Goats grazing with horses to help with worm control?

[zoon]

Can goats be used like sheep to help with worm control? If so, does anyone have a goat out with their horses and do they get on? Something I might think of doing rather than sheep, so any info welcome

 

[pintoarabian]

I did have years ago. However, they did eat the manes and tails of the horses. I even caught one standing with its front legs on the back of a mare chewing clumps out of her mane. I didn't bother her but it sure as Hell bothered me.

 

[zoon]

Hmmm, wouldn't be impressed with that! What about a mini goat - so it couldn't reach?

 

[Dancing Queen]

the ones i know have a liking for eating wood - not good if you have post and rail!

 

[zoon]

I was considering sheep, but everyone said they try their best to kill themselves and it seems goats eat everything. Any other animals that can be grazed with horses?

 

[Dancing Queen]

dont quote me but dont sheep carry lung worm?? or is that donkeys?
xx

 

[zoon]

Thought sheep carried liver fluke, but may be wrong! I have a sheep farmer who'd give me some sheep, but so many people have said they're a liability. I remember having a goat at livery yard i used to be at and he was great, so thought that'd be a good alternative. Don't fancy horses without tails and chewed fencing though

 

[Mince Pie]

I've got about 6 or 7 goats in the field with my two, no idea about the worm control side but my two are fine with them and so far no chewed tails!

 

[Baggybreeches]

I have sheep and a very naughty little goat. Mine get on fine. Although I doubt the goat is daft enough to even try and nibble their tails. The sheep are not in the slightest bit interested in the horses and vice versa. Sheep do carry lung worm and fluke but if you worm drench and keep them sprayed they are no higher risk than any other beast. Essentially the key is good stock management. I would say goats are marginally easier than sheep, sheep are pretty labour intensive to keep healthy!

 

[jinglejoys]

Well I've kept goats for 40yrs and hadthem with equines for 15yrs.Never had a tail eaten,they don't eatwood (alhough the equines do!)and the eat anything thought is a myth,goats are really fussy eaters
Don't keep Pygmies any more (too much trouble)

 

[juliette]

As another poster said, goats can be quite fussy and don't eat everything. I think they have to be extremely hungry to eat the stuff you'd like cleared!