical business risk; proactive cross-training and documented standard operating procedures are essential preventative measures. --- A goat farm labor plan must account for daily feeding, milking, health monitoring, hoof care, pasture management, kidding assistance, record keeping, and facility maintenance across dairy, meat, and fiber production systems. Labor requirements vary by herd size, production type, facility design, and level of mechanization. This article provides a task-by-task analysis of goat farm labor, seasonal staffing peaks, and a method for calculating full-time equivalent (FTE) workers based on observable farm conditions. The content is intended for goat farmers planning labor allocation or hiring, and draws on management principles from the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), as well as animal health guidance from the Merck Veterinary Manual and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). ## At a Glance: Goat Farm Labor by Production System The table below summarizes estimated labor hours per doe per year for three common goat production systems. These estimates assume a herd of 50 to 100 does, moderate mechanization (e.g., bucket milking or portable milking machine, hay feeder, water troughs), and standard management practices. Actual hours will vary with facility layout, climate, feed type, and worker experience. | Production System | Daily Labor per Doe (minutes) | Annual Labor per Doe (hours) | Peak Season Labor Increase | Key High-Labor Tasks | |-------------------|-------------------------------|------------------------------|----------------------------|----------------------| | Dairy (milking does) | 15-25 | 90-150 | +30-50% during kidding and peak lactation | Milking (twice daily), udder health checks, milk handling and sanitation, kid rearing | | Meat (kidding to market) | 8-15 | 50-90 | +40-60% during kidding and weaning | Kidding assistance, neonatal care, pasture moves, weaning, health checks | | Fiber (Angora, cashmere) | 6-12 | 40-75 | +20-40% during shearing and kidding | Shearing (twice yearly), fiber sorting and storage, kidding, hoof trimming | Source: Task time estimates are derived from common management practices described in USDA ARS and NRCS resources on livestock operations. Specific hourly benchmarks should be validated against your own farm records. ## Core Labor Tasks by Production System ### Dairy Goat Labor Tasks Dairy goat operations require the highest daily labor input per animal. Milking twice daily is the single largest time commitment. Each milking session includes moving does to the milking parlor, cleaning udders, attaching milking equipment or hand milking, recording milk weights, and cleaning equipment. The Merck Veterinary Manual emphasizes that proper udder health management, including pre- and post-milking teat disinfection and regular mastitis screening, is essential for milk quality and doe welfare. These tasks add 2-5 minutes per doe per milking. Milk handling and sanitation add another 1-2 hours per day for a 50-doe herd. This includes filtering, cooling, storing milk, and cleaning all milk-contact surfaces. If you process milk on-farm for cheese or yogurt, labor increases by 1-3 hours per batch. Kid rearing in dairy systems often involves separating kids from does within 24 hours of birth to control milk production and disease transmission. Bottle feeding kids requires 10-15 minutes per feeding, with 2-4 feedings daily for the first 4-6 weeks. For a 50-doe herd with a 150% kidding rate, this can add 2-4 hours of labor daily during the kidding season. ### Meat Goat Labor Tasks Meat goat operations have lower daily labor per doe but experience sharp seasonal peaks. Daily tasks include feeding hay or grain, checking water, and visual health inspection. Pasture-based systems require moving animals to fresh paddocks, which takes 15-30 minutes per move depending on paddock size and distance. Kidding season is the most labor-intensive period. Does require observation for signs of labor, assistance with difficult births, and neonatal care including navel disinfection, colostrum feeding, and identification (ear tags or tattoos). For a 100-doe herd kidding over a 6-8 week period, expect 2-4 hours of additional labor daily during peak kidding. Weaning creates another labor peak. Separating kids from does, managing stress, and adjusting feed rations require careful observation and facility management. The FAO Animal Production and Health division notes that weaning management directly affects kid growth and survival rates. ### Fiber Goat Labor