Understanding FAMACHA Scoring for Goats: A Comprehensive Guide

FAMACHA scoring is an essential tool for managing internal parasite infestations in goats, particularly those caused by the Barberpole worm (Haemonchus contortus). This worm can cause severe anemia, weight loss, and even death in infected goats if left untreated. The FAMACHA system allows farmers and goat keepers to detect anemia in their animals by examining the color of the lower eyelid, enabling more targeted and effective deworming practices.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore what FAMACHA scoring is, how it works, its benefits, and how to properly use it.

What Is FAMACHA Scoring?

The FAMACHA system was developed in South Africa to help small ruminant producers manage Barberpole worm infestations without over-relying on dewormers. It is based on a simple, color-coded chart that correlates the color of a goat’s lower eyelid with levels of anemia. The redder and healthier the eyelid, the less likely the goat is anemic, meaning fewer or no parasites. Conversely, pale or white eyelids indicate anemia and potential parasite overload, meaning the goat may require treatment.

The system is named after Dr. Francois Malan, who developed it, and it stands for FAmozan Malan CHArt.

How FAMACHA Scoring Works

The FAMACHA scoring chart uses five color grades, each corresponding to the degree of anemia:

• 1 (Red): No anemia. The goat’s eyelid is a bright red color, indicating a healthy animal.
• 2 (Pink): Mild anemia. The goat may have a low parasite burden.
• 3 (Pinkish-white): Moderate anemia. The goat likely has a moderate parasite load and may need treatment.
• 4 (Pale pink): Severe anemia. The goat likely has a heavy parasite burden and requires immediate deworming.
• 5 (White): Extreme anemia. The goat is in critical condition and requires urgent treatment.

Goats with a FAMACHA score of 1 or 2 generally do not require deworming, while

 those with a score of 4 or 5 are at a higher risk and should be treated promptly.

The Importance of FAMACHA for Managing Parasites

Barberpole worms are blood-sucking parasites that live in the abomasum (the fourth stomach chamber) of goats and sheep. These worms can cause severe blood loss, leading to anemia and sometimes death, especially in vulnerable animals like young kids, pregnant does, and older goats. One of the biggest challenges in managing Barberpole worms is their resistance to common dewormers.

FAMACHA scoring allows goat owners to:

• Avoid overusing dewormers: Regularly deworming all animals in a herd can lead to resistance in parasite populations. By targeting only those animals that truly need it, FAMACHA scoring helps slow the development of drug-resistant worms.
• Monitor herd health: Regular FAMACHA checks provide a quick and easy way to assess the overall health of your herd. This makes it easier to catch potential problems before they become serious.
• Improve animal welfare: By reducing parasite burdens and avoiding unnecessary treatments, FAMACHA improves the welfare of individual goats and the herd as a whole.

How to Perform a FAMACHA Check

1. Prepare the Tools: Make sure you have a proper FAMACHA scoring chart on hand. These charts can be obtained through certified training programs, veterinary services, or online agricultural resources.

2. Restrain the Goat: Secure the goat either by holding it against your body or using a restraint system to keep it calm. This ensures the safety of both the goat and the handler.

3. Expose the Lower Eyelid: Gently place your thumb near the corner of the goat’s eye and roll the lower eyelid down, exposing the mucous membrane inside.

4. Compare the Color: Using the FAMACHA chart, compare the color of the exposed mucous membrane to the chart’s color grades. Make sure you are in a well-lit area to accurately assess the color.

5. Record and Act: Record the FAMACHA score for each goat. If the score is 4 or 5, deworming is necessary. Animals with a score of 3 may need closer observation or treatment, depending on their overall condition.

Best Practices for FAMACHA Use

1. Regular Checks: FAMACHA scoring should be done every 2 to 4 weeks during warm, wet seasons when parasites are most active, and less frequently in cooler months.

2. Keep Detailed Records: Maintain records of each goat’s FAMACHA scores over time. This helps track trends and identify goats that may be more susceptible to parasites.

3. Use in Combination with Other Methods: FAMACHA should be used alongside other parasite management strategies such as rotational grazing, fecal egg counts, and maintaining good pasture hygiene. This integrated approach helps reduce the parasite burden and maintain healthy goats.

4. Train and Certify: It’s essential to receive proper training in the FAMACHA system to ensure accurate scoring and appropriate intervention. Many agricultural extension services and universities offer certification programs.

Limitations of FAMACHA

While FAMACHA is an excellent tool for managing Barberpole worm infestations, it is important to remember that it only detects anemia. It will not be effective for identifying other types of parasites that do not cause anemia, such as liver flukes or coccidia. Additionally, goats can become anemic due to factors unrelated to parasites, such as poor nutrition or illness. For this reason, FAMACHA scoring should always be part of a broader health management strategy.

Conclusion

FAMACHA scoring is a valuable tool for managing Barberpole worm infestations in goats. By monitoring the color of the mucous membranes in the lower eyelid, farmers can assess anemia levels and make informed decisions about deworming. This targeted approach helps reduce the overuse of dewormers, slow the development of drug-resistant parasites, and improve the overall health of the herd. For optimal results, FAMACHA should be used as part of an integrated parasite management plan, combining good pasture management, regular health monitoring, and strategic deworming.

By staying vigilant and proactive, you can keep your goats healthy and thriving, while minimizing the risk of parasite-related problems.