By Jimmy Luyima
Nicholas Muheirwe, a livestock farmer based in Mubende, oversees both cattle and goats in his farming endeavours.
Along his agricultural journey, he encountered a significant challenge that endangered the health of his goats, a persistent cough, leading to the unfortunate loss of some of his valuable livestock.
Recognising the severity of the issue, Muheirwe sought the expertise of a veterinary doctor. Following consultation, the veterinarian pinpointed the root cause of the problem as a harmful substance known as ammonia.
This toxic substance was identified as the culprit behind inducing pneumonia among his goats, resulting in serious health complications and losses on the farm.
Further investigation revealed that the suboptimal construction of the shelter for his goats played a pivotal role in the ammonia-related health issues.
The low height of the shelter exposed the goats to close proximity to their waste and urine. Consequently, the goats were inhaling ammonia, leading to pneumonia and the persistent cough observed.
Ensuring your goats have access to pure and healthy air is as crucial as providing them with nutritious food, fresh water, and clean shelter.
Ammonia exposure predisposes goats to pneumonia, causing damage to their lungs and respiratory systems.
The key to preventing respiratory infections lies in eliminating harmful ammonia levels from the barn, a process that requires attention to detail.
Maintaining optimal respiratory health for goats necessitates a consistent barn maintenance program and a well-ventilated environment. Given that goats are closer to the ground, where ammonia concentration is higher and more dangerous, it becomes imperative to address this issue promptly.
Muheirwe emphasises that detecting ammonia-related problems can be challenging since it often becomes an issue before one is even aware of it. An effective method is to kneel down in the goat shed; if ammonia is detectable from eight inches above the floor, it is already impacting the goats’ respiratory systems.
Ensuring adequate cross-ventilation is just one aspect of the solution to eliminate ammonia and odours from pens and sheds.
Additionally, keeping goat bedding clean and dry plays a pivotal role in controlling ammonia levels and maintaining optimal performance. Recognise that the presence of ammonia in goat pens indicates not only an odour problem but also a serious health concern.
While raising goats can be a fulfilling venture, it is crucial not to overlook barn and pen hygiene and maintenance. By addressing these aspects, farmers can contribute significantly to the overall health and happiness of their goats.
The height of your goat’s shelter from the ground is crucial for preventing pneumonia, which can lead to coughing in goats. Ideally, the shelter should start at a height between 4 to 5 meters from the ground.