Tasks Fiber goats (Angora for mohair, cashmere goats) require shearing twice yearly, which is a specialized skill. Shearing 100 goats takes one to two experienced shearers 2-3 days. If you shear yourself, expect 15-30 minutes per goat including restraint, shearing, and fiber collection. The study "A lost wealth: Angora goat" (Kafkas Universitesi Veteriner Fakultesi Dergisi, 2019) highlights that proper shearing technique and timing are critical for fiber quality and animal welfare. Fiber sorting, grading, and storage add 1-2 hours per shearing session for a 100-goat herd. Cashmere goats require combing or shearing, with fiber collection being more time-intensive than mohair. Hoof trimming is needed every 6-8 weeks for all goats, but fiber goats on soft pasture may require more frequent trimming. Each goat takes 3-5 minutes for hoof trimming if properly restrained. ## Seasonal Labor Peaks and Staffing Implications ### Kidding Season Labor Demands Kidding season creates the most predictable labor peak across all production systems. For a seasonal kidding operation (one kidding per year), the peak lasts 4-8 weeks. During this period, labor requirements can double or triple compared to the non-kidding season. Key tasks during kidding season include: - Night checks: 1-2 hours per night for does due to kid - Kidding assistance: 30-60 minutes per difficult birth (5-15% of births) - Neonatal care: 5-10 minutes per kid for colostrum, navel dip, identification - Record keeping: 2-5 minutes per kid for birth weight, dam, date, sex - Health monitoring: 30-60 minutes daily for checking all newborns If you have 50 does kidding over 6 weeks, expect 10-20 does kidding per week during peak. This requires at least one person dedicated to kidding duties for 4-6 hours daily, plus the regular feeding and milking tasks. ### Breeding Season Labor Breeding season requires additional labor for heat detection, buck management, and breeding records. For hand mating, each breeding takes 5-10 minutes including moving does to the buck pen and recording. For a 50-doe herd with two breeding cycles, expect 5-10 hours of breeding-related labor over 4-6 weeks. If you use artificial insemination, labor increases significantly. Each insemination takes 15-30 minutes including doe restraint, equipment preparation, and record keeping. You may need to hire a trained technician, which adds cost but reduces your personal labor. ### Weaning and Marketing Labor Weaning creates a 2-4 week labor peak. Tasks include separating kids from does, monitoring for stress and illness, adjusting feed rations, and treating any injuries from fence pacing. For meat operations, marketing labor includes loading animals for sale, coordinating with buyers, and completing health certificates and transport paperwork. ### Seasonal Facility Maintenance Facility maintenance tasks such as barn cleaning, bedding replacement, and equipment repair often cluster in spring and fall. Deep bedding systems require less frequent cleaning but more labor when done. The NRCS provides guidance on livestock facility design that can reduce cleaning labor through proper drainage and manure management. ## Calculating Staffing Requirements ### Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Calculation Method To calculate your farm's labor requirements, follow these steps: 1. **List all recurring tasks** by season and frequency. Include feeding, milking, health checks, hoof trimming, shearing, kidding assistance, record keeping, facility cleaning, and marketing. 2. **Estimate time per task per animal** based on your facility layout and equipment. Time yourself for one week during a typical period and one week during peak season to get accurate baseline data. 3. **Multiply by herd size and frequency** to get total hours per week or month. 4. **Add 15-20% buffer** for unexpected tasks: sick animals, equipment breakdowns, extreme weather, regulatory inspections. 