87 | Coccidia in Goats: Understanding Coccidiosis, Symptoms, and Practical Prevention That Works

Coccidiosis is one of the most common kid-health problems goat owners face, and it’s one of the most misunderstood. Some herds battle it every year. Others hardly see it. In this episode, I’m breaking down what coccidia actually is, how it functions inside the gut, which strains are the most dangerous, and why stress and environment play such a big role in outbreaks.

I’m also sharing the major shifts we made in genetics, kidding season, and management that completely changed our coccidia situation. After years of losing show goats to coccidiosis, we haven’t had a single case in our main herd in three years—and I’ll walk you through exactly why.

And I’ll touch on some natural, tannin-based supplements that some producers use to support gut health in herds that battle chronic coccidiosis pressure. We’re incorporating one into our mineral mix right now, mainly for our show-goat breeders, and I’ll share updates as we see results.

Finally, if you think a kid might be dealing with coccidiosis, I explain why getting your vet involved quickly makes all the difference.

In This Episode, I Cover:

• What coccidia is and how it functions in the intestinal lining
• How infection spreads and why kids are most vulnerable
• The strains of coccidia that cause the most damage
• The genetic component: why some goats struggle more than others
• How stress, moisture, overcrowding, and management influence outbreaks
• Our real-world experience with coccidiosis in show goats
• How shifting genetics and kidding season broke our coccidia cycle
• Why chickens donot give goats coccidia
• Natural tannin-based supplements some producers use for gut support
• When it’s time to call your vet and why timing matters

Key Takeaways:

• Coccidia are microscopic protozoa that damage the gut by destroying intestinal cells.
• The most pathogenic strains includeEimeria ninakohlyakimovae, arloingi, and 
• Stress + moisture + high oocyst load = ideal conditions for coccidiosis.
• Genetics and kidding-season timing have a huge impact on resilience.
• Chickens cannot give goats coccidia—the strains are species specific.
• Tannin-based supplements may support gut health in high-pressure herds.
• Bottle kids remain more vulnerable due to stress and barn exposure.
• Good management prevents most cases—but if you suspect coccidiosis, contacting your vet early is critical.

Mentions:

• 86 | Can Goats and Chickens Live Together? What’s Safe, What’s Not, and How to Do It Right

Related Episodes:

• 82 | Internal Parasites in Goats: Monitoring, Prevention, and Treatment for Barber Pole and Other Worms
• 68 | New to Raising Livestock? Risk Management Strategies When the Learning Curve is Steep
• 08 | When Animals Aren’t Working Out on the Homestead/ How to Evaluate Your Livestock Projects and Decide to Keep or Sell

All the Best,
Millie

Resources & Links:

• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts+ grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart:
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  https://drycreekheritagemeats.com
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• Email me:millie@drycreekpastures.com
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Disclaimer:
The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.