Goat Reproduction Under the Microscope: New Research from Western NSW

What diseases are quietly impacting goat reproduction in Australia, and what should producers be watching for? Veterinarian and researcher Lauren Eggins joins host Kieran Smith to discuss groundbreaking research into reproductive performance and disease exposure in managed rangeland goats across western New South Wales. The conversation explores body condition, pregnancy rates, biosecurity risks, zoonotic diseases and several world-first findings that could shape the future of goat production in Australia.

(00:00) A world-first discovery reveals hidden biosecurity risks in Australian goat herds.

(01:30) Lauren shares her dream goat enterprise and the breeding system she'd use to maximise productivity.

(06:35) Inside the research project tracking 2,500 does across Western NSW to improve reproductive performance.

(08:50) The body condition and liveweight "sweet spot" that delivered the best pregnancy results.

(12:20) Why diseases shared between goats, sheep and cattle make biosecurity everyone's business.

(14:20) The zoonotic diseases producers need to know about, including Q Fever and leptospirosis.

(17:00) Disease prevalence results reveal several first-time detections in Australian rangeland goats.

(27:10) Lauren explains the major findings and what they could mean for future goat management and research.