Introduction

Goats are one of the earliest examples of a domesticated animal. Goats need to be handled to move them from one location to another, for management procedures such as medication or foot trimming, and for clinical procedures. The evolution of goat keeping will vary from country to country. Goats are occasionally kept on tethers when outdoors, and specifically when kept in areas that are difficult to fence around. Goats will start lactogenesis at the end of pregnancy, but unlike other ruminants some females can lactate spontaneously. The coat of all goats is formed basically of primary follicles producing long coarse guard hairs, and secondary follicles producing undercoat or down. Legislation will for the most part be relevant to all goats, no matter why and how they are kept. For administration via tube, the orogastric route is preferable over nasogastric administration.