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ADULT GOAT STOMACH TUBE AND MOUTHPIECE

Construction and Usage

An adult goat stomach tube and mouthpiece is a "must have" for all goat producers. Buy the supplies and make one now, because you won't have time when an emergency arises.

Go to your local hardware store or building supply and have the items cut as indicated:

Five (5) feet of 1/2 inch OD (outside diameter) 5/16 inch ID (inside diameter) clear vinyl flexible tubing. This is clear aquarium-type tubing. Clear tubing you can see through is a must.

Three (3) inches of 5/8 inch OD 1/2 inch ID clear vinyl flexible tubing.

Eight and one-half (8-1/2) inches of 3/4 inch CPVC pipe (lightweight utility grade PVC).

Buy a plastic (not metal) funnel. If the bottom opening of this funnel fits the five-foot length of clear flexible vinyl tubing or if you can cut the funnel to fit the tubing, then you won't have need the three inch piece of tubing as a connector.

Assembly is quick and easy. File one end of the long piece of clear flexible tubing smooth so that the goat won't be injured when the tube is threaded through its mouth and into the rumen. Attach the other end of the tubing to the funnel with the three-inch piece of tubing (if using the three-inch connector piece is necessary ). File both ends of the CPVC pipe smooth so it doesn't injure the goat's mouth.

If you are scared of stomach tubing because you fear making a mistake, consider this: the goat will likely die if you don't try. You must learn to use a stomach tube. The sick goat is depending upon you for its survival.

See my article on how to stomach tube adult and kid goats on the Articles page at www.tennesseemeatgoats.com and in MeatGoatMania.

Suzanne W. Gasparotto, Onion Creek Ranch, Texas 2.1.21