5. **Divide by 40 hours** (standard work week) to get FTE requirements. Example calculation for a 50-doe dairy herd: - Milking (twice daily): 2 hours per milking x 2 = 4 hours/day x 7 days = 28 hours/week - Feeding: 1 hour/day x 7 = 7 hours/week - Health checks: 30 minutes/day x 7 = 3.5 hours/week - Hoof trimming: 50 does x 5 minutes every 8 weeks = 4.2 hours/month = 1 hour/week average - Facility cleaning: 2 hours/week - Record keeping: 1 hour/week - Kidding season (8 weeks): additional 20 hours/week - Buffer: 20% of base hours Base weekly hours: 28 + 7 + 3.5 + 1 + 2 + 1 = 42.5 hours With buffer: 42.5 x 1.2 = 51 hours/week = 1.3 FTE During kidding season: 51 + 20 = 71 hours/week = 1.8 FTE This calculation shows that one full-time person cannot manage a 50-doe dairy herd alone during kidding season. You need either part-time help or reduced herd size during peak periods. ### Part-Time and Seasonal Labor Options Many goat farms use part-time or seasonal labor to manage peaks without carrying full-time staff year-round. Options include: - **Family labor**: Spouse, children, or extended family can cover specific tasks. The study "Involvement of women in surti goat rearing" (Indian Journal of [Animal Research](/blog/guides/animal-research), 2010) documents that women often perform feeding, milking, and kid care in smallholder systems. - **Interns or apprentices**: Agricultural interns can provide 20-40 hours per week during peak seasons in exchange for housing, training, and a stipend. - **Custom operators**: Hire shearers, hoof trimmers, or artificial insemination technicians for specific tasks instead of training your own staff. - **Neighbor exchanges**: Trade labor with nearby farms during peak periods. This works best when your peaks do not coincide. ### Labor Efficiency Improvements You can reduce labor requirements through facility design and equipment choices: - **[Milking parlor design](/knowledge/animal-farming/dairy-cattle/designing-efficient-dairy-milking-parlor-udder-health)**: A well-designed parlor with proper cow flow reduces milking time by 20-30% compared to a makeshift setup. The USDA ARS has published research on parlor efficiency for small ruminants. - **Automated feeders**: Grain feeders with timers reduce feeding labor, though you still need to check and clean them daily. - **Pasture layout**: NRCS guidance on rotational grazing systems can reduce moving time by designing paddocks with central water and handling facilities. - **Group housing for kids**: Automated milk feeders for kids can reduce bottle feeding labor by 50-75%, though initial cost is high. - **Record keeping systems**: Electronic record keeping with a tablet or smartphone in the barn reduces time spent on paper records and data entry. ## Records and Measurements for Labor Planning ### Essential Labor Records Maintain the following records to track labor efficiency and identify bottlenecks: - **Daily task log**: Record time spent on each major task category (feeding, milking, health, cleaning, etc.) for one week each month. Use a simple spreadsheet or notebook. - **Seasonal labor calendar**: Map out expected labor peaks for the entire year. Include kidding, breeding, weaning, shearing, hoof trimming, facility maintenance, and marketing. - **Task time benchmarks**: For each recurring task, record the time it takes for one person to complete it for a known number of animals. Update these benchmarks annually. - **Staff hours and overtime**: Track actual hours worked by each employee or family member. Compare to planned hours to identify understaffing or overstaffing. - **Labor cost per doe**: Divide total labor costs (wages, benefits, housing, training) by number of does in the herd. Compare to industry benchmarks and your farm's profitability goals. ### Key Performance Indicators for Labor Track these metrics to evaluate labor efficiency: - **Labor hours per doe per year**: Total annual labor hours divided by average doe count. Compare to the estimates in the At a Glance table. - **Milk per labor hour**: Total annual milk production divided by total milking labor hours. This measures milking efficiency. - **Kids weaned per labor hour**: Number of kids weaned divided by total labor hours during kidding and rearing period. - **Labor cost as percentage of gross revenue**: Total labor costs divided by gross farm revenue. For goat farms, this typically ranges from 15-35% depending on production system and scale. ## Common Failure Patterns in Goat Farm Labor ### Understaffing During Kidding Season The most common labor failure is insufficient staffing during kidding season. Consequences include: - Increased kid mortality from unattended births or delayed colostrum - Higher doe mortality from dystocia or pregnancy toxemia - Poor record keeping leading to incorrect parentage or birth dates - Worker burnout and injury from excessive hours **Prevention**: Plan for 1.5-2 times normal staffing during kidding season. Have a backup person available who can step in within 24 hours. ### Overreliance on One Person Many small goat farms depend entirely on one person for all tasks. If that person becomes ill, injured, or needs time off, the farm cannot operate. This is a critical business risk. **Prevention**: