Have you ‘herd’ about the latest goat research led by UNE?

Published 28 September 2020

However, new research led by University of New England’s Dr Emma Doyle and funded by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), has provided much needed advice on what drenches farmers can use.

personAccording to Dr Doyle, internal parasites are a major issue for goat producers, “there are only two registered drenches on the market for goats, both of which are old actives that are mostly ineffective due to drench resistance.”

“Goats have a poorer immune system compared to sheep and cattle, and therefore internal parasites can have a serious effect on production.”

The research has provided crucial information to goat producers who currently have no science-based advice for correct dose rates on off-label use of drenches.

“This information is paramount to ensure animals are receiving correct dose to reduce the chance of developing drench resistance and quality control in supplying products without violating residues that could risk the goat meat and milk markets,” Dr Doyle said.

The research which began in March 2019 has already shown an impact with the first finding demonstrating Moxidectin Pour-on products are ineffective for goats.

“This has allowed the industry to send a clear message to producers to not use this product,” Dr Doyle said.

The project involves four experiments with three already completed. Two of the experiments were run in the Centre for Animal Research and Teaching at UNE and another experiment was completed on a commercial property in Guyra to confirm the results from the prior experiments.

The final experiment will commence in October 2020 and will focus on drench residue in milking goats.

“The results of this project will present producers with viable, effective and accessible options when tackling worm control in goats, building overall industry confidence around goat health and immunity,” Dr Doyle said.

Dr Doyle has a research background in sheep parasitology and has enjoyed filling a crucial gap in research for the industry.

“I hope to continue working for the goat industry to improve productivity and contribute to the growth of the industry. This is why I love my job and am passionate about research.”

According to MLA, information from the project will be accessible to veterinarians to provide recommendations to producers.

The final results will conclude in early 2021.

In this story: