feeding grain

[wmhatt]

I have a question about feeding grain. We have 2 goats, one is a doe and the other a wether, and we have been feeding them a 1/2 a cup a grain 2x a day. We did get a bunch of hay today(3rd cut) but we are now wondering if we need to keep feeding them grain or do we just continue with the grain and increase it a bit when they become 6 months old. Also we live in Michigan and winters can be unpredictable, last year it was mild. We Also are planning on breeding the doe, but in late fall. Any info on this I would welcome.

 

[ksalvagno]

Especially when they are growing, I like to feed them grain. I would feed the hay free choice. Just make sure the grain has ammonium chloride in it for the wether. If they are doing well with the hay and grain and growing well, you could keep it at the 1/2 cup per feeding. If you want to slowly increase it as they get older, I wouldn't go more than 1 cup per feeding. Goats who are not milking or pregnant or feeding kids don't need as much grain. Also do you have a goat loose mineral out for them free choice? That would be another thing I would have out for them.

 

[20kidsonhill]

What breed are they? My 7 month old does are getting 6 to 7 cups each a day in grain. We plan on breeding them the end of October and hope they have between 90 and 100 lbs on them by then. Theya re large breed, Boer and Boer cross.

Make sure you have are feeding grain with Ammonia chloride in it for your wether. It is okay if you doe eats it as well. Or get some ammonia chloride and sprinkle it on.
http://fiascofarm.com/goats/stones.htm


Don't add corn or other whole grains to your grain mix, it will through off the Phosphorus to calcium ratio.

 

[wmhatt]

I believe they are both mixed. The Doe is a Lamacha mix and I am unsure of the other.

 

[wmhatt]

This is what they look like.