For Immediate Release

2011 IGS to highlight goat welfare and proper goat handling techniques
Program focuses on producer education to increase productivity

GUELPH, Ont. – Ontario Goat has added a new live goat demonstration to the 2011 International Goat Symposium (IGS) line up. Participants of the symposium will have the opportunity to be educated on proper goat handling techniques that will look to reduce stress of transport to the animal.

With animal care, welfare and proper handling being one of the cornerstones to a profitable bottom line for all livestock farmers, IGS participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the importance of goat care and welfare and the impact it has on the bottom line.

“We can improve production in our goat herds by implementing good animal handling techniques and being more aware of the barn’s surroundings from the goat’s perspective,” said Kendra Keels, Industry Development Manager with Ontario Goat. “It is important that producers stay on top of new advances in animal care and this year’s IGS will offer many workshops in which producers can educate themselves on how to maintain a healthy and happy herd.”

As part of a producer education workshop, Sarel Smit of the North Wellington Co-op will be conducting a live demonstration using goat handling equipment. The handling equipment is designed specifically for goats and is used to make the job of handling goats that much easier. Ultimately, this equipment will save valuable labour and time costs and reduce the stress impact on the goats.

Anita O’Brien, Sheep & Goat Specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, will also be on hand to provide goat producers with helpful hints, tips and goat handling techniques for on- and off-farm transport.

IGS participants will also be able to learn more about this topic from Mamoon Rashid, a Business Development Specialist with Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives. He will discuss the importance of proper goat handling techniques on-farm and during transport and their impact on production, codes of practice and humane treatment.  
 
The 2011 International Goat Symposium will be held at the Orangeville Fairgrounds in Orangeville, Ontario from November 2-3 and in Toronto at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair from November 4-6.  Early bird registration for the IGS is open until October 17, 2011. Be sure to register early in order to take advantage of great price savings.

For more details on the full program and registration information please visit www.goatsymposium.com

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For More Information Contact:
Kendra Keels, Industry Development Manager
519-824-2942