Cross-train at least one other person on all essential tasks. Document standard operating procedures so a temporary worker can follow them. Consider a farm-sitting arrangement with a neighboring goat farm. ### Inefficient Facility Layout Poor facility design increases labor time for every task. Common problems include: - Long distances between barn, pasture, and milk house - Narrow alleyways that slow animal movement - Poor lighting in kidding and milking areas - Lack of handling facilities for hoof trimming and health checks **Prevention**: Before building or renovating, consult NRCS resources on livestock facility design. Walk through your daily routine and identify bottlenecks. Measure time spent moving between locations. ### Inadequate Training Workers who lack training in goat behavior, health assessment, and task procedures take longer and make more mistakes. This is especially dangerous for tasks like kidding assistance and medication administration. **Prevention**: Provide hands-on training for all workers before they perform tasks independently. The Merck Veterinary Manual and USDA National Agricultural Library's Animal Health and Welfare resources offer guidance on proper animal handling and health monitoring. Schedule annual refresher training. ## Welfare and Safety Context ### Animal Welfare Considerations Labor shortages or poorly trained workers directly affect animal welfare. The USDA National Agricultural Library's Animal Health and Welfare resources emphasize that adequate staffing is necessary for timely health care, proper nutrition, and humane handling. Specific welfare risks from inadequate labor include: - Delayed detection of illness or injury - Inconsistent feeding schedules - Prolonged standing in milking parlor - Inadequate hoof care leading to lameness - Stress from rough handling The FAO Animal Production and Health division recommends that farms have written protocols for all routine procedures and that workers be trained to recognize signs of pain, distress, and disease. ### Worker Safety [Goat farming](/knowledge/animal-farming/goats/goat-farming-dairy-and-meat-production-browse-kidding-parasite-risk-and-welfare) involves physical risks including: - Kicks and head butts from goats - Lifting injuries from hay bales, feed bags, and equipment - Slips and falls on wet barn floors - [Zoonotic diseases](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/veterinary-pathology-microbiology/zoonotic-diseases-mechanisms-and-veterinary-public-health) such as brucellosis and Q fever The study "Brucellosis in Peru" (Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 1969) and "Molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii in ticks collected from animals and the environment in Uganda" (Zoonoses and Public Health, 2024) document the ongoing risk of zoonotic diseases from livestock contact. Workers should use personal protective equipment including gloves when handling afterbirth, sick animals, or raw milk. Provide training on safe animal handling, proper lifting techniques, and emergency procedures. Maintain a first aid kit in the barn and have a plan for medical emergencies. ### [Food Safety](/knowledge/bacteria/livestock-bacteria/cooking-chicken-bacteria-prevention) for Dairy Operations If you sell milk or milk products, labor planning must include time for sanitation and record keeping required by food safety regulations. The Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) and state dairy regulations specify cleaning protocols, temperature monitoring, and testing requirements. Inadequate labor can lead to sanitation lapses that result in milk contamination or regulatory action. ## Professional Escalation Criteria ### When to Seek Veterinary Assistance Recognize situations that require professional veterinary intervention beyond routine farm management: - **Dystocia**: If a doe has been in active labor for more than 30 minutes without progress, or if you cannot correct a malpresentation, call your veterinarian immediately. - **Mastitis**: Does with acute mastitis (hot, swollen udder, fever, off feed) require veterinary diagnosis and treatment. Do not rely on home remedies. - **Disease outbreak**: If multiple animals show signs of respiratory disease, diarrhea, or neurological symptoms, contact your veterinarian for diagnostic testing and treatment protocols. - **High mortality**: Kid mortality above 10% or adult mortality above 2% in a short period warrants veterinary investigation. ### When to Seek Extension or Consultant Help Consider consulting with agricultural extension agents