Description

Practice abstract

The goat farm “Trumsberg”, owned by the Stecher family, is located over Kastelbell at 1,450 metres a.s.l. The milk from their 50 dairy goats is processed on-site in the farm dairy and the cheese is directly marketed. 

The family attaches great importance to animal health and welfare. This is a reason why the family decided to keep goats, as these animals are well-suited for grazing on the farm´s steep slopes.  

During spring, the pastures near to the farm buildings are managed as short sward grazing systems, while in summer, the goats are kept on summer alpine pastures at a remote location. The summer pastures are used in common with other farms and don´t need to be directly managed by the Stecher´s family. The reduction of workload over the summer months gives the family the opportunity for a break and enables the farm to be successfully run as a side business.  

Grazing in general, but in particular on the alpine pastures, serves as an ideal combination to minimise parasite pressure within the goat herd and ensure animal health. Individual animal deworming is based on the results of faecal sample tests, which reduces the use of anthelmintics. 

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