Feeding Goats Corn

[jodief100]

Clearly the reason corn is being touted is that it does the 'trick' by increasing caloric intake. However, corn is BAD FOR GOATS...so why not use a quality alfalfa, a touch of Calf Manna...even just an increase in regular feed?

Cost- pure alfalfa is twice the cost of mix around here. Corn is $0.09 / lb and Calf Manna is $0.48/lb. Sometimes things cannot always be done in the "ideal" fashion.

I think it is pretty clear the corn is a compromise. I want to understand better the trade offs.

 

[helmstead]

Look into acidosis and hypocalcaemia...both of which can be caused by corn...and weigh the risks.

I don't think toxemia is at all due to rumen compression. It happens right when the fetuses ask for quick growth. Multiple fetuses and underconditioned dams increase the risk. If the dam isn't getting a dense enough calorie intake from her feed, she metabolizes fat instead, releasing ketones.

UC isn't a huge concern for does. It would take large large crystals to stop them up. It has been hypothesized that many does have UC...and never show symptoms.

The real concern with corn are the acidosis and hypocalcaemia.

 

[helmstead]

Alfalfa pellets are $.20 a lb give or take...doesn't have to be a loose hay. Increasing grain, hmm...mine is $.18 per lb or so. Calf manna...2 cups to a pound and you feed 1/4 cup per goat per day for my Nigis.

 

[mossyStone]

I use a dry COB Mixed with alfalfa pellets ,Boss calf mana ( for heavey milkers) and whole grains when i can get them. I dont give grain to my Buck or youngsters. Every one gets free choice alfalfa 24/7 with pasture. I have had no problems with the COB mix....

My milkers usually milk thur 12 to 15 mos before we dry off...

 

[Emmetts Dairy]

Look into acidosis and hypocalcaemia...both of which can be caused by corn...and weigh the risks.

I don't think toxemia is at all due to rumen compression. It happens right when the fetuses ask for quick growth. Multiple fetuses and underconditioned dams increase the risk. If the dam isn't getting a dense enough calorie intake from her feed, she metabolizes fat instead, releasing ketones.

UC isn't a huge concern for does. It would take large large crystals to stop them up. It has been hypothesized that many does have UC...and never show symptoms.

The real concern with corn are the acidosis and hypocalcaemia.

Im with you!! Totally agree. It is just not the best way!! IMO!!! There are other means that are healthier for your girls!!!

Goat nutrition cannot be summed up by one Drs article! Theres alot of info out there...everything Ive ever seen is that its cheap filler and not good for goats!! Heck its junk food filler for our food!!

 

[AlaskanShepherdess]

I am not concerned about GMO or organic, I just want what is best for my goats. I am certain that GMO or non organic feed won't kill them, but toxemia will.

I recently read an article on the real cause of toxemia. It's from something lacking in the diet. I'll see if I can dig it up real quick.

***edited to add: Never mind.... it was on Ketosis. :/*****

 

[aggieterpkatie]

Toxemia can definitely be caused by lack of space for the rumen due to large multiple fetuses in addition to just extra demand from growing fetuses. Often time hay just doesn't provide the nutrients with the space allowed toward the end of gestation. Overweight does are also at risk. And MANY people believe the studies that show you shouldn't feed alfalfa prior to parturition due to hypocalcemia. Now, I'm not sure if you'll have hypocalcemia issues with boers, since they're not typically very heavy producers.

Corn is a concentrated energy source that can provide enough calories for a doe to get through the last stages of gestation. I would not feed JUST a pound of corn, because corn is good for energy but lacking in other things, especially protein. I think a balanced ration would be a good way to provide concentrated nutrients instead of just corn.

It's not just one doctor's article talking about toxemia and ways to feed to prevent it. It's a pretty common husbandry practice. I've seen sheep affected by toxemia and it's not something that's fun to treat. Often times recovery takes a long time, even after parturition. Feeding some corn will not harm the does, as long as the person feeding gives time for them to adjust to a dietary change (the same as they would do with ANY diet change).

 

[aggieterpkatie]

I am not concerned about GMO or organic, I just want what is best for my goats. I am certain that GMO or non organic feed won't kill them, but toxemia will.

I recently read an article on the real cause of toxemia. It's from something lacking in the diet. I'll see if I can dig it up real quick.

***edited to add: Never mind.... it was on Ketosis. :/*****

Ketosis is preg. toxemia. Ketones build up due to the body trying to digest body fat.

 

[jodief100]

Mine are meat goats, not milk goats, they do not produce as much milk. Hypocalcium is not as big of a concern. Acidosis is essentially overeating disease correct? Would the risk be reduced if I fed them smaller amounts several times a day as opposed to once a day?

I am feeding a alfalfa mix hay and Noble Goat mixed with alfalfa pellets. Most of them having been keeping good condition but a few have been loosing condition in the last week or two. I have upped the grain intake for those few but they still have been loosing.

It is not just one article, it is the second time I have heard this recommendation. Both times by experts in the goat industry. Dr. Pinkerton has been researching and studying goats for over 40 years and Dr Sparks is a DVM who has worked with and raised goats for over 30 years.

Though it just occurred to me that both of them work primarily with meat goats. Maybe this approach will be fine for my Boers and Kikos but not my LaMancha?

 

[helmstead]

I don't believe it has anything to do with milk production. A goat is a goat is a goat...and toxemia is related to gestation, not milk production. And hypocalcaemia happens in all goats, too, not just dairy goats.

I know, there are producers who feed corn and haven't had issues. Or if they had issues, they didn't know what they were looking at.

I'm just pointing out what I know based on my research on this. At the end of the day, they're your goats and if you want to try it based on what you have found it's your decision.

No, acidosis isn't overeating disease (that's enterotoxemia caused by bacteria). Acidosis is either the sudden or chronic Ph imbalance of the rumen, leading to a host of secondary problems and even death. High starch and sugar diets lead to acidosis (ie, diets rich in corn).