Monitoring the health of your goats is one of the most important responsibilities of a livestock farmer. One of the quickest ways to determine whether a goat may be sick is by checking its body temperature.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
Changes in temperature often occur before other visible signs of illness appear, making temperature monitoring a valuable early warning tool.
Why temperature matters
A healthy goat has a fairly stable body temperature. When a goat develops an infection or illness, its temperature may rise above normal, indicating a fever. By learning how to correctly take a goat’s temperature, farmers can identify health problems early and seek treatment before the condition worsens.
Also read: The goat farmer’s manual: How do I water and feed my goats?
Equipment needed
To take a goat’s temperature, you will need a rectal thermometer. It is important to use a thermometer dedicated to livestock and never to use the same thermometer for both animals and humans.
Before use, ensure that the thermometer is clean and functioning properly.
How to take a goat’s temperature
Follow these simple steps:
- Make sure the thermometer is clean.
- Restrain the goat and keep it standing calmly.
- If using a traditional bulb thermometer, shake the liquid down into the bulb before use.
- Gently insert the thermometer, bulb first, into the goat’s rectum to a depth of approximately two finger widths.
- Hold the thermometer in place for about two minutes.
- Carefully remove the thermometer and read the temperature immediately.
Also read: The goat farmer’s manual: How do I check the condition of my goats?
Understanding the results
- A healthy goat’s normal body temperature: About 39°C.
- Fever: 39.5°C or higher.
If a goat records a temperature of 39.5°C or above, it may be suffering from an illness or infection and should be closely monitored. Consult a veterinarian if the fever persists or if other signs of sickness are present.
Cleaning and storage
After taking the temperature:
- Wash the thermometer thoroughly with clean, soapy water.
- Store it in a safe place away from children.
- Keep it in a protective case to prevent damage.
If a glass thermometer breaks, carefully collect all fragments and liquid using paper, place them in a sealed plastic bag and dispose of them safely. Wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
Also read: The goat farmer’s manual: How do I handle and restrain my goats?
Make temperature checks part of routine herd health
Regular temperature monitoring can help farmers detect illness early, improve treatment success and reduce losses. Whenever a goat appears dull, stops eating, isolates itself from the herd or shows signs of illness, checking its temperature should be one of the first health assessments performed.
A thermometer is a simple tool, but when used correctly, it can provide valuable information that helps keep your goats healthy and productive.
Also read: Ask the vet: Checking for pregnancy in goats
Tip for farmers
Keep a livestock health notebook and record temperatures whenever animals are sick. These records can help identify disease patterns and provide useful information to veterinarians when treatment is needed.
The information in this article is sourced from the Goatkeepers’ Animal Health Care Manual published by ARC Veterinary Onderstepoort Research with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs. For more information, contact your animal health technician, veterinarian or another appropriate animal health professional.
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