While good quality forages are usually adequate, goats may
sometimes need supplemental feeding, especially if they are producing
high volumes of milk or during the winter. Goats need a proper balance
of energy in the form of roughage or grain, as well as protein,
vitamins, minerals, and clean water. Protein and energy requirements
vary, depending on the type of goat and its stage of production. Dairy goats need both high-quality forage and supplemental
grain to reach their full potential, especially during peak lactation
or growth.
Goats can be picky eaters, and they may not immediately accept
new feeds. Any feed changes should be made gradually to avoid
upsetting the rumen microbes. Feeding very high levels of grain can
also upset the rumen. Grain should never be more than 50% of the total
diet, except for heavily-producing dairy goats. Table 2 gives
guidelines for balancing protein requirements when utilizing pasture,
hay and grain supplementation. Here are some general “rules of thumb”
for supplementing lactating does:
- Start the doe on grain a month before kidding and have her
consuming about 1.5 pounds of grain by the time she kids. This allows
the rumen organisms to slowly adapt.
- After kidding, increase grain slowly to about 3 pounds per day by 4 weeks post-kidding.
- After peak lactation, feed according to milk production. Feed
0.5 pound of grain for every pound of milk over 3 pounds milk per
day, along with good quality forage. For example, a goat producing 8
pounds a day would get all the good forage she could eat plus 2.5
pounds (8 – 3 = 5 lb. x 0.5 lb feed/lb milk) of grain, split into two
feedings.
- Try not to feed a doe more than 4 pounds of grain per day (Smith, 1994).
For the complete article, please see: http://www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/dairy/feed-and-nutrition/feeding-dairy-goats/?source=newslettergoat&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=February-20-Goat