or farm business consultants when: - **Labor costs exceed 35% of gross revenue** without clear path to improvement - **You cannot find or retain reliable workers** despite competitive wages - **You are considering expansion** and need to project labor requirements - **You want to transition to a different production system** (e.g., from meat to dairy) The USDA ARS and NRCS provide technical assistance through local offices. The FAO Animal Production and Health division offers resources on sustainable livestock production systems. ### When to Consider Reducing Herd Size If you consistently cannot meet labor demands during peak seasons, reducing herd size may improve animal welfare, product quality, and your own quality of life. Signs that herd size exceeds labor capacity include: - Chronic worker fatigue or burnout - Declining milk production or fiber quality - Increasing health problems in the herd - Frequent missed tasks (e.g., hoof trimming overdue, records incomplete) - Family or personal stress from farm demands ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How many hours per day does it take to care for 50 dairy goats? For a 50-doe dairy herd with twice-daily milking, expect 5-7 hours of labor per day during non-kidding season. This includes milking (4 hours), feeding (1 hour), health checks (30 minutes), and cleaning (30 minutes). During kidding season, add 2-4 hours daily for neonatal care and increased monitoring. These estimates assume moderate mechanization and efficient facility layout. ### Can one person manage a goat farm alone? One person can manage a goat farm alone only during non-peak periods and with a small herd. For dairy, a single person can handle up to 30-40 does if the facility is well-designed and they are willing to work 50-60 hours per week during kidding season. For meat or fiber, one person can manage 50-80 does alone during non-peak periods but will need help during kidding and weaning. No single person can sustainably manage a goat farm of any size year-round without backup for illness, injury, or time off. ### What is the most labor-intensive task on a goat farm? Milking is the most labor-intensive daily task on dairy goat farms, requiring 2-4 hours per day for a 50-doe herd. On meat and fiber farms, kidding season creates the highest labor demand, with 4-6 hours of additional work daily for 4-8 weeks. Hoof trimming, while not daily, is labor-intensive when done for the whole herd and is often neglected when labor is short. ### How do I calculate how many workers I need for kidding season? To calculate kidding season staffing, estimate 10-15 minutes per doe per day for observation and care during the 2 weeks before and after her due date. For a 50-doe herd kidding over 6 weeks, this means 10-20 does are in the high-care window at any time. Multiply by 15 minutes per doe: 10 does x 15 minutes = 2.5 hours daily just for kidding-related tasks. Add this to your normal daily labor. If normal labor is 6 hours and kidding adds 2.5 hours, you need 8.5 hours daily, which is more than one person can sustainably do for 6 weeks. Plan for part-time help or split shifts. ### Should I hire full-time or part-time workers for my goat farm? The choice depends on your farm's labor pattern. If you have consistent labor needs year-round (typical for dairy), a full-time worker is more cost-effective. If you have sharp seasonal peaks (typical for meat or fiber), part-time or seasonal workers are better. Many farms use a hybrid model: one full-time person year-round plus part-time help during kidding, weaning, and shearing. Track your labor hours for one year to determine which pattern fits your farm. ### What equipment reduces labor on a goat farm? Equipment that reduces labor includes: a milking machine with automatic take-offs (saves 30-50% of milking time), a hay feeder that reduces waste and refill frequency, automatic waterers, a head gate or tilt table for hoof trimming and health checks, and a utility vehicle for moving feed and supplies. The NRCS provides cost-share programs for certain livestock equipment through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). ### How do I train new workers for goat farm tasks? Start with a written standard operating procedure for each task. Demonstrate the task while explaining why each step is important. Have the worker perform the task under your supervision for at least 3-5 repetitions. Then observe them performing the task independently for the first week. Focus training on safety, animal handling, and recognizing signs of illness or distress. The Merck