Need a good goat record keeping system?
Question by slvrspur22: Need a good goat record keeping system?
I currently have 43 Boer cross Does and 2 Boer Bucks.I am looking a something that will help me keep all my goat records in one place on the computer. If anyone has a template they are willing to give me I would really appreciate it. Ideas? Suggestions? I am also looking for an easy way to know what shots to give and when.Please share any other goat info you think would be helpful.
Can you help? Leave your own answer in the comments!
One Response to Need a good goat record keeping system?
Leave a Reply
We have always kept our goat records on a Microsoft Access Database. These are extremely easy to create, but you have to have Access on your computer.
We have a LOT of fields in our database, here are some:
Goat’s Registered Name, Goat’s call name (if different); Registration Number (for different registries), dob, description, sire’s and dam’s names, sire’s and dam’s registration numbers, goat’s medical history, when purchased, date purchased, cost when purchased; when sold, $ when sold, date sold… and you can go on and on depending on your needs. You might have a field for prizes won at shows, carcass weight, (for me- angora fiber weight) or a dairy might have milking records. In some cases you might could even link a thumbnail photo to your database. I have my database linked to a report as well, so that I can print out registration forms and not have to write them out by hand, but your registry might not accept this. It’s really convenient to be able to print out the info, though, when a customer comes. I also used to have a little form for pet goats, that gave a little “story” about the goat (the computer filled in the name and birth date) and told the new family how to care for their new pet.
If you have Access, I could try to send you a blank template, or tell you how to create one.
If you do not have a database program, you could simply create a Word document and arrange it either by the name/number of the individual goat (with the goat’s name, registration number, parent’s names and numbers, and then kids produced, medical care) OR you could simply do it in Journal form and make an entry when something happens. (i.e.1-1-13 Bella Goat had 2 buckling kids today; 1-2-13 put in Buck Superman with Does Crimson, Caroline, and Kora.) In addition to my database, I keep a journal as well, recording things that happen on the farm for future reference.
Word documents are searchable, so it’s not too hard to find what you’re looking for when you need to find when a particular kid was born, or when someone was dewormed, died, etc.
As for the shots, we only give CDT in the springtime. You’d really have to ask your local vet what he’d recommend, as vets in different parts of the country might have different opinions.
You’re welcome to contact me.
angelharp7
January 5, 2013 at 4:19 am