Veterinary Manual and USDA National Agricultural Library's Animal Health and Welfare resources provide training materials on animal handling and health assessment. ### What are the signs that my goat farm is understaffed? Signs of understaffing include: tasks consistently left undone (hoof trimming overdue, records incomplete, facility cleaning neglected), declining animal condition (poor body condition scores, increased lameness, higher mortality), worker fatigue or burnout, increased errors in medication or feeding, and declining milk production or fiber quality. If you notice any of these signs for more than one season, evaluate your labor plan and consider reducing herd size or adding staff. ## Related Farming Guides - [Feeding Dairy Goats By Production Stage](/knowledge/animal-farming/goats/feeding-dairy-goats-by-production-stage) - [Predator Management For Goat Farms Prevention And Documentation](/knowledge/animal-farming/goats/predator-management-for-goat-farms-prevention-and-documentation) - [Goat Water Systems Placement Quality Cleaning And Winter Reliability](/knowledge/animal-farming/goats/goat-water-systems-placement-quality-cleaning-and-winter-reliability) - [Goat Farming Dairy And Meat Production Browse Kidding Parasite Risk And Welfare](/knowledge/animal-farming/goats/goat-farming-dairy-and-meat-production-browse-kidding-parasite-risk-and-welfare) - [Goat Farm Business Planning Before Buying Animals](/knowledge/animal-farming/goats/goat-farm-business-planning-before-buying-animals) ## Related Clinical & Scientific Guides * [Goat Breeding Season Planning: Timing, Nutrition, and Health Checks](/knowledge/animal-farming/goats/goat-breeding-season-planning) * [Alfalfa Hay for Goats: Feeding Decisions and Mineral Context](/knowledge/animal-farming/goats/alfalfa-hay-for-goats-feeding-decisions-and-mineral-context) * [Goat Fiber Production: Cashmere and Mohair Management](/knowledge/animal-farming/goats/goat-fiber-production-cashmere-mohair-management) ## References and Further Reading - [www.ars.usda.gov](https://www.ars.usda.gov/) - [www.nrcs.usda.gov](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/) - [www.merckvetmanual.com](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition) - [FAO Animal Production and Health](https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. - [Animal Health and Welfare](https://www.nal.usda.gov/animal-health-and-welfare). USDA National Agricultural Library. - [Analysis of Genetic Diversity in Romanian Carpatina Goats Using SNP Genotyping Data.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38396528). Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 2024. - [Brucellosis in Peru.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/5392182). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 1969. - [Effects of Nutritional Factors on Fat Content, Fatty Acid Composition, and Sensorial Properties of Meat and Milk from Domesticated Ruminants: An Overview.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38539939). Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 2024. - [Epipalaeolithic animal tending to Neolithic herding at Abu Hureyra, Syria (12,800-7,800 calBP): Deciphering dung spherulites.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36103475). PloS one, 2022. - [Molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii in ticks collected from animals and the environment in Uganda.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38982627). Zoonoses and public health, 2024. - [Subsistence of early anatomically modern humans in Europe as evidenced in the Protoaurignacian occupations of Fumane Cave, Italy.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36882431). Scientific reports, 2023. - [Involvement of women in surti goat rearing](https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/78650316649). Indian Journal of [Animal Research](/blog/guides/animal-research), 2010. - [A lost wealth: Angora goat](https://doi.org/10.9775/kvfd.2019.21820). Kafkas Universitesi Veteriner Fakultesi Dergisi, 2019. - [Economics and profitability of sheep and goat production in Turkey under new support regimes and market conditions](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2005.08.013). Small Ruminant Research, 2006. - [Process of Raising Sustainable Livelihood for Pan Pan Goat Raising Group, Manora Waterfall, Khlong Chalerm Sub-district, Phatthalung Province](https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/105036804783). Area Based Development Research Journal, 2023. > This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.